Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
‘Rain minus winds good for rabi crops’edit
Rain in certain parts of Punjab on Wednesday morning is being perceived as good for the wheat and other rabi crops. As meteorology officials have predicted sporadic rain in the region over the next few days, agriculture department says rain without strong winds is good for crops.
Light showers boon for wheat crop, say expertsedit
The light showers which was experienced at various parts of the state Wednesday is being considered as a boon for the standing wheat crop. If Agricultural experts are to be believed then this season will witness a bumper crop if all goes well. The met department, however, has predicted strong winds in the next two days, which may damage the crop. Experts have therefore advised the farmers to be extra cautious.
Women in the changing world of workedit
The agriculture sector has been facing a crisis due to climate change and limited investments, among other things. While the early 2000s were characterised by the ‘feminization of agriculture’, in more recent years, this trend has also changed. Rural female labour force participation is rapidly declining, and stands at 35.8% as compared to 81.3% for men. More women than men now migrate in search of jobs.
Spend 30% of agri-fund on women farmers: Centre to statesedit
The Centre has directed states to spend 30 per cent of funds allocated towards farm schemes for empowering women farmers, whose share is significant in the country’s agri workforce, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today. He, however, expressed concern over negligible number of women cooperatives in India and emphasised on the need to strengthen by providing financial help to them.
Bihar will witness record production of paddy & wheat: Raiedit
Bihar Agriculture minister Ram Vichar Rai today told the Legislative Council that the state is expected to witness a record production of paddy and wheat, despite slashing of funds by the Centre. He said the Centre slashed its funds with regard to Centrally sponsored schemes relating to agriculture besides getting meagre amount of Rs 80 crore out of Rs 3094 crore as announced by the Prime Minister for agriculture package.
Technology in Agriculture
Sonalika International Tractors Ltd total sales grow 27 per cent in Februaryedit
Sonalika International Tractors Ltd on Wednesday said it has posted 26.9 per cent growth in overall sales in February. The company sold 5549 units, combining both domestic and exports sales against a figure of 4372 units, sold in February 2016.
‘Indian tractor makers set for strong 16-18% sales growth in FY17’edit
Indian tractor sales are likely to close fiscal 2017 with an impressive 16-18% growth, riding a monsoon-led surge in demand that was enough to offset the impact of demonetisation in the latter half, according to Crisil Research estimates. The previous two fiscals had seen double-digit de-growth as monsoons played truant and farm sentiment wilted.
A RICH HARVESTedit
Until a couple of years ago, a few multinational companies were selling hi-tech sugar harvesting machines in India for over Rs1 crore. While the machines were a big relief for the labour shortage plagued sugarcane grower community, affordability was an issue. Also, the hi-tech machines did not suit the requirements of Indian farmers. After sales service too was a problem.