Category: AGRICULTURE

By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh (Special Correspondent ICN Group) & Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent ICN Group) Utilities of Flowers NEW DELHI: Few tips on how to rejuvenate yourself amidst flowers and exotic herbs.The therapeutic properties of flowers like Rose, Hibiscus, Jasmine, etc. are being used to develop the treatments keeping in mind their cooling, balancing and toning, etc. properties. Rose Flower Therapies The properties of the rose help our skin and senses. Acting as an excellent aphrodisiac, it is anti-depressive, its odour and chemical properties calm, balance and provides joy. It is not only…

By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh (Special Correspondent ICN Group) & Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent ICN Group) NEW DELHI: Depends on suitable climatic conditions and availability of bee flora in plenty, if climate and floral condition are suitable, proper seasonal management of the honey bee colonies is the key to the success of beekeeping. For manipulation of the honey bee colonies one must understand the behavior  and  needs  of the honey bee colonies and follow the required operations to fulfill their needs. This will lead to the maximum efficiency of bee colonies and benefits from…

By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh (Special Correspondent ICN Group) & Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent ICN Group) NEW DELHI: While we are nowhere close to producing any desired food using replicators like in star trek, a recent study has proven that food can be created out of thin air. Finnish scientists have successfully used carbon dioxide and electricity to make single-cell proteins.Calling it “food” could be mildly exaggerating but experts say this could reduce world malnutrition. A Joint study by LUT and VTT of Finland Researchers at the Lappeenranta University of technology (LUT) AND Finland’s VTT…

By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh (Special Correspondent ICN Group) & Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent ICN Group) NEW DELHI: Who would think that chili peppers and marijuana have much in common? But when eaten, both interact with the same receptor in our stomachs, according to a paper by the University of Connecticut researchers published in the April 24, 2017, issue of the journal Processings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research could lead to new therapies for diabetes and colitis, and opens up intriguing questions about the relationship between the immune system, the gut…

By: Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent-ICN Group) KANPUR: India’s horticulture production in 2016-17 has jumped to a record of 300 million tonnes (MT), which is 4.8% higher than the previous year. The Agriculture Ministry released its third advance estimate for the production of horticulture crops on August 31, 2017, indicating record estimates for fruits, vegetables, spices and plantations crop like areca-nut, cashewnut, cocoa and coconut. Figures indicate that horticulture production will overshadow food grain yield production fifth year in a row, continuing the rising trend since 2012-13. Unfortunately, the increased horticultural production,…

By: Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent-ICN Group) KANPUR: Despite a sluggish monsoon and farmer unrest in different parts of India, agriculture is gaining momentum, with all crops other than pulses showing an upswing in the sowing area. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Agriculture on June 23, 2017, there has been a 10% rise in the area under cultivation so far, with sowing completed over 130.74 lakh hectares (ha) in comparison to 119.28 lakh hectare in the corresponding period last year. There has been a substantial increase of yield…

By: Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent-ICN Group) Indian tomato varieties are all set to be grown in Ghana, after pilot studies have shown higher yields and better taste. KANPUR: An Indo-Ghana Pilot research project for Tomato Production, launched in 2015, was declared successfully completed in the third week of June 2017. The research highlights were shared and the two countries agreed to replicate and expand the cultivation of tomatoes. The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) led the effort, with the Government of Ghana providing three plots of five acres each in different…

By: Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent-ICN Group) KANPUR: Mango lovers who find delight in Dussehri and can’t resist the charms of Chausa may soon savour the goodness of both in a single fruit. The Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture has developed a hybrid of Lucknow’s Dussehri and Chausa varieties, which it says in a perfect mix of both. Named CISH-M-2, the hybrid ripens at the end of the Dussehri cycle and just before Chausa the market. It is shaped like the ‘mother’ Dussehri but the taste is a blend of both,…

By: Dr. Ripudaman Singh (Special Correspondent ICN Group) & Hemant Kumar ( Agriculture Correspondent ICN Group) NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, a group of scientists, comprising one of Indian origin, have developed plants with better chances of surviving droughts by increasing the natural ability of their leaves to preserve water. A group of researchers said that the new method has helped some plants survive 50% longer in drought conditions and could eventually benefit major crops such as barely, rice and wheat, which are crucial to world food supplies. Researchers from the Australian National…