#locusts attack in maharashtra

[fpotci01]

FPO Platforms in India: Transforming Agricultural Supply Chains

Agriculture is the backbone of India, employing a significant portion of the population. However, small and marginal farmers often face challenges like limited market access, high input costs, and inefficiencies in supply chains. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as a solution to these challenges, and with the advent of digital FPO platforms, their impact has amplified significantly.

This blog explores how FPO platforms are transforming agricultural supply chains in India, benefiting farmers and ensuring a more efficient and equitable system.

What Are FPO Platforms?

FPO platforms are digital tools or ecosystems that enable Farmer Producer Organizations to streamline their operations, connect with markets, and access resources. These platforms act as a bridge between farmers, buyers, input suppliers, and financial institutions, fostering transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains.

Challenges in Traditional Agricultural Supply Chains

Before the integration of FPO platforms, the agricultural supply chain in India faced several issues:

1. Dependence on Middlemen

Farmers often had to rely on intermediaries to sell their produce, leading to lower earnings.

2. Limited Market Access

Small farmers struggled to access larger markets due to logistical and informational barriers.

3. High Input Costs

Purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and equipment individually increased costs for farmers.

4. Lack of Transparency

Pricing and demand trends were often opaque, leaving farmers at a disadvantage.

5. Inefficient Logistics

Poor transportation and storage infrastructure led to significant post-harvest losses.

How FPO Platforms Are Transforming Supply Chains

1. Streamlining Input Procurement

FPO platforms enable bulk procurement of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. By aggregating demand from member farmers, FPOs can negotiate better prices and ensure timely delivery.

Example:

An FPO in Punjab uses a digital platform to procure organic fertilizers in bulk, reducing costs for its members by 30%.

2. Market Linkages and Price Discovery

FPO platforms connect farmers directly with buyers, including wholesalers, retailers, and exporters. Real-time price discovery tools help farmers get fair prices for their produce.

Example:

A digital FPO platform in Maharashtra helped farmers sell mangoes directly to international buyers, bypassing intermediaries and increasing their income.

3. Efficient Logistics and Storage Solutions

Some FPO platforms offer integrated logistics services, including transportation and warehousing. This reduces post-harvest losses and ensures that produce reaches markets in optimal condition.

Example:

An FPO in Karnataka partnered with a platform offering cold storage facilities, preserving perishable produce and extending its marketability.

4. Access to Financial Services

Many platforms integrate with financial institutions, enabling FPOs to secure loans, insurance, and subsidies. Digital tools also help track expenses and manage finances effectively.

Example:

Through an FPO platform, a farmer group in Tamil Nadu accessed crop insurance, protecting them from unexpected losses due to extreme weather.

5. Real-Time Data and Insights

FPO platforms provide valuable data on weather forecasts, market trends, and pest outbreaks. This helps farmers make informed decisions, improving productivity and profitability.

Example:

A platform in Rajasthan alerted farmers about an impending locust attack, enabling them to take preventive measures and save their crops.

6. Promoting Sustainable Practices

FPO platforms often include modules on sustainable farming practices, encouraging crop diversification, organic farming, and water conservation.

Example:

An FPO in Gujarat used a platform to train its members in organic farming, tapping into the growing demand for organic produce.

Success Stories of FPO Platforms

Case 1: Connecting Small Farmers to Export Markets

An FPO in Andhra Pradesh partnered with a digital platform to export high-quality rice to global markets. The platform facilitated quality control, certification, and logistics, enabling the farmers to earn premium prices.

Case 2: Reducing Input Costs in Bihar

A Bihar-based FPO used an interactive platform to bulk-purchase seeds and fertilizers, reducing input costs by 25% for its members.

Case 3: Empowering Women Farmers in Tamil Nadu

A women-led FPO in Tamil Nadu leveraged a digital platform to market their hand-crafted spices and pickles. The platform provided branding and e-commerce support, increasing their reach and income.

Government and Institutional Support for FPO Platforms

The Indian government and organizations like NABARD are actively promoting the use of FPO platforms to enhance agricultural supply chains.

Key Initiatives:

NABARD FPO Portal: Provides a centralized hub for financial and technical assistance.

Digital India Program: Encourages the adoption of technology in agriculture.

FPO Hub and FPO Platform for India: Dedicated platforms to support the growth and development of FPOs.

Benefits of FPO Platforms

For Farmers:

Better Prices: Access to markets and real-time price data ensures fair compensation.

Lower Costs: Bulk procurement and resource optimization reduce expenses.

Knowledge Access: Training modules and data insights empower farmers with modern practices.

For Buyers:

Reliable Supply: Platforms ensure consistent quality and quantity of produce.

Transparency: Direct dealings with FPOs eliminate intermediaries and enhance trust.

For the Economy:

Reduced Wastage: Improved logistics minimize post-harvest losses.

Sustainable Growth: Promoting eco-friendly practices benefits the environment and future generations.

Challenges in Scaling FPO Platforms

Despite their potential, FPO platforms face some challenges:

Digital Divide: Limited internet access and digital literacy in rural areas hinder adoption.

Initial Costs: High setup and subscription costs can be a barrier for small FPOs.

Trust Issues: Farmers may be hesitant to adopt new technologies without proven results.

The Future of FPO Platforms in India

As technology continues to advance, FPO platforms are expected to become more sophisticated and accessible. Emerging trends include:

AI and Machine Learning: Predictive analytics for crop planning and market trends.

Blockchain Technology: Ensuring transparency and traceability in supply chains.

Mobile-First Platforms: Designing tools optimized for smartphone users in rural areas.

Conclusion

FPO platforms are revolutionizing agricultural supply chains in India by empowering farmers, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring fair market practices. By leveraging technology, these platforms address long-standing challenges in Indian agriculture, creating a more inclusive and sustainable system.

As FPO platforms continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming India’s agricultural landscape, ensuring prosperity for farmers and a robust supply chain for the nation. For farmers and stakeholders, embracing these platforms is not just an option—it’s a necessity for future growth. For more information, visit: https://fpo.tci.cornell.edu/

[khabrisala]

Locusts swarms reach Nagpur, drones used to spray pesticides Image Source : TWITTER/FILE Locusts swarms reach Nagpur, drones used to spray pesticides Locust swarms moved from the Pench Tiger Reserve to Ajni village in Maharashtra's Nagpur district where drones were used to spray pesticides on crops and trees, an agriculture official said on Wednesday.

[vilaspatelvlogs]

एक्सपर्ट्स से जानिए इन्हें कैसे खत्म करना है, क्योंकि किसानों के पास बचे हैं सिर्फ 30 दिन

एक्सपर्ट्स से जानिए इन्हें कैसे खत्म करना है, क्योंकि किसानों के पास बचे हैं सिर्फ 30 दिन

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टिडि्डयों को अंड्‌डे देने में एक माह का वक्त लगेगा, इनका दूसरा हमला अगस्त-सितंबर में हो सकता है

टिडि्डयां रात में फसलों पर बैठती हैं और सुबह तक खाती हैं, किसान खेतों में शाम के वक्त धुआं करें, टीन बजाएं

टिडि्डयों का एक दल एक रात में करीब 3500 लोगों के बराबर खाना खा जाता है, 120 से 150 किमी उड़ती हैं

गौरव पांडेय

Jun 06, 2020, 05:50 AM IST

टिड्डियों ने देश के किसानों पर तीन दशक का सबसे…

[newsaryavart]

टिड्डी अटैक: क्या पाकिस्तान होगा दाने दाने को मोहताज? भारत में कितना बड़ा है संकट?

टिड्डी अटैक: क्या पाकिस्तान होगा दाने दाने को मोहताज? भारत में कितना बड़ा है संकट?

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दक्षिण एशिया (South Asia) के सामने इस साल खाद्य संकट (Food Crisis) से जूझने के हालात बन रहे हैं. खास तौर से पाकिस्तान और भारत (Pakistan and India) में टिड्डियों के दलों के हमलों (Locusts Attack) के कारण गंभीर स्थितियां बनने जा रही हैं और विशेषज्ञों की चेतावनियों पर गौर किया जाए तो खतरा बहुत बड़ा है. संयुक्त राष्ट्र (UN) के एफएओ का अंदाज़ा है कि आगामी सर्दियों के मौसम में पाकिस्तान को फसलों…

[news104]

Locusts Moving Towards MP from Maharashtra, Telangana Govt Taking Precautionary Measures: Official

Locusts Moving Towards MP from Maharashtra, Telangana Govt Taking Precautionary Measures: Official

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A swarm of locusts. (Credits: AFP)

The Telangana government on Thursday said it is taking all precautions to prevent locusts from entering the state and officials have been instructed to keep pesticides ready at the state’s borders with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

PTI

Last Updated: May 30, 2020, 12:01 AM IST

The locusts swarm detected in Maharashtra is said to…

[newscountryindia]

Hungry locust swarm attack Maharashtra’s orange orchards; Nagpur, Wardha report heavy damage Image Source : AP Hungry Locust Swarm attack Maharashtra's orange orchards; Nagpur, Wardha report heavy damage…

[aryanthewarrior-blog1]

LOCUST - A New Threat To The Country

Author : Aryan Malvankar

India is suffering one of the worst locust attacks in its history. India is battling the worst desert locust outbreak in recent times. Swarms of locusts first attacked Rajasthan and have now spread to Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The Delhi Agriculture Department in an advisory said, "As the swarm of locusts flies in daytime, and rests during the night, it should not be allowed to rest at night." Delhi's forest department is considering covering the saplings in its nurseries with polythene to protect them against the desert locust attack.

About 90,000 hectares in 20 districts of Rajasthan have been affected due to the locust attack, an official said Thursday 28-May-2020

Swarms of locust have moved from Sri Ganganagar, Nagaur, Jaipur, Dausa, Karauli and Swai Madhopur towards other areas in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh after the authorities conducted operations to tackle them.

Crop over 4,000 hectares in Sri Ganganagar and 100 hectares in Nagaur have been destroyed.

Now lets understand more about LOCUST-

Locusts are short-horned grasshoppers belong to the family Acrididae. They have big hind legs for jumping. Locusts differ from grasshoppers in that they have the ability to change their behavior and habits and can migrate over large distances.

These insects are usually solitary, but under certain circumstances they become more abundant and change their behavior and habits, becoming gregarious. No taxonomic distinction is made between locust and grasshopper species; the basis for the definition is whether a species forms swarms under intermittently suitable conditions.

These grasshoppers are normally innocuous, their numbers are low, and they do not pose a major economic threat to agriculture. However, under suitable conditions of drought followed by rapid vegetation growth, serotonin in their brains triggers a dramatic set of changes: they start to breed abundantly, becoming gregarious and nomadic (loosely described as migratory) when their populations become dense enough. They form bands of wingless nymphs which later become swarms of winged adults. Both the bands and the swarms move around and rapidly strip fields and cause damage to crops. The adults are powerful fliers; they can travel great distances, consuming most of the green vegetation wherever the swarm settles.

Locusts have formed plagues since prehistory. The ancient Egyptians carved them on their tombs and the insects are mentioned in the Iliad, the Mahabharata, the Bible and the Quran. Swarms have devastated crops and been a contributory cause of famines and human migrations. More recently, changes in agricultural practices and better surveillance of locations where swarms tend to originate, have meant that control measures can be used at an early stage. The traditional means of control are based on the use of insecticides from the ground or the air, but other methods using biological control are proving effective.

Swarming behavior decreased in the 20th century, but despite modern surveillance and control methods, the potential for swarms to form is still present, and when suitable climatic conditions occur and vigilance lapses, plagues can still occur. Locusts are large insects and convenient for use in research and the study of zoology in the classroom. They are also edible insects; they have been eaten throughout history and are considered a delicacy in many countries.

Unlike most grasshoppers, locusts can form large groups or swarms. Desert locusts normally live in an area in a band across Africa south of the Sahara and into India. When a locust plague occurs, the swarms move into Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. Swarms can migrate over huge distances. When there are lots of locusts crowding together, often to find food, swarms can develop.

It takes approximately two weeks for the fledgling locust to reach sexual maturity. Adults often group together into swarms containing thousands of locusts. Adult locusts typically live about 10 weeks.

Locusts provide food for wildlife, help to control weeds and benefit ecosystems in many other ways. Humans are responsible for Africanized a.k.a. "killer" bees, due to interbreeding of honeybees from Europe and southern Africa.

Both the bands and the swarms move around and rapidly strip fields and cause damage to crops. The adults are powerful fliers; they can travel great distances, consuming most of the green vegetation wherever the swarm settles. Locusts have formed plagues since prehistory.

[todaysciencology]

Does a particular chemical cause the locusts to attack the crop?

New York, August 17, 2020, Monday

The infestation of locusts in the fields has been on the rise for some time now. The locusts are traveling in millions and attacking the crops of the field, clearing the crops. Locals in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were not spared. To repel the swarms of locusts, farmers use traditional methods such as playing the plate, playing music, and shouting, but according to a new research, locusts can also be detected with a special type of chemical. Scientists have discovered a chemical released by locusts that causes locusts to form. This chemical is found in various species of locusts, especially in traveling locusts due to climate change.

Researchers have named this chemical ૪ vinelanson. It is also known that this chemical comes out of the feet of the locusts. The rest of the locusts detect this chemical through the antenna and feel the smell. According to information published in the journal Nature, this particular chemical attracts grasshoppers. This chemical is produced when four or five isolated grasshoppers come together. In human history, floods and droughts have been the equivalent of a catastrophe, if not a catastrophe. When the locust strikes, it clears the crop and leaves the field bare.

Flying in a strip as long as 5 to 6 km, no solution proves to be effective. Chemicides are sprayed but it is just as dangerous for humans as this research on locusts is important. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated in Asia, Australia, and Africa. વિશાળ A large group can be prevented if measures are taken to control the vinelanson chemical found in the legs of locusts. If this happens, the lethality of the locusts can be greatly reduced.

for more details kindly go to https://ift.tt/3bgFIf3 from Blogger https://ift.tt/3kQhygB via Youtube#Science #Technology

[liveindiatimes]

Delhi Environment Minister Calls Emergency Meeting As Desert Locusts Reach Neighbouring Gurgaon

https://liveindiatimes.com/delhi-environment-minister-calls-emergency-meeting-as-desert-locusts-reach-neighbouring-gurgaon/

Delhi Environment Minister called an emergency meeting as Desert Locusts reached neighbouring Gurgaon

New Delhi:

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai today called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation following a locust attack in neighbouring city Gurgaon. The minister also directed the administration to be alert, an official said.

“After the emergency meeting, an advisory will be issued on steps to be taken to deal with the situation,” Mr Rai told news agency Press Trust of India.

He asked the officials of the Agriculture department to make field visits to areas close to Gurgaon (also known as Gurugram).

The development secretary, divisional commissioner, director, Agriculture department, and the district magistrates of South Delhi and West Delhi will attend the meeting, the official said.

Earlier in the day, the skies over many parts of Gurgaon turned dark as swarms of locusts descended on the city.

The swarms of locusts, spread across two kilometres, moved from west to east. They entered Gurgaon at around 11:30 am, KL Gurjar of the Locust Warning Organisation, Ministry of Agriculture, told news agency Press Trust of India.

The pests, he said, were headed towards Faridabad and Palwal in Haryana.

Alarmed at the invasion of the locusts, which settled on trees, rooftops and plants, many residents of Gurugram shared videos from their high-rise perches.

In May, India battled a devastating desert locust outbreak. The crop-destroying swarms first attacked Rajasthan and then spread to Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

According to experts, broadly four species of locusts are found in India – desert locust, migratory locust, Bombay locust and tree locust. The desert locust is considered the most destructive.

Desert Locusts multiplies very rapidly and is capable of covering 150 kilometers in a day. This insect, a type of a grasshopper, can eat more than its body weight. A one square kilometer of locust swarm containing around 40 million locusts can in a day eat as much food as 35,000 people.

Experts blame the growing menace of desert locusts on climate change. They say breeding of locusts is directly related to soil moisture and food availability.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Live India Times

[popularnews]

Locusts (Tiddi Dal) Attack Alert In Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh | एक्सपर्ट्स से जानिए इन्हें कैसे खत्म करना है, क्योंकि किसानों के पास बचे हैं सिर्फ 30 दिन

[tumbledsom]

Watch: UP Farmer Has Found the Most Desi Jugaad Ever to Fight Locust Attack Presently, locusts have affected five states- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra-- and the Centre has issued a warning to the border-sharing states. via Top Buzz News- News18.com

[mehanstarknews]

"Burst Crackers, Beat Drums": Maharashtra Minister On Locust Attacks

“Burst Crackers, Beat Drums”: Maharashtra Minister On Locust Attacks

The Minister took stock of the situation out of locust attack in his Katol constituency.

Nagpur:

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has asked people to burst firecrackers and beat drums to prevent attacks by locust swarms.

The Minister took stock of the situation out of locust attack in his Katol constituency.

Speaking to farmers, he said: “Whenever locust swarms attack, villagers…

[newscountryindia]

“Burst Crackers, Beat Drums”: Maharashtra Minister On Locust Attacks The Minister took stock of the situation out of locust attack in his Katol constituency. Nagpur: …

[nasiknews]

Farmers in villages bordering Gujarat alerted of possible attack by locusts

Farmers in villages bordering Gujarat alerted of possible attack by locusts

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By: Express News Service | Mumbai | Updated: May 30, 2020 10:23:05 am

Desert locusts, which feed on vegetation, recently invaded Chikhaldara, Morshi, Warud, Katol, and Ramtek areas in the Vidarbha region. (Representational)

The state government Friday alerted farmers in villages along the Maharashtra-Gujarat…

[todaysciencology]

New York, August 17, 2020, Monday

The infestation of locusts in the fields has been on the rise for some time now. The locusts are traveling in millions and attacking the crops of the field, clearing the crops. Locals in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were not spared. To repel the swarms of locusts, farmers use traditional methods such as playing the plate, playing music, and shouting, but according to a new research, locusts can also be detected with a special type of chemical. Scientists have discovered a chemical released by locusts that causes locusts to form. This chemical is found in various species of locusts, especially in traveling locusts due to climate change.

Researchers have named this chemical ૪ vinelanson. It is also known that this chemical comes out of the feet of the locusts. The rest of the locusts detect this chemical through the antenna and feel the smell. According to information published in the journal Nature, this particular chemical attracts grasshoppers. This chemical is produced when four or five isolated grasshoppers come together. In human history, floods and droughts have been the equivalent of a catastrophe, if not a catastrophe. When the locust strikes, it clears the crop and leaves the field bare.

Flying in a strip as long as 5 to 6 km, no solution proves to be effective. Chemicides are sprayed but it is just as dangerous for humans as this research on locusts is important. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated in Asia, Australia, and Africa. વિશાળ A large group can be prevented if measures are taken to control the vinelanson chemical found in the legs of locusts. If this happens, the lethality of the locusts can be greatly reduced.

for more details kindly go to https://ift.tt/3bgFIf3 go to https://ift.tt/3bgFIf3 for more details

[liveindiatimes]

Gurugram Sky Turns Dark As Crop-Destroying Desert Locusts Enter

https://liveindiatimes.com/gurugram-sky-turns-dark-as-crop-destroying-desert-locusts-enter/

Videos and photos taken by residents of Gurugram showed massive clusters of locusts flying in.

Gurugram:

Thousands of crop-destroying desert locusts were seen in the sky in Gurugram today as residents rushed to shut their windows and doors to prevent the insects from entering their houses. Many residents made clanging noises by beating utensils to ward the insects off while other areas bellowed sirens from their buildings. The dark cloud of locusts, spread across two kilometres, crossed the suburban city, touched the Delhi-Gurugram border, but did not enter Delhi.

Locust swarms in Daulatabad village of Gurugram, Haryana.

The Gurugram administration had issued an advisory recently that people must keep their windows shut and make noise by clanging tin boxes, utensils and dhol so that locusts can’t settle at a place.

Crop-eating insects seen flying by Cyber Hub in Gurugram.

Farmers were also asked to keep their pumps (for insecticide spray) ready so that they can be used when needed while the administration asked employees of agriculture department to spread awareness on locusts in villages.

The locusts settled on trees, rooftops and plants in Gurugram.

India has not seen locust swarms on this scale since 1993 when it experienced a widespread plague, the warning centre had said. Wind patterns have been pushing the swarms southwest, the locust warning centre added.

Swarms of locusts seen at DLF phase 2 in Gurugram .

Multiple videos shot by residents of Gurugram city and villages in the district this morning show massive clusters of locusts flying in.

Locusts form swarms in Africa and fly from Iran, Pakistan to India.

Massive swarms of desert locusts have been destroying crops in many parts of western and central India, spearing into Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab now, after Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. The central government has set up 11 control rooms to coordinate the response.

The crop-destroying swarms first attacked Rajasthan and then spread to Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Locusts form swarms in Africa and fly from Iran, Pakistan to India. They are known to have an enormous appetite. They eat plants and can wreck massive damage to crops in days if left unchecked. The worst insect invasion in nearly three decades has already caused massive damage to seasonal crops, crippling Indian farmers struggling with the impact of a months-long national coronavirus lockdown.

Live India Times