Govt invites over 1,000 farmers to special prog on I-Day, to launch AI-powered pest mgmt system
The Ministry of agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has invited over 1,000 farmers and their spouses to the National Capital for a two-day event coinciding with the 78th Independence Day celebrations. The beneficiaries of schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Fasal Bima Yojana will meet agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 15. During the event, Chouhan will launch the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital tool using AI and machine learning to provide pest management advisories. The NPSS aims to minimize crop losses and enhance productivity with real-time data and advanced analytics. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt launches mission to boost oilseeds' production, cut imports of cooking oils
Union Minister of State for agriculture Kailash Choudhary was present at the inaugural event and visited an exhibition stall at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam. According to an official statement, Munda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special emphasis on the development of the Northeastern region. He said the central government has done the work of eliminating the gaps in the development of agriculture in the northeastern states and bringing them into the mainstream. Key Points
Economic TimesInnovation in farm practices must to meet food basket demand
The review highlights the importance of continuous innovation, technology adoption, and diversified food baskets in meeting the growing demands. It emphasizes the need for policy consistency to expand market and production choices for farmers. India's agriculture exports reached ₹4.2 lakh crore in FY23, surpassing previous records. Key Points
Economic TimesPaddy acreage up; pulses, cotton drop
Total kharif planting increased by 4.6% compared to last year, reaching 107.8 million hectares (mh) Key Points
mintAgriculture, allied sectors contribution to GDP can further rise on strengthened marketing; FPOs are key:
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said that the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) can enhance the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to India's GDP by strengthening marketing. Shah highlighted the significant initiatives taken by the Modi government in the past nine years to boost the income of farmers. The agriculture sector's budget increased from around Rs 22,000 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1.15 lakh crore in 2023-24. Shah also noted that primary agricultural credit societies and FPOs can aid farmers by providing modern technology and marketing methods. Key Points
Economic Times
PM Modi calls for deliberations on global food security at ongoing G20 Agri Ministers conference
Climate change is causing extreme weather events, more and more frequently. These challenges are felt most by the global South, Modi added. He said India's policy is the fusion of back to basics and march to future even as the country is promoting natural farming as well as technology-enabled agriculture. Key Points
Economic TimesMoS Agri pitches for mass adoption of new farm technologies for achieving $5 trillion economy
Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture, believes that mass adoption of new technologies like drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision farming in the agriculture sector is necessary for India to reach the USD 5 trillion economy. Choudhary also urged scientists to identify untapped areas such as rain-fed districts, empowering farmers with new agricultural technologies. 6-7%. Key Points
Economic TimesDiscussions at second ADM to steer towards consensus for global agri growth: Union minister
The second agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) of the G20 agriculture Working Group is discussing sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition with a climate smart approach. The meeting of 19 member countries, 10 invited countries and 10 international organizations will focus on drafting a communique, covering four thematic areas – food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, inclusive agricultural value chains and digitalization for agricultural transformation. Key Points
Economic TimesJammu and Kashmir authorities plan revival of aromatic rice Mushk Budji, expand cultivation to 5,000 hecta
The cultivation area of the indigenous aromatic rice variety, Mushk Budji, from Kashmir is set to expand to 5,000 hectares in the next three years. This variety of rice was on the verge of extinction due to disease susceptibility and poor yield potential. However, efforts by the agriculture department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have led to its revival. The aim is to transform the agriculture economy in Jammu and Kashmir, boost exports, and improve farmer prosperity. The rice has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is expected to tap into national and international markets. Key Points
Economic TimesWEF says India's agri sector can scale new highs with AI, other emerging technologies
The agriculture sector in India can be transformed by promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, according to a new World Economic Forum report. Releasing the phase-1 report of the 'Saagu Baagu' ('agriculture advancement' in the Telugu language) being implemented by the Telangana government in collaboration with it, the WEF said its AI for agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) initiative has helped more than 7,000 chilli farmers get access to agritech services in the first phase. Key Points
Economic Times
Women an important piece to achieve 8% growth: Barclays study
India needs women to account for more than half of the new jobs created by 2030 in order to achieve an 8% growth rate, according to a study by Barclays. The study suggests that female labor force participation would need to rise six percentage points to 43.4% for growth to reach 6-6.5%. The report also highlights the need to shift workers from agriculture to non-agriculture sectors, as well as the importance of job creation in sectors that enhance productivity. Upskilling and formalization are also identified as crucial for India's growth. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia looking to create special farm sector indices to lift agri productivity and incomes
A senior government official told ET that the preparatory work had started at the level of Niti Aayog as well as the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, and that the policy interventions may be rolled out after the general elections in 2024. As part of the multi-pronged strategy, the Niti Aayog is working on developing indices across agriculture and rural landscape to track progress of the existing schemes and undertake evaluation of flagship programs to introduce changes, wherever needed, the official said. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia, 20 others to talk agriculture subsidies at WTO tomorrow
Around 80 WTO members opposed this proposal by the Cairns Group, which has 19 members including Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Canada. Last month, the European Union had shown willingness to negotiate the public stockholding issue with India. The move was seen as a significant breakthrough on the issue which has been deadlocked for the past 10 years. Key Points
Economic Timesagriculture dept distributes over 13,500 farm equipment
Officials said the farm equipment was distributed among farmers during a programme at the residential training centre ‘Matigantha’ in the district. 365 trainees have successfully completed the training programme at Matigantha till March 31, they added. Key Points
The Indian ExpressElectricity use in agriculture sector jumps to 37.1 per cent since 2009-10
Both direct (electricity and fuel) and indirect (nitrogenous and phosphorus fertilisers, and pesticides) energy use in Indian agriculture have increased over the years. Indirect use of energy in the form of fertilisers contributed 68.4 per cent in 2009-10 but reduced to 60.61 per cent in 2019-20. Electricity consumption in agriculture is increasing, driven by higher irrigation demand for new crop varieties and subsidised electricity provided to the sector. Key Points
Economic Times
For G20 delegates, Chandigarh lays out 16-course delicacies, mix of Navratra, traditional fare
A village concept was displayed with swings and henna stalls by self-help groups to entertain the guests. The arrangements were made by the Chandigarh civic body. Key Points
The Indian ExpressHigher educational institutes create ‘Agri-Consortium’
Indian higher educational institutes (HEIs) have joined together to form an 'Agri-Consortium', led by IIM Kashipur. The consortium aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals to discuss trends and advancements in agriculture. The participating institutions have agreed to share startup databases, disseminate support programs, and share best practices. Key Points
Economic TimesAssam Chief Secretary asks agriculture department to collect photographs of successful cultivators
The Chief Secretary appreciated the low-cost innovative application of Solar powered pumping station on a floating barge made of recycled UPBC barrels with a flexibility of supplying water at various locations on demand by farmers launched in Boko-Chaygaon Division (Irrigation). Also he has appreciated the idea of providing tank at the tail end of Irrigation canals to store surplus water and practice of pisciculture there. Key Points
Economic TimesPM to release Rs 20,000 cr for farmers, felicitate 'Krishi Sakhis' in Varanasi visit on June 18
PM Modi to visit Varanasi on June 18 to release 17th installment of PM-KISAN scheme worth over Rs 20,000 crore for 9.26 crore farmers. He will also honor over 30,000 Self Help Group members trained as 'Krishi Sakhis'. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt working on blueprint to cut use of water and fertilisers, improve soil quality
To reduce use of fertilizers, enhance soil quality by using organic products, diversify crops and minimise the use of water, nutrients and energy on farmlands, Centre is working towards a blueprint as it is focusing on scaling up agroecology in India under its Vision 2047. Agroecology is sustainable farming or application of ecological concepts and principals in farming. Key Points
Economic Times
India's interest to study agriculture abroad rises
Indian students are increasingly pursuing agricultural studies abroad, driven by global demand for sustainable farming practices and immigration opportunities. This trend, fueled by initiatives like the EU's 'Farm to Fork' strategy, has seen a surge in interest from students from both farming and non-farming backgrounds. Key Points
Economic TimesMS Swaminathan: All you need to know about Bharat Ratna awardee & Father of Green Revolution
Dr. MS Swaminathan, hailed as the father of Indias green revolution, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding contributions to agriculture and farmers welfare. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th century, he played a pivotal role in India's self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times. Key Points
Economic TimesInvesting in Bharat: 3 stocks which benefit from government focus on increasing rural incomes
Somehow a narrative has been built that if one has to play on increasing rural income, it is either FMCG for two wheelers which are the stocks to look at. Yes it might have been true couple of decades back, but the fact is that in last couple of years there has been many companies which are focussed on purely on rural economy So, they sell their product on in that particular market and when there is boom in that part of the economy, the incremental addition to their margin is high. These companies form the part of the rural income chain. Both the companies which are focussed on increasing agriculture productivity and the non agriculture side of rural incomes have been in focus. Key Points
Economic TimesNIRF 2023: Indian Agricultural Research Institute bags first spot among agriculture and Allied courses colleges
NIRF 2023: The second position was secured by ICAR– National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana with a score of 70.45. Key Points
The Indian ExpressPrice volatility in food items seen persisting into the next year
India's farm sector output was hit by an unprecedented weather shock in 2023, weighing on agricultural output and causing volatility in food prices. The decline in output was due to an erratic monsoon and adverse impact of El Niño. Key Points
mint
‘Agri resilience to weather shocks better’
We know that after covid, non-agriculture growth is very high. Then obviously because of that higher growth, you will see higher impact on consumption in urban area than in the rural area. Key Points
mintPresident Murmu to confer Bharat Ratna on LK Advani, four others today
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Bharat Ratna upon five distinguished personalities, including former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh and P.V. Narasimha Rao, and veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, the only living awardee. Key Points
Economic TimesModi announces Bharat Ratna for ex-PMs Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh & scientist MS Swaminathan
Rao, says Modi, was instrumental in making India economically advanced, while Singh dedicated his life to welfare of farmers. Swaminathan, he adds, made modernised Indian agriculture. Key Points
ThePrintNo new issue in agri till permanent solution on public stockholding: India at a WTO meet
In a WTO meeting, Piyush Goyal put forward New Delhi's approach to the issue saying that public procurement and stockholding of food grains serve the twin objectives of food security and income support to marginal farmers. The 19-member Cairns group, which includes agri-exporting nations, lobbies for agricultural trade liberalisation. It was formed in 1986 in Cairns, Australia. Key Points
Economic TimesRapid digitalisation of agriculture sector increasing cybersecurity risks: Report
Cyberattacks “could lead to food shortages, increased prices, and spoilage. While the adoption of robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things... Key Points
The Tribune India
Agri credit crosses Rs 20 lakh crore till Jan in FY24; sharp jump from Rs 7.3 lakh cr in 2013-14
The Modi government has significantly increased institutional credit in the agriculture sector, with banks disbursing Rs 20.39 lakh crore. The government implements an interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans and provides income support to farmers through the PM-KISAN scheme. The government has spent Rs 18. Key Points
Economic Times'We are spreading thorns in path of our farmers instead of petals': Dhanuka Agritech Group chairman RG Aga
Dhanuka Agritech Group chairman Dr. RG Agarwal criticized export bans and restrictions on produce, stating that they harm farmers and push their children away from agriculture. He also highlighted the issue of illegal trade of spurious pesticides and called for government action. Agarwal questioned the lack of comprehensive data protection on pesticide products and urged the removal of restrictive rules on pesticide producers. He emphasized the need for investment in the agriculture sector to boost its growth and benefit the overall economy. Key Points
Economic TimesAfter India Stack, why Sitharaman proposed another stack for economic boost
The agriculture sector in India supports 42.3% of the population and contributes 18.2% to the GDP. Despite challenges, the Economic Survey 2023-24 advocates for leveraging technology and policy reforms, such as the Agri Stack initiative, to formalize the sector, boost productivity, increase farmer income, and drive economic growth. Agri Stack aims to address issues like poor land records, enhance credit access, improve data management, and facilitate better policy interventions, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the economy as a whole. Key Points
Economic TimesSamyukta Kisan Morcha to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 'Delhi Chalo'
Samyukta Kisan Morcha has announced that it will lead a Delhi Chalo movement on February 26, accompanied by seven key demands. Leading up to this event, they plan to organize 15 additional Kisan Mahapanchayats across the country within the next month and a half. The Morcha's demands for the Delhi Chalo movement include the assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) among other issues. Key Points
Economic TimesPaddy sowing picking up in some areas: agriculture Commissioner
Till last week, area under paddy was lower by 14.66 per cent at 5.32 lakh hectare as against 6.23 lakh hectare in the year-ago period, as per the agriculture Ministry data. Key Points
Economic Times