The New Indian Express – Online

In the wake of large scale shortage and hoarding allegations, the government’s attempt to control raw jute stocks by passing an order on holding of 500 kg of the natural fibre has invited mixed reaction from stakeholders. The Jute Commissioner (JC) in an order on Friday had said that transactions of 500 kg of raw jute and above without registration and approval will be held void and liable for prosecution.

Deccan Chronicle – Online

Lorry owners in the state seem to be up in arms against the authorities as they are allegedly being harassed by officials of various government departments in the process of paddy procurement from farmers. According to the Telangana Lorry Owners Association, their vehicles were forcibly engaged in transporting paddy from market yards to rice mills by officials of revenue, civil supplies, transport and police departments.

Financial Express – Online

Agricultural exports touched $41.8 billion (bn) in FY21—a growth of 18% over FY20—bringing cheer in government circles. Juxtaposed against a target of $60 bn the Modi government had set out to achieve by 2022, it falls much short. From a strategic point of view, the key issue is whether this rate can be sustained? For that, we look at the composition of agri-exports. Rice ranks first in agri-exports, with 17.7 million tonnes (mt) valued at $8.8 bn. It is followed by marine products ($6 bn), spices ($4 bn), bovine (buffalo) meat ($3.2 bn), sugar ($2.8 bn), etc

The Indian Express – Online

THE STATE agriculture department has issued an advisory, urging farmers not to rush for kharif sowing after a few spell of rain. Agriculture centres across 355 talukas have directed farmers to wait for a while to ensure adequate showers. They have been told to gradually start the sowing process from July first week. A senior secretary in the agriculture department said, “After the first few spells, farmers tend to start sowing kharif crops. They utilise the entire stock of seeds and fertilisers. But if after sowing, there is a long dry spell, their efforts are wasted. It also incurs huge financial loss.”

Hindustan Times – Online

Bathinda For the first time in six years, Punjab’s area under cotton cultivation this kharif season has crossed the 3 lakh hectare mark. This is an increase of 17% over 2020, when cotton was sown on 2.5 lakh hectare. The state, however, is still 41% short of the golden phase in 2011-12 when the area under the traditional cash crop was 5.2 lakh hectare. In 2015, cotton was sown on 3.25 lakh hectares in southern districts. After a devastating period of the worst whitefly attack on cotton that year, farmers turned away from sowing the crop. Before 2014, over 4 lakh hectare was under cotton.