Rs 10,000 crore set aside to boost fisheries, aquaculture and animal husbandry: Budget 2018-19
In the budget 2018-19, a dedicated fund of Rs 10,000 crore has been set aside for developing the fisheries, aquaculture and animal husbandry sectors. In addition, the Kisan Credit Card facility has been extended to farmers engaged in this sector as well. The fisheries sector is very important to ensure nutritional security and India is ranked second globally in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Government to construct over two crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission
The Centre has allotted Rs 30,343 crore for improving sanitation under the rural component of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Out of the total amount, Rs 15,000 crore is expected to be raised from non-budgetary resources. Statistics show that over six crore toilets have been built since the programme was launched four years back. Over 3,00,000 villages have been declared open defecation free.
Centre's budget outlay for environment and forests remains unchanged from 2017-18
The union ministry of environment and forests has been allocated the exact same amount in the budget as the previous financial year. The outlay proposes increased spending for development of wildlife habitats in addition to tiger and elephant conservation. However, the amount allocated for coastal management, environment protection and sustainable development programmes have decreased compared to last year.
Centre to establish Amazon-like platform for agricultural produce soon
The government plans to set up an Amazon-like platform for marketing agricultural produce once all 585 agriculture produce marketing committees (APMCs) are connected to the eNational Agriculture Market (eNAM) by the end of next month. The eNAM is expected to serve as a technology platform to help thousands of farmers sell their produce without any intermediary interference. Four hundred and seventy APMCs have already been connected to eNAM network so far.
National Green Tribunal seeks response from the Centre regarding Ganga e-flow
Following a plea filed by an environmental activist, the National Green Tribunal has sought the Centre’s response regarding maintaining the environment flow (e-flow) necessary for sustaining life in the Ganga. With a substantial amount of water being diverted for power plants near Dehradun, the petitioner had sought directions to maintain a minimum flow of the river to ensure the sustenance of ecology and wildlife dependent on the river.
This is a roundup of important news from January 30 – February 5, 2018. Also, read the news this week.