India Today – Online

Social media users in urban areas are busy posting about the bonanza of unseasonal rains when Gujarat is preparing for searing heat-an average of 42 degrees Celsius. In the countryside, meanwhile, farmers and fruit growers are staring at crippling losses. According to a Gujarat government estimate, based on a survey done a month ago, 42,210 hectares of farmland have suffered over 33 per cent damage. Though the state government does not confirm the value, farmers claim the losses will run into thousands of crores. Addressing the anxiety of farmers, the Gujarat government, on May 4, announced a relief package reimbursing Rs 23,000 per hectare for every hectare where 33 per cent of crop loss has ...

Mint – Online

The government has set a target of 332 million tonne (MT) for foodgrain production for the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), a 2.6% increase from the previous year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the goal includes the production of 29.25 MT of pulses, 44 MT of oilseed, and 17 MT of millets, with strategies being developed in anticipation of El Nino’s impact. “The strategy would be to increase area through inter­cropping and crop diversification and productivity enhancement through the introduction of high yielding varieties, and adoption of suitable agronomic practices in low yielding regions,” the ministry said in a statement.

BW BusinessWorld – Online

The preparations for battle ground Karnataka has reached its finale. As the state goes for assembly polls on 10 May, here is a look at the ITR reports submitted by the candidates to know who the top ten candidates with highest income declaration. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate from Hosakote, N Nagaraju features as the number 1 candidate to declare the highest income. His own income is Rs 96 crore, while the total income of self, spouse and dependent is Rs 137 crore. This income is attributed to Agriculture, house property,business and other sources. Congress candidate from Chitradurga, KC Veerendra Puppy has been featured on the ...

Mint – Online

In April, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a normal monsoon for 2023, with rains estimated at 96% of the long-term average. But it added a rider, which many observers were quick to focus on, and quite rightly. The IMD observed that both its models, and those prepared by others, indicated “that El Niño conditions are likely to develop during the monsoon season.” The government is concerned as well. The finance ministry’s latest monthly review of the economy flagged the El Niño risk, pointing out: “It is important…to be vigilant against potential risks such as El Niño conditions creating drought conditions and lowering agricultural output and elevating prices, geopolitical developments and global financial stability.”