Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
Agri trade policy: A belated move from pro-consumer to pro-produceredit
If there’s one proof of the Narendra Modi government’s trade policy undergoing a distinct shift over the last nearly two years in response to agrarian unrest – from pro-consumer to pro-farmer — it is the numbers relating to farm imports. Between 2013-14 (the last year of the previous Congress-led UPA dispensation) and 2016-17, the value of India’s agricultural commodity imports soared from $15.53 billion to $25.64 billion. But in 2017-18, this fell to $24.89 billion, while registering an even sharper 18.9% year-on-year decline during the first three quarters of the current fiscal (see table)
Cabinet approves agriculture, food industry agreement with Ukraineedit
Business Standard Outlook India
The Union Cabinet here on Wednesday approved the signing of agreements between the India and Ukraine for cooperation in agriculture and Food Industry. The agreement includes a Joint Working Group, comprising of representatives from both the countries, which would provide for cooperation in various fields of agriculture and the food industry for a period of five years.
Clusters identified for promotion of agri exports: Commerce Ministryedit
In order to achieve the objectives of the Agriculture Export Policy, the government has identified clusters across the country for development of exports, said an official release on Wednesday. In Maharashtra, six clusters have been identified for grapes, mango, pomegranate, banana, oranges and onion, the release added. For successful implementation, FPO’s and co-operatives should be linked with the farmers and exporters. Required infrastructure needs to be provided in these clusters and use of latest technology in agriculture has to be adopted, it added.
Centre Nods To 2,000-Crore Fund For Agriculture Rural Markets Upgradationedit
NDTV The Times of India Hindustan Times DNA Financial Express
The Centre on Wednesday approved the creation of a corpus of Rs. 2,000 crore for Agr-Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF) for development and upgradation of agricultural marketing infrastructure in Gramin Agricultural Markets and Regulated Wholesale Markets. The AMIF will be created with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). It will help provide state governments subsidised loans to develop marketing infrastructure in 585 Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) and 10,000 Grameen Agricultural Markets (GrAMs).
Stubble Burning
Delhi Wakes Up To Rain, More Showers Likely In Next Few Daysedit
However, the air Stubble Burning In Punjab Solely Responsible For Rising Delhi Pollution: Arvind Kejriwal quality is likely to improve in coming days as wind direction in north India changing from westerly to southerly resulting in relatively less moisture in the air and reduced air holding capacity.
A month after the launch of national pollution control plan, Patiala is the only city with safe airedit
The programme, guided by the ministry of environment, will be implemented with the help of other ministries, such as road transport and highways, petroleum and natural gas, renewable energy, heavy industry, housing and urban affairs, agriculture and health. Mitigation actions proposed involve plantation drives in highly polluted areas, management of road dust, power sector compliance to stringent pollution guidelines and curbs on stubble burning.