Bengaluru, Jul 7: There seems no impact of Covid-19 on kharif crop sowing in Karnataka with the current year actually being ahead of previous years, according to an official here on Monday.
"In agriculture, as far as sowing is concerned, there is no impact of COVID-19," Agriculture Commissioner Brijesh Kumar Dikshit told IANS. One of the reasons, according to Dikshit, is that people in rural areas are aware, but not scared of the pandemic.
"In rural India, coronavirus is there. People are aware, not scared. They are taking precautions, but don't have any phobia," he said.
Another reason was that by June the number of infections in Karnataka was not as high as other states, when a lot of sowing was done, he said.
By the end of June, Karnataka saw 15,242 Covid-19 cases. Of that, 7,074 were active.
The sowing is ahead of previous year as it's mostly dependent on weather. "It's ahead of previous years. Agriculture is directed by weather and rains had been slightly earlier this year," he said.
According to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, at 185 mm the state received 14 mm less rain in June against the normal 199 mm. "It's like a normal year, or slightly a good year," he said.
Some crops will be sown in the last fortnight of July and few more will extend up to August 15. "The last two weeks will be critical and on July 31 we should be able to tell whether we are short or ahead," he said.
According to preliminary indications, the Commissioner said the area under agriculture is increasing this year, which could also be because that labourers might have come back.
Mar 5: The government on Thursday asserted that there is no shortage of raw ingredients or medicines in the country as it has taken various initiatives to tackle the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
All initiatives are also being taken to ensure that there is no impact of the disease in India, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers D V Sadananda Gowda said.
"There is no shortage of any APIs in the country. We have sufficient APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and medicines in the country," he said.
Gowda was addressing the 5th international exhibition and conference on the pharmaceutical and medical industry organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Gujarat government and industry chamber Ficci here.
For another three months there is no shortage for undertaking production in the pharma sector, he added.
"Our government has taken all initiatives to ensure that as far as our country is concerned the coronavirus should be stopped, and there is no hazard as far as this issue is concerned," Gowda reiterated.
Coronavirus is a challenge and "we should make all efforts that need to be taken..., " he added.
On Tuesday, India, the world's largest maker of generic drugs, restricted the export of common medicines such as paracetamol and 25 other pharmaceutical ingredients and drugs made from them, as it looks to prevent shortages amid concerns of the coronavirus outbreak turning into a pandemic.
Besides over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer paracetamol, drugs restricted for exports included common antibiotics metronidazole, and those used to treat bacterial and other infections as well as Vitamin B1 and B12 ingredients.
A notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had said the export of 26 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations would require licence.
St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, which is celebrating its centenary year, celebrated 99th college day and merit programme of the academic year 2019-20 in P.U College Auditorium on February 11.
Ms. Philomina Lobo, Retired Director, Secondary Education department of public instructions, Government of India was the chief guest of the programme. The programme began by evoking the blessings of God. Sr Dr M Jeswina A.C, Principal, St Agnes College, Sr Dr M Maria Roopa A.C, the Joint Secretary, Mr. Ronald Pereira PTA Vice President, Mr Charles Pais the Controller of Examinations ,Dr Subha Rao were present.
Ms. Seemanthini, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Applications presented the annual college report digitally, highlighting the achievements of the institution, staff and students for the academic year.
Addressing the students, Ms Philomina Lobo advised, “You have knowledge and intelligence but you need to pray for wisdom. Use your talents in the right way.” She also mentioned that the companies today are looking forward for skilful youngsters and asked the students to “be skilful” in order to achieve success in life.
Students received Principal's role of honour, various scholarships and merit certificates for their excellence in academics. The cabinet members of the current academic year were also awarded on the occasion. The Principal gave a token of gratitude to Ms Philomena Lobo, who is also an alumna of the college. Mrs Meera, HOD, Department of History proposed the vote of thanks.
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We are already facing lot of problems here without food and money.
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