Topics Covered: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY):
Context:
So far, 108 training programmes have been organised across 24 states/UTs under the scheme.
About PDDUUKSY:
- The scheme was launched in 2016 to develop human resource in organic farming, natural farming and cow based economy for environmental sustenance and soil health.
- Implemented by the Education wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Objectives:
- To build skilled Human Resource at village level who are relevant for development organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
- Provide rural India with technical support in the field of Organic Farming or Natural Farming or Rural Economy or Sustainable Agriculture.
- To extend other activities of this Yojana at village level through there established centres.
The designated Centers may select the farmers for this initiative, subject to the conditions that:
- The farmers must be assessed in terms of their interest in organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy prior to their selection.
- Priority must be attached to the farmers who are currently practising organic farming, natural farming or cow-based economy.
- Farmers of all communities must be given a fair representation.
- The selection shouldn’t involve any gender discrimination.
Significance of the Cow-Based Economy:
India’s traditions and practices, at least some of them, holds greater value than what was thought in the dawn of its modern state; and so is the case with the way the nation has always treated its cows.
- This domestic animal has been an integral part of rural India since the days of yore.
- With respect to agriculture, Indian cow breeds are proven to possess genetic capacity that produces better quality milk.
- The milk so produced contains a higher level of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which is anti-carcinogenic.
- Apart from that, cow urine can be used as a bio-fertilizer and post repellant which helps in increasing crop production with reduced costs.
Given these facets, the government considers cow farms among its major focal areas.
Insta Curious:
Do you know about Fukuoka’s Natural Farming? Read Here
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Key features of the scheme.
- Eligibility.
- Benefits.
Mains Link:
What is cow based economy? Discuss the significance of such economies.
Sources: the Hindu.
