Business Standard – Online

Retail inflation for farm and rural labourers increased to 6.09 per cent and 6.33 per cent, respectively, mainly due to higher prices of certain food items and clothing. “Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL (consumer price index-agricultural labourers) and CPI-RL (consumer price index rural labourers) stood at 6.09 per cent and 6.33 per cent in March 2022, compared to 5.59 per cent & 5.94 per cent, respectively, in February 2022, and 2.78 per cent and 2.96 per cent, respectively, during the corresponding month (March 2021) of the previous year,” a labour bureau statement said. Similarly, it stated that the food inflation stood at 4.91 per cent and 4.88 per cent in ...

The Times of India – Online

It is often believed that farming is a risky occupation, not only because of the volatile market forces that determine the prices of farmers’ output, but also due to the prolonged effects of climate change, affecting weather patterns. With many such traditional challenges plaguing Indian agriculture, it has become pertinent for farmers to adapt to the changing times and embrace new-age technologies in a bid to increase food security. Digital technology and data are certainly the growth pillars that farmers need, to insulate themselves from risks associated with farming. Digitization can undoubtedly support sustainable production & ensure timely supply, especially when production and supply involve millions of small and marginal farmers. Indian agricultural ...

Hindustan Times – Online

There’s no reason to panic (yet), but reports of the adverse impact of the early summer on the wheat crop should concern agricultural policymakers. It turns out that a dry and hot March may have reduced yields by at least 10%, perhaps more. That this has happened at a time when India hopes to fill the gap in the global wheat market caused by the disruption of Russian and Ukrainian exports is merely incidental (although that has seen a sharp increase in wheat prices, with farmers, naturally, preferring to sell to private firms rather than the government, as evident in early procurement numbers from the Food Corporation of India).

Deccan Chronicle – Online

In a bid to check losses incurred by farmers, the state government has decided to seek the help of agriculture scientists to guide farmers on adopting best practices to earn good returns. Hyderabad-based Icrisat (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) will undertake a pilot study in some selected mandals of Vizianagaram in the ensuing Kharif season. The project will be expanded to other parts in the state. Icrisat scientists, who have worked in similar projects in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha, will visit Vizianagaram in the next few weeks. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Rajesh Nune, an Icrisat scientist, said that it was the first time for them to conduct the study as per ...