AGRICULTURAL CROPS
Devastating Assam floods: Thousands homeless, 52 dead; victims plead assistance
The severe flood situation in Assam has resulted in the loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, road closures, crop destruction, and livestock loss. Hundreds of people have been left homeless and unsettled, with Jubbar Ali, his family, and around 100 families in the Rowmari Pathar area facing similar problems. The Brahmaputra River's erosion has submerged 179 villages and inundated 1,571.5 hectares of crop area. Over 2.42 million people in 30 districts have been affected so far, with Dhubri being the worst-hit district.
India Ratings’ Devendra Pant on how water shortage can impact economic growth
Devendra Pant, Chief Economist at India Ratings, highlights the long-term impact of water scarcity in India on agriculture, manufacturing, and hydroelectricity production. He emphasizes the need for immediate action by policymakers and citizens to address this critical issue. Pant says water scarcity is going to have an impact. and not only in agriculture, unless we develop or have those seeds and crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Onion supply comfortable in domestic market, retail prices stabilising: Govt
Onion availability is stable with improved tomato and potato crops. Onion rabi production of 191 lakh tonnes meets needs. Kharif target area is 3.61 lakh hectares, led by Karnataka. Prices stabilize with low storage loss and increased releases. Potato supply is sufficient. Tomato harvesting starts soon, confirmed by District Horticultural officials.
2024 Budget: Transforming India's agriculture for climate resilience and food security
Budget: The 2024 budget presents a chance to sow the seeds of a transformed agricultural sector - resilient, sustainable, empowered. By embracing innovation, investing in the future and placing the farmer at the heart of the equation, India can cultivate a productive agricultural landscape that supports its people and the world's.
Not politics, not interest rates: India's surging economy at risk from water
India is facing a growing water crisis, with the country's growing water stress potentially impacting its growth. The country's growing water stress could affect agricultural production and industrial operations, leading to food inflation and declines in income for affected businesses and workers, especially farmers. Contaminated water kills about 200,000 Indians each year, and the government is focusing on conserving the resource, recycling waste water, and reducing the country's over-reliance on the annual monsoon, especially in the agricultural sector.
Flood situation remains grim in Arunachal Pradesh, over 60,000 people affected
The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh remains severe with major rivers above danger levels in four districts: Namsai, Lohit, Changlang, and East Siang. Landslides have also been reported across the state due to heavy rainfall. In Papum Pare district, a cloudburst triggered water release from the Pare Hydropower Project, prompting warnings to residents downstream. Bordumsa in Changlang district saw the Burha Dehing river overflow, damaging infrastructure and agriculture.
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The worrying changes in India’s monsoon patterns have implications for everything from agriculture to health
Take Maharashtra, 80% of which is rainfed. In areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada, the onset of monsoon is now late. After a small pickup in July, there is a break in rainfall in August, lasting up to three-four weeks during the fruit formation phase. The wet spell starts again in September and continues well into October, when it should be dry. This isn't limited to Maharashtra. Several critical areas considered the breadbasket of India—Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh—are witnessing the same pattern.
No, solar panels won’t leave you starving
Efficient solar panel deployment faces challenges from land use conflicts, but solutions like utilizing brownfield sites can mitigate opposition.
80% of marginal farmers in India affected by adverse climatic events: Report
According to the report, nearly 43 per cent of the surveyed farmers lost at least half of their standing crops. Rice, vegetables, and pulses were particularly affected by uneven rainfall. In the northern states, paddy fields often remain submerged for more than a week, destroying newly planted seedlings.
Vegetables to stay dearer till new crop arrives
The price of coriander leaves has doubled in June over May at Rs 400 per kg. Potatoes, a common vegetable in Indian households, have become costlier by 15% over last month despite good production, as the common man is forced to consume more of the tuber because prices of other vegetables have gone up even further.
Government focus on agriculture, rural income to sustain tractor demand: Swaraj Engines
The government's agricultural focus in India, along with initiatives to boost rural incomes, is expected to sustain tractor demand despite a 7 per cent industry sales decline reported by Swaraj Engines Ltd. The company's annual report highlights opportunities in the horticultural segment and factors like increased affordability, demand for farm mechanisation, and government efforts to improve agriculture. Swaraj Engines foresees its engine business aligning with the industry's growth trajectory.
Global coffee production to rise by 7 million bags in the new crop, says USDA
The USDA said total production of the beans will rise to 176.23 million 60-kg bags from 169.18 million bags previously, mostly due to higher output in top grower Brazil and to a recovery in robusta grower Indonesia.
Centre committed to procure pulses at MSP to boost production, cut imports: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The Centre commits to procuring tur, urad, and masur at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to boost domestic production and reduce imports. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlights the launch of the e-Samridhi portal through cooperatives NAFED and NCCF for farmer registration.
After electoral setback, Modi may be forced to amend India's food policy
Facing policy challenges after recent election losses, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi grapples with controlling food inflation without angering farmers through export curbs and increased imports. With crucial provincial elections looming, Modi must balance economic measures and farmer interests to maintain political stability and address rural discontent.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan chalks out 100-day plan to revive agriculture sector
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has discussed a 100-day action plan to strengthen the agriculture sector and alleviate farmer distress. The plan aims to ensure quality inputs are available to farmers, boost farm production, and enhance export quality. Chouhan stressed the importance of providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs to improve crop yields and economic conditions.
Crisis in the fields: Experts say long-term solutions only way for agriculture sector to survive heatwave
Heatwaves in north India are impacting agriculture, causing heat stress in crops and reducing yields.
Total foodgrain products in 2023-24 lower than 2022-23: Third Advance Estimate
The total foodgrain production in India is estimated at 3,288.52 lakh tonne in 2023-24, which is lower than 3,296.87 lakh tonnes of foodgrain production of 2022-23, according to the third advance estimates of production released by agriculture ministry on Tuesday.
Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah asks banks not to adjust drought relief funds against farm loan dues
CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for officials to work efficiently amidst higher-than-normal rainfall and the ongoing code of conduct. Siddaramaiah disapproved of the way insurance firms were handling the crop loss insurance claims. Such conduct would bring bad name to the government, he said, and asked officials to discuss with insurance firms and make life easy for farmers.
Best power sprayers for agriculture: Enhance your farming efficiencies
Explore the pinnacle of agricultural spraying technology with the best power sprayers for agriculture. Designed for optimal efficiency, these sprayers offer versatility, precision, and power to meet the diverse needs of modern farming. From compact options ideal for small-scale operations to robust industrial-grade models suited for large farms, this selection ensures maximum crop protection and enhanced yields. Discover the best power sprayers to revolutionize your agricultural practices and boost productivity.
Best chaff cutter machines for efficient fodder processing and livestock feeding
Revolutionize your farming with the best chaff cutter machines, designed for maximum efficiency and reliability. Engineered with precision, these machines effortlessly process crop residues, optimising feed preparation for livestock. Versatile and durable, they cater to farms of all scales, enhancing productivity and reducing manual labour. Experience seamless harvesting with cutting-edge technology that ensures superior performance in every agricultural endeavour.
Top orange juice supplier seen having worst crop in 36 years
Brazil, the leading orange juice exporter, anticipates the worst harvest in 36 years due to a heat wave. The global orange juice supply is impacted by reduced production in Brazil and Florida.
Disincentivise crop burning effectively
GoI directs states to withhold MSP benefits from stubble-burning farmers, following Supreme Court's disincentive recommendation. Strategies like in-situ residue management face challenges due to quick field-clearing through burning, slow implementation, and inadequate outreach to farmers.
Above-normal Southwest monsoon chances bring hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report
Multiple meteorological organisations are predicting above-normal rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the total rainfall from June to September to be 106% of the long-period average. Last year's southwest monsoon ended with a 6% deficit due to El Nino, causing variations in rainfall distribution. Some regions experienced shortages while others, like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch, received ample rainfall. However, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall.
No reports of impact of rains on wheat, other crops: Agriculture ministry officials
Recent rains have not impacted wheat and other rabi crops, with harvesting progressing smoothly. The IMD predicts continued rain and hailstorms due to a fresh western disturbance. The agriculture ministry assures no damage to crops, with potential benefits for summer crops like rice. Wheat harvesting in Punjab and Haryana is underway, with productivity levels expected to result in a record wheat production for the year. Late-sown wheat crop is also expected to be ready for harvest soon.
India better prepared than Pakistan to handle climate shocks in wheat crop: Agri scientists
One of the reasons behind Pakistan still being dependent on imports to meet domestic requirements is its failure to develop indigenous varieties of climate-resilient seeds.
India's water usage for per tonne crop production 2-3 times more than developed nations: Niti Aayog's Ramesh Chand
Professor Ramesh Chand, a member of Niti Aayog, highlighted India's excessive water usage in agriculture compared to other nations and called for promoting sustainable practices. He emphasized the need for state governments to promote crop cultivation based on local conditions. Paddy and sugarcane, major crops in India, are particularly water-intensive. The country has three cropping seasons, with Rabi crops relying on irrigation. Despite significant investments in irrigation projects, the area under irrigation remained stagnant until 2015. Singh, the Agriculture Commissioner, discussed exploring methods to increase irrigation area using the same water amount, collaborating with the Jal Shakti ministry.
Crops, consumption and connectivity: the 3Cs at the core of India’s agricultural asymmetries
The country is the largest producer of many crops but it still has to resort to imports to meet domestic demand. Experts say we have to plug the gaps in the supply chain linking production and consumption centres to make the sector efficient and reduce import dependency.
Foodgrain Output Estimated at 154 MT in Kharif Season FY24
The Indian government has projected food grain production to reach 154.19 million tonnes during the kharif season and 155.12 million tonnes during the rabi season in 2023-24. Major agricultural crops include kharif rice, wheat, millet grain, tur, grain, lentil, soybean, rapeseed, mustard, cotton, and sugarcane.
Govt 2nd estimate pegs wheat output at record 112.01 mn tn in 2023-24
The wheat output is estimated to be 1.46 million tonnes higher than the previous record high of 110.55 million tonnes achieved in the 2022-23 crop year.
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