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Enjoy Dish Network A La Carte Channels With Your Family

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DISH Network, one of the leading satellite TV providers in America has grown over the years by leaps and bounds, due to its exclusive programming packages. Entertainment has reached next level with DISH Network that delivers some of the finest and most popular channels right into your homes. You have the most gripping time with your family and friends, if you are a DISH TV subscriber. Moreover, DISH Network now brings several a la carte channels that guarantee ultimate satellite TV programming. Just include these a la carte services to your programming package and tailor-make your viewing selection. Isn’t this interesting? You can now add some of the channels that you love the most with other packages and enjoy viewing them as well.

With DISH Network, you are privileged to enjoy more options while picking your much-loved channels. You can include DISH a la carte channels and enjoy programs based on your preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Sit back at home, for now you will get bored at home. Browse through a pool of channels and keep watching DISH Network a la carte packages coupled with your regular pack. You are sure to have the best home entertainment ever just reclining on your couch.

Under the DISH Network a la carte packages, you have a plethora of DISH channels to select from. Wondering what are these? Well, if you are a sports fanatic, then you can just add Sportsman Channel with your other pack at a nominal rate as low as $3 per month. This channel is specially meant for those who love shooting, hunting, and fishing. The channel delivers the best information on destinations, on how-tos, and brings entertaining programs for American Sportsman. For international sports experience, the best choice would be FOX Soccer Plus, which airs live and exclusive soccer tournaments from the best leagues across the countries.

Outdoor channel can be added with other pack at a price similar to Sportsman channel and you can enjoy Americas best fishing and hunting experience on satellite TV. it is an inspiring channel that educates as well as entertains Americans. In case, you are looking for something that brings programs on natural wellness and living good, then perhaps, Veria TV is your best pick as a la carte channel. You can this one at $5 every month. RFD TV may be the choice for those who are a bit socially inclined. If you have it in you and want to serve the rural America, then you can grab all the related information on agriculture, horse training and latest rural news on RFD.

For any movie buff, Epix 3 is the right selection at $7 each month to enjoy the best first-run flicks, latest Hollywood releases and original series from different genres to keep you entertained. And yes, the Spanish-speaking people in America can just not let pass the Cine Latino channel. If you want to enjoy best Spanish productions from Spain and Latin America, then add this channel from DISH a la carte services.

Horticulture Expert The Growth Driver Of Indian Agriculture Sector

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The horticulture sector, with a wide array of crops ranging from fruits and vegetables to orchids and nuts, mushrooms and honey – has been a driving force in the stimulating a healthy growth trend in Indian agriculture. India is currently producing 257.2 million tonnes of horticulture produce from an area of 23 million ha. What is significant is that over the last decade, the area under horticulture grew by about 3.8%per annum but production rose by 7.4% per annum. Given the increasing pressure on land, the focus of growth strategy is on raising productivity by supporting high density plantations, protected cultivation, micro irrigation, quality planting material, rejuvenation of senile orchards and focus on post harvest management to ensure that farmers do not lose their produce in transit from farm gate to the consumers plate.

Fruits:

With a production of 76.4 million tonnes, fruits accounts for about 30 per cent of the total production of horticulture crops. The area under fruit crops during 2011-12 was 6.6 million ha, which is almost 29 per cent of area under horticulture in India. The area under fruit crops has increased from 4.0 million ha in 201-02 to 6.7 million ha in 2011-12 with corresponding increase in production from 43.0 to 76.4 million tonnes. A large variety of fruits are grown in India. Of these, banana, mango, citrus, papaya, guava, grape, sapota, pomegranate, pineapple, aonla, litchi, pear, plum, walnut, etc are important. India accounts for 13 percent of the total world production of fruits and leads the world in the production of mango, banana, papaya, sapota, pomegranate, acid lime and aonla.

The leading fruit growing states are Maharashtra which accounts for 16.0 per cent of production followed by Andhra Pradesh (13.0%), Gujarat (10.0%), Karnataka (9.0%), Uttar Pradesh (8.0%), Tamil Nadu (7.0%) and Bihar (5.0%) altogether contributes for about 68.0 percent of the total fruit production in the country. Banana is the major fruit accounting for 35 per cent of total production followed by mango (4.0%), citrus (11.0%), papaya (6.0%), others (17.7%) in the country. It may also be mentioned that in the Himalayan states of Himachal and J&K the GDP from apples, plums, pears and stone fruits exceeds that of GDP from cereal crops.

Vegetables:

Vegetables are also an important constituent in horticulture sector which are mostly low gestation and high income generating crops. Many vegetables are now grown under protected cultivation like green houses and shade nut houses with a scope for off season production, which fetches remunerative prices.
Vegetables occupied an area of 8.9 million ha during 2011-12 with a total production of 155.9 million tonnes having average productivity of 17.4 tonnes/ha.

Vegetable production registered a quantum jump of 77 per cent between 2001-02 and 2011-12.

More than 40 kinds of vegetables belonging to different groups are grown in India in tropical, sub tropical and temperate regions. Important vegetable crops grown in the country are potato, tomato, onion, brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, okra, chilies, beans, melons, etc. The leading vegetables growing states are West Bengal which accounts for 15% of production followed by Uttar Pradesh (12%), Bihar (10.0%), Andhra Pradesh (8.0%), Madhya Pradesh (6.5%), Gujarat (6.4%), Tamil Nadu (5.8%), Maharashtra (5.7%), Karnataka (5.0%) and Haryana (3.0%) altogether contributes about 83.4% of the total vegetable production in the country. Among vegetables, potato is the major vegetable accounting for 27.0% followed by tomato (12%), onion (11.0%), brinjal (8.0%), cabbage (5.4%), cauliflower (4.7%), okra (4.0%), peas (2.5%) and others (25.4%) in the country. India is the second largest producer of vegetables after China and is a leader in production of vegetables like peas and okra. Besides, India occupies the second position in production of brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower and onion and third in potato and tomato in the world. Vegetables such as potato, tomato, okra and cucurbits are produced abundantly in the country.

Spices:

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices and spice products in the world. Over 100 plant species are known to yield spices and spice products among which around 50 are grown in India. India is known as the home of spices producing a wide variety of spices like black pepper, chilies, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cardamom and variety of tree and seed spices. Major spice producing states are Andhra Pradesh (19.0%), Gujarat (15.0%), Rajasthan (14.7%), Karnataka (8.0%), Madhya Pradesh (7.7%) and Tamil Nadu (7.0%). The spice production in India is currently estimated at 5.95 million tonnes from an area of about 3.21milion ha.

The production of spices in the country has registered a substantial increase over the last ten years with average annual growth of 5.8%. Chili is the major spice crop occupying about 25% of area under cultivation and contributing 22% of total spice production in the country. Garlic accounts for 8.0% of area with 21.0% share in production, while turmeric accounts for 6.8% of area with 19.6% share in production.

Flowers:

India has made noticeable advance in the production of flowers, particularly cut flowers, which have a good potential for exports. During 2011-12, floriculture covered an area of 0.32 million ha with a production of 2.6 million tonnes of loose flowers and 75066 million numbers of cut flowers. This sector is generating higher income and employment opportunities especially for women.

While India has been known for growing traditional flowers such as jasmine, marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose and aster, the commercial cultivation of cut flowers like roses, orchids, gladiolus, carnation, gerbera, anthurium and lilium has become popular in recent times. The important flower growing states are West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, North East, etc. Major area is devoted to production of marigold, jasmine, roses, chrysanthemum, tuberose, etc. The area under cut flowers having stems has increased manifold. Orchids, anthurium, lilium, gerbera and seasonal bulbous flowers are increasingly being grown both for domestic and export markets.
Growth in Exports:

Not only have these impressive production figures ensured a steady supply for the domestic market, they have also made Indian horticulture exports globally competitive. Over the last decade, there has been a significant improvement in export earnings in horticulture.
The horticulture division is working closely with APEDA and state governments to ensure that infrastructure and institutional support for export is available to ensure that farmers can leverage export markets for higher incomes.

Emulsifying Agents And Types Of Emulsifiers

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Emulsifying agents are soluble in fat and water to allow uniform dispersion of fat in water. Emulsifying agents are also called emulsifiers and present in the food like butter, mayonnaise and salad dressing. These have one hydrophilic and one lipophilic part. These agents surrounds the oil droplets in water and reduces the tension between the two liquids thus impart stability.

Classification of Emulsifiers
These can be classified on the basis of chemical structure and mechanism of action. Under chemical structure category are synthetic, natural, auxiliary agents and finely dispersed solids. In the category of mechanism of action comes the monomolecular, multimolecular and solid particle films.

Natural emulsifying agents are derived from plant and animal tissues and mostly in the form of hydrated lypophilic colloids. These emulsifiers make the protective sheath around the droplets, give droplets a charge so that they repel each other and swell to step-up the viscosity of the liquid.

Natural ones are derived from vegetables, animals, semi synthetic and synthetic agents. Although natural agents are inexpensive, safe and non toxic but these are slow in action. So large quantity of emulsifier is required for proper action. Also the natural emulsifiers need preservatives as these are subjected to microbial growth.

The animal derivatives are stronger than the plant ones. The best example of this is lecithin and cholesterol. Some people are allergic to these so must be consumed after knowing the derivatives.

Both semi-synthetic and synthetic emulsifying agents are strong and require no preservative as these are not prone to microbial growth.

Applications of Emulsifying Agents
Emulsifiers are used in many types of food for stability and to reduce tension. Like vinaigrette if prepared only with oil and vinegar leads to unstable emulsion. To stabilize mayonnaise egg yolk lecithin is used as emulsifiers. Both natural as well as synthetic emulsifiers are used in food industry. Egg, soybean, rapeseed oil and palm oil are the common natural agents. Dairy products like cheese and ice creams use the emulsifying agents to improve the texture. Also the crystallization of candies is improved by them. Jarred peanut-butter and sauces are given more life with the use of correct emulsifier.

It is extensively used in pharmaceutical industry to make medicines more good to taste and easy to take. In pharmaceutical oil and water emulsions are basically used. These are also used in other industries like agriculture, paints and inks. Fertilizers and pesticides are given more stability with these.

Harmful Effects
Although the one used in food are completely safe and more over natural ones are safer than synthetic. But in some cosmetics certain harmful emulsifiers like polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds, have been found that are carcinogenic. Also the emulsifying agents in body care products causes mild or severe allergies of skin.

Los Angeles, Ca – Agriculture & Forestry

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Agriculture and forestry are two critical industries in Los Angeles, CA. Though it is the second-largest city in the U.S., LA was actually formerly known as the ‘breadbasket’ for the region. As industrialization grew, this focus waned and the city is currently 28th in agricultural production, with a gross production value of $278 million in 2005. In terms of forestry, the Angeles National Forest gives local residents a chance to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities.

The Citybook.com online business directory details the many industry-related businesses in the agricultural and forestry areas at http://www.citybook.com/california/los-angeles/agriculture-forestry/agriculture-forestry-19-60101-627-0-60101.htm. Subject sections include commercial fishing, hydroponics, timber and logging, and wildlife services, among others.

All of those activities are available to those to visit the aforementioned national park. Fun activities like hunting and trail walking are great for youngsters, most who of whom have grown up with their faces plastered to a TV screen. Instilling an appreciation for the beauty of nature in the young is the first step to preserving the environment, as perhaps some will carry forward that feeling into adulthood.

In addition, fishing, in particular is a great way to build patience in young people. One does not order a fish to bite on the hook, like one can instantly conjure up ready food at a fast food restaurant. It can take hours of remaining still and quiet to catch a really good fish that later will adorn the dinner table. One can find out more about such agricultural and forestry activities in Los Angeles at http://www.citybook.com/california/los-angeles/agriculture-forestry/commercial-fishing-fisheries-5199-61250-627-0-60101.htm.

Hunting/trapping is another agricultural-related skill that park visitors can engage in. Though some are not happy about animals being killed with guns, in essence it is the same activity as fishing. Besides, millions of cattle are harvested each year to feed the ravenous American appetite for hamburgers. A list of agricultural consultants who can provide additional information on all of this can be found at http://www.citybook.com/california/los-angeles/agriculture-forestry/agricultural-consultants-5189-1124-627-52142-60101.htm.

Perhaps the biggest reason to visit the park is the opportunity to camp there. It is a unique experience to sleep with a ceiling of green trees and an open sky. With so many oxygen-cleaning plants around, it allows for the delivery of fresh air to lungs that are starving for it. In fact, it is sometimes hard to get back to city life and the attendant issues of fog and smog, especially in the Los Angeles area.

Plentiful recreation trails provide another source of enjoyment in nature. If one is lucky, forest dwellers such as foxes, deer and groundhogs can be viewed in their natural habitats. Known collectively as wildlife, the many species can be studied through the Los Angeles Wildlife Services, listed at http://www.citybook.com/california/los-angeles/agriculture-forestry/wildlife-services-5204-61256-627-55924-60101.htm.

Two major industries, timber and logging, also have a connection to agriculture and forestry. Though they are not without controversy millions across the nation enjoy the benefits of having finely cut wood available for a multitude of home-related building projects. If some trees need to be eliminated in order to make such products available, few would argue about the ethics involved in cutting down a natural resource.

Though agriculture and forestry are not the first things that come to mind when thinking of Los Angeles, both are critical pieces of the city and states character, and discerning residents do not neglect to take advantage of them.

Agriculture Not Be A State Subject

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CII today organized a Seminar on Reforms in the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Act , and its impact in the Southern States. This is an initiative of the Agri Business Sub-Committee, CII-Southern Region. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Shankarlal Guru, Chairman-International Society for Agricultural Marketing said Agricultural sector is in urgent need of reforms by the respective State governments to help drive the economy to a higher growth rate that is expected by the policy makers, but a comprehensive agenda for reforms in this crucial sector is yet to emerge. Hence, the need for Agriculture to be made a central subject and not a state subject, thus alienating it from politics, said Mr. Guru. Contract farming should be encouraged as it will help bring technology and modern practices into the agriculture sector – opined Mr. Guru.

The APMC Act in each state of India requires all agricultural products to be sold only in government – regulated markets. These markets impose substantial taxes on buyers, in addition to commissions and fees taken by middlemen, but typically provide little service in areas such as price discovery, grading or inspection. A key impact of this regulation is the inability of private sector processors and retailers to integrate their enterprises directly with farmers or other sellers, eliminating middlemen in the process. Farmers also are unable to legally enter into contracts with buyers. This leaves no incentives for farmers to upgrade, and inhibits private and foreign investments in the food process sector.

Also addressing the audience was Mr. Sivakumar, Chairman Agri Business Sub-Committee, CII-Southern Region and Chief Executive – Agri, ITC Ltd. Said that Agri business in India is at a transition point. Having sailed through the shortage economy to an economy with surplus in grains, it is important that Governments at the Centre and State recognize the need for inclusive growth to take agriculture forward in India. Setting the context for the day’s discussion, Mr. Sivakumar emphasized that in spite of employing about 57% of the population of the country, agriculture on contributes 27% to the GDP of India. This distortion makes agriculture not a lucrative employment generator and hence, keeping with the global view, India needs to carve out opportunities in agri-exports sector. Contract farming and direct marketing to retail chains and processing units are the need of the hour he said.

Regulations to keep pace with these needs are required, which need alternative marketing mechanisms. Hence, reforms in the APMC Act are recommended in various fields, he added.

Making a presentation on “Aligning State Policies with emerging new marketing models”, Prof. S Raghunath from the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore, emphasized the need for an effective and efficient distribution system for agri-produce and provision for supply-demand transparency. Since the main objective of the APMC Act was to prevent exploitation of farmers by various intermediaries, reforms were required in the Act, with changing face of agriculture and the agricultural supply chain, opined Prof Raghunath. India is the largest producer of vegetable in the world, with a total share of 15% of global produce. 8% of world’s fruits are produced in India, ranking it second in the world market. In spite of this, there is a high cumulative wastage of 40% in India, informed Prof. Raghunath. Inadequate infrastructure and lack of organized supply chain were the main cause for such a disparity, he said. Thus, reforms in this sector need to catch up with the pace of development in the economy and dis-intermediation and participation of organized players in the sector will remove the lacunae, opined Prof. Raghunath.

Centre asks states to amend APMC Act

In a move to allow farmers to directly sell their produce to industry, contract farming and setting up of competitive markets in private and cooperative sector, the Centre has asked the state government to amend the Agricultural Produce Marketing Act.

Under the present Act, the processing industry cannot buy directly from farmers. The farmer is also restricted from entering into direct contract with any manufacturer because the produce is required to be canalised through regulated markets. These restrictions are acting as a disincentive to farmers, trade and industries.

The government has recently approved a central sector scheme titled Development/strengthening of agricultural marketing infrastructure, grading and standardisation.

Under the scheme, credit linked investment subsidy shall be provided on the capital cost of general or commodity specific infrastructure for marketing of agricultural commodities and for strengthening and modernisation of existing agricultural markets, wholesale, rural periodic or in tribal areas.

The scheme is linked to reforms in state law dealing with agricultural markets (APMC Act). Assistance under the new scheme will be provided in those states that amend the APMC Act.

The Centre has asked the state governments to inform as to whether necessary amendments to the APMC Act have been carried out, in order to notify the reforming states for applicability of the scheme.

Along with the Centre, the industry is also interested in the amendment to the APMC Act as it restricts the growth of trade in agricultural commodities.

The policy regime pertaining to internal trade is particularly restrictive. The agricultural sector continues to be hamstrung by a plethora of controls, which were introduced during the era of shortages, said the PHDCCI.

Meanwhile, a decentralised system of procuring wheat and rice would make the Public Distribution System more cost effective, the government has said.