1.   

Status and prospects of Indian meat industry

The contribution of livestock sector to the food basket in the form of milk, eggs and meat has been immense in fulfilling the animal protein requirement of ever-growing human population. The livestock sector is an important component of Indian agriculture. India has a huge livestock population (Table 1) and efficient utilisation of these resources including production and utilisation of livestock products is important to earn increased returns and sustain livestock production activities.

2.   

Foreign trade policy likely next month: Rahul Khullar

The foreign trade policy, to be unveiled next month, will focus on addressing India's trade deficit, which ballooned to $185 billion in 2011-12, exerting pressure on the country's current account deficit."The expectations are that 2012-13 would be difficult. But, there is a way of dealing with even difficult circumstances, so please leave that to be packaged, to be put together as part of the foreign trade policy (FTP) supplement that will be announced next month," Commerce Secretary Rahul Khull

3.   

World Bank to provide $352mn for dairy development in India

The World Bank signed an agreement with India to provide $352 million for the National Dairy Support Project, a step that will benefit about 17 lakh rural milk producing households."Government of India and the World Bank today signed an agreement for an IDA credit of $352 million (about Rs 1,805 crore) for the National Dairy Support Project to increase productivity of milk animals and improve market access of milk producers in project areas," World Bank said in a statement.

4.   

Horticultural clinics in Bangalore soon

Come June, a full-fledged horti (horticulture) clinic will be ready to guide citizens in making use of available land to cultivate more vegetables and flowers. Those who want to develop a kitchen garden, rooftop garden or a farm can just step into the horti clinic of the horticulture department to get professional guidance. Qualified persons in the clinic will give suggestions and guidelines on choosing crops, planting, growing, use of fertilizer and other technical aspects of farming to common