The New Indian Express – Online

AIADMK Virudhunagar Secretary East RK Ravichandran submitted a petition to the district collector on Monday seeking immediate disbursal of compensation to farmers from Sattur, Tiruchuli, and Arupukottai, whose crops got damaged owing to rains, wild boar attacks, and pest attacks. Sources said wild boars had destroyed vast expanses of maize and cotton crops grown in Vembakottai and Sattur areas. “These animals also raze to the ground chillies, lady’s finger, and paddy crops in areas, including Kariyapatti, Narikudi, and Tiruchuli. Considering the huge loss suffered by farmers, officials from the revenue and agriculture departments must inspect the farmlands and provide compensation at the earliest,” they added.

India Today – Online

The Union government’s green signal for genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant (HT) mustard, Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), buttressed by its statements in Parliament and the Supreme Court, points to a significant shift in official policy concerning GM crops. Going beyond considering it to be safe for food and feed use, the government is now advocating that GM technology is vital for India’s food security and reducing imports. The paradigm shift is an endorsement of the argument that genetic engineering is essential to meet the growing demand for farm products, boost farmers’ incomes by reducing production costs, and face the challenges posed by pests, diseases and climate change.

TechCircle – Online

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified the food crisis in countries in the Middle East and the North Africa. Lebanon, Egypt, Oman, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia, Iran, Jordan and Morocco are witnessing high hunger levels. According to UNICEF, at least 61 million children lack access to enough food to meet minimum food needs. To address this, the four-nation group ‘I2U2’ (India-Israel-UAE-US) has taken the decision to develop integrated food parks across India. The cooperation aims to increase crop yield through superior-quality seeds and advanced agri-tech facilities.

The Financial Express – Online

The farmers’ income on an average may increase by around 70% nationally in seven years through June 2023, falling short of the target of doubling their income during the period, even though some states including Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may achieve the goal fully. “At the national level, one of the reasons for not achieving the target will be the non-implementation of farm reforms such as model Agriculture Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, Livestock Marketing Act and Land Leasing Act,” Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand told FE. Due to prolonged protests, the Centre also had to roll back three new Central government acts for farm sector reforms.

Mint – Online

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is scheduled to host a “millet-only” lunch for all the members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday on the Parliament premises. The special “millet-only” lunch is being initiated by Narendra Tomar to mark the “Millet Year”, a special initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi will attend the “millet-only” lunch. According to a report, special chefs have been brought in from Karnataka to make ragi Idlis and dosas. To promote millet-eating culture in India, ragi and jawar-made rotis will be served to the MPs. Other food items include bajra and jawar khichdi, and bajra kheer will also be served.