Down To Earth – Online

Agricultural scientists have recommended additional irrigation for Rabi crops to farmers to save crops from the unprecedented heat in February. The recommendation has raised concerns about groundwater levels in areas with no irrigation facilities. Down To Earth spoke to some farmers from Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, who are worried about the maximum temperatures spiked over the last two days. Farmers who had sown wheat in November say the grains have started forming, but the heat damage is not visible yet. However, if the temperatures keep spiking, then crop damage is certain, said farmers.

Krishi Jagran – Online

“Federal officials say they plan to continue their push to open small countries to U.S. foods, with a motto that no market is too small. It is victory by inches sometimes in trade,” said Alexis Taylor, USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. She spoke at USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum on February 23 in Arlington, Virginia. Trade diversification is intended to assist the United States in developing markets in countries with a growing middle class, implying that they offer good growth prospects. Diversification can also reduce the risk of becoming overly reliant on a single trading partner. Because of the Trump administration’s trade disputes, China has temporarily withdrawn from US farm exports.

Hindustan Times – Online

India is expected to be the third largest economy by the turn of the decade, but some people have projected a different picture of the country, the VP said taking a dig at foreign experts while speaking at the 61st convocation of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute. Noting that India’s rise is “unstoppable” and it is amongst the most “favourite destinations of opportunities and investment”, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Friday said, adding “we must not let anyone taint, tarnish and diminish the achievements of those who toil for the country.”