Republic World – Online

The agriculture sector is in need of urgent reform and modernisation and the government has initiated reforms that would free the small farmers from the pressure of middlemen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

In his poll campaign here, he invoked Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ and said one common theme in it was respect for farmers.

The world must follow the farmers as farming is the base and farmers are the linchpin of the world for they support all others who cannot till the land, he said quoting the Kural.

“The agriculture sector is in need of urgent reform and modernisation.” The NDA government’s priority is the welfare of small farmer, he said.

The government has ...

Khmer Times – Online

On World Water day (March 22) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Catch the Rain” campaign under the government’s flagship programme, Jal Shakti Abhiyan. He emphasised the importance of using every penny spent under MGNREGA to conserve water. This is a laudable objective. But what is the state of our water resources? How can we ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water, while industry and agriculture also get sufficient supplies to produce enough to meet the country’s demands? These issues demand close attention.

The Hindu Business Line – Online

Our Bureau The IIL Foundation, the CSR wing of agrochemical company Insecticides (India), has tied up with Foundation for Agriculture Sustainability and Transformation (FAST) to offer extension advice over a digital platform, which uses digital avenues like WhatsApp and YouTube.

The Digital Reach platform provides weather and pest infestation information regularly through a WhatsApp window. Besides, it will provide suggestions based on the information.

The Hindu – Online

The increase in the extent of cultivation and sharp rise in production of a few major crops following implementation of supportive measures by the State government has not only brought joy but also fears as the marketing of such a huge quantity would always pose a major challenge, Minister for Agriculture S. Niranjan Reddy said.

Speaking after a meeting with the officials of agriculture and marketing departments on procurement of yasangi (rabi) crops here on Tuesday, the Minister said it was the responsibility of the government to educate the farming community on market conditions and cropping patterns based on market research and analysis.

Krishi Jagran – Online

Regenerative Agriculture is the system of agriculture principles that helps to enhance ecosystem services, enriches soils, improve watersheds, and increase biodiversity. It evolves continuously with time.

Here is a list of organizations that are working to promote Regenerative Agriculture and improve the ecosystem and overall soil health;

Aryana is committed to follow the philosophy of natural agricultural practices with focus on forest farming so as to take up production without causing destruction to the planet earth, enabling all lifeforms to co-exist. Aryana Agricultural Alternatives organizes and strengthens rural farming communities in India to achieve food and nutrition security through permaculture and regenerative agriculture.

The Indian Express – Online

More than six months after the Narendra Modi-led government passed three agricultural laws, protests are still going strong. The Supreme Court-appointed committee, formed to study the laws in detail and talk to all the stakeholders, is about to submit its report, while the application of the laws continues to be held in suspension.

The protest against the laws saw unprecedented mobilisation by farmers from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and kept the areas around Delhi borders blocked for months. Protesting farmer leaders have tried to raise the issue in the ongoing Assembly elections in West Bengal as well.

Businessworld – Online

INDIA has proposed bilateral collaboration with the Philippines in the areas of agricultural technology and financial technology to benefit small farmers, an agriculture industry association said.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) said in a statement Tuesday that Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu S. Kumaran recommended an exchange of technology between the two countries to improve the operations of small farms.

“The Indian government has touched base with Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III for a possible agricultural technology (agritech) and financial technology (fintech) exchange,” Mr. Kumaran was quoted as saying.

Financial Express – Online

The last two years have been deeply troubled for the Indian economy. The economic shock from Covid-19 lockdown was a big reason. Stories of hardships faced by millions of people who were rendered jobless when large number of MSMEs were forced to close operation dominated the front pages of news publications. And, then, before the industry could fully recover, the farmers’ agitation against the new farm Acts 2020 brought by the Union government to reform agricultural marketing brought in new uncertainty to the agricultural sector.

Businessworld – Online

Women are of vital importance to the rural economy and the agriculture sector. Around 75% women in rural areas work full-time as farmers, but only 13% have any land ownership and continue to be underrepresented in the sector. They also spend more time on the field; but have little or no decision-making power in spite of their vital contribution to the economy.

The global COVID-19 pandemic increased pressures on India’s smallholder farmers, limiting direct support offered at the farmgate and curbing post-harvest activities, but as the country moves to a post-pandemic future, it is important that the growth of the agriculture sector is inclusive. Growing the role of women farmers is a critical goal. As they become ...