Mint – Online

India is working on developing the “world’s largest grain storage” programme by merging various schemes of the Union ministries of agriculture and farmers welfare; consumer affairs, food and public distribution; and food processing, two people aware of the development said. The proposal, which has been circulated among the Union ministries and departments for consultations, comes amid rising global food prices in the wake of disruptions caused by the war in Europe and the covid-19 pandemic. Nations are increasingly worried about their food security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted the world’s foodgrain supply, sending prices to record levels.

The Indian Express – Online

By the end of November 2022, the sowing of crops during the Rabi season has seen a sharp increase of 24 per cent. The area under sowing increased to 36.20 lakh hectares from 29.16 lakh hectares during the same period last year. With two more months left for sowing, the sowing acreage covered under rabi crops is likely to cross 52 lakh hectares, sources in the agriculture department said. After initial hurdles due to erratic rainfall sowing activity have picked up since mid-November, said sources. A preliminary report based on data till November-end shows that the farmers are increasingly opting for pulses and oilseeds instead of conventional food grains and cereals for better dividends ...