COTTON FARMERS
Maharashtra budget 2024 key highlights: Free cylinders & farmer friendly measures
Maharashtra budget 2024: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget during the ongoing monsoon session from June 27 to July 12. Key highlights include the provision of three free cylinders annually to all households under the CM Anna Chhatra Yojana, a Rs 5,000 per hectare bonus for cotton and soybean farmers, and a Rs 5 per litre bonus to milk-producing farmers after July 1, 2024.
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.
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.
Focus is on job creation, farmers getting good prices: Giriraj Singh
Newly appointed textiles minister Giriraj Singh emphasized the government's focus on creating employment and ensuring good prices for farmers in the textile sector. Singh highlighted the sector's role as the largest generator of employment and its significant share in global exports.
Election results in the onion belt increases hopes of industry and farmers for more farm friendly policies
"Soyabean prices have been low as the crushing of our own crop was less due to higher imports of cooking oils. Low import duties and low prices in the international markets led to a substantial increase in the import of cooking oils," said BV Mehta, executive director, the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA).
Monsoon hits Maharashtra, but may falter next week
India's monsoon rains have advanced into Maharashtra but may weaken next week, potentially delivering below-normal rainfall, according to weather officials. While the monsoon, crucial for agricultural planting and economic growth, has delivered 7% more rain than normal since June 1, farmers are advised to wait for proper soil moisture before sowing crops.
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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.
Amritsar traders say trade revival with Pakistan key poll issue; will benefit farmers, transporters
Amritsar, a major city in Punjab, is urging for the resumption of trade with Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah land route. The trade volume between India and Pakistan through the land route used to be around Rs 5,000 crore per annum before the bilateral trade ties were suspended in 2019. The local industry has emphasized the necessity of the revival of trade for the betterment and development of Amritsar.
Wheat procurement crosses last year's figure, comfortable to meet demand: Food ministry
Wheat procurement for the 2024-25 Rabi marketing season progresses smoothly, surpassing last year's total with 262.48 lakh tonnes acquired, benefiting 22.31 lakh farmers. Major states contributing include Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Rice procurement from the previous Kharif season also proceeds well, ensuring ample stock for welfare programs. Monsoon forecasts remain pivotal for agricultural planning.
Why lifting of export ban won’t help increase exports or the local prices of onions
Five months after implementing a restriction on onion exports due to anticipated shortages in the rabi harvest, India revoked the ban on Saturday. But this decision is unlikely to significantly impact either export volumes or the reduction of domestic onion prices. Industry sources suggest that the government became aware of growing discontent among farmers, which could potentially influence voting in seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra.
ET Explains: Of onion economics & politics, peeling the many layers
India lifted its ban on onion exports after five months due to concerns about farmers' dissatisfaction, potentially impacting voting in seven Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The government's decision to lift the ban was prompted by concerns about farmers' dissatisfaction with the high demand for Indian onions in the international market. The new export policy, announced on May 4, has changed the policy from "prohibited" to "free" with a minimum export price of $550 per tonne, with a duty of 40% levied.
With export of oranges squeezed, Nagpur region farmers pin their hope on pulp
Trade tensions near Nagpur impact onion and cotton, affecting orange growers and cotton farmers in Vidarbha. Export policies and market fluctuations pose challenges, prompting farmers to seek alternative solutions like pulp factories amid the crisis.
The Kasturi Cotton initiative: Elevating Indian cotton to global prominence
India's Kasturi Cotton initiative, supported by stakeholders and blockchain tech, aims to elevate Indian cotton globally. Inspired by Marco Polo's admiration for Indian cotton, Kasturi embodies excellence and quality, setting new standards in the industry.
Farmers Protest: Delhi Police issue traffic advisory to avoid these roads affected by Kisan unions Mahapanchayat
Protesting farmers will hold a Mahapanchayat in Delhi after getting permission from Delhi Police. The foot march from Uchana to Jind will lead to the Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan. Heavy traffic jam is expected. Farmers demand a law guaranteeing MSP and the purchase of crops at MSP, including moong dal, urad dal, tur dal, maize, and cotton.
Crop diversification to fetch farmers MSP for pulses, cotton
The Union government plans to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at the minimum support price (MSP) to encourage diversification from rice. It will sell subsidised urad dal under the brand 'Bharat'. The initiative aims to restore groundwater levels, benefit protesting farmers, and gather accurate data on cropping and yield estimates.
Govt focussed on polls, not paying attention to farmers' demands: Farmer leader Pandher
Pandher said farmer leaders will discuss among themselves and decide on their future course of action. The march was put on hold for two days after 21-year-old Shubhkaran Singh was killed and around 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at the Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21.
Farmers to hold candle marches at Shambhu, Khanauri borders in memory of martyred farmers: Farmer leader Pandher
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (non-political) will organize a candle march at both Shambhu and Khanauri borders to honor martyrs. This marks the 12th day of protests at these borders. Effigies of the WTO, corporate houses, and governments will be burned on February 26, followed by a convention and large effigy burnings on February 25 and 26, respectively. On February 27, there will be a national leaders' meeting, with further decisions planned for February 28 and 29.
Farmers protest 2.0: What do they want? What is their strategy?
Farmers Protest 2.0 is underway as farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh march towards Delhi on February 13. Unlike the previous protests, this time the farmers are demanding a range of measures from the Central government to ensure the financial viability of farming. The protests are being spearheaded by a breakaway faction of the Sanyukt Kisa Morcha (SKM), excluding major farmer leaders from the previous protests.
Govt's solution for farmers: What it means for each of the parties
Farmers protest: The fourth round of talks between the Central government and protesting Punjab farmers proposed an "out-of-the-box" solution to address their demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) of crops as per the Swaminathan panel formula, complete farm loan waiver, monthly pension for farmers, and India's exit from WTO and free-trade agreements.
Fyllo in talks to partner Coromandel International and Dhanuka Agritech to widen farmers reach
The company said revenues tripled this year driven by new products such as Nero and building channel partners to boost sales. It expects sales to grow four times in 2024.
As if bales of problems weren't enough, pink bollworm hits Northern farmers hard
To support farmers, the government undertakes minimum support price operations through the Cotton Corporation of India. The state-run company begins procurement from the market when prices of fair average quality-grade cotton fall below MSP. But since the quality of cotton has been affected, CCI has not been able to procure it.
Pilot study aims at quantum jump in cotton output
The average productivity of Indian farmers is around 450 kg per hectare, with some states having a productivity of around 750 kg per hectare. However, this is still lower than 1,500-2,200 kg per hectare witnessed in countries like Brazil and Australia.
ET explainer: Status of India’s pilot to boost cotton yield
The Central government is set to present the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the lower house for consideration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce both Bills, with the former amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act of 2004, focusing on reservation in jobs and educational institutions for various categories.
We are trying to gradually raise the productivity of Indian cotton farmers: Textile secretary
The ministry also plans to launch India’s premium cotton, “Kasturi cotton”, at the inter-governmental event featuring participants from 28 member countries and seven invitee countries.
With sustainable cotton in fashion, India's farmers seek fair price
According to the Confederation of British Industry, in 2020 sustainable cotton accounted for nearly 20% of the global cotton supply.
Indian farmers rack up carbon credits with climate-conscious ways
A new method of cultivation, called direct seeded rice (DSR), reduces the overall cost of cultivation by using 12-35% less irrigation water and reducing labor, sowing time, and use of chemical herbicides and fertilisers. The cultivation of rice, a staple food for more than 3 billion people worldwide, is responsible for 12% of global methane emissions and 1.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
India's farmers wrestle with shift to eco-friendly agriculture
Agriculture is India's biggest employer, supporting the livelihoods of 250 million farmers and informal labourers - but their work is getting harder as climate change makes living off farming difficult, pushing up debt, migration and suicides. Worries over falling yields have driven up the use of chemical fertilisers that are stripping the soil of nutrients and fuelling agricultural emissions on a warming planet.
Garment industry sees lacklustre Diwali sales
"Although we are not able to know the exact reason for the sluggish demand, we think that the people are not enthusiastic about buying new clothes as they are probably sufficiently stocked up," Mehta said. "Or, the lure for buying new electronic items could be stronger than for buying new clothes."
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