1.   

Robust agri sector will revive growth: Sharad Pawar

The UPA government hopes that the farm sector will come to its rescue for revival during current slowdown. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Jog, union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said improved performance in the agriculture sector is attributed to the government's slew of initiatives and investments and also to the proactive role played by states and farmers. How do you see the performance of agriculture during current year? Let me tell you, due to good monsoon, additional area has been covered under sowing this year.

2.   

Organic certification allows access to international markets

Even though organic farming has become the buzzword, farmers are for the most part unaware that they can widen their prospects by getting organic certification, giving them access to international markets. How do you see the performance of agriculture during current year? Let me tell you, due to good monsoon, additional area has been covered under sowing this year. "The minimum conversion period required for moving from the conventional to the organic farming system is three years," he said.

3.   

Oman-India willing to strengthen trade ties

The Oman-India trade ties are set to grow further with the two sides willing to add figures on the ever high export-import trade last year, a media report said. During 2012, India emerged as the top destination for Omani non-oil exports surpassing the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and non-oil exports from Oman to India jumped 48.1 per cent to 611.6 million Omani riyals from 413 million riyals in 2011, according to the Oman Daily Observer report.

4.   

Australia aims to help UP in agricultural sector, improve produce

Describing Uttar Pradesh as the power house of India in the agricultural sector, Australia on Monday said that it would like to help the state in upkeep and marketing of farm products. Expressing his desire to meet UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in this connection, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in India Bernard Philip said, "We would like to extend cooperation to UP in the field of agriculture specially in mango exports.