Karnataka govt permits poultry feed producers to buy maize from farmers
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has permitted poultry feed manufacturers to buy maize directly from farmers at MSP-linked prices for the 2025-26 Kharif season, aiming to ease procurement bottlenecks and support growers.
The order follows a proposal from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services after consultations with poultry and livestock feed manufacturers. The government said the permission was being granted in view of the aspects detailed in the proposal.
According to the Commissioner's note to the government, the chief minister, at a meeting on December 1, asked manufacturers to directly purchase an estimated five lakh tonnes of maize from farmers, keeping farmers' welfare in mind.
Manufacturers conveyed that they were willing to source maize directly if quality suitable for poultry feed was ensured and advance payment requirements were kept low.
At a follow-up meeting on December 2, members of the Karnataka Poultry Farmers & Breeders Association (KPFBA) informed officials that current Minimum Support Price (MSP) - quality maize contains about 14 per cent moisture.
They stated that they would procure if maize with moisture not exceeding 12 per cent is supplied, and agreed to begin with an initial purchase of 5,000 tonnes along with a 20 per cent advance payment.
Based on these submissions, the state government authorised poultry feed manufacturers, through the Animal Husbandry Department, to buy maize directly from farmers at MSP-quality prices, the note said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
