Tamil Nadu Cashew Board:
- Cashew is cultivated extensively in Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukkottai and Theni districts of Tamil Nadu.
- Cashew is cultivated in two lakh nine thousand acres in Tamil Nadu and 43 thousand 460 metric tons are produced annually.
- Although Tamil Nadu ranks fourth in cashew production in the country, it ranks second in exports.
- Therefore, to increase the area of cashew, increase production, encourage cashew-related industries and protect the interests of workers involved in the cashew industry, the Tamil Nadu Cashew Board is to be established with a financial allocation of Rs. 10 crore.
Malaivazh Uzhavar Munnetra Thittam:
- In the coming financial year (2025-26), Rs 22.80 crore will be allocated for the implementation of the Malaivazh Uzhavar Munnetra Thittam to provide subsidies for small grain cultivation, supply of inputs, expansion of area in vegetable crops, integrated farming, etc. for farmers living in hilly areas.
- Hill farmers help in the protection of the environment and biodiversity by living in harmony with nature.
- Funds allocated to obtain geographical indication for five products, ‘Nallur Varagu’ and ‘Natham Puli’:
- A notification has been issued in the Agriculture Budget Statement with an allocation of Rs 15 lakh to obtain a unique geographical indication for five products, including Nallur Varagu and Natham Puli.
- A geographical indication has been obtained for Sholavandan betel leaves.
- In 2025-26, Rs 15 lakh has been allocated for GI tagging of 5 agricultural products namely Nallur Varagu (Cuddapah), Vedaranyam Mullai (Nagapattinam), Natham Puli (Dindigal), Ayakudi Guava (Dindigal), and Kapalpatti Karumbu Murungai (Dindigal).
March 16: National Vaccination Day.
- Every year on March 16, National Vaccination Day is observed in India.
- It is also known as National Immunization Day (IMD).
- It was first observed on March 16, 1995, when the first dose of the oral polio vaccine was administered.
Important Facts:
- A UN report has said that India-China trade expanded better than average in 2024.
- The state government’s agriculture budget statement announced that 1,000 farmer welfare centers will be set up across Tamil Nadu to meet the basic needs of farmers.
- A new species of eel discovered off the coast of Tuticorin has been named after Tamil Nadu.
- A ‘Nutritional Agriculture Movement’ is to be set up to increase the production of nutritious crops and ensure nutritional security, as well as increase the income of farmers.
- Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh and women’s team senior goalkeeper Savita Punia have been awarded the Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year Award by Hockey India.