Agriculture
As FCI buffer swells, exporters demand lifting of curbs on rice
The retail and wholesale inflation in rice has been in double digits since last year. India, the largest exporter of rice, banned export of broken rice in August 2022 to ensure adequate local supplies. This was followed by a ban on export of non-basmati white rice in July 2023, imposition of a 20% export duty on parboiled rice in August 2023 and restrictions on basmati rice by imposing a minimum export price.
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.
Bayer partners with Solynta to revolutionise potato farming in India and Kenya
Bayer and Solynta have agreed to collaborate on distributing true potato seeds in Indian and Kenyan markets, marking Bayer's entry into the global potato market. This partnership aims to provide smallholder farmers with high-quality starting material, enabling them to grow disease-resistant potato varieties from true seeds, ultimately improving food security in these regions.
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.
Govt imposes stockholding limit on wheat to check hoarding
Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra hinted at the possibility of removing import duty on wheat, saying the government is open to all options to keep prices under control. Wheat prices in retail markets are ruling 6% higher than the comparable period of previous year, despite the government's claim of a bumper crop. "I want to dispel the shortage of wheat in the country," Chopra said, adding that the stock limit has been imposed to reduce hoarding.
Unsustainable fishing practices endangering Hilsa population in Ganga estuary
Juvenile hilsa weighing 50-200 g is causing damage to the hilsa ecosystem in the Ganga estuary. Trawlers are bringing in mainly small hilsa, impacting the population. Fishermen face challenges during ban periods, leading to unsustainable practices.
After Telangana's Rs 31,000 cr farm loan waiver, Punjab farmers reiterate similar demand
The Telangana government has announced a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh, benefiting nearly 40 lakh farmers at a cost of around Rs 31,000 crore. Punjab farmers have welcomed this decision and renewed their call for a similar waiver from the central government, arguing that the current cash benefit under PM Kisan is insufficient.
Centre imposes stockholding limit on wheat to check hoarding, ensure price stability
India has capped wheat stock limits for retailers and processors and may reduce or eliminate import taxes to stabilize prices, said Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. This move aims to curb inflation and manage supply, as the government explores various measures to ensure wheat price stability in the market.
Climate-proofing India's daily bread: The race for resilient wheat
Satveer Singh's family relies on a sack of wheat flour to stave off hunger. They barely manage, aided by government rations, despite irregular supply. Extreme weather has slashed India's wheat production, forcing the government to cut rations and halt exports. Efforts are underway to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties, crucial for food security.
Stop Nafed's onion procurement till irregularities are investigated, demand farmers
Onion growers are demanding the suspension of Nafed's onion procurement operations due to reported irregularities found by a Nafed team during surprise visits to procurement centers. This demand could hinder the government's goal of creating a strategic onion buffer. The central government aims to procure 5 lakh tonnes of onions for the Price Stabilisation Fund but faces challenges as market prices are higher than the government's offer prices. Allegations of irregularities include buying onions from traders instead of farmers and presenting them as purchases made for Nafed.
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Govt buys 71,000 tonnes of onion for buffer stock; expects retail prices to ease with normal monsoon
The Indian government has procured nearly 71,000 tonnes of onion this year for buffer stock, out of a total target of 5 lakh tonnes for price stabilisation. The all-India average onion retail price is Rs 38.67 per kg, while the modal price is Rs 40 per kg. The government is on course to achieve targeted procurement of 5 lakh tonnes for price stabilisation. The procurement price is dynamic and linked to prevailing market prices.
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.
India imposes stock limits on tur, chana to cool prices
India has imposed stock limits on pigeon peas (tur) and chickpeas (chana) in efforts to stabilize prices and prevent hoarding amidst elevated food costs caused by reduced supplies from factors like drought and heat waves. The limits apply to traders, businesses, and retailers, with specific caps such as 200 metric tons for wholesalers and five metric tons for retailers. Millers are restricted to either the last three months of production or 25% of annual capacity.
Agri Minister asks states to encourage farmers to register on e-Samridhi portal to avail procurement benefits
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the government's commitment to procure major pulses like tur, urad, and masur at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). He urged state governments to promote farmer registration on the e-Samridhi portal for assured procurement. The portal, launched through NAFED, facilitates registration for farmers to avail MSP benefits.
Budget expectation of farm sector: Spotlight on agri research, fertiliser subsidy, climate fight in meeting with FM
Budget 2024 expectations: Experts at the meeting advocated for the consolidation of all agriculture-related subsidies for transfer through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and proposed a hike in the retail price of urea, unchanged since 2018. They also emphasized promoting bio-fertilisers and foliar fertilisers through subsidies.
Triveni Engineering & Industries acquires majority stake in Sir Shadi Lal Enterprises
Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd announced acquiring an additional 36.34% stake in Sir Shadi Lal Enterprises Limited, making SSEL a subsidiary of the company.
