Media Monitor
Budget
Budget 2023-24: Agri Experts Hail Government’s Move to Boost Farm Sectoredit
Krishi Jagran – Online
The government aims to diversify the agricultural industry and provide new opportunities for farmers and rural communities by concentrating on the development of animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries. The increased credit target will be helpful in promoting the expansion and growth of these businesses by helping to overcome some of the problems they now face, including a shortage of capital and insufficient investment. To encourage States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers, the “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth” will be introduced.
Govt. Policies
Telangana utilised most of Rs 4,369 crore released for irrigation: Union Agriculture Ministeredit
The New Indian Express – Online
Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday told the Rajya Sabha that except for Rs 43.95 crore released in 2021-22 for J Chokka Rao Devadula LIS, Telangana has utilised most of Rs 4,369.81 crore released by the Centre since 2015-16 under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). Tomar was replying to a question raised by BJP MP K Laxman on the funds released by the Centre to the State under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and whether the State government has utilised them.
Paddy in India
Paddy procurement deadline extended in Maharashtraedit
The Times of India – Online
The state government has increased the deadline for procurement of paddy at minimum support price (MSP) this year too. An order issued on Tuesday extending the last date for government procurement till February 15 as against the original deadline of January 31. The order says it has been reported that procurement agencies could not meet the purchase target by January end. There were requests from public representatives as well as procurement agencies for an extension. Paddy is purchased by Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation, and Maharashtra State Cooperative Tribal Development Corporation.
Buy paddy from farmers who’ve missed the deadline: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhanedit
The Times of India – Online
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that paddy should be purchased from the farmers who have not been able to supply paddy within the period prescribed for paddy procurement. Ensure prompt payment to farmers whose payment is due in paddy procurement and strict action should be taken against service co-operative societies and self-help groups that indulge in irregularities during the paddy procurement. Chouhan was reviewing the procurement of Kharif marketing year 2022-23. at a meet held at CM’s residence on Saturday.
5 lakh acre harvest-ready paddy crop hit, say TN farmersedit
The Print – Online
About five lakh acre paddy crop, ready for harvest, was completely damaged due to unseasonal rainfall in Cauvery delta areas, President of Tamil Nadu All Farmers Associations’ Coordination Committee P R Pandian said on Friday. After visiting several rain-hit paddy fields including those in Thalaignyayiru, Vedaranyam, Keezhvelur areas in Nagapattinam district and following interaction with Cauvery delta region farmers on losses, Pandian urged the government to ensure compensation commensurate with the losses. The farmers have insured the crop (late Samba/Thaladi season) and the compensation should fully offset the losses due to the unseasonal rainfall, he said.