The Ministry of Agriculture recently launched the BHARAT (Banks Heralding Accelerated Rural & Agriculture Transformation) campaign. The goal of this initiative is to significantly enhance the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF). This financing facility’s primary target is to improve the development of post-harvest infrastructure and community agricultural assets.
Objectives and Impact of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund
The AIF has an ambitious disbursement target of Rs 1 lakh crore by the fiscal year 2025-26. Additionally, the fund aims to provide interest reduction and credit guarantee assistance until 2032-33. The campaign empowers banks to actively promote the AIF, with a one-month target of Rs 7,200 crore. Over 100 banking executives from commercial banks, regional rural banks, small finance banks, NBFCs, and select cooperative banks are being co-opted to support this initiative.
EFTA and India Intensify TEPA Talks
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles recently held productive discussions with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) delegation in London. The focus of these talks was to advance the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) negotiations between India and EFTA.
Goals and Outcomes of the TEPA Negotiations
The principal aim of these discussions is to finalize a comprehensive, mutually beneficial trade deal between India and EFTA that also adheres to the principles of fairness. Established in 1960, EFTA serves as an alternate trade bloc for European states not part of the European Union (EU). As of 2020-21, EFTA ranks as India’s 9th largest trading partner, accounting for about 2.5% of India’s total trade. The TEPA seeks to open up opportunities for trade and investment between India and EFTA by eliminating and reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers on an array of products.
GACL Commences Domestic Production of Hydrazine Hydrate and Purified Phosphoric Acid
In a move aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance. GACL, a preeminent chlor-alkali producer, has started shipping Hydrazine Hydrate. They have also addressed the shortage of Purified Phosphoric Acid manufacturers in India by establishing a plant with a capacity of 33,870 MTA.
The Importance of Hydrazine Hydrate and Purified Phosphoric Acid
Hydrazine hydrate is a chemical compound, primarily used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.
Punjab Agricultural University Develops Nutrient-Enriched Wheat Variety
In a commendable feat, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has bred a new variety of wheat called PBW RS1. This variant is notably high in amylose starch, which is known to reduce the risks associated with type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits and Challenges of PBW RS1
PBW RS1 contains a starch content similar to other wheat varieties (66-70%), but it boasts an impressive 30.3% resistant starch content compared to the 7.5-10% found in other varieties. Consequently, this variant provides substantial nutritional benefits along with full resistance to yellow rust and moderate resistance to brown rust fungal diseases. However, despite its nutritional advantages, PBW RS1 presents cultivation challenges due to its lower average grain yield compared to other wheat varieties in Punjab.
