Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
Farmers burn copies of farm laws in Punjabedit
The Economic Times – Online
Farmers burnt copies of the Centre’s three farm laws near residences of BJP leaders and at other places in Punjab on Saturday as they observed ‘Sampoorna Kranti Diwas’ to mark the day when these legislations were promulgated as ordinances last year. Farmers carrying black flags raised slogans against the BJP-led central government for not scrapping the legislations which, they said, will “destroy” the farming community. Police personnel were deployed and barricades put up near protest sites to maintan law and order.
Ecosystem restoration: The need of the hour in Indian agricultureedit
CNBC TV18 – Online
Approximately 40 percent of the Earth’s land surface is now being used for food production. All governments, world bodies like the UN and development financial institutions are pursuing policies to improve food security and support human development. However, it is well worth being cautioned that farming—unrestrained and unplanned farming in particular—is also associated with a wide range of negative environmental impacts.
These can include increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia; depletion of freshwater; and increased soil compaction, depletion and erosion. Not to forget eutrophication, in which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae which produce toxins that are harmful to higher forms of life. This can ...
Save water: We need a lot of blue to stay greenedit
Financial Express – Online
The covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the country’s economy has been colossal. Nevertheless, Indian agriculture to date has resisted the onslaught. Though in the FY 2020-21, India’s GDP contracted by 7.7 percent, including negative growth in industry and services agriculture delivered a positive increase of 3.4 percent during the same period. Agriculture’s share in GDP has increased to 19.9 percent in FY 2020-21 from 17.8% in FY 2019-20. Agriculture has established itself to be the most dependable economic activity during the testing times and continues to be a potent means to keep our economy impelling even during the post-pandemic days. Nonetheless, today it needs to be backed by complementary policies, quality inputs, and agile markets to ...
Budget
Kerala Budget: Emphasis on tech-based intervention in farm sectoredit
The New Indian Express – Online
Finance Minister KN Balagopal has given emphasis on technology-assisted intervention in the farm sector, especially in marketing, production and procurement. “The state has decided to make use of information technology including cloud computing, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence for agri-marketing and turning Krishi Bhavans smart which is imperative for attracting youngsters and those who have lost jobs to the agriculture sector,” the minister said. Based on information technology, service networks will be started for marketing agriculture products. An amount of 10 crore has been earmarked for this. Further, the budget has announced that the farmers will be provided agriculture loans from Kerala Bank at low interest rates. Five agro parks will be set ...
Stubble Burning
Converting Crop Residue To EV Batteries: Here’s How These Twins Are Reimagining A Greener Futureedit
Times Now News – Online
In winter every year, people in the national capital region are smothered by air pollution. One of the major reasons behind the thick smog that blankets the city… is the stubble burning that takes place in the farmlands. In an effort to stop this, two 23-year-old sisters have found a way to convert crop residue into environment-friendly EV batteries. Meet Nikita and Nishita Baliarsingh, twins from Odisha, who were always fascinated by the automobile industry and the electric vehicle space. They started with the dream of manufacturing EVs but soon realised that the segment was plagued by a major problem – Lithium Ion Batteries. What did they find from further research and how did ...
Tractor industry
Amidst Covid-19 Wave, Tractor Sale In India Takes A Hitedit
Outlook Krishi – Online
The domestic sale of tractors in India has taken a direct hit in the current wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact is significant in rural areas, where demand for tractors is high, with dealers downing shutters during the resultant lockdown. Figures compiled by Tractor Junction show that 55,599 units were sold in May 2021 against 60,441 during last year, corresponding. This shows a drop in tractor sales by about 8%. Going by the data, it shows that the second wave of Covid-19 has hit hard rural India. Mahindra & Mahindra sold 22,843 units in May 2021 against 24,017 units in May 2020. This data shows a 4.9% decline in sales. But the current leader ...