CROP HEALTH
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.
How extreme heat threatens health and safety
Heat exhaustion, which can include dizziness, headaches, shaking and thirst, can affect anyone, and is not usually serious, providing the person cools down within 30 minutes.
Best protein powders for your optimal performance and health
Experience peak performance and accelerated recovery with the best protein powder. Formulated with premium ingredients, these provide a potent blend of essential nutrients to fuel your muscles and enhance your fitness regimen. With unrivalled taste and seamless mixability, these protein powders are a game-changer for athletes and health-conscious individuals seeking superior results. Elevate your training and embrace optimal health with every serving.
Bad taste for ‘aam aadmi’: How adulterated mangoes pose fresh headache for regulators, consumers
The use of banned chemicals to ripen fruits is prevalent despite penalties and laws. The ball is in the food safety regulator’s court.
Haryana government to launch Rs 10,000-crore project to combat air pollution
Haryana Chief Secretary announced a Rs 10,000-crore project funded by the World Bank to tackle air pollution. The project aims to improve air quality in Haryana, starting with the NCR districts and expanding state-wide later.
Top stocks to buy: Bet on companies with healthy net profit margins to remain versatile during uncertain market conditions
The markets are expected to rally if the election results align with expectations. Nonetheless, persistent macro issues and valuation concerns may constrain the upside potential. Analysts suggest that investors capitalise on the current volatility by accumulating quality stocks.
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Inadequate livelihood opportunities key concern of people in President Murmu's village; Mayurbhanj goes to polls on June 1
In President Droupadi Murmu's village Uperbeda, local issues like inadequate livelihood opportunities, irrigation, education, and health facilities influence voters for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Challenges include BJD leader VK Pandian's non-Odia origin, lack of youth employment opportunities, and dependency on rainwater for agriculture. Villagers stress the need for infrastructure development to boost employment and prevent migration for jobs.
A river once ran through it: The 288-km-long dying Ichhamati is stoking up Bengal's poll furnace
As part of National Waterway 44, Ichhamati forms a 21km riverine border with Bangladesh and flows through the Ranaghat, Bangaon, Basirhat, and Barasat constituencies. Voters in North 24 Parganas' Basirhat and Barasat will cast their ballots on June 1.
Coromandel launches 10 new products to boost crop yields
Coromandel has partnered with Japan's ISK to launch Prachand, a patented product using Japanese technology to protect paddy crops from pests like stem borers and leaf folders that can cause up to 70 per cent yield losses. It has also developed a formulation to effectively combat fall armyworm, a highly destructive pest that damages up to 30 per cent of the corn crop annually in India.
Bad news flow & good stock prices: 5 agro-chemical stocks with upside potential of up to 30%
What is the news flow regarding the agrochemical sector today? Probably the following: China is dumping, there is over capacity in many segments, over inventory issues are plaguing the industry globally, erratic weather conditions in different parts of the world. One would feel agro chemical stocks are better avoided now. But in markets, when the news flow is bad, stock prices are probably good. Also, in the case of the agro chemicals sector, it's mostly short term issues. So, it is time to keep them on the watch list.
Cruel Summer: Rethinking how to live, work in a world that is getting warmer
As this year’s summer, with its extended heat waves and record temperatures, warns, how to adapt to a warmer world is no longer a hypothetical question. A new study by World Weather Attribution says climate change has made a 30-day heat wave in South Asia 45 times more likely and 0.85o C hotter. Experts say we need to rethink the kind of houses we live in and offices we construct, how we grow our crops and the way we look at the impact of heat on our bodies, even as we tackle reducing the use of fossil fuels.
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.
Digit IPO: tempering tech valuations & other top startup stories this week
This is Pratik Bhakta in Bengaluru. Insurance startup Digit, by valuing itself at a discount of 25% to its last known private market valuation, seems to have stuck its neck out. And it’s a move that’s certainly got everyone talking.
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.
Digital crop survey on cards to fine-tune farm statistics
A mobile application of the digital crop survey and relevant web applications will be used by nodal officials of states to gather data on crop sowing. The farm ministry aims to create a robust crop survey system that uses the latest technological advancements such as visual and advanced analytics, GIS-GPS technologies and AI/ML (machine learning) to lend accuracy to the sowing estimates.
Non-Life Insurance Booms: Health premiums exceed Rs 1 tn, motor crosses Rs 90,000 crore mark in FY24 surge
In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), India's non-life insurance industry experienced significant growth primarily fueled by the health and motor insurance segments. Health insurance premiums surpassed Rs 1 trillion, marking a 20.2% increase, while motor insurance reached Rs 91,781.3 crore with a growth rate of 12.9%.
General Insurance industry grows 12.78% in FY24
In FY23, the insurance industry had reported a growth rate exceeding 16%. However, there was a slowdown in FY24 largely due to the performance of crop insurance. Specialised insurer AIC reported a decline of 32% in growth due to the slowdown in agriculture insurance.
Make for India momentum clearly building, throwing up new investment opportunities: Blackstone COO Jonathan Gray
Fund plans to annually deploy at least $2 billion for next 5 years. But Gray feels taking companies private in India is a big challenge, as is dispute resolution mechanism and M&A completion timelines.
What did Odisha serve Bill Gates that shocked him? This ancient staple is the new health craze
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates discussed the promotion of millet consumption as a key agenda. PM Modi emphasised the need for enhancing vegetarian diets, highlighting the detrimental choices present and urging people to transition to millets.
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.
Everyone is interested in millets. But where are the crops?
The praiseworthy efforts to make mainstream millets in the food system are in danger of losing steam because of a lack of incentives to attract farmers.
10 top-selling Walnuts to elevate your cognitive health
Explore the 10 top-selling walnuts that promise not just great taste but also remarkable benefits for cognitive health. These walnuts are meticulously selected for their quality, ensuring a delightful and nutritious snacking experience. Dive into the world of brain-boosting walnuts that go beyond the ordinary, promoting overall cognitive well-being.
Mustard acreage up by 5 per cent, says trade body SEA
Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest year-on-year increase of 27% in area under mustard, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, which have reported an increase of 5% and 3% respectively. Rajasthan, which is the largest mustard growing state, has reported an increase of 1% in area sown under mustard that stood at 37.43 lakh hectare area under the oilseed crop. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and West Bengal have reported a decline of 8% each in the mustard acreage.
A 'revolutionary' way to feed the world that's very old
The effort is still in its infancy, with a relatively tiny budget of $100 million. But at a time when climate shocks and rising costs are aggravating food insecurity and raising the risks of political instability, the stakes are high.
The Cream of the Crop - Best Peanut Butter Picks in India 2024
Embark on a journey through the delectable universe of peanut butter as we bring you the definitive guide to the best options available. From velvety smooth textures to irresistibly crunchy bites, peanut butter has become a versatile staple in every pantry. Whether you're a health-conscious consumer or a flavour enthusiast, here are the finest peanut butter options for you.
Govt working on blueprint to cut use of water and fertilisers, improve soil quality
To reduce use of fertilizers, enhance soil quality by using organic products, diversify crops and minimise the use of water, nutrients and energy on farmlands, Centre is working towards a blueprint as it is focusing on scaling up agroecology in India under its Vision 2047. Agroecology is sustainable farming or application of ecological concepts and principals in farming.
SC directive on pollution slap on Kejriwal's face, he should apologise for turning Delhi into gas chamber: BJP
After the Supreme Court directed the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to ensure that crop residue burning was stopped "forthwith", the Bhartiya Janata Party suggested this as a slap on the face of Delhi CM Kejriwal. The party's spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also said that all Kejriwal did was "blame others including Diwali".
Green Gold: How vegetable farming can bolster India's economic health
Vegetable farming in India has the potential to boost the country's GDP and overall economic health. With shorter growth cycles, multiple harvests, and higher profit margins, vegetable farming offers advantages over traditional field crops. The rising demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables, both domestically and internationally, presents export opportunities. Vegetable farming also promotes sustainability, creates jobs, diversifies agriculture, and encourages the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
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