US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
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.
Enemy within? China is buying land around American military bases
China's proximity to military bases within the US, including a nuclear missile base in Wyoming, raises national security concerns. The US government blocked a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining firm from owning land near Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, citing it as a 'national security risk'. The order required the divestment of property operated as a crypto mining facility near the base.
Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against "aggression," signaling stronger ties amid their standoffs with the West. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and raised concerns over potential arms deals for Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement enhances security, trade, and cultural ties. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed alarm, and Putin’s subsequent visit to Vietnam underscores Russia’s efforts to bolster alliances amid global tensions.
Juneteenth 2024: Will supermarkets and restaurants be open today? Here is the full list of what is open and the timings
Supermarkets and restaurants will remain open on Juneteenth. The business hours may be affected due to the federal holiday and it is recommended to contact them before visiting the stores.
How does US' immigration pre-clearance work and which airports have it?
The United States Border Pre-clearance program allows travelers to undergo immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before departing from select airports outside the US. Staffed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, these facilities enforce US immigration and customs laws. Preclearance locations are available at 15 airports across six countries.
Cucumbers across 14 US states recalled due to possible contamination
Whole, fresh cucumbers have been recalled by a Florida-based producer as they may be contaminated with salmonella, a gram-negative bacteria, that can cause severe diseases.
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Will BJP win? This market awaits June 4 results for potential shakeups in India's trade policies & global food prices
India's agricultural markets are under scrutiny as a new government prepares to take office, potentially impacting global food prices. Prime Minister Modi's policies aimed at ensuring domestic supplies have influenced key crop exports. Changes post-election could affect rice, wheat, and sugar markets, with industry leaders seeking policy shifts to address supply and demand challenges.
Survival at 15,000 feet: A tiny Himalayan village fights for water and jobs
Tucked in the Himalayas at 15,256 feet, Tashigang, home to the world's highest polling station, faces severe challenges due to climate change and limited resources. As Tashigang and neighboring Gete prepare to vote, the demand for jobs and better infrastructure is pressing. Locals like Kalzang Dolma struggle with declining agriculture and job losses. Water scarcity and inadequate roads further exacerbate their difficulties.
China has threatened trade with some countries after feuds. They're calling 'the firm' for help
An eight-person team at the State Department, informally dubbed "the firm," leads U.S. efforts to help countries targeted by China's economic pressure. Originating from a 2021 conflict with China over Taiwan involving Lithuania, the group, led by senior adviser Melanie Hart, now aids over a dozen nations. They assess vulnerabilities and create responses for countries fearing loss of trade with China. The team's initiatives are part of a broader U.S. strategy to counteract China's global influence.
Robusta coffee rises most since 2010 on Vietnam rain concerns
Coffee futures rose, with robusta in London rising to the highest levels since the year 2010 amid concerns around supply from Vietnam.
Climate change hardly a burning issue for Indian voters
Unprecedented climate change disasters are impacting India, but political parties and voters are largely overlooking the issue during the elections. Only regional party DMK has concrete climate change plans. In contrast, Europe prioritizes climate action in elections. Indian voters are more focused on traditional issues like unemployment and inflation.
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.
India's export restrictions propel global rice prices: Asian exporters brace for Indonesia tender surge
According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, India, the world's largest rice exporter, implemented export restrictions, including banning broken rice exports and imposing additional duties on non-basmati white rice outflows in August 2022.
Action plans for banana, mangoes exports among 20 agricultural products in works
“We have identified 20 products. At present, India’s share is low in global exports. We are working on a detailed action for all these products,” said Rajesh Agarwal, additional secretary, department of commerce, adding that the action plan will be discussed with all the stakeholders including states for further action.
Detailed action plans for 20 agri products likely in 3-4 months to boost exports
Government plans to boost exports of 20 agri products, aiming to increase India's global share to 4-5%. Potential export markets include the US, Malaysia, and Canada. APEDA's sea route protocols help reduce logistics costs.
US trade mission to visit India to explore opportunities in agribusiness
A high-powered US trade delegation, led by Alexis Taylor, explores India's agribusiness sector, promotes American products to the rising middle class, leveraging tariff reductions for US products to strengthen trade relationships and secure new purchase agreements.
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.
Alcoholic beverages, jam among 12 items to get export push
In 2022-23, processed food exports from India amounted to $10.6 billion, increasing at 22.4% compound annual growth rate in five years while the overall agricultural and food exports were around $53 billion, growing 6% year-on-year. India aims to increase agricultural exports to $100 billion by 2029-30 from around $53 billion now.
India has robust regulatory, safety framework for seafood units: Commerce min
MPEDA also enrols aquafarms to bolster the traceability system of aquaculture products and adhere to national and international regulatory provisions, including Seafood Import Monitoring Programme (SIMP) of the US.
Agriculture 4.0 can wait. It is time for farmers to embrace desi techniques
As climate change impacts crop productivity, experts say it’s the time to study the pros and cons of modern as well as natural farming practices before deciding on one option.
One has to be a reliable supplier to get good customers, says US official
India's decision to restrict the exports of agricultural commodities, including wheat, rice, sugar, and onions, has caused a sharp increase in food prices worldwide. Seth Meyer, chief economist at the USDA, emphasized the importance of being a reliable supplier to maintain good customer relationships.
How climate change threatens global agriculture
Agriculture represents nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions -- largely from livestock and fertilisers.
Is your puppy suddenly out of breath & struggling to get up? Don’t delay a visit to the vet
A mystery illness has affected many dogs in several states of USA. Dogs display several symptoms such as shortness of breath, watery nose and eyes.
US welcomes India's move of reducing tariffs on agricultural products
These cuts in tariffs are expected boost the economic opportunities for the US agricultural producers in the key market and also help bring additional products from the US to the Indian customers.
Russian wheat may shore up domestic stock
Prices have risen as the government has imposed stockholding limits and sold the grain in the open market to traders amid concerns about a shortfall in domestic production.
US urges African leaders to confront Vladimir Putin on grain disruptions
Several African leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are expected to attend the Konstantinovsky Palace summit. "They know exactly who's to blame for this current situation," Blinken said of the leaders, some of whom have offered tacit support for Moscow or refused to denounce Putin's invasion. "My expectation would be that Russia will hear this clearly from our African partners," he said, speaking during a visit to New Zealand.
All you should know about ‘lab-grown meat’ or ‘cultured meat’
This type of meat does not come from slaughtered animals, rather they are grown in laboratories, using cells from living animals or fertilized eggs.
Indian-American pleads guilty to committing almost $20 million in fraud in US
Nikesh Ajay Patel of Florida was charged with 13 counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and eight counts of money laundering, the US Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida said in a statement on Monday.
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