Organic Farming in India

Organic Farming in India

Organic farming is a holistic production management system which  promotes and enhances health of agro-ecosystem related to bio-diversity, nutrient bio-cycle and soil biological and microbial activities.  It is normally defined as a system of farming without use of chemical inputs (fertilizers/insecticides etc.) and is primarily based on principal of use of natural on farm organic inputs (like farm yard manure, green manure, oil cakes, press mud etc.) and also natural biological pest control and plant protection measures to promote agro-economic system and soil biological activity.

Growing Area

            Organic farming in India started receiving focused attention from 2004-05 when National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) was launched.  In 2004-05, area under organic farming was 42,000 hectares.  By March 2010 area  under  farming  had increased to 1.08 million hectares.  In addition, 3.40 million hectares is wild forest harvest collection area.  Thus total area under organic certification process by March, 2010 was 4.48 million hectares which is 25 fold increase in last 6 years.  In  cultivated organic land 7.56 lakh hectares is certified while 3.2 lakh hectare is under conversion.

The States doing well in organic farming are Madhya Pradesh(4.40lakh hectares), Maharashtra (1.50 lakh hectares) and Orissa (95,000 hectares), having largest area under organic.  Among crops cotton is the single  largest crop accounting for nearly 40 percent  of total area followed by rice, pulses, oilseeds and spices.  India is the largest organic cotton grower in world, and accounts for 50 percent share of total world organic cotton production.

Nearly 6.00 lakh  farmers under 920 grower groups produce 18.00 lakh tonnes of  different organic commodities valued  at Rs. 56-40 crores at farm gate price.  Out of 18 lakh  tonnesorganic produce, 54000 tonnes of produce valued at Rs. 561 crores was exported. Export of organic products has also grown steadily over the years.  Value of exports which was Rs. 301crores in 2006-07 has increased to 525.5 crores in 2009-10.

States Adopting Organic Farming

Nine States have drafted organic farming policies.  Out of these, four States viz;Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram have  declared  their intention to go 100 percent organic.  Sikkim has already converted nearly 40 percent of its total cultivated area under organic and has set target to convert entire State to organic by  2015.  Other States have also defined schemes to promote organic  farming.  Recently Bihar  has sanctioned a scheme worth Rs. 256 crores for promotion of organic farming for period 2010-11 to 2014-15.  This scheme is 100 percent State Plan Scheme and entire funds shall be borne by State Government.  The Scheme funded by  the Central Government will be in addition  to this scheme.

Promotion of Organic Farming

Organic farming is being promoted under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Regulatory Mechanism

For qualify assurance country has internationally acclaimed certification process in place for export, import and domestic markets.  Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act for exports and Agriculture Produce Grading, Marketing  and Certification Act for domestic.

Assistance

Important components of assistance being  provided under NPOF inter-alia include assistance  to input production (large compost plants and bio-fertilizers),  Quality control of organic inputs,  Human resource development through trainings, PGS facilitation, Biological soil health assessment and awareness creation.

            Main components under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Horticulture Mission (NHM) to assist organic farming are financial assistance to States for adoption and certification and financial assistance to States for vermin-compost production.

            While need to maximize crop yield to meet the growing demand for food grains is critical, agricultural productivity has to be sustained in long run.  There has been a deterioration in soil health due to removal of crop residues and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, aided by distorted prices.  To address these issues, the Government proposes to promote organic farming, methods, combining modern technology with traditional farming practices like green manuring, biological pest control and weed management.  These measures will give further push to organic farming. 

NFCH for Promoting Communal Harmony Proactively

NFCH for Promoting Communal Harmony Proactively

India is the land of a large number of communities. Efforts are made at various levels to ensure that harmony is maintained among different communities. The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) is one such organization under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs which works towards maintaining communal harmony.  NFCH was registered on 19^th February 1992 under the Societies Registration Act. The Governing Council (GC) of the Foundation has 24 members, with the Union Home Minister as its Chairman.

NFCH Mandate

The mandate of NFCH, inter-alia, includes undertaking programmes for providing assistance to the children of families affected by communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence; activities for promotion of communal harmony & national integration and encouraging activities to strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity among different religious and other groups. The Ministry of Home Affairs, provided a corpus of Rs.11 crore to the Foundation, with the direction that NFCH may utilize interest on this amount as well as raise donations to carry forward its activities.

Vision Statement

In the 15^th meeting of the Governing Council of the Foundation, held under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Minister on January 6, 2010, it was decided that a five-year ‘Vision Statement’ for NFCH should be prepared by a Committee. After discussions and incorporating suggestions of the members of Governing Council and keeping in view the financial and human resources of the Foundation, the ‘Vision Statement’ was approved by the Council at its meeting held on December 24, 2010.

NFCH envisages a vision of ‘India free from communal or any other form of violence where all citizens especially children & youth live in peace & harmony’; with the mission ‘Building Communal Harmony, Strengthening National Integration and Promoting Unity in Diversity through collaborative social action, awareness programs, assistance to children affected by violence, interfaith dialogue & leadership for our Shared Security, Peace & Prosperity.’

Strategic Goals

NFCH strategic goals are:

(i)         Education & Awareness- Offering and supporting educational programmes for children and youth, public awareness, research and knowledge generation that will facilitate peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and trust;

 (ii)       Partnerships & Outreach- Creating greater impact by drawing on shared expertise and commitment of the partners and stakeholders at grassroots, state, national and international levels;

(iii)       Recognition & Awards- Recognizing and awarding outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions for communal harmony, social cohesion and national integration;             (iv)     Affirmative action for children affected by violence- Identifying children from communal, caste, ethnic & terrorist violence-affected areas, ensuring their rights to survival, protection, education, vocational training and development; and

(v)        Resource mobilization- Developing and fostering collaborative efforts including fund-raising with key stakeholders including Government, Public & Private Sectors and Civil Society.

Key Activities

            To realize its goals, NFCH undertakes the following key activities:

 Education & Awareness: This involves organizing seminars, workshops, debates, painting competitions, etc. to reach out to masses; introducing awareness generationprogrammes at school/university level; organizing an Annual Public Awareness Campaign on Peace & Harmony in partnership with other like-minded organizations; awarding fellowships & financial assistance for studies on communal harmony and national integration; initiating a media campaign for making people aware of the ill consequences of violence and communal clashes and their adverse effects on children and youth; and promoting community celebrations for peace and harmony by organizing interactive get-togethers at festivals and cultural programs.

Partnerships & Outreach : The Foundation works towards involving public at large in furthering the cause of communal harmony. Towards this end, it organizes communal harmony campaigns - working with educational, governmental and religious organizations; identifies all the like-minded institutions in the country and makes a directory of individuals and academics who are active in this field; facilitates a ‘Volunteers for Peace & Harmony’ initiative which will provide people, particularly the youth, a chance to work for peace, communal harmony & national integration; partners with VOs/NGOs, RWAs to promote NFCH objectives; and develops and publishes books, films and audio-visuals aimed at promoting communal harmony & national integration.

Recognition : NFCH invites nominations to award individuals and organizations working towards promoting communal harmony and national integration; organizes meetings of the Jury, headed by the Vice-President of India and recognizes & awards outstanding contribution of an individual and organization every year.

Affirmative Action : NFCH takes affirmative action by way of providing financial assistance to children affected by communal, caste, ethnic and terrorist violence for their education; identifying fresh cases of children affected by societal violence; renewing assistance to existing cases of children and getting evaluation/impact assessment studies conducted.

Resource Mobilization through raising donations from educational, governmental institutions, etc. on the Flag Day observed in November every year and fundraising efforts from PSEs and private sector.

Road Map

To achieve the Vision for the Foundation - a Road Map for the next five years has been prepared. Under it, principles for NFCH Organization have been enunciated. Key roles will be performed by professionals as regular employees and some experienced professionals may be engaged on retainer-ship basis to perform some specific assignments. Engagement of Research Scholars & Summer Interns on time-bound specific projects is also envisaged.

With a view to achieving self-sufficiency, a rolling corpus fund of Rs. 31 crore should sustain without dilution, sponsorships & fund raising programs to be conducted and revenue generation through promotional activities and joint programming.

To help in fund raising efforts and to re-energize the Foundation, it is proposed to have eminent friends of NFCH for providing expert guidance from time to time in the areas of fundraising, financial management, HR and general administration.

Volunteers for Peace & Harmony

NFCH has recently launched the programme ‘Volunteers for Peace & Harmony’ (V for Peace-n-Harmony) to create a network of volunteers. Inspiration to set up a network of volunteers emanated mainly from the Gandhian concept that played a significant role in creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

            The launch of V for Peace-n-Harmony in 2011 coincides with the 10^th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) being celebrated by the United Nations. This would provide a platform to volunteers to join the noble cause being pursued by NFCH since a number of people have approached the Foundation to work as volunteers.

            The objectives of the Programme are: to create a network of volunteers to act as facilitators/change agents for promoting social harmony, when peace and social cohesion between communities is disturbed as well as during peaceful times for inclusive development; to spread awareness on peace and harmony in their respective communities and neighborhoods; to strengthen the sense of unity in diversity amongst citizens of the country and to take active participation in the Communal Harmony Campaign Week from 19^th-25^th of November observed by NFCH every year in the country.

Any citizen of India who believes in peace, non-violence and in the concept ofVasudhaiva Kutumbakam (whole world is one single family) is welcome. However, in the first phase, volunteers associated with NSS, NYKS, NYC, NCC, Civil Defence and students in schools/colleges/universities and corporates would be enrolled and those working with CSOs,Mohalla committees, RWAs, Sadbhavana clubs, Cordiality Committees, District Peace Committees, etc. would be enrolled in the second phase. The minimum age to be a Volunteer is 15 years and minimum educational qualification is Class 10^th. A volunteer is expected to possess the following qualities: love for people of the country, positive attitude, aptitude for knowledge/skill-sharing and mentorship skills. To mark entry as a volunteer, a person is expected to coin a slogan or provide a constructive / creative idea for peace and harmony. A certificate or a volunteer card would be issued to the volunteers after an annual review of their work by NFCH.

To have a balanced approach, the Vision Statement puts more emphasis on preventive activities to promote communal harmony and national integration by widening its outreach as compared to the hitherto prominence of the curative or reparative activities being undertaken. It is expected that with the new Vision for streamlining and strengthening the ongoing activities and proposed new initiatives, NFCH would become a more visible, vibrant and energetic organization in the field of promotion of communal harmony and national integration in the coming years. 

World Blood Donor Day

Donation of Blood is a Sign of Kindness

"More blood, more life" is this year's theme of the World Blood Donor Day, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Every two seconds someone needs blood. Our blood helps more than one life at a time. Accident victims, premature babies, patients undergoing major surgeries require whole blood, where blood after testing is used directly. Patients suffering from trauma, anemia, and other surgeries require only red blood cells, which is separated from our blood. The procedure of splitting blood components is called Cytapheresis. Similarly blood platelets are used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or for those undergoing treatment for dengue fever etc. Fresh frozen plasma is used for patients having massive transfusions, plasma is used for burns and cryoprecipitate is used for hemophilia.

Blood is needed at regular intervals and at all times as it has only finite time of storage. Red blood cells can be stored for about 42 days, fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate for 365 days and blood platelets for 5 days.

Blood is composed of 60% liquid  and 40% solid part. The liquid part is called Plasma, made up of 90% water and 10% nutrients, hormones, etc. is easily replenished by food, medicines, etc. But the solid part that contains RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells) and Platelets take valuable time to be replaced if lost.

Blood is seen as a life force and a symbol of life itself. Human blood is in constant demand and blood donors are vital for a blood centre.Maintaining a safe blood supply is therefore a priority for public health. Blood donor decision-making was analyzed through a study to understand the process better and thereby increase donation efficiency and retention of donor pool. The decision to donate is motivated by a host of factors. It is well known that during blood donation, some subjects experience stress reactions which are higher in “first-time” donors than in experienced donors. AMT, a behavioural interventional technique was used to facilitate donation from individuals with blood phobia and reduce donor reactions. The aim of the exercise was to study the effect of AMT on donor reactions and donation experience, as well as donors’ attitude towards the AMT technique.

Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.  Blood carries to the body nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen.  Blood carries away from the body waste matter and carbon dioxide.  Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds, keeping one healthy.  Blood makes up about 7% of our body's weight.   White blood cells are the body's primary defence against infection.  Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, roll along blood vessel walls to search and destroy bacteria.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.  There are about one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood.  Red blood cells live about 120 days in the circulatory system.  Blood platelets help clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live.Blood is composed of cells suspended in a liquid. The liquid portion is the plasma, from which therapeutic fractions and derivatives are made. Suspended in the plasma are three types of cells: Red cells: These carry Oxygen; White cells: These fight infection; Platelets: These stop wounds bleeding

The most common type of grouping is the ABO grouping. Red Blood Cells have a protein coat on their surface which distinguishes them. According to this blood is divided into four groups:

A (A protein is present), B (B protein is present), AB (AB protein is present) and O (No protein is present). There are subtypes under this grouping (listed as A1, A2, A1B or A2B…) some of which are quite rare. Apart from this there is another protein which plays an important part in the grouping of blood. This is called the Rh factor. If this is present, the particular blood type is called positive. If it is absent, it is called negative.

Blood cannot be harvested it can only be donated. This means only one can save a life that needs blood. Every year India requires 40 million units of 250cc blood out of which only a meager 500,000 of blood units are available. Saving a life does not require heroic deeds. One could just do it with a small thought and an even smaller effort by saying "yes". Anyone above 18 years weighing more than 50 kgs (110 lbs) can donate blood.

Before donation of blood one has a good meal at least 3 hours before donating blood.  Accept the snacks offered after the donation, it is vital that to have them. One is recommended to have a good meal later. Smoking on the day before donating must be avoided. One can smoke 3 hours after donation. No one will be eligible to donate blood if he or she has consumed alcohol 48 hours before donation.

There are several misconceptions about donation of blood.  They are, donor will feel drained and tried after donating, normal activities cannot be resumed, blood will decrease, alcohol can not be consumed, painful feeling at the time of donation of blood, dizzy feeling and as a result someone may get faint, getting infected of AIDS, as the blood is common no demand is there. But actually none of these will happen to blood donor. Donation of blood is always has good reason to save human from severe acuteness of blood.

Donation of blood is a sign of kindness and care for the fellow human beings. There is no gift more valuable than a gift of Blood, as it is actually a gift of life for the person who receives it. Indiabloodbank.com is an online edge for bringing mutually giving blood donors and patients who needs blood in India.

More Blood More Life

More Blood More Life

The World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies initiated World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) in 2004. It takes place on June 14 each year and provides an opportunity for a united, national and global celebration on a day that has particular significance-the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group system.The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is, “More blood. More life.” This theme reinforces the urgent need for more people all over the world to become lifesavers by volunteering to donate blood regularly. The Global Network for Blood Donation, a Rotarian Action Group (GNBD), liaises with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (IFBDO/FIODS) and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), which jointly are sponsoring the WBDD.

               The need for safe and secure supplies of blood and blood products is universal. Worldwide, at least 90 million units of blood are donated each year to save lives and improve health. However, demand for blood for transfusion continues to increase, and many countries cannot meet existing needs. In many regions, this means inadequate supplies to replace blood lost in childbirth (a major cause of maternal deaths) and to treat anemia that threatens the lives of children who have malaria or are undernourished. Everywhere, blood and blood products are needed for routine and emergency surgery, including life-saving treatment for growing numbers of people injured in road traffic accidents, and for treating congenital blood disorders.

              Globally, more than 70 countries have blood donation rates less than what is generally considered necessary to meet a nation’s basic requirements for blood, namely 1% of the population; the requirements are higher in countries with advanced health care systems. Even countries with higher donation rates often struggle to maintain blood stocks that are sufficient to meet the requirements for a range of increasingly sophisticated medical and surgical procedures. A stable base of voluntary unpaid blood donors who give regularly is the foundation of a safe and adequate blood supply. In addition, evidence shows that voluntary donors are at lower risk of transmitting life-threatening infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C through their blood than family and replacement donors and, especially, paid donors.

                 Today, 57 countries have achieved 100 per cent voluntary blood donation, up from 39 in 2002. The scale and volume of World Blood Donor Day events increases every year. This is the first time that the global World Blood Donor Day event will be hosted in Latin America and the Government of Argentina welcomes the challenge! 2011 World blood donor day campaign is "Paint the World red". The world today honors voluntary blood donors for their priceless contribution to their communities."A sufficient, safe blood supply is a key part of an effective health care system and essential for disease prevention," says LEE Jong-Wook, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). "In our work to increase access to treatment for people living with AIDS around the world, safe blood is a crucial part of our prevention and care strategy."

            The basis for an adequate supply of safe blood is a pool of healthy, regular, voluntary donors who give blood without financial or other reward. Research has shown that donors who give blood of their own free will without the expectation of payment are the 'safest' donors. However, a recent WHO survey shows that out of 178 countries, only 39 have 100% voluntary, unpaid blood donation.89% of low and medium Human Development Index (HDI) countries rely on family replacement donations (where a member of the patient's family has to replace the units of blood given to the patient) and paid donations. In those countries, the sero prevalence for transfusion-transmissible infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis) in blood donors is much higher than in countries with full voluntary, unpaid donations. World Blood Donor Day is a celebration of the unsung heroes directly responsible for saving or improving the lives of millions of patients. More fundamentally, it is an urgent invitation to people, particularly young people, to make responsible choices, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and give blood regularly.

National Blood Policy (India)

         A well-organized Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) is a vital component of any health care delivery system. An integrated strategy for Blood Safety is required for elimination of transfusion-transmitted infections and for provision of safe and adequate blood transfusion services to the people. The main component of an integrated strategy include collection of blood only from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors, screening for all transfusion transmitted infections and reduction of unnecessary transfusion. The Blood Transfusion Service in the country is highly decentralized and lacks many vital resources like manpower, adequate infrastructure and financial base. The main issue, which plagues blood banking system in the country, is fragmented management. The standards vary from State to State, cities to cities and centre to centre in the same city. In spite of hospital-based system, many large hospitals and nursing homes do not have their own blood banks and this has led to proliferation of stand-alone private blood banks.

           The blood component production/availability and utilization is extremely limited. There is shortage of trained health-care professionals in the field of transfusion medicine. For quality, safety and efficacy of blood and blood products, well-equipped blood centers with adequate infrastructure and trained manpower is an essential requirement. For effective clinical use of blood, it is necessary to train clinical staff. To attain maximum safety, the requirements of good manufacturing practices and implementation of quality system moving towards total quality management, have posed a challenge to the organization and management of blood transfusion service.

            Thus, a need for modification and change in the blood transfusion service has necessitated formulation of a National Blood Policy and development of a National Blood Program which will also ensure implementation of the directives of  Supreme Court of India - 1996.

Objectives of the Policy

To achieve the above aim, the following objectives are drawn:

1.To reiterate firmly the Govt. commitment to provide safe and adequate quantity of blood, blood components and blood products.

2.To make available adequate resources to develop and re-organize the blood transfusion services in the entire country.

3.To make latest technology available for operating the blood transfusion services and ensure its functioning in an updated manner.

4. To launch extensive awareness program for donor information, education, motivation, recruitment and retention in order to ensure adequate availability of safe blood.

5. To encourage appropriate clinical use of blood and blood products.

6. To strengthen the manpower through human resource development.

7. To encourage Research & Development in the field of Transfusion Medicine and related technology.

8. To take adequate regulatory and legislative steps for monitoring and evaluation of blood transfusion services and to take steps to eliminate profiteering in blood banks.

Blood Safety and Informing Donors of their HIV status

In India, government regulations require all blood banks to be licensed and monitored for supply of safe blood. All donated blood is subjected to mandatory testing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria and syphilis. Any blood unit found to be positive for any of the mentioned infections is discarded. For HIV, only a single ELISA test is conducted for blood banking purposes and any blood unit found sero-positive on this single test is discarded. This is not a confirmation of HIV infection in the donor. Confirmation of HIV in an individual is through three tests repeated on the same blood sample. This confirmation is conducted at Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) separately established at various tertiary and district hospitals and NGO and private sector health facilities. The existing policy of the Government envisaged revelation of HIV status only to result seeking blood donors. This policy decision was taken in 2003 when there was a great need to encourage voluntary blood donation, which is gradually picking up in the country.

             Hence with, we can realize that blood donation is very intrinsic process because we have no alternate of blood gifted by god. Moreover, Voluntary blood donation is the divine activity because we are giving life to person in form of god whose life is in endangered. In the accordance with theme, National AIDS Control Organization is motivating many communities all across the country through State AIDS Control Societies, different non-government organizations and various local communities to join the World Blood Donor Day 2011 campaign. The campaign says “Paint the world red” and the message is conveyed through lighting or covering monuments, symbolic coloring popular landmarks and buildings in red, forming a “human blood drop” in public places or by organizing programs in an artistic or musical way with a red colored theme, organizing voluntary blood donations camps as well in comprehensive manner.

Green India Mission

Green India Mission

A 45,000 crore rupees huge programme to increase the country’s green cover is going to be launched soon. The 10 year long  programme named Green India Mission, GIM after a preparatory phase of one year will get going from 2012. Addressing a series of functions on the occasion of the World Environment Day on 5^th June this year, the Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh said that the target is to bring 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land under green cover and improve the quality of green cover on another 5 million hectare of non-forest land.

          Recalling late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi’s initiative in 1985 to bring 5 million hectares of waste land under green cover every year, Shri Ramesh admitted, “ We are far behind from the original objective” and said that there should be realistic and credible targets this time. There is a difference between the old initiative and the GIM. The Minister said that there will be a fundamental shift in mindset from the traditional focus of merely increasing the quantity of forest cover, towards increasing the quality of forest cover and improving provision of ecosystem services. Unlike the earlier initiative, the GIM will be implemented by GramSabhas with the technical and managerial support of the forest personnel. Now money will directly go to the Gram Sabhas and not through forest departments of State Governments. The Minister said “The need for us is to ensure that it should be seen as a   programme of local elected bodies.” He said, the restructured Joint Forest Management Committees, JFMCs would play an important role in this.

         Again, there will be real time monitoring of forests under this program instead of just expenditure monitoring. The Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO will soon launch a series of satellites specially dedicated to monitoring the forest cover. The satellites willrevolutionise the monitoring system and help make sensible conclusions about work and progress of forestry programs.

          But, the GIM is not merely a plantation program. Its another important aspect is to eliminate poverty. It will address livelihood problems of about 15 million poor people. While addressing the livelihood problems of the poor people, it will also ensure implementation of the Forests Rights Act. Besides, under it, the community youth will be trained to maintain and take forward the fruits of investment in this mission. A senior official of the Ministry of Environment and Forests said, in forestry sector results are not seen in short term; they become apparent only in long term. He said, GIM’s impact could be seen not only in forest areas, but also in wetlands, urban areas, natural eco-systems and grasslands.

        The government is hopeful of meeting the GIM’s targets in time as in the past few years the country’s green cover has been steadily rising. According to State of Forests Report 2009 of the Ministry which is based on satellite imagery up to 2007, in the preceding 10 years, India’s forest cover increased by 3.31 million hectares, showing an average 0.46% increase every year. At present, about 21.02% of the country's geographical area is under green cover. This is a surely commendable achievement when many countries are losing sizeable chunks of forests; for example Brazil which is losing 2.5 million hectares of forests every year.

       There is another reason for hope of meeting the GIM targets. Spurred by the need to become eco-friendly and to survive in harmony with the environment, a trend of going green is now fast catching up across the globe and it is reflected in the changing life style of people. India has enrolled itself to join this new trend and pass out with the best result possible. In fact, many of the country’s industrial houses have already initiated green drive. Some State Governments are also in the green mode. The Delhi Government has introduced ‘Energy Conservation Building Code to give clear instructions on construction of new government buildings.

        The trend is also catching up with the public. In the country’s fashion industry, many designers now work on environment-friendly clothing and showcase their support for the 'green' cause during fashion weeks. Natural fabrics like hand-woven wool from shepherds, natural silks, recycled junk jewellry, organic knits, etc are being widely used. Fashion designers like Rohit Bal, cine stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra and sportsmen like Abhinav Bindra and M S Dhoni have joined various Green campaigns.

         A shining example of going green has been set up by the villagers of  Mawlynnon, situated 90 km away from the Meghalaya capital, Shillong . It has won the distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia. The village has over 80 houses of which every adult member is a green ambassador who keep his surroundings clean by doing simple voluntary service like sweeping the roads and lanes, watering the plants and cleaning the drains.

        But, India is not only setting examples of going green but also continuing with fast economic growth. It is now the Government’s endeavour to have a balanced approach so that both the drives can go hand in hand. On this year’s World Environment Day, Environment and Forests Minister, Shri Ramesh released a United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP report on ‘Forests in a green economy’ in New Delhi. In his speech on the occasion, he said that with the rise in economic growth and population, the energy needs of the country are bound to grow. Keeping this in view, the government has adopted a “balanced approach” on its nuclear and other power programs. He added, "Forest cover should be 33% in India. To accomplish this, area would have to be reclaimed from the sea while we increase the monitoring of the forest cover." The UNEP report has called for a global investment of 40 billion dollars annually to bring down the deforestation rate to half of the present by 2030. India has heeded to the advice and making adequate investment to secure the future of its citizens as well as those of the globe. 

Hangul

Recent Census Kindles Hope for Endangered Hangul

Hope has kindled for the survival of the nearly extinct Kashmir antelope ‘Hangul’.  The preliminary findings of the census of Hangul conducted in Kashmir in March 2011 have shown an increase in their numbers.  The state Forest Minister Mian Altaf Ahmad while reviewing the conservation of Hangul in Srinagar recently revealed that census report of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has put the number of Hanguls at 218 in Dachigam and adjoining areas. 

The Department of Wild Life Protection of Jammu and Kashmir Government in collaboration with the WII has been regularly monitoring the population of  Hangul in theDachigam National Park and the adjoining areas since 2004.  The last census in 2009 had put their number at 175 with an increase in male, female and fawn ratio.  The wildlife authorities had that time said that it boded well for a sustained population growth of Hangul and had described it as a sign of hope.

Critically endangered Hangul, a sub-species of red deer, is found only in Kashmir. Kashmir stag is distinct with its male species bestowed with magnificent antlers with 11 to 16 points and long hair on their necks while their female counterparts have none of these features. Nevertheless, both change their brownish fur with seasons and also with age. In the beginning of the 20th century the red deer existed in thousands. They lived in groups of 2 to 18 in denseriverine forests, high valleys, and mountains of Kashmir valley.   Unfortunately, their habitats were destroyed, their pastures over-grazed by domestic livestock, and  became victims of poaching.

Hangul is confined today to Dachigam National Park at elevations of 3,035 meters on the outskirts of state’s summer capital Srinagar.  According to an aged and former wildlife official Mohammad Qasim Wani, at the time of Independence there were around 3,000 Hangul spread over various parts of the valley. He recalled that he had seen quite big herds of Hangul in Kulgam and Pahalgam in South Kashmir and Uri, Lolab, Kupwara, Gurez, Teetwal, and other places in western and northern parts of the valley.

Similarly, older people living around Dachigam National Park recall that the area had plenty of Hangul who would sneak into their fields to eat crops.  Wildlife officials confirm that the National Park had as many as 800 Hangul at one time.  Mohammad Qasim Wani laments that Hangul became victim of poachers’ greed and the indiscriminate killings for sport that wiped out the Kashmir stag from most of the areas in the valley and taking it to the verge of extinction. Moreover, human encroachments into forests have considerably increased since 1947 resulting in fragmentation of the habitat of Hangul.

The first ever census of the Hanguls by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources was held about four decades back in early 1970s which sounded alarm bells as their numbers were found to be mere 170.  The State Government initiated several measures to save the Hangul from extinction.  These included the enactment of Wildlife Act and the setting up of a full-fledged wildlife department. These and other steps had started giving great results and the Hangul population increased to over 340 by 1980.

But unfortunately, the outbreak of militancy over two decades back set the clock back, while the Wildlife Department staff feared to venture out into the Hangul habitat some nomads reportedly took undue advantage of the situation and encroached with their sheep into the designated grazing grounds of Hangul. The Wildlife Institute of India shockingly found a steep drop in their number ranging somewhere between 117 and 160 making the Kashmir stag critically endangered. However, with situation on the ground improving in recent years, the conditions for Hangul’s survival are changing for the better.  

The three-member team of the Wildlife Institute of India during the recent census spotted Hangul outside the Dachigam National Park in nearby Khanmoh, Khrew, and Brain.  The Institute has suggested that besides these areas adjoining Chasmashahi, Nishat andWangat should also be incorporated in the conservation area of the endangered deer species. Encouraged by the latest census findings, the Department of Wildlife Protection jointly with the Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi has initiated the survey of Hangul all over Kashmir valley to know the actual position regarding the distribution of Hangul population in natural habitat.  Meanwhile, an ambitious ‘Save Hangul’ project is being implemented which includes survey of the Hangul’s natural habitat along with that of the leopard and black bear. The five-year project will make use of the latest wild animal photograph technology, including the use of satellite imageries and geographical information systems.                                                                                           The other features of the Rs.1.67 crore project includes artificial breeding of the highly endangered deer for which a Conservation Breeding Centre is being set up with necessary infrastructure on about five acres area at Shikargagh in Tral with monetary assistance from the Central Zoo Authority. Construction of another such breeding centre is in progress at Darwudri-Mamar. According to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Jammu & Kashmir, A K Srivastava on its completion around ten male and female Hanguls in the ratio 3:7 would be put up in the centre for breeding. Once thefawn grow, they would be installed with radio collars and released into the wild to monitor their movements. Experts say the centre would also help in building a genetic stock of Hangul in case the species gets extinct due to some natural calamity or any other reason. Theprogramme is likely to be expanded further depending upon its success.

            It is also proposed under the project to upgrade the natural domain of Hangul through reforestation and also initiate measures to conserve soil and improve water management and develop pastures.  Anti-poaching measures would be strengthened too and encroachment into Hangul pastures prevented. But experts say much will depend upon the participation of local community in the conservation efforts. Without people’s involvement and political will of the Government, Hangul’s future would remain in doldrums.  There is already awareness about it in certain sections of local community and that has acted as a silver lining.This needs to be broad based and strengthened to conserve Hangul in its last bastion, who is a glorious constituent of Kashmir’s natural heritage.

DRDO : Recent Achievements at a Glance

DRDO :  Recent Achievements at a Glance

DRDO has made many significant achievements during the recent past, including the last year.  Many important systems were inducted/accepted by the services.  The production value of systems based on technologies developed by DRDO (inducted/accepted/orders placed) during the past one decade is well over Rs.1,10,000/- crores.

Agni, the 3500 km range ballistic missile was successfully launched with user’s participation.  Training flights were held by the users for various missiles that are already inducted.  These included two flight tests each of Agni – I, Agni – II and Dhanush (from naval ships) and five flights of Prithvi II (P– II).  Orders worth over Rs. 25000 crores for surface-to-air missile- AKASH have been placed by the users.  These include 8 squadron for IAF and 2 regiments for the Army. Successful flight tests of Endo-Atmospheric Interceptor for 2000 km class target were carried out.  Each flight led to a direct target hit and disintegration of the target.  Capabilities of NAG, the third generation anti-tank missile, which is a vehicle mounted system was demonstrated in a series of user trials. Advanced versions of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the only one of its kind in the world, were developed and flight-tested.  Thus, BrahMos block II with target discrimination precision strike capabilities was test-fired.  Similarly, BrahMos block III with capability for steep diving from high altitudes and high maneuvers at multiple points during supersonic flight.  Development of advanced missile systems is a continuous effort and requires systematic development of more and more advanced technologies.  RLG based Inertial Navigation System was developed, qualified and tested.  Active Radar Seekerfor advanced missions was developed.  A Fibre Optics Gyro was successfully developed and tested on board. 

 In the area of Aeronautics, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)concluded its extensive flight tests including weapon trials, dropping of bombs, jettisoning drop tanks and night flights; leading to its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on 10^th January, 2011.  Over 1640 flights covering a period of over 969 hours have been completed by Tejas Mark 01.  The first prototype of LCA Navy was rolled out and its induction tests were concluded.  In tune with changing war of scenario, major thrust has been given to develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).  Successful flight trials of RUSTAM-1, a UAV with endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 meters demonstrated the capabilities for automated / remotely piloted landing/ take-off and associated technologies.  NISHANT, another UAV developed by DRDO was ready for induction by the Army. A medium sized aerostat based platform was developed for surveillance applications.  A novel method was developed and flight-tested for an in-flight structural monitoring of the manned as well as unmanned aircraft structures.  The scheme was flight tested on a NISHANT UAV.  Besides, over 100 test flights of a 3,000 gram Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) designed and developed by DRDO were carried out.  A Laser Seeker Kit – ‘SUDARSHAN’, for 1,000 pound bombs was developed and initial demand for significant number of seekers kits has been received from the users. Major milestones in the indigenous development of fighter aircraft engine was achieved with the completion of “Official Altitude Testing” (OAT) of Kaveri Gas Turbine Engine for simulated operating conditions.  Subsequently, the flights of Kaveri engine were successfully carried out on a Flying Test Bed (FTB) proving the technological capability and maturity of the indigenous efforts.  This is the first time that an indigenously developed gas turbine engine for fighter aircraft has been flown on a FTB board.  DRDO has developed expertise in the field of testing and certification for various components sub-systems and systems as well as complete airborne platforms.  Thus, Initial Operational Clearance of LCA andAdvanced Light Helicopter MK – III were major activities in this area. 

Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system HUMSA NG was designed, developed and installed on various ships of Indian Navy. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of navigation was demonstrated at sea.  A Carbon Dioxide Curtailment System for submarines was designed and developed.  The system has been accepted by the user. SANJEEVANI MK II, a device designed and developed to locate victims trapped under the debris was handed over to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Kerala Govt. Fire Services.

An advanced facility was created to undertake full scale processing of large Rocket motors.  The facility was commissioned and the casting of various motors commenced.  Development of PINAKA – Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System was achieved with the successful transfer of technology to production agencies, two regiments of PINAKA (worth Rs 1300 crores) have been raised by Army which is likely to place orders for another two regiments.  The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for multimode grenade was completed, for which Army has placed an order for 10 lakh grenades.  Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL)for INSAS and AK-47 rifle was introduced into service with order for 10,000 Launchers.  The state-of-the-art microcontroller based system Instant Fire Detection & Suppression System (IFDSS) BMP-2/2K developed for providing protection against fire to the troops & engine compartment, was accepted by the Army.  Production order worth Rs. 168 crores has been received. 

MBT Arjun Mark I was successfully inducted in the Army and two regiments of Arjun Main Battle Tank have been raised.  A Carrier Command Post Tracked (CCPT) vehicle was accepted by the Army for induction.  A modified Armoured Amphibious Dozer (AAD) completed its user trials.  User trials of remotely operated vehicle (ROV DAKSH) were successfully carried out and LSP order for 20 numbers is being executed.  Design of Snow Gallery for protection of personnel and equipment from avalanches and design ofInstrumented Composite Tower for studies on avalanches were completed. 

 In the field of electronics and electro-optics, many systems were inducted/accepted by the services.  3D medium range surveillance radar - ROHINI and its naval variant REVATHI were inducted.   3D low-level light weight radar - Aslesha (for IAF) as well as Bharani (for Army) was accepted by the user. The engineered version of upgraded Weapon Locating Radar (WLR – Swathi) developed by DRDO was realized by the production agency.  The electronic warfare system SAMYUKTA (naval variant) and SUJAV were inducted.  Orders have been received for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) with anti-jamming features.  A holographic sight for rifles/carbines was developed for aiming in closed quarter battle role and was accepted by the users.

Even with the most advanced weapon systems, the man behind machine is the most crucial factor in winning the war.  The Life Sciences laboratories of DRDO continued to develop technology to maximize the operational efficiency of our soldiers and provide them with adequate support and protection.  Some of the major achievements are highlighted.  Three mobile laboratories for nuclear, biological and chemical defence were handed over to the user and rigorous training was imparted to them.  An upgraded first-aid kit for protection against chemical and biological agents as well as the nuclear radiation were accepted by the services.  Technology for producing DRDO developed kits for detection of swine flu was transferred to the production agency.  The Combat Free Fall (CFF) protection system to meet the requirements of high altitude paratrooper’s mission requirements was designed developed and is under limited series production.  A Submarine Escape Set (SES) for escape from an abandoned submarine from depths of 100m was designed and developed. Navy has projected a requirement of over 400 suits.  Greenhouses were established at power plant locations such as Siachen Base camp, Chushul, Battalik etc and an average of 1400 kg vegetables of high nutritive values were produced in each greenhouse by standardizing the practices and procedures. About 5000 MT of vegetables are locally grown for meeting Army’s requirements  A Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was designed, developed and accepted by the Air Force.  Series production of systems for deployment at all the Air Force Selection Boards of the IAF is underway.  Yoga Training Modules have been developed for toning up cardio-respiratory, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems to maintain optimum physical fitness and mental health of troops deployed at high altitude extreme climates. Yoga training was provided to over 2000 personnel who were to be deployed at Siachen Glacier. MoU has been signed with Indian Railways for joint development of Biotoilets to be installed in rail coaches.  Biotoilets have been installed in Lakshadweep Islands and NE region of India for safe disposal of human waste and MoUs signed with Indian Railways & Min. of Urban Development for installation in rail coaches & homes.  MoU with Ministry of Urban Development is under process for joint development of biotoilets and their installation under mass civilian program.

Advanced materials have been always at the core of weapon systems and military hardware. Significant milestones were achieved in this critical area.  A low-alloy steel “DMR-1700” with ultrahigh strength and high fracture toughness was developed as a cost effective replacement of 250 grade maraging steel.  The alloy was successfully proven by successful demonstration in the intended application.  A 500 ton per annum capacity titanium sponge plant based on DRDO technology was set up at Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). The Plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 27 Feb 2011. Light-weight composite armour for Mi-17-IV helicopter of IAF has successfully undergone integration and flight-trials.  Technology developed for vacuum investment casting of gas turbine blades for Kaveri engine was extended for making high pressure turbine blades for land-based gas turbine for power generation.  The runways at strategic locations often require rapid repairs. Many of these locations are in extreme cold regions where the normal concrete does not set in easily.  Technology for rapid repair of runways in cold regions was developed and successfully demonstrated at sub zero temperature.

A dedicated team of DRDO engineers executed highly specialized nature of Civil works at some of the most difficult and hazardous area within the stipulated time frame. Agreements for co-operation / co-development in frontline areas of science, technology and engineering were signed with several countries.

With “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” as the mool mantra, DRDO continues its march towards building self-reliance in critical defence technology.