Jaipur, 30 May:  A 15 day story-telling workshop – ‘The Story Tree’ organised by Jawahar Kala Kendra as a part of the  Junior Summer Programme ended today. As many as 35 students aged between 5 to 8 years were a part of the workshop and on the concluding day today, they enthusiastically read out stories which were written and illustrated by them.

Conducted by Pallavi Singh and Gayatri Rajwade, the workshop was aimed at encouraging the children to inculcate the habit of reading.  The workshop was made interesting using stories, worksheets, craft and coloring activities, play acts as well as games.

Through stories and poems from both Indian to Western writers, the workshop developed among the children an interest in reading, writing as well as enhanced their creativity and vocabulary.

The post CHILDREN READ OUT INTERESTING STORIES AT JKK TODAY first appeared on Spark PR.

Organized jointly by Jawahar Kala Kendra and The Japan Foundation, New Delhi
To mark 60 years of Japan India Cultural Relations

Jaipur,30 May:  A Japanese Shinto theatrical dance performance was held at Jawahar Kala Kendra today. The event was organized by The Japan Foundation, New Delhi in collaboration with Jawahar Kala Kendra to mark 60 years of Japan India cultural relations. The theatrical dance performance was presented by the ‘Magisawa Kagura Group’.

Magisawa Kagura is a folk performing art which started in 1912 when a group of 8 people performed this dance for a shrine in the Magisawa district. The performance is essentially a musical theatre for Shinto gods with toned narration and dance accompanied by big gongs, flutes and drums. The performers narrate mythological stories and folk tales through their dance.

The artistes presented two dance performances – Tori Mai and Sanbaso. While the former was a dance of fowls, the latter was a dance form that essentially wishes for plentiful production of grain. Sanbaso is worshipped as the God of harvest in this performance. The artistes in this performance were Shigeyuki Abe, Seiki Yoshida, Jun Iwabuchi, Hiroki Abe and Shinya Iwabuchi.

The post JAPANESE SHINTO THEATRICAL DANCE HELD AT JKK first appeared on Spark PR.

• Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet
• Signed MOU worth Rs. 112.50 crores soya processing unit

Kota, 26 May:  The time has come for the farmers to anticipate the market for their produce. Knowing the forthcoming agri-trends in the market will not only get them the right price but also will prove to be a deterrent for the losses they suffer. This was stated by the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri C.R. Chaudhary today at the valedictory session of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota. He also cautioned the farmers against the sheep mentality of following the same crop trend which has done well in a particular period.

The Minister further stated that the soil health card scheme will enable the farmers to know the nutrient status of the land which he owns. This will facilitate him to use the right kind of fertilizers and optimal use of water. Over 6 crore soil health cards have already been issued in the country.

The Minister said that Kota division was most appropriate for organizing first of the divisional ‘GRAMs’. The division has 50% of the assured irrigated land as compared to the 30% of the entire state.  GRAM which is the vision of the Chief Minister, Smt. Vasundhara Raje will bring about a comprehensive change in the techniques of agriculture and allied sector as increasingly more farmers adopt modern technology.

Earlier, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister, Mr. Prabhu Lal Saini informed that over a period of 3 days a whopping over 40,000 farmers participated in GRAM Kota. Throwing light on the initiatives of the State Government, the Agriculture Minister said that till now as many as 45 lakh Soil Health Cards have been issued to the farmers. Many international varieties of crops like quinoa, dragon fruit, among others are being cultivated. Pearl, green tea as well as drum stick cultivation is also soon going to begin in the state, announced Mr. Saini. In addition to this, many Centers of Excellence are also going to open in different regions of the state.

The vision of the Prime Minister and Rajasthan Chief Minister  spurred the idea for organizing the mega agri event like GRAM which is proving to be a huge platform for knowledge and technology dissemination.

A book relating to Agriculture – ‘Rajasthan Krishi Vikas Drishti’ compiled by Rajasthan Agriculture Minister, Mr. Prabhu Lal Saini was also released on the occasion.

The Member of Parliament, Kota-Bundi, Shri Om Birla said that the Hadoti region will stand to benefit from the 3-day GRAM which has seen huge footfalls.

During the valedictory session, farmers were facilitated for their contributions in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and dairy. In the field of Agriculture, Chain Singh and Krishna Kumar Sharma from Kota, Devi Lal and Dharmendra Kumar from Jhalawar, Kushal Saini and Cheetarlal from Bundi, Kamal and Dinesh Kumar from Baran were awarded. Similarly, Shrilal Gunjal (Kota), Bijendra Singh (Bundi), Uday Pratap Singh (Baran) and Tej Singh (Jhalawar) were facilitated for their contribution in animal husbandry. The President, Gardada Doodh Samiti, Dhanraj and the President, Chavli Doodh Samit, Purilal were also honoured on the occasion. Udaylal (Kota) and Karni Singh (Jhalawar) were awarded in the Milk Production (Male Category) category. Similarly, Nandu Yadav (Kota) and Kailash Kanwar (Jhalawar) were facilitated in the Milk Production (Female Category).

The Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, Ms. Neelkamal Darbari in her Vote of Thanks address sated that the Kota GRAM has become a landmark in terms of huge participation and has met its objective of providing information and knowledge to farmers for adopting new methods in agriculture and allied sectors.

Signed MOU worth Rs. 112.50 crores soya processing unit

In the presence of Rajasthan Agriculture Minister, Mr. Prabhu Lal Saini a MOU worth Rs. 112.50 crores was signed by  Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, Ms. Neelkamal Darbari and Mr. Bajrang Kumar Saboo of Shiv Health Foods LLP for setting up a  project for manufacture of high quality soy proteins.

The post “THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE FARMERS TO ANTICIPATE THE MARKET FOR THEIR PRODUCE” – Shri C. R. Chaudhary, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution first appeared on Spark PR.

Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet

Kota, 26 May: The final day of the 3-day Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota witnessed a session on ‘Promoting Agri Tourism in Kota Region’. Agri tourism can be done with the most basic elements prevalent in a farmer’s daily life. This was informed by Minister for Public Works Department, Transport, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Yunus Khan. He further added that a harmonious blend of traditional food, comfortable accommodation, entertaining farm activities as well as marketing through the right channels can open up ample avenues for Agri Tourism in the Division.

The session highlighted the need to view agricultural activities from a tourism aspect. The seminar was chaired by Special Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Borad. Mr. Borad said that agri tourism is a sustainable multifaceted growth engine which provides economic, social and environment returns.

Managing Director, Agri Tourism Development Company Pvt. Ltd (ATDC), Mr. Pandurang Taware said that agri tourism is not just for the benefit of the farmers but also essential for the sustainability of the entire village. Highlighting various sources of income in agri tourism he said that farm tours, farm stays, serving traditional food, involving tourists in farm activities can be facilitated for the visitors. He further added that on site sale of fresh farm produce and processed farm products as well as revenue generation through sale of crafts and souvenirs can also benefit the farmers.

Director, Sahaj Agrofarm India, Mr. Vigyan Gadodia explained that agri tourism is a set of programmes and activities which allow the host farmers to offer leisure, learning, entertainment and spiritual services to tourists in an economically profitable manner.  He emphasized that because Kota region is a water rich vegetable growing belt it is most attractive to this form of tourism. Furthermore, the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project (DMIC) presents a great marketing opportunity for the farmers to attract more tourists to their farms.

Associate Professor and Research Awardee, School of Heritage Tourism and Muselogy, University of Kota, Dr. Anukrati Sharma said that agri tourism can act as a lifesaver in the Kota region where many students are plagued by extreme pressure to perform well academically. She further added that this form of tourism can help create positive, memorable experiences for students by offering emotional rewards. The students will also be able to enhance their agricultural knowledge and improve the farm’s ambience.

Dr. Sharma also offered suggestions like renting bicycles, offering virtual tours of farms, setting up yoga and meditation centers, aromatherapy spas, temples and Ayurvedic centers to enhance the tourism experience of the visitors.

About ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2017, Kota’ (GRAM)

GRAM Kota will be held from 24 to 26 May 2017 at RAC Parade Ground, Shivpura, Kota in Rajasthan. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Government of Rajasthan looks forward to replicate GRAM 2016’s accomplishment at Kota in Rajasthan. One of the core objectives of GRAM Kota would be to expose the farmers of the Kota Division to best agriculture practices and define the next qualitative leap in Kota’s agriculture growth story.

The event will bring all stakeholders – farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers.

The post TRANSFORMING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR THROUGH VACATIONAL VENTURES first appeared on Spark PR.

Exclusive startup pavilion showcased Rajasthan’s farmers and Agri Entrepreneurs products

Kota, 26 May: Spread over a total area of 7800 square meters the exhibition was a favorite spot for the farmers at Mega Agro event. Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM 2017) at Kota has given an opportunity to the farmers to expose them to modern technologies & equipment in Agriculture, Agro Processing & livestock sector.

Elaborate stalls were set up under various categories like farm machinery and allied services, Agri-inputs and protected cultivation. Also on display is machinery of irrigation, plasticulture and precession farming, food and food processing technologies, dairy and livestock, among others.

Held at the sprawling RAC Ground, Shivpura, the exhibition showcased global best practices and best of technologies suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Rajasthan.

To promote agri-entrepreneurship, a special pavilion on startups was also setup. The pavilion also had on display indigenous products developed by Rajasthan’s farmers and Agri-entrepreneurs and received huge numbers of queries and interest from young farmers.

Furthermore, there was another special pavilion on organic farming as well to promote herbal and medicinal plants. Similarly, there was a dedicated pavilion for Farm Mechanisation wherein various machineries and the benefits of using modern mechanisation were displayed and their working explained by experts.

It is to be noted that these farm machineries are used for land preparation, Post-Harvest Management (PHM) Processing, moisture, grading, conservation, sorting, seed & fertilizer placement, polishing, waxing, plant protection, packaging, harvesting and transportation logistics.

The post EXHIBITION ATTRACTED LARGE FOOTFALLS AT GRAM first appeared on Spark PR.

Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet

Kota, 25 May: Technological innovations are essential for increasing farm incomes as well as the per capita income of the nation. However, it is imperative to bring the numerous innovations in the areas of soil health, digitization, organic farming, water use efficiency, among others to the ground level so that the farmers can make their optimum utilization. This was stated today by Rajasthan Minister for Food & Civil Supply, Consumer Affairs, Mr. Babu Lal Verma at a seminar on the second day of GRAM in Kota today. He further said that the gaps between input and output in agriculture should be minimized with the use of these technical innovations.

The seminar ‘Turing Innovation to Competitive Advantage in Agriculture’, chaired by Director, Horticulture, GoR, Mr. VP Singh, there were discussions on various aspects like Digitization, Organic Agriculture, Water Use Efficiency, Soil Health and Financial Institutions.

Suggestions like digitization of farmers to enable easy outreach of information, development of Organic Retail Farmers’ Markets, use of sprinkle and drip irrigation, adoption of a balanced fertilizer program for maintaining soil health, among others were given by subject experts. These suggestions were aimed at turning innovation to competitive advantage in agriculture.

The speakers in the session were Head Operations, Tata Consultancy Services, Mr. Rajesh Urkude; Executive Director, Morarka Foundation, Mr. Mukesh Gupta; Vice Chancellor, Agriculture University, Kota, Dr. G L Keshwa; Managing Director, AGNext, Mr. Taran Singh and Chief General Manager, NABARD, Ms. Sarita Arora.

About ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2017, Kota’ (GRAM)

GRAM Kota will be held from 24 to 26 May 2017 at RAC Parade Ground, Shivpura, Kota in Rajasthan. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Government of Rajasthan looks forward to replicate GRAM 2016’s accomplishment at Kota in Rajasthan. One of the core objectives of GRAM Kota would be to expose the farmers of the Kota Division to best agriculture practices and define the next qualitative leap in Kota’s agriculture growth story.

The event will bring all stakeholders – farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers.

The post “INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE NEED TO BE BROUGHT ON GROUND TO THE FARMERS” – Rajasthan Minister for Food & Civil Supply, Consumer Affairs first appeared on Spark PR.

In association with National School of Drama
Training by well known theatre personas
25 candidates to be selected

Jaipur, 25 May: A month long National Theatre Workshop for Young Aspiring Women Theatre Directors will be organized at Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) from 1 June to 30 June. It is being jointly organized by JKK and National School of Drama (NSD).

The resource persons for the workshop include eminent theatre personas like Prof. Tripurari Sharma, Prof. Kirti Jain, Ms. Adittee Biswas, Prof. Neelam Man Singh, Dr. Anjana Puri, Ms. Meeta Vashist, among others.

A total of 25 candidates will be chosen for the workshop on the basis of their applications. The participation of the selected candidates in the workshop will be free of cost. The last date for submission of applications is 29 May.

The post NATIONAL THEATRE WORKSHOP FOR ASPIRING WOMEN DIRECTORS AT JKK first appeared on Spark PR.

Kota, 25 May: The ongoing 3-day Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota is the biggest symbol of agricultural dynamism in the country. This was stated by Minister of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Prabhu Lal Saini. The second day witnessed a session on ‘Agricultural Abundance of Kota: Emerging Opportunities.’

The session discussed in detail the emerging opportunities in the Hadoti region which comprises of Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar districts. The session highlighted the significance of sustainable mechanization; quality assurance of medicinal crops; pulses, barley, guava and aonla cultivation; need for agro-forestry and water conservation.

Hon’ble Minister for Co-operative, Gaupalan, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Ajay Singh said that Kota region is very wealthy with numerous agricultural bounties. With sufficient water availability and 50% of total cultivable land, there is ample avenues for farmers to have a chance at doubling their incomes. Highlighting the initiatives taken by Government to enhance the livelihood of the farmers he explained that interest rates on loans for farmers have been reduced from 12- 14% to 7-10%. Not only this, progress has also been made to maximize insurance claims for farmers at a low premium.

Counsellor for Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Embassy of Spain, Ms. Teresa Barres Benlloch shared the experience of sustainable mechanisation along the food chain and diversified production in Spain. She explained that it is vital to consider technological, economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects when contributing to the sustainable development of the food and agricultural sector.

Senior Research Scientist, Himalaya, Dr. R. Kannan explained the various guidelines for Good Agricultural Collection Practices (GACP). Highlighting some of the factors for collecting high quality produce he said that site selection, farmer training, climate and weather patterns and soil sustainability, play a crucial role. Emeritus Prof and Former Project Coordinator on ICAR Arid Legumes Project, CAZRI, Jodhpur, Mr. D Kumar said that there is a serious need to cultivate pulses in higher volumes as they have farming benefits like less water requirement and high temperature resistance.

Also on the occasion, Principal Scientist, Central Agro Forestry Research Institute, Mr. R.K. Tiwari spoke about the need for Agro-forestry in order to increases the land cultivability for other crops. Head, F & V Sourcing, Big Basket, Mr. Vinod highlighted the necessity for establishing grocery retailers in order to establish a smoother distribution channel for farmers and customers. Procurement Head, Soufflet Malt India Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Sachin Thorat emphasized on the need barley cultivation, as it is good for the crop cycle, requires less water and gives good return on investment. Senior Project Officer (Natural resources and Agriculture), Asian Development Bank, Mr. Rajesh Yadav said that the Division should focus on increasing the water efficiency through water harvesting, conservation and cutting off sources of unsuitable water use.

About ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2017, Kota’ (GRAM)

GRAM Kota will be held from 24 to 26 May 2017 at RAC Parade Ground, Shivpura, Kota in Rajasthan. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Government of Rajasthan looks forward to replicate GRAM 2016’s accomplishment at Kota in Rajasthan. One of the core objectives of GRAM Kota would be to expose the farmers of the Kota Division to best agriculture practices and define the next qualitative leap in Kota’s agriculture growth story.

The event will bring all stakeholders – farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers.

The post LET RAJASTHAN BE THE SYMBOL OF AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT IN INDIA – Mr. Prabhulal Saini first appeared on Spark PR.

Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet

Kota, 25 May: With advanced modern agriculture techniques on display, Smart Farm attracted large number of farmers on the second day of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota.

Spread over an area of 7800 sq meters, the Smart Farm is giving the farmers a platform to learn about various innovations in agriculture and irrigation technologies, protected cultivation and organic farming.

Large booths with LED display are showcasing various Agriculture Policies and incentives provided by the Government and also the emerging agricultural strengths of Rajasthan.

Few stalls at the pavilion are put up by banks and financial institutions to address the financial issues faced by the farmers like agricultural loans and crops insurance. Special booths have also been put to promote organic, medicinal and herbal plants. The farmers are showing keen interest in learning various techniques like high production through Green House and Shade Net House, unseasonable farming through Poly House, water conservation techniques under Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan.

Live demonstrations of irrigation techniques like mini sprinkler, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation and usage of solar pumps, among others are also displayed here to the visitors delight. In addition to this, live plantation of crops like olive, citrus fruits, coriander, mushroom, dragon fruit, oranges and mangoes are also being showcased.

The women farmers and entrepreneurs were also seen enthusiastically visiting the Smart Farm learning about the modern farming and water conservation techniques.

The other areas that are being highlighted at Smart Farm are – SRI: Systemic Rice Intensification, garlic processing machines, camel milk products, beekeeping, modern mandis, fish farming, crop insurance, bio gas plant, aromatic oil – spice oil, pearl culture, crop insurance and Soybean processed food products.

About ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2017, Kota’ (GRAM)

GRAM Kota will be held from 24 to 26 May 2017 at RAC Parade Ground, Shivpura, Kota in Rajasthan. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) .

Government of Rajasthan looks forward to replicate GRAM 2016’s accomplishment at Kota in Rajasthan. One of the core objectives of GRAM Kota would be to expose the farmers of the Kota Division to best agriculture practices and define the next qualitative leap in Kota’s agriculture growth story.

The event will bring all stakeholders – farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers.

The post SMART FARM GETS HUGE FOOTFALLS AT ‘GRAM KOTA’ first appeared on Spark PR.

Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet

Kota, 25 May: Farmers need to have a hands-on experience of modern agricultural technology in order for them to visualize its use in their fields. The 3-day Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota will offer the farmers a platform to witness the agricultural strengths of Rajasthan. This was informed by the Minister for State Energy, Law & Legal Affairs and Legal Consultancy Office, Mr. Pushpendra Singh at a seminar on the second day of GRAM in Kota today. He further added that it is imperative to educate the farmers on methods of good crop cultivation by less water usage and crop diversification.

The seminar ‘Sustainable Innovations for Intensive Animal Husbandry’ chaired by Secretary to the Government, Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Gopalan, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Ajitabh Sharma there were discussions on various aspects like Dairy, Beekeeping and Fisheries.

Suggestions like genetic improvement of cattle, nutritional and reproductive management of the cattle; allowing leasing, contract and cooperative farming; developing logistics and infrastructural facilities; diversification of agro-climatic conditions; enhanced fish production through biodiversity conservation, among others were given by subject experts. These suggestions were aimed at encouraging the farmers to participate in the practice of intensive animal husbandry.

The speakers in the session were Principal Scientist, NDRI, Dr. Gopal Sankhala; Executive Director, National Bee Board, Dr. B L Saraswat; Principal Scientist, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Mr. D K Meena.

About ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet 2017, Kota’ (GRAM)

GRAM Kota will be held from 24 to 26 May 2017 at RAC Parade Ground, Shivpura, Kota in Rajasthan. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Government of Rajasthan looks forward to replicate GRAM 2016’s accomplishment at Kota in Rajasthan. One of the core objectives of GRAM Kota would be to expose the farmers of the Kota Division to best agriculture practices and define the next qualitative leap in Kota’s agriculture growth story.

The event will bring all stakeholders – farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers.

The post “FARMERS NEED TO EXPERIENCE MODERN AGRO-TECHNOLOGY PRACTICALLY”-Minister for State Energy, Law & Legal Affairs and Legal Consultancy Office first appeared on Spark PR.