Media Monitor
Agriculture Industry
Haryana: February heat & untimely March showers hit crops, say farmers, seek compensationedit
The Times of India – Online
The total yield of wheat and other crops sown in winter might fall behind the target due to untimely showers, along with gusty wind and hail pellets, in March on the heels of an unusually hot February this year, said farmers, claiming the inclement weather conditions have destroyed most of their crops. While the estimated target this year was 112 MMT of wheat, the farmers claimed the March showers flattened nearly 30-40% of their standing crops just before harvest season.
Tractor industry
Rural economy indicators: The paradox of robust tractor and dwindling two-wheeler salesedit
The Indian Express – Online
Two-wheeler sales are considered a barometer of the health of India’s rural economy. Rural areas account for about 55% of the total sales of two-wheelers in the country, according to UBS Securities. The Swiss investment bank reckons this share at 65% in motorcycles and 30% for scooters, which are sold more in cities and big towns. Nikunj Sanghi, former president of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, estimates entry-level motorcycles (with 100-110 cc engine and costing Rs 65,000-70,000 ex-showroom) to make up 75% of all two-wheeler sales in India. Out of that 75%, around 70% would be in rural areas, which he defines ...