Agriculture New Balance

Contains about agriculture information

Urban Governance and Infrastructure – Part 11

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Horticulture Expert The Growth Driver Of Indian Agriculture Sector

The horticulture sector, with a wide array of crops ranging from fruits and vegetables to orchids and nuts, mushrooms and honey – has been a driving force in the stimulating a healthy growth trend in Indian agriculture. India is currently producing 257.2 million tonnes of horticulture produce from an area of 23 million ha. What is significant is that over the last decade, the area under horticulture grew by about 3.8%per annum but production rose by 7.4% per annum. Given the increasing pressure on land, the focus of growth strategy is on raising productivity by supporting high density plantations, protected cultivation, micro irrigation, quality planting material, rejuvenation of senile orchards and focus on post harvest management to ensure that farmers do not lose their produce in transit from farm gate to the consumers plate.

Fruits:

With a production of 76.4 million tonnes, fruits accounts for about 30 per cent of the total production of horticulture crops. The area under fruit crops during 2011-12 was 6.6 million ha, which is almost 29 per cent of area under horticulture in India. The area under fruit crops has increased from 4.0 million ha in 201-02 to 6.7 million ha in 2011-12 with corresponding increase in production from 43.0 to 76.4 million tonnes. A large variety of fruits are grown in India. Of these, banana, mango, citrus, papaya, guava, grape, sapota, pomegranate, pineapple, aonla, litchi, pear, plum, walnut, etc are important. India accounts for 13 percent of the total world production of fruits and leads the world in the production of mango, banana, papaya, sapota, pomegranate, acid lime and aonla.

The leading fruit growing states are Maharashtra which accounts for 16.0 per cent of production followed by Andhra Pradesh (13.0%), Gujarat (10.0%), Karnataka (9.0%), Uttar Pradesh (8.0%), Tamil Nadu (7.0%) and Bihar (5.0%) altogether contributes for about 68.0 percent of the total fruit production in the country. Banana is the major fruit accounting for 35 per cent of total production followed by mango (4.0%), citrus (11.0%), papaya (6.0%), others (17.7%) in the country. It may also be mentioned that in the Himalayan states of Himachal and J&K the GDP from apples, plums, pears and stone fruits exceeds that of GDP from cereal crops.

Vegetables:

Vegetables are also an important constituent in horticulture sector which are mostly low gestation and high income generating crops. Many vegetables are now grown under protected cultivation like green houses and shade nut houses with a scope for off season production, which fetches remunerative prices.
Vegetables occupied an area of 8.9 million ha during 2011-12 with a total production of 155.9 million tonnes having average productivity of 17.4 tonnes/ha.

Vegetable production registered a quantum jump of 77 per cent between 2001-02 and 2011-12.

More than 40 kinds of vegetables belonging to different groups are grown in India in tropical, sub tropical and temperate regions. Important vegetable crops grown in the country are potato, tomato, onion, brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, okra, chilies, beans, melons, etc. The leading vegetables growing states are West Bengal which accounts for 15% of production followed by Uttar Pradesh (12%), Bihar (10.0%), Andhra Pradesh (8.0%), Madhya Pradesh (6.5%), Gujarat (6.4%), Tamil Nadu (5.8%), Maharashtra (5.7%), Karnataka (5.0%) and Haryana (3.0%) altogether contributes about 83.4% of the total vegetable production in the country. Among vegetables, potato is the major vegetable accounting for 27.0% followed by tomato (12%), onion (11.0%), brinjal (8.0%), cabbage (5.4%), cauliflower (4.7%), okra (4.0%), peas (2.5%) and others (25.4%) in the country. India is the second largest producer of vegetables after China and is a leader in production of vegetables like peas and okra. Besides, India occupies the second position in production of brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower and onion and third in potato and tomato in the world. Vegetables such as potato, tomato, okra and cucurbits are produced abundantly in the country.

Spices:

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices and spice products in the world. Over 100 plant species are known to yield spices and spice products among which around 50 are grown in India. India is known as the home of spices producing a wide variety of spices like black pepper, chilies, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cardamom and variety of tree and seed spices. Major spice producing states are Andhra Pradesh (19.0%), Gujarat (15.0%), Rajasthan (14.7%), Karnataka (8.0%), Madhya Pradesh (7.7%) and Tamil Nadu (7.0%). The spice production in India is currently estimated at 5.95 million tonnes from an area of about 3.21milion ha.

The production of spices in the country has registered a substantial increase over the last ten years with average annual growth of 5.8%. Chili is the major spice crop occupying about 25% of area under cultivation and contributing 22% of total spice production in the country. Garlic accounts for 8.0% of area with 21.0% share in production, while turmeric accounts for 6.8% of area with 19.6% share in production.

Flowers:

India has made noticeable advance in the production of flowers, particularly cut flowers, which have a good potential for exports. During 2011-12, floriculture covered an area of 0.32 million ha with a production of 2.6 million tonnes of loose flowers and 75066 million numbers of cut flowers. This sector is generating higher income and employment opportunities especially for women.

While India has been known for growing traditional flowers such as jasmine, marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose and aster, the commercial cultivation of cut flowers like roses, orchids, gladiolus, carnation, gerbera, anthurium and lilium has become popular in recent times. The important flower growing states are West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, North East, etc. Major area is devoted to production of marigold, jasmine, roses, chrysanthemum, tuberose, etc. The area under cut flowers having stems has increased manifold. Orchids, anthurium, lilium, gerbera and seasonal bulbous flowers are increasingly being grown both for domestic and export markets.
Growth in Exports:

Not only have these impressive production figures ensured a steady supply for the domestic market, they have also made Indian horticulture exports globally competitive. Over the last decade, there has been a significant improvement in export earnings in horticulture.
The horticulture division is working closely with APEDA and state governments to ensure that infrastructure and institutional support for export is available to ensure that farmers can leverage export markets for higher incomes.

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What Is A Vacuum Forming Machine

Traditionally used in heavy industries to design prototypes and produce thousands of models, vacuum forming machine and molds have become increasingly popular with individuals wanting to produce their own works.

Identification:According to Formech International, a producer of vacuum forming machine, molds can range from simple carved wooden pieces to complicated aluminum forms that can be used to create items such as car dashboards or airline cockpit controls. Materials:Plaster and wood molds are used for low temperature plastics requiring few parts, while jobs requiring higher temperature plastics and industrial production numbers use aluminum based resins or aluminum molds. Realistically, Plastic materials are easy to manufacture and create with few costs. Most plastic products are created by using special molds, which the take the liquid plastic and construct it into the desired shape. One mold is used multiple times, making the process predictable and easy. Plastic are easier to fabricate than metal components and require less energy and time for the process. Workers don’t have to be as skilled as metal workers, which makes it possible to use workers with little experience.

almost anything can be used as a mold so long as it can withstand the temperatures of the plastic being used, according to Professor Ted Selker of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (see Resources). In the years following the war, Regina’s competitors out-performed them, and Regina experienced dwindling profits. They attempted to broaden their sales base by adding other cleaning products to their repertoire. When that failed to increase profits, an investment group purchased majority interest in Regina.

Process:The process for using a vacuum forming mold is fairly simple. The mold is put in place on the machine first, on an apparatus that can be raised or lowered. A thermoplastic sheet is inserted into the machine and then heated. The mold is raised from below into the hot plastic, and the plastic molds around it. The vacuum then draws all of the air out of the plastic and sets it to the mold’s shape. After setting, air is pumped back in to separate the mold from the plastic. The investment group introduced the Regina Steamer, and the Regina Housekeeper and profits improved. Unfortunately, the investment group experienced management problems, and sold their rights to Regina. In 2000, the Royal Corporation purchased the rights to Regina, but sell the vacuums using the Home Depot brand name.

Types:There are two types of molds used by vacuum forming machine: male (positive) and female (negative). Male form molds project upward toward the plastic sheet, while female forms molds project downward. The top surface of the mold is what comes into contact with the plastic and is therefore better finished, and that is the determinant for using a male or female mold. Benefits:vacuum forming machine can be used in many industries. They are used by companies in the fields of aeronautics, agriculture, automotive, construction, computers, design, electronics, and many more. They are versatile and easy to produce.

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Hidden Wonders Of The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve meaning ‘the west’ is the sunny, warm coastal region along the south of Portugal. In the years since the 1960’s tourism has overtaken agriculture and fishing as the main industry and a lot of the Algarve’s charm has gone with the bleak apartment blocks and sprawling villa complexes. Even so, with a little knowledge there are certain areas that remain wild, untouched and oozing with culture and history.

Most tourists are shuttled off to the central Algarve leaving the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the east and the west for independent tourists. In the back country only miles from the tourist destinations many villages and towns remain untouched with little known rural walks in the spring flowers and shady woods.

Most notable in the eastern Algarve is the historic city of Tavira with it’s multitude of churches and a central castle. This area is close to the Ria Formosa natural park offering miles of lagoons and barrier islands where flamingos and numerous aquatic birds live and bread. The beach at the ilha de Tavira can be reached in summer using a ferry from the centre of town or alternatively take the 20m minute walk out of town towards the island and hop on a boat that will take you across to the island. This stretch of sand is very popular with the Portuguese but continues for miles allowing for solitude even in the busy summer season.

In the west the city of Lagos is a popular destination and with good reason. The city has an important history as it is was from here that the Portuguese began their expeditions along the coast of Africa in the age of discovery. Lagos now has a completely pedestrianised centre within the old town that is surrounded by the castle walls. There are many shops, excellent restaurants serving fish and in the night Lagos is notorious for its bar scene. Don’t miss the market on Saturday mornings where you can purchase regional specialities and freshly harvested fruit and vegetables before heading down to the fish market for the days catch. Walk along the cliffs out to the Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point) with it’s lighthouse or go swimming on the little known nudist beach at Praia do Carnavial.

The mountains of Monchique are easily reached by car from anywhere in the western Algarve. The Caldes de Monchique are therapeutic thermal baths and the area is ideal for a stroll in the wooded hills or down by the bubbleing stream. Drive out to the village of Marmallate or climb to the top of the mountain where you can take in views of the whole of the Algarve coastline and enjoy the refreshing cool mountain air. Many local shops offer locally produced hams and varieties of ‘Medronho’ (a brandy made from the Arbutus fruit that symbolises frienship) as well as hand made craft items. Restaurants either side of the main road offer up freshly grilled chicken, Piri Piri style.

After Lagos the Algarve coastline continues west towards Sages and the region once called “the end of the world” as little was known of what lay beyond the waves. Resort towns such as Praia da Luz with it’s arced bay and black rock headland give way to the natural park of Costa Vincentina where many more secret beaches can be discovered especially along dirt tracks west of Vila do Bispo. Atlantic rollers meet a wild landscape of immense natural beauty. Popular with surfers the beaches at low tide have waves that collapse on themselves again and again and sitting on the beach on a sunny afternoon undisturbed by the modern world listening to the roar in the background while looking out into the abyss one can see how sailors were captivated to venture forth to discover what lay beyond.

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Importance Of Bionutritional Products For Human, Animal & Agriculture Based Applications

Nowadays there is a great demand for bionutritional products throughout the world. This is due to the fact that, these bionutritional products assist in the proper growth and development of humans, animals, as well as plants. As a result, a broad range of bionutritional products are now widely produced and commonly utilized globally. A bionutritional product is basically a highly nutritious product that consists of natural and harmless organic ingredients. These organic products are nutritional supplements which are very effective, and also easily absorbed by animals, plants and humans. Moreover, bionutritional products also help to avoid using various synthetic chemicals that are dangerous for all living beings and the environment.
Bionutritional Products for Human

Today a variety of bionutritional products for human beings are readily available in the market. These nutritional products are highly beneficial for the human health and generally include iron supplements, vitamins and organic minerals. In fact the ever increasing requirement for healthy as well convenient foods has resulted in the production of several kinds of food supplements. They comprise of different types of vitamins and minerals in order to develop and maintain the human body. These bionutritional products are used for a number of food, neutraceutical, beverages and dietary applications. It is advisable to use bionutritional products, since they are a better substitute for the inorganic minerals that are utilized in some human nutrition products. The main advantage of these organic minerals is that they are quickly and effectively absorbed by the human body. Besides this they offer many other benefits compared to the synthetic or inorganic mineral supplements.

Bionutritional Products for Animal

Recently a vast range of bionutritional products for animals in the form of powders, liquids, etc. are also broadly supplied in the local as well as global market. They mainly consist of hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, and chelated minerals. These organic products are produced using superior grade proteins and their common applications include livestock, poultry, pig, cow, and aquaculture nutrition. These easily digestible proteins are processed using bacterial enzymes and vegetable proteins. As a result they are totally free from BSE and TSE issues. Further, these organic minerals enable the cows to provide more milk, re-breed better, have a healthier body, and increase productive life. Visit – http://www.suboneyo.com/animal-nutrition-supplement.html for getting the best quality bionutritional products for animal
Bionutritional Products for Agriculture

Today an extensive variety of bionutritional products for agriculture are also used across the globe. They are primarily amino acid based organic fertilizers. It helps to enhance the plant metabolism and nutrient intake, and also assists in the root development. They are used in agro chemicals in order to develop and improve the soil structure; and thereby produce better crops. It acts as a natural supplement for fertilizers and enables to improve the nutrient absorption. Moreover, they serve as a soil conditioner and activator, and even help the plants to grow in various environmental conditions. These hydrolyzed protein based bionutritional products, provide nutrition for plants in the vital growth stages. Hence these bionutritional products for human, animal and agriculture, are highly important and widely utilized.
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