Page 7 - Agriculture

India's sugar consumption might touch 30 million tonnes next season

India's annual sugar consumption growth rate of 2.2 per cent is significantly higher than the world average which is closer to 1 per cent

Uttar Pradesh govt eyes rural economy push through agri-tourism sector

The supplementary aspects of agri-tourism such as horticulture, apiculture, floriculture, and perfumery give a fillip to the rural economy

The debate: Have the paddy planting laws fulfilled their purpose?

The debate becomes relevant in the light of a recent paper by ICAR's NAIP, which says over-extraction of groundwater has continued in spite of the two Acts

FAO highlights potential of AI revolution in transforming agrifood system

Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological shift but is driving a fundamental economic and social transformation at the broadest level, Qu said, noting that FAO recognises its power

Tackle depleting ground water, low investment in research in 'Amritkaal'

The country needs to do more innovations and bring the power of scale to small and marginal farmers

Research bodies call for slashing CCEs to hasten farm yield estimates

Studies are being done on how number of CCEs could be lowered without compromising on accuracy, credibility

Two govt insurance schemes for fisherfolk to be merged from June

Coverage of Rs 2 lakh was offered under PMSBY while a coverage of Rs 5 lakh was offered under GAIS

India likely to export almost 18 million tonnes of rice in 2024-25: USDA

Supplies increase year to year on record production at 527.6 million tons that more than offsets lower beginning stocks

Eyes on Earth: Data helps farming and industry

Earth observation data can drive $3.8 trn in economic benefits while supporting climate change initiatives

Uttar Pradesh govt plans to promote agri startups, introduce AI in farming

The Yogi Adityanath government is also planning to host a global farmers' summit 'Krishi Bharat' in November 2024 in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry

Every rupee invested in agri research yields Rs 13.85, says study

After research comes agriculture extension activities which give the second best return on investment at 7.40 rupees for every one rupee invested

Govt to conduct digital crop survey across India using AI to assess acreage

The initiative will assist in developing more accurate farm production forecasts, and facilitating timely implementation of suitable trade policy measures

Govt buys 19.6 mn tonne wheat, more than annual demand for welfare schemes

The government has bought over 196 lakh tonne of wheat so far in the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year, surpassing its annual requirement of 186 lakh tonne for all welfare schemes including the National Food Security Act. Now, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) -- the government's nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains -- is making efforts to meet its target of buying 310-320 lakh tonne in the 2024-25 marketing year to augment buffer stocks and keep surplus grains for making intervention in the open market, if needed, to control retail prices. Procurement of wheat, a major rabi (winter-sown) crop, is down 11 per cent so far from 219.5 lakh tonne in the same period last year. This is mainly due to lower purchases in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. "Government's procurement is going on smoothly, Till now, we have procured 196 lakh tonne whereas the annual requirement of Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes is 186 lakh tonne," FCI CMD

India needs stable govt to achieve goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday underscored the need for a stable government to achieve the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047. "Our Prime Minister has set a target that by 2047, we need to reach the destination of a developed India," she said while addressing students of GITAM University here. "We have to make efforts, so the GDP grows, and the benefits reach to all. GDP growth doesn't happen automatically; efforts are required at micro and macro levels and on the ground," she said. The image of the country is also important, along with the ranking of your GDP, she said, adding that all these factors matter, along with per capita income calculations. "Unless the GDP is widened, we are not going to be able to meet the demands of the economy. We need investment, services to grow, educational institutions, and money for people to buy houses, start businesses," she added. She also criticised former Finance Minister P Chidambaram for questioning the developmental pac

Govt allows exports of specified quantity of white onion via three ports

Easing export ban, the government on Thursday permitted overseas shipments of a specified quantity of white onion from three ports. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said that the exporter shall have to get the certificate from the Horticulture Commissioner, Government of Gujarat, certifying the item and quantity of white onion to be exported. "Exports of up to an aggregate quantity not exceeding 2,000 MT (tonnes) of white onion has been allowed through the specified ports, taken together, with immediate effect," it said. The exports are allowed from Mundra Port, Pipavav Port and Nhava Sheva/JNPT Port. Exports of onion -- a politically sensitive commodity -- are banned in general. However, the government allows specified quantities of shipments to friendly nations on their requests. DGFT is an arm of the commerce ministry, which deals with norms related to imports and exports. On December 8 last year, the government banned exports of onion with a v

Bayer partners govt's CSC, Gram Unnati for last-mile agri inputs delivery

Bayer CropScience on Wednesday said it has tied up with the government's Common Service Center (CSC) and agri-tech firm Gram Unnati to facilitate last-mile delivery of agri-inputs to smallholder farmers in India. As part of the memorandum of agreement, smallholder farmers will be able to access timely crop advisory, transfer of good agricultural practices and access to premium Bayer products through CSC's online portal. Gram Unnati will facilitate farmer mobilization and ensure market linkages. In the first phase, the partnership will support farmers in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it said in a statement. The CSC scheme, a collaborative e-governance platform, is part of the Digital India programme. The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aims to facilitate the delivery of government, private and social sector services to Indian citizens through the CSC network. It supports linkages, connecting villages in India through high-speed internet and scaling the

Govt charts plan to boost exports of 20 'high potential' agri products

India's share is about 2.5 per cent in global exports, and the government wants to increase it to about 4-5 per cent over the next few years

Uttar Pradesh's sugar rush: Parties sweeten deal for cane growers

5 million sugarcane farmers on radar of contesting parties

Action plans for 20 agri products to boost exports likely in 3-4 months

The government is formulating action plans for as many as 20 agricultural products including banana, mangoes, potato and baby corn with a view to further boost export of these commodities, a senior official said on Tuesday. The action for each of these products is likely to be ready in the next 3-4 months, Additional Secretary in the department of commerce Rajesh Agarwal said. He said that the action plan will be discussed with all the stakeholders including states for further action. These commodities hold huge potential to further increase exports as there is a good production of these items with high quality standards and they are completive in the global markets. "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," Agarwal added. India's share is about 2.5 per cent in the global exports and the aim is to increase it to about 4-5 per cent in the coming years. These commodities include

Direct seeded rice cultivation shows big promise for small farmers

Over 47 per cent of small farmers got higher rice yields through the direct seeded method, shows study