23 Apr The Mittleider Gardening method is an easy-to-use method that allows gardeners to raise an abundance of vegetables and other crops on. Jacob Mittleider gardening method. Free vegetable gardening tips, advice and techniques by Jacob Mittleider. Vegetable gardening books, CD s and videos to . 30 Sep The Mittleider Gardening Method on The Survivalist Blog | Simply put, the Mittleider System is the result of ‘Nearly six decades of almost.
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Here are a few:. Photo courtesy of Food For Everyone. Grow boxes work best with a watering system using PVC piping to create micro jets of water aimed at the plant root zone.
Wooden frames rot in time and attract termites. Let me give you just a basic overview of how nature works.
Mittleider Gardening Method forum
Do you happen to know what stores in UT carry the Mittleider Magic nutrients or pre-packaged weekly feed mix? You can pick and eat a one or two each day across say twenty plants that it is some salad!
However, you can order them directly from Mittleider too. This includes tomatoes, pole beans, peas, cucumbers, squashes, and melons. Furthermore, I truly feel that mitt,eider a famine barreling down on us and I don’t know how much more time I have in which quality food is available to me.
There are many different titles, and I mittleifer figure out which one is needed.
The BEST Gardening Method for Maximum Results! | Preparedness Pro
What Is Mittleider Gardening. Temperature is the second law of plant growth, and the time of year will more or less dictate the temperature. There are very few disadvantages to this method, and most of them are less of a problem than they appear, or are based on specific beliefs about how gardening should be done.
Jun 14, Heath. I have never heard of this method and came here looking for more info. If you have to buy garddening kind of special micro-nutrient formula, mix it with fertilizer, it’s not sustainable. You should apply fertilizer to seedlings three days after transplanting, and to seeds three days after you see sprouts or shoots.
I have been reading some articles on genetically mtitleider wheat written by Doctor Mercola. If you follow the clear instructions on this particular gardening method, you will not fail. I install a water focet in each round then filled partially with dirt, covered with landscaping material and then filled the rest of the way with the standard Mittleider growth media.
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This method can also be used with soil-beds, which are narrow strips of ground prepared for high-yield vegetable production. Mittleider, a long time California nursery owner, whose prodigious plant skills brought mittlwider acclaim and instigated his gardening program.
Lucky for you there is no sodium in Epsom Salts. Vertical Gardening Threads 7 Gardeinng S are in the same, “third-world nation boat” when it comes to their failure to PRODUCE any of their meals, surviving solely by expensive “importing.
A list of what you have planted, which varieties and how many of each, and a plan of your garden and where everything is. Threads 8 Messages Now decide what to plant! Wrap the towel many times around the hose end and let it flap loose beyond the hose. If you are looking for a foolproof gardening method, the Mittleider method is worth your attention.
To water a grow bed manually, turn on the water source and flood the bed to a depth of one inch. gradening
I use battery timers, and the beds get watered once a day for about minutes; mittleixer sawdust holds the water quite well. For questions or additional information on this or other gardening topics, call the Montgomery County Master Gardeners at or visit our website at www.
Seems like that’s what would make you happy because it seems that any time I do the research to the point that and am willing to put my own money into the fray and risk the well-being of my own family by relying on it, and I then share it enthusiastically with my readers–there are always the devil’s antagonists dressed in robes of anonymous cowardice, like yourself, that just chalk it up to being a “sales pitch.
The procedure we used for the beds at the AgriLife Extension Gardens was:. Freeze Drying Better Boy Tomatoes. Please don’t throw in the towel, Mikey. It never is enough to make it into the house and on our plates. I canned all that I wanted and was able to give to friends and church family. I suspect that you’re actually NOT a fan of our website, but more likely just a troll.
It can be used on a small scale by a home gardener, or on a larger scale by a market gardener. Threads 3 Messages 4. I have come to depend on knowing how much sodium is in my food and if I cant figure it out, I don’t eat it.
The BEST Gardening Method for Maximum Results!
All the ingredients in the Mittleider fertilizer are safe and can be handled without any special equipment, and purchased at any garden supply or hardware store. Threads 5 Messages 5. The plants are also pruned and trained in a specific way to maximize yield.
I know you mentioned the place where you get your seeds but the can plus all the other FREE books etc.


Submitted on 24 June 2015 - 11:47am
First classes went on their school trip yesterday to Mellowes Adventrue Centre. We had a wonderful day helped along by the glorious weather! There was so much to do we weren't sure where to start but the bouncing castles, the go-karts and the football pitch were our favourites. After playtime we were spilt into groups and we did three different activities - gardening, disco and games. We saw the growing and recycling centre and planted some carrot seeds. They recycled old shoes and boots to plant the seeds in! Then we visited the herb garden and tried some chives and mint. Some of us really liked the chives! Then we went inside for a disco and talent show.


Jane is a gardener, community developer, educator and coach with 25 years of experience, primarily in the Greater Toronto Area / Southern Ontario. Her expertise includes social and urban permaculture, both of which influence her approach to helping people of all ages learn to grow and enjoy healthy food, as well as to co-design, implement and grow regenerative livelihoods and businesses. Jane’s permaculture livelihood strategies led her to found Garden Jane and co-found Hoffmann Hayes.
Garden Jane’s mission is to inspire people to engage and invest in growing regenerative communities. At the heart of the firm’s work is designing and implementing innovative urban agriculture and community garden projects and programs. The firm does most of its design and educational work at a modest price point and with a sliding scale.
Jane’s design experience includes establishing programs and projects that have eco-physical and / or personal-social-cultural components. Some examples include: a Regenerative Bioregional Community of Practice & Landscape Survey, a Permaculture in Ontario map, The Erin Mills Farmers Market, LUSH factory gardens, the City of Toronto Children’s Garden Program and High Park Children’s Garden. She also worked with FoodShare, the City of Toronto’s Community Garden program and Evergreen, helping set the stage for the growth of community gardening, school gardens and urban agriculture in Toronto and across Canada. She co-authored the City of Toronto’s Community Garden Action Plan, a foundation for the City’s community garden strategy. For a more complete list of projects, see her website or Linked In profile.
Jane left home at 16. She went on to a B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies (University of Toronto), a Masters in Environmental Studies (York University), and was certified in Permaculture Design in 2001 and Teaching Permaculture in 2002. She enjoys an active family life with her daughter Chloe, stepson River, her partner Jeremy and his kids, Eli and Sophie. For more on Jane’s journey into permaculture, check out this podcast.


Benefits of Feeding "NCC" to pigs, in the slurry
SOW SLURRY benefits of feeding Natural Carbon Clay (NCC) - data on file
Dry matter is much higher, due to toxin binding reducing the amount of water drunk by the sows
Nitrogen is much lower, due to better utilization of the protein by the animals.
Total ammonia N is lower, due to improved protein utilisation and thus reducing emissions of ammonia.
Total organic matter is much higher so more fixed nitrogen becomes available for the plants.
Total Phosphate is higher, it is possible that savings could be made in phosphate levels in the feed.
16 March 2017


Regarding Cassava vs Potato, these versatile tuberous vegetables have distinct characteristics, nutritional profiles, and culinary uses. Despite some similarities, understanding their unique attributes is vital for making informed choices in the kitchen or while considering their cultivation. So, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating comparison of Cassava vs Potato.
What Are The Key Differences Between Cassava vs Potato
- Taste: Cassava has a mild, slightly nutty taste that can be compared to a combination of potato and coconut. The flavor is not overpowering, making it versatile for sweet and savory dishes. On the other hand, potatoes have a more earthy and starchy flavor that is rich and comforting.
- Texture: Cassava has a fibrous and slightly grainy texture, which becomes softer and smoother when cooked. It can be compared to the texture of a firm sweet potato. On the other hand, potatoes have a soft and creamy texture when cooked. They are known for their fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Nutritional value: Cassava is rich in carbohydrates, providing a good energy source. It also contains fiber, which aids in digestion. On the other hand, potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. They also offer antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress.
- Price: In general, cassava tends to be more affordable than potatoes. This is mainly because cassava is a staple food in many tropical regions, grown abundantly and easily accessible. On the other hand, potatoes are widely consumed worldwide and, therefore, subject to price fluctuations depending on factors such as supply and demand. However, it’s worth noting that the price may also vary depending on where you are located and whether the produce is locally sourced or imported.
- Availability: Both crops have different levels of availability depending on geographical location. In tropical regions, cassava is widely available as it is a staple food crop. It can be found in local markets and grocery stores throughout the year. On the other hand, potatoes are more readily available in regions with temperate climates. They are commonly found in supermarkets and grocery stores, especially during the potato harvest season.
- Cooking method: They can be boiled, baked, grilled, fried, or made into chips. Cassava is commonly boiled or steamed before being used in dishes, while potatoes are often boiled or roasted. Both can also be mashed or used as ingredients in soups and stews.
- Environmental Impact: Cassava is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions with less irrigation requirements. This makes cassava more resource-efficient than potatoes, which require more water and land. Additionally, cassava’s efficient land use further contributes to its appeal as an environmentally conscious choice. Therefore, if minimizing environmental impact is a priority, choosing cassava over potato might be better.
- Shelf life and storage capabilities: Potatoes have a longer shelf life than cassava. Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks to 2 months. On the other hand, cassava has a relatively shorter shelf life and should be consumed within a few days up to 2 weeks after harvest. It is best to store cassava in a cool, dark place or refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.
Similarities Between Cassava And Potato
Cassava and potato may seem like very different crops, but they actually have some surprising similarities. First and foremost, cassava and potatoes are starchy vegetables that provide a good source of carbohydrates. They can be cooked similarly, like boiling, baking, grilling, or frying.
Additionally, both can be used to make chips or enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt. Despite their differences in appearance and micronutrients, these two versatile crops share some common ground regarding taste and culinary applications.
Cassava, or yuca or manioc, is a versatile and nutritious root vegetable. As an avid cook, I can attest to the many advantages of using cassava. Cassava has a mild and slightly nutty taste that complements a variety of dishes. It also has a unique texture ranging from tender to crunchy, depending on how it’s prepared.
Additionally, cassava is packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Its high carbohydrate content makes it an excellent energy source for active individuals. Lastly, cassava is highly affordable and readily available in most countries, making it a convenient option for budget-conscious consumers like myself.
Potatoes, a staple crop in many countries, are a versatile and nutritious option for various culinary creations. One advantage of potatoes is their wide range of varieties, including Classic Russet and Bannock Russet.
Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, including tomatoes and bell peppers. They can be prepared in numerous ways – boiled, baked, grilled, or fried. This flexibility allows for endless possibilities in creating delicious dishes. Regarding nutrition, potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium. Their availability year-round makes them easily accessible to consumers worldwide.
What are the two most common species of cassava?
The two most common species of cassava are sweet cassava and bitter cassava.
What are the uses of cassava and potatoes?
Cassava is an important food crop that provides quality carbohydrates in tropical regions where grains and potatoes grow poorly. On the other hand, potatoes have become a staple crop in many countries. Both cassava and potatoes are starchy and can be boiled, baked, grilled, fried, made into chips, or sprinkled with salt.
Can cassava and potatoes be used similarly in cooking?
Yes, cassava and potatoes can be used similarly in cooking as they taste starchy. They can be boiled, baked, grilled, fried, made into chips, or sprinkled with salt.
Which crop is more widely used globally?
Cassava is one of the most important food crops globally, providing quality carbohydrates in tropical regions where grains and potatoes grow poorly.
Hi there! I’m Gewalee Cachanurak, the owner of I am Thai Eatery Restaurant. Welcome to my online world at iamthaieatery.com! Here, I’ll be your guide to all things cuisine. At I am Thai Eatery Restaurant, we are passionate about sharing our cooking knowledge with all food enthusiasts out there. It’s a place where I can personally connect with you and share my culinary expertise.


Rabbit repellents are a crucial tool for gardeners who want to protect their plants from these adorable but potentially destructive creatures. But how exactly do these deterrents work? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of rabbit repellents, exploring the science behind them, their ingredients, their effectiveness, and even natural alternatives you can try.
Rabbit repellents work by using ingredients that rabbits find unpleasant, effectively deterring them from entering your garden or eating your plants. These ingredients target the rabbits’ sense of taste and smell, making treated plants unappealing to them. They come in two main types: taste-based and odor-based. The effectiveness of these repellents can vary and often requires a combination of methods for the best results.
What is Rabbit Repellent?
Rabbit repellent is a substance used to deter rabbits from feeding on plants in gardens and landscapes. Its primary function is to protect plants from damage caused by rabbits, without harming the animals themselves. Rabbit repellents come in various forms, such as sprays, powders, and granules. They often contain ingredients like red pepper, garlic, onion powder, or talcum powder.
The Science Behind Rabbit Repellents
Rabbit repellents work by deterring rabbits from entering your garden or eating your plants. They often contain natural or chemical ingredients that rabbits find unpleasant, such as garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine. There are two main types of rabbit repellents: taste-based and odor-based.
Taste-based repellents make the plant less palatable for rabbits and are typically applied directly to the plant. Examples include those containing capsaicin. Odor-based repellents keep rabbits from an area using fear or a foul smell. They are usually applied to the soil in the perimeter and on foliage to repel rabbits.
Ingredients in Rabbit Repellents
The main ingredients typically found in rabbit repellents include putrescent whole egg solids, garlic, dried blood, capsaicin, sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium sorbate, thyme oil, and dish soap. These ingredients can be found in various combinations in commercial and homemade rabbit repellents. They work by targeting the rabbits’ sense of taste and smell, making the treated plants unappealing to them.
Effectiveness of Rabbit Repellents
Rabbit repellents can be effective in deterring rabbits from damaging plants and gardens, but their effectiveness varies depending on several factors. Factors that influence the effectiveness of rabbit repellents include the behavior and number of rabbits, the availability of alternative food sources, and the type of repellent used.
To maximize the effectiveness of rabbit repellents, it is recommended to use them in combination with other control methods, such as fencing, and to apply them at the end of the day when rabbits are most active. Additionally, alternating repellents can help prevent rabbits from getting used to any particular scent or flavor.
Natural Alternatives to Commercial Rabbit Repellents
There are several homemade and natural alternatives to commercial rabbit repellents that you can use to protect your garden. Some of these alternatives include citrus spray, cayenne pepper, garlic and red pepper spray, blood meal with black pepper and cayenne pepper, planting natural repellents, and using ammonia.
Remember to reapply these homemade repellents after rain or as needed to maintain their effectiveness.
Best Practices for Using Rabbit Repellents
To effectively use rabbit repellents and protect your garden from these creatures, follow these tips and best practices:
- Use natural repellents
- Apply scent-based deterrents
- Alternate repellents
- Apply repellents in the evening
- Reapply repellents regularly
- Plant rabbit-resistant plants
- Use physical barriers
- Remove hiding places
- Encourage natural predators
- Use commercial repellents
In conclusion, rabbit repellents can be a practical solution to protect your garden from rabbits. However, their effectiveness can vary, and it may require a combination of methods to achieve the desired results. Always remember to follow the instructions for any repellent you use and consider the environment when choosing your methods. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of rabbit-resistant plants?
Some examples of rabbit-resistant plants include lavender, rosemary, and vinca. These plants have strong scents or tastes that rabbits tend to avoid.
What are the potential adverse effects of using commercial rabbit repellents?
Some commercial rabbit repellents may contain chemicals that can be harmful to other animals, plants, or the environment if not used correctly. Always follow the instructions on the label and use them responsibly.
How often should I reapply rabbit repellents?
The frequency of reapplication can vary depending on the specific product and the weather conditions. However, generally, you should reapply rabbit repellents every 30 to 60 days. If it rains, you may need to reapply the repellent sooner.
Can rabbit repellents harm my pets?
Most rabbit repellents are safe for use around pets. However, it’s always a good idea to check the product label or consult with a professional if you have any concerns.
Are there any other animals that rabbit repellents can deter?
Yes, some rabbit repellents can also deter other animals like deer, squirrels, and groundhogs. This will depend on the specific ingredients used in the repellent.


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Since 2011, CWaCS have organised an Autumn Apple Pressing day where village residents can bring their apples (or pears) and crush and press them to produce wonderful fresh fruit juice. For the more adventurous, after pressing, the apple juice can be fermented to produce home-made cider.
The event has been so successful that CWaCS, with the help of the Chalgrove 200 Club, have purchased their own set of apple pressing equipment.
The equipment includes:
This equipment can be made available to village residents, subject to a deposit and a small fee. Please contact Anthea Dudley for further details.
CWaCS would welcome any unwanted apples that you would like donate for use on the apple pressing days and may be able to assist with picking.


When it comes to gardening, tomatoes are undoubtedly probably the most well-liked choices amongst residence gardeners. Their vibrant colors, scrumptious flavors, and versatility in the kitchen make them a staple in many households. However did you know that tomato seeds, usually discarded without a second thought, are a nutritional powerhouse waiting to be discovered in your garden? In this article, we’ll discover the incredible nutritional benefits of tomato seeds and how you can make probably the most of them.
The Overlooked Treasure
While most of us enjoy the juicy pulp of ripe tomatoes, we tend to discard or compost the seeds without realizing their immense nutritional value. Tomato seeds are a rich supply of essential vitamins, including vitamins, minerals, and helpful compounds that can significantly contribute to your overall health.
Vitamins: Tomato seeds are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties and role in collagen production. Additionally they contain vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, and numerous B vitamins, together with folate and niacin.
Minerals: These tiny seeds are a great supply of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.
Fiber: Tomato seeds include dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy ldl cholesterol levels, and promotes a sense of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Antioxidants: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is plentiful in tomato seeds. Lycopene is known for its potential to reduce the risk of chronic ailments, including sure types of cancer and coronary heart disease. It additionally helps protect the skin from UV damage.
Heart Health: The mixture of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants in tomato seeds makes them a heart-healthy choice. These vitamins may also help regulate blood pressure, reduce ldl cholesterol levels, and protect in opposition to oxidative stress.
Cancer Prevention: Lycopene, the prominent antioxidant in tomato seeds, has been linked to a reduced risk of various cancers, together with prostate, breast, and lung cancer. Including tomato seeds in your weight loss plan generally is a tasty way to harness these potential protective benefits.
Skin Protection: Lycopene is not only good for internal health but also for the skin. Consuming tomato seeds may assist protect your skin from sun damage and keep it looking youthful.
Digestive Health: The fiber in tomato seeds aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation. It also promotes a healthy intestine microbiome, which has far-reaching effects on general health.
Tips on how to Incorporate Tomato Seeds into Your Diet
Now that you are aware of the nutritional benefits of tomato seeds, you may be wondering how one can incorporate them into your diet. Listed below are some artistic ways to make essentially the most of this garden treasure:
Sprinkle on Salads: Simply save the seeds out of your recent tomatoes and sprinkle them on salads for added crunch and nutrition.
Mix into Smoothies: You can mix tomato seeds into your morning smoothie for a nutrient enhance without altering the taste significantly.
Bake into Bread: Strive adding ground tomato seeds to your homemade bread or muffin recipes for a novel twist.
Create a Tomato Seed Paste: Make a paste by grinding tomato seeds and mixing them with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Use it as a flavorful condiment for pasta or as a dipping sauce for bread.
Infuse Oil: Infuse olive oil with tomato seeds and use it in salad dressings or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Tomato seeds are far more than a mere garden waste product; they’re a nutritional powerhouse that can benefit your health in numerous ways. From supporting coronary heart health to protecting your skin and promoting digestion, these small seeds supply a wide array of benefits. So, the next time you enjoy a contemporary tomato, consider saving the seeds and incorporating them into your meals. Your garden’s hidden treasure might just grow to be a staple in your kitchen, enhancing each the flavour and nutrition of your dishes. With tomato seeds, you’ll be able to truly unlock the potential of your garden’s bounty and nourish your body on the identical time.
If you have any kind of concerns about exactly where along with the best way to utilize giant tomatoes, you are able to e-mail us at the web page.


The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has five nymphal stages, or instars, and ranges in size from mm to 12 mm in length. Unlike the adults who blend in very well with bark, the nymphs are more brightly colored with red and black. The first instars, which have a "tick-like" appearance, are not very active and remain around the hatched egg mass. The consperse and green stink bugs are native pests, and the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive pest that is an increasing problem in apples in some regions of the PNW.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) The brown marmorated stink bug is the newest stink bug found in Ohio field crops, and will perhaps become a greater concern in the future in soybean and corn, especially in sweet corn. Adults are speckled brown . Oct 08, · What they look like: Adult brown marmorated stink bugs are usually dark brown with a white-brown underside. “‘Marmorated’ means ‘veined,’ like marble, and the unique markings of .
brown marmorated stink bug habitat. As indicated by their name, brown marmorated stink bugs tend to be different shades of brown in colour, with lighter bands on the antennae and. Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive bug that is a serious pest of fruit, vegetable, and other crops. It also becomes a nuisance pest of homes as it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites and can enter houses in large numbers. Adult brown marmorated stink bug. Damage to.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a native of Eastern Asia and was first detected in Pennsylvania in October The insects often are found in houses, where they produce an unpleasant smelling chemical. They can be an agricultural pest, threatening apples, pears, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus, persimmon and soybeans. The invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, has been found in numerous locations in California. Wherever BMSB takes up residence, it can cause severe crop and garden losses and become a nuisance in and around homes and other buildings. The ability of BMSB to hitchhike in vehicles and planes has allowed it to spread.


The following are a few of MYRADA’s ongoing Natural Resource and Environment related projects
- Community Led Sustainable Management of Resource for Promotion of Livelihood and Secured Natural Base
Donor: Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Aim of the Project: The overall aim of the project is to improve the natural resources and increase the water resource and retention through conservation and proper management practices. The project’s aim includes improving and increasing the income of the poor especially the small, marginal farmers and also the landless through farm and non-farm based interventions
Geographical area and coverage: Selected villages in five districts – Bidar, Bellary, Chitradurga, Gulbarga and Kolar. These are rainfed drought prone regions with a large extent of environmental degradation. 7269 ha of land in 23 villages was identified for the intervention, impacting directly or indirectly over 4629 families with 3060 land holding families being impacted through watershed development activities and 600 landless families through non-farm based livelihood activities.
A detailed report of the HUF project report click here
- Community Managed Participatory Watershed Development Programme
Donor: Azim Premji Foundation
- To recharge the groundwater table through creating water harvesting structures
- To increase the agriculture productivity by improving the soil fertility
- To Improving soil fertility by applying biomass & vermi compost and by crop rotation
- To Promote horticulture
- To Create alternative income generation programme / livelihood activities for the small, marginal and landless families
- To Promote Peoples Institutions to manage the programme in a sustainable manner
(It needs to be reiterated that though this is a watershed development programme, livelihoods and capacity building of people’s institutions are an integral part of the programme.
Geographical Area and Coverage : Covers watersheds in Chamrajanagar and Kolar districts of Karnataka
- Natural Resource Management and Livelihood Promotion
Donor: ITC Limited
- Improve the environment for protecting agriculture from adverse climatic factors.
- Increase the supply of wood fuel for domestic use, small timber for rural housing, fodder for livestock.
- To provide employment opportunities to the rural population and provide jobs for unskilled workers Land rehabilitation.
- To provide efficient soil and water conservation.
- Finally, its object is to raise the standard of living and quality of life of the rural people
Geographical Area and Coverage :
55 villages in Chamrajnagar, Gundulpet and Kollegal taluks of Chamrajnagar district in Karnataka
Activities include social forestry, tank rehabilitation and capacity building of watershed associations
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme
Donor: District Watershed Development Department, Chamarajanagar
- To conserve of moisture in rainfall for optimal production
- To prevent soil & water erosion.
- To Prevent flood irrigation.
- To recharge groundwater or increase the water table in wells
- To increase the productivity.
- To maximum utilization of locally available materials & skilled labours
- To increase the knowledge on importance of soil & water conservation among the community.
Geographical Area and Coverage :
34945.82 Ha in 6 sub watersheds in Chamrajnagar, Gundulpet and Kollegal taluks of Chamrajnagar district
Besides components such as soil and moisture conservation, bund plantation project also incorporates activities such as capacity building of SAGs and WDAs, awareness building through Grama sabhas, street plays etc. and farmers’ exposure to agriculture fairs


Kevin and Barb Nedrow
Before there was Spring Hope Dairy, there was the Nedrow Dairy Farm. Before that, there was the Linhurst Farm, a dairy & vegetable farm. Before that, the Linehan brothers were poor Irish sharecrop farmers.
“I’m going to keep farming until I retire. Then I’m going to farm some more.”
– Kevin Nedrow’s response when asked about his future plans.
The Linehan brothers farmed the original 300 acre home farm in the town of Hopewell (that later became the base for Spring Hope Dairy), from the mid 1940’s until the late 1960’s. In 1968, the German Nedrow family was looking for a farm to purchase. James Nedrow and his family had just sold their farm near King Ferry, New York to NYSEG and were looking for a new place to farm. They bought the original 300 acres from the Linehans. They brought with them 45 milking Guernsey and young stock.
It must be noted that the next generation of these farm families: Barb Linehan and Kevin Nedrow met through this sale. It may not have been the best conditions to meet. It’s always hard to give up a farm. So, you wouldn’t think they would be likely to fall in love. Yet, eventually they did. They both attended Cornell University. Kevin came back to the farm and then they married in 1976. Over the next 20 years they grew their farm and family. Barb, Kevin, and their three daughters (Alicia, Katherine and Abby) worked hard building a dairy of 150 Guernseys. Eventually, their herd grew to 160 milking cows, predominately Holsteins. They did this in anticipation of modernizing the dairy. Barb says, “We love good cows. No matter what color they are.”
All of the Nedrows were very active in the Guernsey Dairy Breed Association, 4-H and various youth activities. All of them also have great interest and knowledge in science and agriculture. All three Nedrow daughters continue to demonstrate this with their academic studies and careers.
Eventually, it was time to modernize the dairy, farm smarter and take better care of the cows. Yet, they just could not work any harder. The physical work was getting harder with the old system. It didn’t help that they lost three of their best workers: their daughters. Their daughters had graduated from high school and were away at college. It was time to adapt, in order to continue. Simultaneous to these thoughts, conversations began with the Muellers at Willow Bend Farm. After much consideration, from everyone involved, a partnership was created and Spring Hope Dairy was born. That was in 2003. Barb said forming a partnership was “the best option to move forward, accomplish more together and to get into the 21st century.” The Nedrow family’s approach to the dairy business has always been, “If you take care of your cows, they will take care of you.” When reflecting on this time, Kevin says, “They were hard times. We wanted a better life for ourselves and our cows.”
The Nedrows have also always been intrigued by registered breeding stock. They have continued to build their own herd of registered Holsteins within the Spring Hope Dairy herd. In 2009, DNA analysis first became available for genetics and genomics. This tool has accelerated the Nedrows’ progress on building this herd. You can learn more about this at http://holsteinworld.com/springhope.
Kevin and Barb Nedrow are still working very hard and are still involved in the day to day operations of both Spring Hope Dairy and Willow Bend Farm. Barb has great talent when it comes to herd health and knowing what it takes to give the animals the best care. She is often seen working side by side with the veterinarians, working towards that same goal. Kevin’s strength is in agronomy. He’s the one to go to with soil and crop questions. Thus, you’ll have a hard time finding him during planting or harvesting season. He’ll be out in the field, doing what it takes to get the best quality yield from each seed. And there sure have been plenty of seeds planted on that land in Hopewell, over the years!


Universidad Politécnica de Madrid – Planning and Evaluation Group
The School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering (ESTIAAB) is part of the Technical University of Madrid. The ETSIAAB´s history began in 1858 as the Central School of Agriculture of Spain for training Agricultural Engineering students so they became officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and other dependent agencies. Nowadays, ETSIAAB, as part of the UPM, continues its work in favour of agricultural and food activities development and technification.
ETSIAAB is one of the most prestigious Spanish University College in the area of Agriculture and Food. It has 16 ha of experimental fields with different facilities as greenhouses, livestock premises, machinery warehouses, seed bank, winery, cheese factory, oil press and labs for teaching and research. The number and quality of our professors and staff guarantee excellent support and monitoring to our students and projects, leading to a solid formation and specialization in disciplines such as engineering, food, crop and animal production, agricultural economics or biotechnology.
José M. Díaz-Puente


This project, composed of two studies, addresses a major ecological concern (environmental sustainability), shows potential for adoption and long-term viability (economic sustainability), and educates students (social sustainability).
The first study on natural dyes, focused on two plants that yield natural colorants. Japanese indigo (Polygonum tinctorium) was included because major U.S. textile mills could use it to make denim. Dyers’ coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) was studied because of its popularity with craft dyers, as it provides a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and brown. The indigo and coreopsis plants were grown separately under lights in two unattached grow tents, to avoid light, pathogen, or pest contamination
The second study used cotton compost generated at FIT to cultivate the dye plants to determine whether the benefits of adding composted cotton is significant. The study was conducted in controlled greenhouse environments to determine whether there is a noticeable difference in the germination rate and seedling development, comparing plants grown with 10 percent composted cotton (referred to as “treated”) and the same soil without cotton compost (referred to as “untreated”).
The final objective of extracting natural colorants from plants to dye cotton fabric was successful. Additionally, results showed that fabric dyed with either coreopsis or indigo from treated soil had a higher color-depth value than that from untreated soil.
The compost project used the 100 pounds of muslin scraps generated weekly by fashion design students for draping, sewing, and patternmaking. This waste typically goes to landfills. For the project, muslin collection bins were placed in classrooms at FIT. Fabric was then shredded and readied for biodegrading. Compost mixtures were started with 50 percent food waste and 50 percent cotton muslin, plus added moisture.
After all of the water, food, and textile waste were added to the composter, they were mixed thoroughly by spinning. The composter was spun every other day to increase available oxygen and maintain aerobic conditions. Finally, the decomposed material was moved to a vermicomposting system containing redworms (Eisenia foetida) for final decomposition and maturation. Upon completion of composting, the finished humus was tested for overall agricultural quality using the US Composting Council’s Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost by an independent certified testing laboratory. The quality of the compost was found to be good in its values of total nitrogen, organic matter, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.


Early settlers of the Barwon Downs Parish; Otway Ranges 1871-1900.
Compiled by Pam Jennings
Originally lived on by the Gadubanud people, the land was settled on by Europeans from the late 1840s. Being very suitable for agriculture and with good water sources from the Barwon River and other creeks, soon there were many farmers working the land. This 71 page book records the details of those families living in the area from 1871 to 1900.


One single product, ‘Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia Oil’ alerted early European settlers who pioneered the far north coast of NSW and became aware of this miracle antiseptic when they observed native aboriginals using crushed leaves applied to wounds, insect bites and skin disorders.
In the early 1900’s more sophisticated European methods of extraction commenced by the use of steam distillation, allowing the oil to be bottled for distribution to other areas.
World demand quickly evolved and a new industry was born. However, supply was limited as this unique species only grew in wetland areas in this harsh environment called the ‘Bungawalbyn Valley Basin’. Whilst similar botanical species grew in other locations, none could be compared with or provide the multipurpose anti microbial and anti fungal activity produced from the now identified botanical species Melaleuca alternifolia.
Now after 100 years of competing with synthetic antiseptics and anti fungal medication, tea tree oil has outperformed and maintained its identity as the safest, natural and affordable product available for mankind.
Attempts to grow the species outside the ‘Bungawalbyn Valley Basin’ cannot reproduce the overall ecological chemistry. This includes, temperature, native companion trees and grass that influence mulch nutrition, soil types, climatic conditions, vital trace elements and minerals contained in the overall wetland system, rendering it virtually impossible to duplicate.
Following this ‘Miracle in a Bottle’ discovery, people involved in ‘Complementary Medicine’, herbalists and those with scientific agricultural qualifications were required for educational, analytic and research divisions to ensure the success of this new and exciting industry.


Burpee Herbs 'Catnip'
Harvest all season for happy eats.
Height: 36 in
USDA Zone: 3-9
Catnip is a type of mint that grows into an attractive plant, growing as tall as 36 in. (90 cm) with bluish flowers in mid-summer. You can begin harvesting catnip when it’s about 12 in. (30 cm) tall and continue all summer. Try drying catnip to fill your cat’s toys as a special treat.
Growing Tips for Homeowners:
Water as needed all season to keep soil evenly moist, keeping your eye out for the first sign of wilt. Wilting is a sure sign that your catnip needs water. Feed with a vegetable fertilizer to ensure your bountiful harvest.
Characteristics & Attributes:
- Full Sun


Quizzes & Trivia
When you go to a ballgame and buy a bag of roasted peanuts, or stop at a roadside stand for a bag of boiled peanuts, you can silently thank George Washington Carver, the former slave who went on to become an educator and renowned biologist, among other accomplishments.
Once a crop used only to make oil and feed for livestock, Carver discovered about 300 varied uses for the lowly legume, elevating the peanut’s status from a poor man’s food to what many consider today a superfood. Carver’s creative approach to using peanuts in the early 1900s helped boost Virginia’s economy, and over 100 years later, allows us to enjoy everything from soaps and oils, to soups and snacks.
Spice it up
Stir in hot sauce and lime juice into the soup.
Depending on your taste, you can add to the soup:
Use in place of milk/cream, and chicken broth/stock:


Greenhouse Technician Jobs Vacancy in Terramera Vancouver
Terramera Vancouver urgently required following position for Greenhouse Technician. Please read this job advertisement carefully before apply. There are some qualifications, experience and skills requirement that the employers require. Does your career history fit these requirements? Ensure you understand the role you are applying for and that it is suited to your skills and qualifications.
Follow the online directions, complete all the necessary fields, and provide all relevant information so your application is submitted correctly. When you click the 'Apply this Job' button (open in new window) you will be taken to the online application form. Here you will be asked to provide personal and contact details, respond to employment-related questions, and show how you meet the key selection criteria.
Greenhouse Technician Jobs Vacancy in Terramera Vancouver Jobs Details:
Terramera – which means “Our Earth” – is an award-winning Vancouver-based clean tech company focused on how we can use technology to unlock the power of nature, so we can live healthier, make clean food more affordable and feed the world. By combining the natural defence mechanisms of plants with innovative green chemistry, Terramera develops safe, highly effective and economical biological replacements to conventional chemical pesticides and fertilizers. In doing so, we cultivate healthy homes, as well as make organic food and sustainable farming more productive and abundant.
Our success begins with our people. If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in environments that are dynamic, challenging and rewarding, we strongly encourage you to apply. Join our movement, as we set a new standard and change the world together as a highly dedicated, future-focused and solutions-oriented team.
You will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of Terramera’s innovative greenhouse facility (located in Downtown Vancouver) that is dedicated to making new discoveries in the field of bioscience. This includes plant transplanting and monitoring, sourcing materials and operating growth equipment. Reporting to the Greenhouse Manager, you will work closely with research scientists, building contractors, automation engineers and horticulture supply companies.
Maintains the greenhouse facility on a daily basis;
Assists in conducting greenhouse trials and growth chamber experiments;
Cultivates plants and ensures optimal and consistent growth;
Collects biological and climatic data for greenhouse and growth chamber trials;
Recognizes and responds to plant diseases and pests, including daily integrated pest management duties;
Mixes and applies fertilizers/nutrients as required;
Operates an agricultural sprayer;
Ensures all equipment and machinery are in top operating condition;
Cleans greenhouse and growing equipment on a daily basis;
Adjusts Priva climate control parameters as needed; and
Adjusts automation software for experimental design and data management.
Post-secondary degree/diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture or related scientific field and/or 3+ years of greenhouse/farming experience;
Experience with supplementary lighting, plant nutrition and climate control systems;
Experience assisting with plant pathology research and product development;
Ability to work with a high regard for safety and cleanliness standards;
Class 5 Drivers License;
First Aid Level C; and
Proficient in MS Office Suite, especially MS Excel.
Pesticide Applicators License;
Experience in greenhouse construction, including trade experience;
Experience operating farm machinery;
Ability to use microscope, pipette and other biological measurement tools;
Strong mechanical skills (i.e. water pumps, air compressors, plumbing, motors and electrical systems);
Ability to work independently and follow daily monitoring tasks assigned from various researchers;
Willingness and flexibility to learn new skills and techniques; and
Passion for sustainable food systems and interest in upcoming plant imaging technologies.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information on Terramera, please visit our website at www.terramera.com


In the spirit of community in the San Geronimo Valley, we have come together to co-create a place of natural abundance — a community garden in every sense. In that place we grow together, growing fruits and vegetables, learning from each other, sharing, developing friendships, working collaboratively, being with nature and nurturing our bodies and spirits.
It began with the question, "Is there a communal place to grow food in the Valley?" The owners of the San Geronimo Golf Course generously donated land for us to use. Several Valley residents got together and created a community garden located within the bounds of the old San Geronimo Valley Golf Course. The garden plan began with 30 family plots (16 feet square), irrigation, communal fruit trees, grape vines, composting area, and shed. We enclosed the entire garden with a fence and installed irrigation lines to each plot.
How We Operate
We pay the County for our water use and annual liability insurance. Membership includes buying in for establishing the garden, then water use. We do all of the installation work ourselves, so volunteering to help is part of being a member of the garden. We plan to have educational activities about gardening and plants shared by our members.
Non Profit Status
We are associated with MarinLink, as a non-profit organization so we can receive tax deductible donations. We have received grants and donations to support the growth of our garden in its early phases.
We also donate some of our food to the Food Bank at the San Geronimo Valley Cultural Center.
The cost to join is $180 – a one-time cost. The members of the garden are residents of our San Geronimo Valley community as a priority. A membership agreement, “hold harmless waiver”, and member questionnaire can be viewed on our website.
San Geronimo Valley Community Garden
5800 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Geronimo, California 94946, United States
Copyright © 2022 SGV Community Garden- All Rights Reserved.
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Plant Engineering Product of the Year Winners!
"The winners of the Plant Engineering 2017 Product of the Year awards represent the best in new ideas to help plants run smarter, safer, faster, and more efficiently. This year's winners were selected by Plant Engineering's readers from more than 100 entries. They reflect the new ideas to solve traditional problems, as well as innovations that will help better implement the new technology available today." https://www.plantengineering.com/events-and-awards/product-of-the-year/2017/2017-product-of-the-year-winners.html


Quinoa processing plant
The most complete and advanced in the region.
Our goal is to generate opportunities and enhance the standard of living for Ecuadorian families
MIKHUNA TRADE is an Ecuadorian based company that is proud to supply organic products from small Ecuadorian farmers to the world. Our goal is to generate opportunities and enhance the standard of living for Ecuadorian families by working closely with growers and suppliers. In the native language of Quechua, Mikhuna means nutrition. Our aim is to provide healthy products for our consumers, and introduce a new standard for diets around the world.
Ecuador possesses one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world suitable for organic and healthy farming for many diverse product types ranging from seeds and grains to packaged finished good. Located in South America, Ecuador is one of the most important suppliers of Super-Foods products in the world.
In the native language of Quechua, Mikhuna means nutrition.
To produce products that preserve the environment and avoid the use of chemical substances such as hazardous pesticides
To introduce a new standard for healthy nutrition around the world


For Albanian export company Arbana Bio Cooperative these are busy times. Both their peppers and tomatoes are in season for the second time this year. The country hasn’t been taken as serious when it comes to their produce, but Export Manager Labinot Sahiti claims that image is changing fast.
Arbana Bio cultivates many fruits and vegetables, but currently the tomatoes and peppers are in season. A busy time, according to export manager Labinot Sahiti: “This is the first year where we really see a big increase in demand and orders. Ten years ago nobody had even heard of Albania’s cultivation. More than a decade later, after we’ve invited potential clients to see and taste our produce, they’ve agreed that Albania is an interesting market for them. Poland and Holland have finally discovered our potential.”
The tomatoes and peppers are exported to Poland and The Netherlands for the most part, although Italy, Czech Republic, Romania and Latvia have also shown an interest of late. And the season itself is going really well according to Sahiti: “The weather was great, which resulted in about a 15% increase of production this year. This helped, as the demand is growing just as fast. The prices are a lot better, although the increased demand will hardly have an effect on them. We have contracts for the most part, which means the prices are fixed for this season.”


Tuesday, July 18, 2023
What Are Trichomes on Cannabis Plants?
Derived from the Greek term 'Trikhōma,' meaning 'growth of hair,' trichomes are tiny, hair-like outgrowths found on cannabis and other plants. These structures are particularly prominent on the buds and leaves of cannabis plants, lending them a frost-like appearance. However, their significance extends far beyond aesthetics. Trichomes are the primary producers of cannabinoids and terpenes, the active compounds that give cannabis its distinct aroma, flavor, and psychoactive properties.
Classification of Cannabis Trichomes
Trichomes on cannabis plants fall into two broad categories: glandular and non-glandular. While both types contribute to the plant's survival, only the glandular trichomes produce the coveted cannabinoids and terpenes.
These trichomes are characterized by their ability to synthesize and store active compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. There are three primary types of glandular trichomes:
1. Bulbous Trichomes: These are the smallest trichomes, appearing as tiny pointed structures on the cannabis plant. They are believed to secrete cannabis resins.
2. Capitate Sessile Trichomes: Slightly larger than the bulbous variety, these trichomes develop before the flowering phase and contain cannabinoids.
3. Capitate-Stalked Trichomes: The largest and most abundant type, these trichomes extensively produce cannabinoids and terpenes, significantly influencing the cannabis plant's medicinal and recreational attributes.
These trichomes, such as cystolithic trichomes, do not produce cannabinoids or terpenes and do not contribute to the plant's psychoactive or therapeutic effects.
The Biological Function of Trichomes
Trichomes serve as the cannabis plant's natural defense mechanism, protecting it against a host of threats. They deter insect invaders with their sticky resin and discourage herbivorous animals with their bitter taste and strong aromas. Additionally, trichomes shield the plant from harmful UV rays, prevent water loss in high-heat conditions, and help the plant thrive in various climates.
Trichomes and the Cannabis Cultivation Process
For cannabis cultivators, trichomes serve as a reliable indicator of plant health, potency, and harvest readiness. These microscopic glands are the sites where cannabinoids and terpenes are produced. Hence, a higher density of trichomes often signals a more potent plant. Moreover, the color and clarity of cannabis trichomes can indicate the optimal harvest time.
Lifecycle of Cannabis Trichomes
The lifecycle of a trichome can generally be divided into three stages:
1. Clear Trichomes: At this stage, trichomes resemble tiny glass mushrooms and are not yet at their cannabinoid production peak.
2. Cloudy Trichomes: As they mature, trichomes turn milky or cloudy, indicating that they're brimming with cannabinoids.
3. Amber Trichomes: Over time, trichomes transition from cloudy to amber, signaling a change in the cannabinoid profile.
4. Mixed Trichomes: A mix of cloudy and amber trichomes is often preferred by cultivators seeking a balanced cannabinoid profile.
The decision to harvest based on trichome color and clarity depends on the desired cannabinoid and terpene profile.
Light and Its Impact on Trichome Production
Both natural sunlight and modern LEDs can significantly impact trichome development. Sunlight provides a full spectrum of light that encourages robust trichome production. On the other hand, indoor growers can use LED lighting technology to mimic the sun's spectrum and create optimal conditions for trichome production.
How to Inspect Cannabis Trichomes
When inspecting cannabis trichomes, growers can use tools like a jeweler's loupe or a digital microscope. These tools allow cultivators to observe the trichomes for color and clarity, determining the ideal harvest time.
The Role of Trichomes in Cannabis Products
Trichomes play a crucial role in creating high-quality cannabis products, influencing their potency, flavor, and aroma. They are also essential in the production of cannabis concentrates and hashish, which are made by separating trichomes from the plant material and compressing them into a concentrated form.
Preserving Trichomes on Cannabis Buds
Preserving the integrity of trichomes on cannabis buds is critical for maintaining their potency and quality. Best practices for preserving trichomes include gentle handling of buds, proper storage, and avoiding grinding until ready for use.
Enhancing Trichome Production
Factors such as genetics, lighting, harvest timing, and environmental conditions can influence trichome production in cannabis plants. By effectively managing these factors, cultivators can significantly increase the density and quality of trichomes on their plants.
Conclusion: Trichomes - The Powerhouse of Cannabis
Trichomes are indeed the powerhouse of the cannabis experience. These microscopic structures play a vital role in the cultivation and consumption of cannabis, influencing plant health, product potency, and even harvest timings. Understanding their crucial role can help everyone get the most from their cannabis journey.


Diet is a primary source of pesticide exposure.
Organic diet reduced neonicotinoid, OP, pyrethroid, 2,4-D exposure in U.S. families.
Greatest reduction observed for malathion, clothianidin, and chlorpyrifos.
Previous diet intervention studies indicate that an organic diet can reduce urinary pesticide metabolite excretion; however, they have largely focused on organophosphate (OP) pesticides. Knowledge gaps exist regarding the impact of an organic diet on exposure to other pesticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, which are increasing in use in the United States and globally.
To investigate the impact of an organic diet intervention on levels of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides or their metabolites in urine collected from adults and children.
We collected urine samples from four racially and geographically diverse families in the United States before and after an organic diet intervention (n=16 participants and a total of 158 urine samples).
We observed significant reductions in urinary levels of thirteen pesticide metabolites and parent compounds representing OP, neonicotinoid, and pyrethroid insecticides and the herbicide 2,4-D following the introduction of an organic diet. The greatest reductions were observed for clothianidin (82.7%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.6%, 77.6%; p<0.01), malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDA), a metabolite of malathion (95.0%; 95% CI: 97.0%, 91.8%; p<0.01), and 3,5,6-trichlor-2-pyridinol (TCPy), a metabolite of chlorpyrifos (60.7%; 95% CI: 69.6%, 49.2%; p<0.01). Metabolites or parent compounds of the fungicides boscalid, iprodione, and thiabendazole and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid were not detected among participants in our study.
An organic diet was associated with significant reductions in urinary excretion of several pesticide metabolites and parent compounds. This study adds to a growing body of literature indicating that an organic diet may reduce exposure to a range of pesticides in children and adults. Additional research is needed to evaluate dietary exposure to neonicotinoids, which are now the most widely used class of insecticides in the world.
Acceptable Daily Intake
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Food and Drug Administration
Recommended articlesCiting articles (0)
2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.


Sheep breeds & wool production
With a flock of 6.33 million, main sheep products are mainly for export to different countries in the world. Wool -with various levels of processing-, sheep meat, sheepskins, lanolin and breeding stock have signed the high profile of Uruguayan exports.
Various types of sheep breeds are bred in farms, and there have been marked changes in the proportion of breeds with the years. An initial period of grading up to Merino–type breeds imported from Europe, USA and Australia, was followed by a strong predominance of Lincoln and Romney crosses at the beginning of this century when there was an important demand for mutton meat in Europe. In 1930, after a period of alternated cross–breeding systems using Lincoln and Merino rams it started a process of grading–up to imported Merino related breeds from Australia and New Zealand, mainly Corriedale and Polwarth.
The present distribution of sheep shows a predominance of breeds defined as “dual-purpose” in the sense that generate income from the sale of wool and sheep meat (fat lambs, surplus offspring and cast for age animals). Recent results of a national survey showed most popular breeds run by woolgrowers were: Corriedale (42%), Merino (27%), Polwarth (9%), Merilin (4%), Romney Marsh (3%) and Dohne Merino (2%).
The diameter distribution of the wool produced in Uruguay is a direct consequence of these breeds. The majority of the wool produced can be defined as mid-micron wool, between 25 and 32 microns, while the rest corresponds to wools below 24.5 microns. A more generalized interest in the production of fine and superfine Merino wools (with less than 19.5 microns) is being observed in the last years. With that micron profile it is possible to manufacture a wide range of end-products, mainly for apparel uses but also for interior textiles.
Besides an excellent climate and pasture conditions, Uruguay has environmental conditions totally favourable to high quality sheep production. Some remarkable characteristics of the “high-quality” wool produced in Uruguay are the high values of scouring yield (between 75-81%) and low vegetable matter, the low incidence of dust penetration and tip weathering and good staple length.
The wool industry in Uruguay is mainly oriented to export markets. Early stage processing is well established in Uruguay and this is the consequence of very strong investments in the combing sector during the last years. Wool is mainly exported in the form of tops, but also scoured and greasy. Other textile products with larger added value are also exported, such as yarns, fabrics, garments, bedcovers, and rugs. Annual exports of wool and wool products in the 2020 season reached a total of 19.0 mkg (greasy basis) to more than 30 destinationsThe majority of the wool (54 % %) was exported as tops. Scoured wool represented 24% and greasy wool the remnant 22 %.
In terms of value, China was the main client, buying 33 % of total wool exports in the 2020 season. Other major importers include Germany (17 %), Italy (11 % %), Turkey (6 %), Bulgary (5 %). and India (2 %).


The food security initiative aims to enhance food security in ASEAN through sustainable production, improved information systems, and the identification of nutrition-enhancing agricultural mechanisms.
The initiative is based on the four dimensions of food security identified by the FAO: Food Availability, Access, Utilization, and Stability.
To achieve the goal of food security, ASEAN-BAC 2023 creates a single narrative that includes commodity profiling, commodity balance sheet, key success factors & roadmap, and key policies to address food security.
The single narrative approach enables ASEAN members to customize policies and strategies to address their unique challenges.
Strategic policies to strengthen food security include:
Emergency/shortage relief arrangements
Promoting conducive food market and trade
Strengthening integrated food security information systems
Promoting sustainable food production
Encouraging greater investments in food and agri-based industries, Identifying and addressing emerging issues related to food security
The Inclusive Closed-Loop Model has been chosen as the legacy program to empower MSMEs and farmers with finance, knowledge, technology, and market access to support these initiatives.
ASEAN-BAC Food Security Policy Manager, Vice Chairman KADIN for Agriculture
Stakeholder Manager of ASEAN-BAC Food Security WG
Menara Kadin Indonesia 3rd, 24th & 29th Floor H.R. Rasuna Said X-5 Kav 2-3 Jakarta 12950 Indonesia
Phone +62 21 5274484 (Hunting)
Fax +62 21 5274331, 5274332


Use the keyboard A, W, D, S or arrow keys Left, Up, Right, Down, and mouse button - if the game description "The Farmer 3d" is not stated otherwise.
The Farmer 3d
Description: In this game, you are a farmer who wants to develop your agriculture and become rich. But you only have one tractor, so you have to sell your first harvest to buy better vehicles. You work very hard and believe that you will become farmer business. Have fun with The Farmer 3d.


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In today’s day and age, succulents are a real success. Its sheer diversity has captivated the hearts of many around the world, and the use these to decorate their gardens and homes. Let’s talk about what succulents are, and clear out some things about them.
Succulents are plants, with over 22,000 species catalogued worldwide. One of the main characteristics of these plants is that like other plants, they have roots, but the stems and leaves thicken, which allows retaining larger quantities of water. Therefore, this makes them low maintenance plants.
Dealing with Succulents
Although these plants look fragile, they are very sturdy and resistant, and they reproduce quite easily as well. If you’re into getting some succulents, then read through, we’ll explain how to plant them.
There are several different ways to plant succulents and in various different containers nonetheless. Although they can be planted alone, they can also be planted together with others as well. However, if they are being planted with other succulents, it has to be done within the same species. Even though these plants are hardy, they do need some care in order to be beautiful and strong and to reproduce easily.
Caring for your succulents
Succulents can grow anywhere, indoors as well as outdoors. As these plants produce quickly, you need to be careful and check whether the location needs to be changed or leaves need to be removed.
Succulents need just the right amount of light. Like any plant, succulents look for the light. If it doesn’t get enough light, it grows in search of it. If you see succulents growing vertically, simply change the location it placed in. if you notice it looking a little pale, put it in a place where it’s brighter.
To have beautiful and healthy plants, one should take care when planting them. When planting succulents, the soil should be prepared in a 1:1 ratio of sand and substrate. For example, for one glass of substrate, you should use a glass of sand, which makes the mixture looser and drier.
As succulents are similar to cacti, it doesn’t require much water for survival; therefore, watering these plants every day is not required. As they collect water in their leaves and stems, the number of times required to water these pretty plants vary from species to species, and most succulents only require infrequent watering.
It’s recommended that succulents be watered every week during summer, and every 15 days during winter. The container in which the plant is in should have proper drainage so that it does not collect too much water at the bottom, as excess moisture and water can cause leaves and roots to rot. These plants should be watered only by adding water to the soil.
Breeding succulents at home
It is such an easy and simple process to reproduce succulents. You simply have to leave the leave of the succulents on the ground, without burying. Although a long and beautiful process, the leaves will sprout and reproduce, like magic. As there is a high demand for succulents, and as it is very easy to grow and has low maintenance, one can easily make an income by selling succulents.
Creative Ideas to Plant your Succulents
Like we said before, succulents don’t need to be planted in pots. Let your imagination run free, and use different types of containers to grow your succulents. Here are some ideas to grow your own.
Images Credit : Pinterest


Mr Ashiru Shittu, A memeber of The Poultry Association of Nigeria told the Federal Government on Tuesday to extend the closure of land borders to a minimum of 10 years.
During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos he said that Nigerian farmers had everything to gain from the closure and that the Nigerian economy would be better for the action.
READ HIS WORDS BELOW:
“The closure of Nigerian land borders is of great advantage to farmers, especially those involved in rice and poultry farming.
“It has increased our capacity to produce home-grown poultry and rice. It makes life better for local farmers.
“I want to suggest that the land border closure should remain for a minimum of five to 10 years.
“With the closure, the Nigerian economy will grow in leaps and bounds.
“We may suffer several setbacks now because of the increase in food prices but we will come over it soon.’’
Shittu reiterated that the closure of the borders might face challenges initially but that in the long run, it would be of benefit to Nigerians.
“I can remember in the ‘80s when the then Federal Government placed a ban on maize importation. The price stepped from N12, 000 to over N150, 000.
“But since then we do not rely on imported maize again in Nigeria and the prices of maize have radically dropped over time.
“We are now able to produce enough maize for human and animal consumption and even for industrial purposes like breweries.
“So, the same thing will happen in the case of chicken and rice production if the borders remain shut to these items.’’
“With the yuletide season being celebrated, there is no cause for alarm because we are capable of meeting demands for poultry and rice.
“Presently, we are meeting the demand for both rice and chicken because apart from the festive season, Nigerians consume a lot of these items. But we will cope with the demand.
“Before, imported chickens had taken over the market but now we are capable.
“Let the government sustain the border closure for more years.
“With the border closure, a lot of poultry farms are coming back on steam and improving the income of local farmer.
“We also have enough raw materials to produce poultry feeds because we have many people in the business now.
“Procuring of feeds is no longer a challenge for us,” he added
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There is a little squirrel growing a lot of watermelons in the garden. When the harvest season comes, the little squirrel decides to sell the watermelons. What will happen?
Little squirrel thought, we must invite a good voice, the mouth of the salesman, such a good watermelon will sell a good price, so I can afford to buy a lot of skirts for my mother.
"Who will help me sell melons? Who will help me sell melons Little squirrel posted a recruitment inspiration: recruitment of a salesperson, requires a good voice, smart mouth.
The first one to apply for an interview was Miss frog. Miss frog cleared her throat and puffed up her cheeks: "cuckoo, cuckoo... Everyone says my voice is very loud. It's OK to ask me to sell cucumbers!" Little squirrel thought a lot and shook his head, "no, no, cucurbit, cucurbit, it sounds like bitter gourd, bitter gourd, my melons are very sweet!"
The second one who came to sign up was Mr. cicada, "urgent, urgent, urgent, my voice is the loudest, you can find me to sell melons
The little squirrel looked at Mr. cicada and shook his head. "The voice is beautiful, but... Hurry, look at you! I'm too impatient to get a good price. " Mrs. flower hen also came to interview, "cluck, cluck, cluck..."
"That's great, cluck cluck. It sounds like everyone is big and big. If I want to sell melons to you, I'll get a good price." Little squirrel was very happy.
After a while, all the watermelons were sold out, and the little squirrel bought a lot of flower skirts for her mother. Her mother praised the little squirrel as a good baby.


Production and quality respecting the environment and the consumer
Since its inception, Fimagri has shown itself to be particularly sensitive to the increasingly current needs of food safety and sustainability, in respect of the agricultural operator, the environment, the final consumer and in support of rural agricultural development in harmony with the optimization of the available resources. For this reason, the producer members have decided to conduct their crops with an integrated and organic production method, thus determining the rational use of synthetic chemicals for the protection from pests and weed control, but also the prudent use of nutrients needed for cultivation, available water resources, as well as agronomic techniques. This is possible thanks to the implementation of crop production and protection strategies based on the application of Good Agricultural Practices and the integration of a wide variety of sustainable techniques, including large crop rotations with adequate soil tillage, use of varieties resistant / tolerant to adversity, balanced fertilization and irrigation, adequate hygiene measures (sanitation of machinery and tools). Consequently, the obtaining of a safe, quality and environmentally friendly product is guaranteed, from which the consumer benefits directly.


Newbarn farm is a family run farm set on 33 acres near Ashbourne, Co. Meath, owned by William and Yvonne Ruiter.
William and Yvonne are passionate horticulturists and have been growing vegetables for nearly forty years.
Initially growing vegetables for supermarkets, William and Yvonne became frustrated with the waste resulting from the supermarkets demands for more packaging on fresh produce and wanting produce that was uniformally the one shape and size. They also disliked the amount of time it took their lovingly grown vegetables to get from their farm to the final customer.
Deciding to cut out the middle man, William and Yvonne opened Newbarn Farm Shop in 2004, selling their homegrown vegetables from a small corner of the farm shed directly to the customer. The shop has expanded over the years but the focus is still very much on supplying our customers with the freshest and best quality farm produce we can.
Not content with just selling fruit and vegetables and wanting to share their passion for fresh ingredients, William and Yvonne opened up The Donkey Shed Restaurant in 2011. An excellent home cook, Yvonne worked closely with our kitchen team in creating our menu and our delicious scones are made exactly to Yvonne’s own recipe.
Yvonne and William’s son, Andrew, upon completing his studies in horticulture also works on the farm and is involved in growing and sourcing fruit and vegetables for the Farm Shop. Saskia, their daughter, joined the farm in 2011 and works in the restaurant.


Okay, so you’ve just started gardening.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a while, or maybe you just decided to jump in headfirst after seeing some beautiful plants at the store.
Whatever the case, you’re excited to get started.
But before you start planting willy-nilly, there are a few rookie gardening mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Let’s start by saying that making mistakes is part of the process. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all made our share of errors when it comes to gardening. The key is to learn from those mistakes so that you can avoid making them in the future.
One idea that we love is finding a gardening buddy – someone who can help you troubleshoot problems, give you advice, and generally just be there to chat about your shared love of plants.
If you don’t have a gardening buddy, don’t worry – the internet is full of gardening forums and groups where people are more than happy to help out a fellow gardener.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way let’s take a look at some of the most common beginner gardening mistakes.
One of the most common mistakes is not preparing the soil before planting. This is especially important if you’re starting a garden from scratch. The soil is the foundation of your garden, and if it’s not healthy, your plants will struggle to grow.
To prepare the soil, you’ll need to add organic matter – things like compost, manure, and leaves. This will help to improve the drainage, aeration, and nutrient content of the soil.
It’s also important to choose the right plants for your garden. Just because a plant is pretty doesn’t mean it will do well in your garden. You’ll need to take into account the amount of sun and shade in your garden, as well as the type of soil you have.
If you’re not sure what plants will do well in your garden, ask a gardening expert or consult a gardening book.
Another common mistake is planting seeds too early. This is especially common in the spring when everyone is eager to get their gardens started. However, if you plant your seeds too early, they may not germinate, or they may die off before the weather gets warm enough.
It’s important to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting your seeds, and if you’re not sure when that is, you can always consult a gardening book or ask a gardening expert.
Finally, one of the most common beginner gardening mistakes is not watering your plants enough. This is particularly true for new gardeners who are still getting used to the needs of their plants.
Plants need different amounts of water depending on the type of plant, the time of year, and the weather. For example, during hot summer days, your plants will need more water than they would during cooler days.
If you’re not sure how much water your plants need, a good rule of thumb is to water them deeply once a week. This means watering them until the soil is saturated.
Remember, gardening is a process, and it takes time to learn. The key is to be patient, take your time, and enjoy the process. And if you make a mistake, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. Just learn from it and move on.
Have fun and happy gardening!


Beachcomber Light Roast
Beachcomber Honduras is a single origin Light Roast sourced from a specific producer in Honduras. This coffee is purchased from Roberto Figueroa, whose small 3.5ha farm is located in the community of Los Andes, Santa Barbara department of Honduras. Roberto grew up in a coffee producing family and purchased his own small plot of land with his life savings. By choosing his coffee through the local cooperative in Honduras, we are helping support his small farm, helping him to grow and produce quality 100% pacas variety coffee. Available in 340g and 2lb bags.
- Milk Chocolate


In the early 1960s, Nigeria was the world’s largest palm oil producer with a global market share of 43 per cent. Today, it is the 5th largest producer with less than two per cent of the total global market production of 74.08 million. From being one of the leading exporters of palm oil in the 1960s, Nigeria is now a net importer. Nigeria’s current local demand for palm oil is approximately three million metric tonnes, but the country produces only approximately 1.02 metric tonnes of oil palm. To complement the existing gaps in the sector, Nigeria spends about $500 million annually on oil palm importation.
The decline can be chalked up to the country’s over-reliance on crude oil as a source of revenue. On the other hand, traditional oil palm processing is a significant reason for the country’s low palm oil production. This slow and wasteful method of harvesting and processing palm oil is largely used by smallholder farmers, who account for 80 per cent of palm oil production in the country.
If these farmers had the right resources, Nigeria could earn above $20 billion annually from the cultivation and processing of palm oil, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) posits. Releaf, a company focused on leveraging technology to accelerate agricultural-based industrialisation in Nigeria and Africa, is well on its way to make this achievable.
Founded in 2017 by Ikenna Nzewi and Uzoma Ayogu, Releaf focuses on value chains with small factories near smallholder farmers. This reduces logistics costs and post-harvest losses while increasing processing yields and farmers finances.
In this interview with Ventures Africa, Nzewi discusses his background, challenges, recent funding, and plans.
Kindly introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
My name is Ikenna Nzewi. I grew up in the United States. I attended YALE University and majored in Computer Science. I visited Nigeria for the first time when I was 20 and got to visit the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where I fell in love with agriculture technology. I decided to return to Nigeria after university. Y Combinator invested in our company. We were one of their first ten African investments, and as a result, we were able to relocate to Nigeria and begin operations. We are focused on the oil palm industry.
What inspired you to start the company?
Releaf was established in 2017 to drive development in Nigeria and Africa’s food system, and we were excited to use technology to do so. We wanted to demonstrate what technology could do, so we piloted various technologies. For example, there was a time when we did a lot of commodity linkage between buyers and sellers. We then moved on to trade finance, business finance, commodities flowing from farms to factories, and finally to our business model centred on the oil palm sector.
How did you get the money to start Releaf?
Our Y Combinator investment was the first money into the business, and it was able to catalyze our start, allowing us to relocate to Nigeria. My co-founder and I started the company in the United States, so we needed to raise some funds before we could relocate. YC helped us do that, and as we gained traction, we attracted more investors. This year, we have also received a million and a half dollars in grants.
Releaf is catalyzing an agricultural revolution in Africa by leveraging digital technology and cutting-edge hardware. What is the company’s business model?
Our business model consists of three steps: we buy nuts from farmers, crack the nuts using our proprietary technology, sell to large food processors, and then provide consumers with vegetable oil and soap products.
You recently raised $2.7 million in seed funding and received $1.5 million in grants from The Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE) and USAID. What should we expect from this?
The focus of this seed round is to create technology that can process farmers’ crops, reduce post-harvest loss, and then commercialize that technology. So the goal is not just to build that technology but to use it in real-world markets with farmers to make them more prosperous. The emphasis is on technological advancement and commercial production. So, as I previously stated, our business model is to first develop the technology, then purchasing nuts from farmers, cracking those nuts with Kraken technology, and selling vegetable oils to these big food processors.
Why does Releaf prioritize palm production?
Nigeria’s history with oil palm and the potential of oil palm in the future are both of interest to us. Previously, Nigeria was the largest exporter of palm oil, but we now do less than two per cent of global export. There is an opportunity to reclaim the industry. As for potential, Nigeria is the world’s largest market of oil palm produced by smallholders farmers. We have millions of actors of oil palm under production, but Nigeria also has one of the worst yields per hectare in the world. So there is an immense opportunity to make smallholders more efficient so that we can transform the industry.
Oil palm is a crop with a biological advantage, so if I plant a plot of land with oil palm and you plant a plot of land with other crops that produce vegetable oil, my plot of land will produce seven to ten times more oil. With four million people employed in this sector, there is an opportunity to develop and deploy technology that makes the value chain more efficient and captures the potential of biological advantage.
Tell us about the Kraken machine. In how many states of the federation it is available?
Kraken is a development that we raised our seed round of funding for, and it is in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom. Akwa-Ibom is West Africa’s leading oil palm hub. The quality of the output the Kraken produces is superior to the industry standard. We also aim to achieve higher processing rates in other machines. A farmer can process about 500kg of palm nuts per day by cracking the nuts with their hands and rock. We are designing this technology to operate at 100 tonnes per day which is 200 times faster than a smallholder farmer with a rock.
Our goal is to develop technology that will bring this sector into the twenty-first century and deploy it as close to the farmers as possible. It will not be a large factory in Lagos or Ibadan, but a factory in local and rural areas with high agricultural productivity. That is where the factories should be so that farmers can concentrate on production and factories can concentrate on processing.
Kindly shed light on the equipment financing process?
Another goal of this round is to fund improved machinery for smallholder farmers and their steps of processing. Smallholder farmers have a method for extracting red palm oil from palm fruit, but the machines they use are rather rudimentary and do not extract all of the vegetable oil. So there is an opportunity to extract more vegetable oil by financing that equipment, so that is another activity we will pursue with this seed round.
What challenges do you face in the course of your business?
Doing something different from the general market is a challenge. We are an agritech company, not a fintech. We also manufacture hardware, and we operate in rural Nigeria. Educating the investor market on opportunity is something that we have had to do because not every international investor who invests in Africa has checked the oil palm sector and knows it intimately. So investor education has been hard to do.
Another challenge has been logistics. Especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, when there was a restriction on movement, we found it difficult to get raw materials to process to test our technology. COVID-19 also made equipment importation difficult. Approximately 20 per cent of the machines we import are difficult to import.
Written by Adekunle Agbetiloye


In Papua New Guinea we work in partnership with PUR Projet.
We focus on quality and through improved taste creates added value for everyone involved with chocolate, from farmer to consumer. The program lies on education, training and empowerment of local farmers to increase their productivity, bridging economic gaps and enhancing sustainability.
Our mission is to regenerate the Earth, by planting and saving trees in Papua New Guinea on and around the cocoa plantations. Planting trees is good for the climate, as well as countless social and economic benefits.
Since January 2020 we started with donating 2,5 % of our revenue from Chocolates from Heaven to our partner for planting trees. With this money PUR Projet brings its field expertise to implement agroforestry at a landscape level with smallholder cocoa producers working with us. The objective is to reconnect communities and economy with the ecosystem, bringing nature-based solutions in the conversation to create a business model resilient to climate change and improve farmers livelihoods.
All the cocoa is organic and Fairtrade certified.


Happy Earth Day! Rotochopper is proud to be a company which supports sustainable practices through the use of our horizontal grinders. By turning waste into a secondary product, the industries we serve are not only able to find profitable opportunities in recycling but are also doing their part to keep reusable material out of the waste stream and out of landfills. Additionally, the end products produced with Rotochopper’s horizontal grinders make their own contributions to supporting and improving environmental health through practices like composting and mulching.
Industries like tree trimming and land clearing produce massive amounts of green and brown waste, which can provide a wide variety of benefits when they are kept out of the landfills. In just a year, America alone wastes overs $161 billion in food products. However, through proper practices and supporting equipment, like Rotochopper’s horizontal grinders, that wasted organic material can become a nutrient-rich soil additive: compost.
Producing compost reduces the amount of green, wood, and food waste in landfills, lowering the emission of greenhouse gasses. With landfills as one of the top producers of human-related methane emissions, that’s something that’s sorely needed if we want to reduce the effects of global warming. But that’s not all: the practice of composting itself also helps promote environmental health.
Commercial fertilizers, if used in excess, can have adverse environmental effects, causing algae blooms and groundwater contamination that endangers animals and humans. As a valid alternative, compost improves soil health and structure by adding important nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These are, in turn, used by plants to promote better growth and, in the case of crops, larger yields. Additionally, composting improves the soil’s water retention, decreasing erosion and runoff and allowing plants to establish stronger, healthier roots.
Millions of tons of wood waste find their way to landfills each year, with construction, demolition, and land clearing as some of the largest contributors. Within the construction and demolition industries, wood waste—scrap lumber, old pallets, wooden shingles—is typically hauled to a landfill. When it comes to the downed trees and other brown waste resulting from land clearing, the go-to option used to be burning; however, this contributes to air pollution and has been banned in several areas.
With the use of horizontal grinders, a far better option for both of these industries is to grind wood waste into a profitable product that’s much better for the environment: mulch. While colored mulch does add a clean-looking finish to any garden or landscape project, its benefits aren’t just aesthetic. When spread around plants and trees, mulch can discourage pests and weeds, reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides that can contaminate dirt and water. Mulching also helps soil retain moisture, reducing water runoff, erosion, and the need for frequent watering, allowing for the conservation of our most vital resource.
We’re all responsible for the planet we call home. This Earth Day, consider what changes you can make to your operation to reduce your contribution to the waste stream. Ready to go greener? Contact a Rotochopper sales representative to get started.


Squatting with the sickle in one hand and grabbing the peas and barley close to the ground to cut and place into neat piles on the land, row after row we work together to make provisions to feed the cows for the long winter ahead in the Zanskar Valley of north east India.
The sickle is used as part of the well known symbol of the hammer and sickle, which was the symbol of the former Soviet Union. It is the symbol of Communism or Revolutionary Socialism. The sickle represents the agricultural working class or peasantry in this symbol.
The sickle is a valuable tool that can help us to cultivate the land, which I believe to be of great importance in today’a climate. Likewise, with the hammer that can be our tool for building simple houses from natural materials, hence sustaining the earth’s precious resources and living closer to nature, so that we can be more connected , happy and healthy beings.
I would like to draw attention to these hand tools and search for ways that promote natural living through various mediums and art processes. New technologies continue to pull us away from the real pleasure of working with our hands, and people and the earth alike can benefit from this connection.


The Louisiana Corn Festival is held every year the second full weekend in June. The festival and slogan “Aw Shucks” originated in 1986 and still is the only corn festival in the state of Louisiana. The name Louisiana Corn Festival was given to honor the impact that agriculture has on our economy and a Corn Farmer is honored each year. This festival has something for all ages. There is music every night with live bands Friday and Saturday night with a street dance, games, contests, corn cooking contest, children’s parade, pirogue races, corn shucking contest and corn eating contest! We also host a state wide softball tournament. With thousands of visitors each year our family friendly atmosphere makes the Louisiana Corn Festival an annual event to attend for families across our great state of Louisiana! All proceeds of the festival are put back into the community, festival grounds, and projects throughout the city. So follow the rows of corn down to Bunkie, where you are sure to have a corn shucking good time!!


INDIA: Mills hoping for ethanol recovery this season
Published: 10/13/2017, 12:54:39 PM
After slowing down to a mere 2.5% last year, sugar mills are hoping for a recovery in ethanol blending with petrol this year, due to a significant increase in cane output and thereby proportionate improvement in the availability of extra-neutral of alcohol (ENA). ENA is a derivative of sugar manufacturing and a pre-form of ethanol, according to India's Business Standard newspaper.
In November 2012, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 5% mandatory blending of ethanol with petrol, which was notified by the Centre under the Motor Spirits Act on January 2, 2013. According to the Act, oil marketing companies (OMCs) had to record 5% ethanol content in petrol by June 30, 2013 and 10% thereafter. However, considering weak supply orders on unremunerative price offer, OMCs managed to achieve a maximum of around 1.110 billion litres equivalent to 4% of blending for 2015/16 crushing season (November - October).
During the last season, i.e. 2016/17, however, drought in some parts of major cane growing regions in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu led to less sugarcane output and hence, lower availability of ENA. Consequently, sugar mills were able to supply 710 million litres equivalent to around 2.5% of blending.
"This year, however, we are expecting improvement in ethanol supply due to an increase in cane availability across the country. Cane output in India's two large cane growing states i.e. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra is estimated to remain significantly higher this year than last year. Hence, crushing is expected to be more resulting into higher quality of ethanol supply to the OMCs," said Abinash Verma, Director General, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).
Sugar industry estimates to achieve over 4% of ethanol blending during the supply season 2017/18 (December - November).
The First Advanced Estimates from the Union Ministry of Agriculture forecasts India's sugarcane output at 337.69 million tonnes for 2017/18 compared to its actual production at 306.72 million tonnes during the previous year, witnessing thereby an increase of 10%. Experts, however, believe that the latest spell of rainfalls would increase recovery in the standing cane crop. Hence, ENA output and conversion of ethanol might be proportionately higher this year.
Sugar mills, however, cautioned that OMCs need to float its ethanol procurement tender and finalise the quantity of order before November 30 i.e. till the ongoing supply tender ends. For which, the OMCs require to float an ethanol procurement tender now to have at least three weeks of time for sugar mills to apply for their possible quantity of supply. Again, negotiations of price between OMCs and sugar industry and finalising orders require another three- four weeks.
"This means, ethanol procurement tender needs to be floated today. Any delay in floating tender would result into proportionate delay in the entire eco-system. By then, sugar mills also initiate talks with chemical and potable alcohol manufactures. So, delay in floating tender would reduce the quantity of ethanol supply to OMCs," said a senior industry official on condition of anonymity.
Last year, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) had floated an ethanol procurement tender on behalf of all OMCs with opening date on October 22 and due date of November 11, 2016. Because of the delay in floating tender, the entire eco-system of finalising order got delayed resulting into lower supply of ethanol.
Experts, meanwhile, believe that the sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh supply around half of ethanol quantity required by OMCs. Because of higher cane availability, ethanol supply could have been more even last year. But, by the time OMCs floated tender, sugar mills had contracted with potable alcohol manufacturers. Therefore, sugar mills were able to supply only 25% of the tendered quantity of 2800 million litres last year, a leading ethanol supplier said.