Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
Agri experts advise farmers to plan rice sowing, transplantingedit
The Tribune – Online
Decline in underground water table and management of paddy residue are the major issues associated with paddy cultivation in the state. The increased incidence of biotic and abiotic stresses under changing climate necessitates utmost attention. Besides this, declining agricultural labour availability is also becoming an important issue.
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has modified its breeding strategies towards development of short-duration varieties with higher per day productivity, low paddy residue load, good milling quality characteristics and tolerance to diseases.
Explained: How rice and wheat exports hit record highedit
The Indian Express – Online
Last fiscal – the year ended March 31, 2021 – a record 92 million tonnes (mt) of rice and wheat was distributed from the central pool. That included 60.32 mt under the National Food Security Act and other regular welfare schemes, besides 31.52 mt under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Atmanirbhar Bharat Package (for returning migrant labourers) and assorted programmes launched in the wake of the Covid-19-induced lockdown.
Punjab: Now, farmers can download digital copies of crop sales receiptedit
Mint – Online
The Punjab Mandi Board on Sunday said now state farmers will have an option to take print or download digital copies of their crop sale receipts.
Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Lal Singh said this step will pave the way for ensuring real-time access to authentic digital sale receipt of their agriculture produce.
Rs. 404 crore sanctioned for State farmers, says Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Boraedit
The Sentinel – Online
State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora has said that around 12.50 farmers’ families of the State will get the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Talking to The Sentinel on Sunday, Bora said, “The Central Government has already sanctioned Rs 404-crore PM-KISAN funds for the farmers of Assam recently. The amount is being deposited directly to the bank accounts of the farmers. I thank the Centre for the sanctioning of the funds.”
Farm Truths hidden in barley to beeredit
Mint – Online
In the winter of 2019, Chamkor Singh, a well-to-do farmer from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, fell for the words of a local trader and commission agent. That year, Singh decided to bet big on malt barley, a cereal that is used to manufacture beer. After all, Singh was promised a bonus of ₹100 over and above the minimum support price (MSP). The high returns prompted him to take over 30 acres of land on lease. Four months later, his hopes came crashing down.
Competition
Mahindra launches M-Protect COVID plan to safeguard farmersedit
Times Now – Online
As the country’s struggle with COVID 19 continues, Mahindra & Mahindra has gone ahead and introduced new efforts to help safeguard interests of farmers in the country. The automotive group’s Farm Equipment division announced the launch of the M–Protect Covid Plan; under the purview of this initiative, the company will provide much needed support to both Mahindra tractor customers in India as well as their families. The plan will include not only health insurance, but other measures as well in case the tractor owners contract the coronavirus. The company noted the M Protect Covid Plan will be available with the entire range of Mahindra tractors bought in May 2021.
Monsoon + Indian Agriculture
Unseasonal rains damage paddy, farmers want MSP from govtedit
The Times of India – Online
The unseasonal rains lashing many parts of the state under the influence of cyclone Tauktae has damaged paddy in Telangana. Farmers are demanding that the state government purchase the soaked paddy at Rs 1,888 and Rs 1,868 per quintal as per the minimum support price (MSP). Farmers have been taking their paddy to the procurement centres set up by the government for over a month.
Stubble Burning
Farmers burn crop residue in Ludhiana’s Malakpur villageedit
The Times of India – Online
Farmers were seen burning stubble in Ludhiana’s Malakpur village despite the ban imposed by the Punjab Government. Stubble burning is said to be a major contributor in air pollution.