Agriculture
Punjab: Farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks to protest 'tardy' paddy purchase
Punjab farmers blocked roads and railways protesting the slow procurement of paddy during the Kharif season. The agitation disrupted traffic in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and other towns. Farmer leaders criticised the state government's inefficiency. Rice millers and commission agents joined the protest, demanding better space management and commission rates.
NABARD sanctions Rs 770 crore for two irrigation projects in Jharkhand
NABARD has sanctioned Rs 770 crore for the construction of two irrigation projects in Jharkhand, enhancing agricultural activities. These projects, in Palamu and Giridih districts, will provide irrigation to over 21,000 hectares of land, significantly boosting rural infrastructure development.
Rice prices surge by 10-15% in India as global demand rises
Rice prices in India have surged by 10-15% due to a rise in global demand after the government lifted export curbs on non-basmati rice. The move follows a reduction in export duties and comes with the country's sufficient rice stock. Domestic prices are expected to stay firm until the new crop arrives.
Government to sell tomatoes at Rs 65/kg
The government has begun selling tomatoes at Rs 65 per kg through mobile vans and retail outlets to curb soaring prices due to unseasonal rains damaging crops in key areas. October saw a 39% price rise, affecting home-cooked meals. This intervention falls under the price stabilisation fund to manage market rates effectively.
Indian farmers get just one-third of the price we pay for fruits and vegetables
Indian farmers earn only about one-third of the final selling price for fruits and vegetables. Research suggests enhancing private markets, using e-NAM, and promoting farmer collectives to address this. Building cold storage and improving processing capacities are also advised. For dairy and poultry sectors, creating feed banks and promoting artificial insemination can boost productivity.
Tomato prices hit Rs 100 again: Here's why prices have skyrocketed in just a week
Tomato prices have surged to Rs100-120 per kg in Nagpur due to unseasonal rains and a virus attack in Nashik, reducing supply. Farmers cite reduced tomato cultivation area and crop damage. However, some are profiting from the high prices. The situation is expected to stabilize in a month with fresh supply from Western Nashik.
Govt weighs herbicide-tolerant BT cotton, glyphosate use as industry pushes
The government is evaluating complex policy decisions on Herbicide-tolerant BT cotton and the widespread application of glyphosate amidst industry pressures. An official committee is examining the implications, while an integrated weed management approach combining mechanisation, herbicides, and herbicide-tolerant varieties is being discussed.
PM Modi to release 18th instalment of Rs 20,000 cr under PM-KISAN; Maha farmers to get additional Rs 2,000 cr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release Rs 20,000 crore for the 18th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting over 9.4 crore farmers. The event in Washim, Maharashtra will also see the launch of new technologies in animal husbandry and the dedication of solar parks. Around 2.5 crore farmers will join this event through webcasts nationwide.
RBI research says onion farmers get 36% of consumers' spend, pitches for futures trading, pvt mandis
A Reserve Bank of India paper suggests reforms like increasing private mandis to help farmers get better prices for produce like tomato, onion, and potato. It highlights inefficiencies in the market and the need for leveraging e-NAM and promoting farmer produce organizations for better price discovery and risk management.
Cabinet approves ₹1 lakh crore for PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana to boost food security and sustainable agriculture
In a significant step toward enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Cabinet on Thursday approved the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
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Big news for agricultural economy: This year, India got highest monsoon rains since 2020
India experienced a four-year high in Southwest monsoon rains, with 108% of the long period average. This above-normal rainfall boosted Kharif crop sowing and is anticipated to benefit Rabi crops as well. Central and South Peninsula saw the highest rainfall percentages.
There're tougher seeds in India to counter tricks of rain and heat
Climate change is causing unpredictable weather in Rayanpet, affecting traditional rice farming. Farmers are adopting climate-resilient rice varieties that offer better yields with less water and are disease-resistant. India's government promotes these seeds to safeguard food production, but logistical challenges remain in reaching and educating farmers.
Fixing seemingly minor issues faced by farmers can raise their income by up to 20%: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized solving minor issues to boost farmers' income by up to 20%. Discussed were contaminated water, replacing burnt transformers, reducing crop costs, ensuring fair prices, managing pesticide use, and improving access to government schemes and quality resources.
PM Kisan Yojana 18th Installment: How to check status, expected amount, eligibility, and eKYC process
PM Kisan Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana on October 5, 2024. The scheme offers ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmers in India, divided into three installments of ₹2,000. Farmers must complete mandatory eKYC formalities to ensure direct benefit transfer into their bank accounts. This article provides detailed instructions on checking beneficiary status, completing eKYC, and understanding the scheme's eligibility criteria.
India's monsoon rains hit four-year high in boost to crop output
India experienced its highest monsoon rainfall since 2020, with above-average precipitation for three consecutive months, aiding recovery from last year's drought. The abundant rain, critical for agriculture, may damage some summer-sown crops but also enhance soil moisture for winter crops, potentially allowing relaxed trade restrictions.
Your olive oil might be unfit for human consumption
Olive oil: Extreme weather events are impacting grocery prices globally, with olive oil seeing a significant rise due to droughts in the Mediterranean. This has led to increased fraud cases, with low-quality oils being passed off as extra virgin. Other commodities like orange juice are also affected by climate-related issues.
