Hindustan Times – Online

Even as the Punjab government is giving a big push to summer moong, farm experts have warned against the cultivation of the short-term legume to contain the threat of deadly whitefly pest attack on the cotton crop, considered as an economic lifeline of farmers in the Malwa belt. In 2015, the pest infestation had damaged the cotton crop on more than 3-lakh hectares in the semi-arid region. After a gap of seven years, the state agriculture department is on its toes again to battle the whitefly threat and the experts say moong cultivation is a key factor contributing to the current pest alert. Principal entomologist of Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) Vijay Kumar said after the ...

Mint – Online

The government maintains buffer stocks for commodities such as wheat and rice to supply its welfare schemes, ensure price stability, and guard against exigencies. However, these stocks have been depleting of late. Mint examines the implications. What is the rationale for buffer stocks? Buffer stock is generally maintained for essential commodities like wheat, rice and pulses to provide food security through the public distribution system, and ensure that everyone has access to sufficient food for sustenance. It also ensures there are no food shortages during emergencies such as drought and floods, and helps the government run its welfare programmes. They also help the government in facilitating and maintaining price stability and keep food inflation at low ...