All stories by Sanjeeb Mukherjee
El Nino Clouds Hover Over August Rainfall
Rediff.com8 Aug 2023The El Nino impact on the Indian monsoon typically manifests by way of extended break in rainfall.
Global rice markets in turmoil as India bans export of non-basmati
Rediff.com3 Aug 2023India's decision to ban the export of non-basmati white rice has pushed up global prices, prompting multilateral lending agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to call for a reconsideration of the move. Though nothing has been spelled out yet officially, sources said, the government might consider requests for government-to-government sale of non-basmati white rice, especially to West African nations where India is a major supplier. Also, traders and exporters of specialty regional rice varieties like sona masuri or gobindo bhog feel that they have been short-changed.
Rajya Sabha passes Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill
Rediff.com2 Aug 2023The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday gave its green light to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023. This Bill introduces significant amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act. These modifications aim to enhance the transparency and accountability of these cooperatives' operations in a bid to improve governance.
Why FCI Stopped Rice Supply For Ethanol
Rediff.com1 Aug 2023Rising prices of cereals and concerns over rice production in the 2023-2024 crop year due to insufficient rains followed by floods could be the possible causes.
Why NRIs Don't Get Non-Basmati White Rice
Rediff.com28 Jul 2023Non-basmati white rice accounts for nearly 25-30 per cent of total rice exported from the country.
Be Warned! Haldi Prices Will Soar!
Rediff.com28 Jul 2023Usually, turmeric is grown over 290,000-330,000 hectares of land. But in 2022-2023, according to official estimates, there has been a drop of about 10,000 hectares.
Cooler Weather Halts Milk Crisis
Rediff.com19 Jul 2023Cooler weather meant that demand for milk products and value-added items like buttermilk and ice-cream did not show the usual rise.
Tomato Prices Increased By 1315%!
Rediff.com12 Jul 20238 out of 10 households are planning to cut their tomato consumption if prices stay in the Rs 75-150 kg range over the next three months.
Farmer's to get a bird's eye view: IFFCO to purchase 2,500 agri drones
Rediff.com5 Jul 2023At a time when climate change poses significant challenges and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices has never been more critical, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow farmers to gain a bird's-eye view of their crops from ground level. Drones have become a new force in precision agriculture, helping increase productivity while prioritising sustainability and resilience. Fertiliser major IFFCO is exploring this very transformative power of technology in agriculture.
Jeera prices up 73% since January 2023 amid rising demand, supply shortage
Rediff.com28 Jun 2023Jeera July futures in NCDEX touched a record high of Rs. 58,085 per quintal on Monday, before coming down to around Rs. 55,500 on Tuesday. This was due to profit booking and extension of additional surveillance margin of 2.5 per cent till July 18, including on all contracts to be launched in the future. The softening, according to some reports, is also because of fears of regulatory action on jeera traders over allegations of excessive speculation.
Don't panic! Bad June doesn't mean bad monsoon
Rediff.com22 Jun 2023The southwest monsoon has started on a weak note and this has delayed the sowing of kharif crops. Though a cause for concern, the situation hasn't reached a stage where it warrants any panic response. Moreover, according to meteorologists and industry players, monsoon rains will witness a revival in the coming few weeks.
NCDEX all set to relaunch groundnut futures after more than 13 years
Rediff.com19 Jun 2023After a gap of more than 13 years, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) is all set to launch a futures contract in groundnut (in shell) to fill a void in oilseeds complex futures because of a ban in several high-volume commodities.
Will 2023 Be A Repeat Of 2015?
Rediff.com5 Jun 2023States have been told to prepare in advance to counter any impact of an adverse southwest monsoon.
India asks for $55-million funding in first call with Pandemic Fund
Rediff.com30 May 2023In a significant development, India is believed to have placed a funding request of around $55 million in its first call with the Pandemic Fund of the World Bank, sources said. The fund has been set up to finance critical investments in a bid to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It was created in the aftermath of the Covid-19 global pandemic.
Govt holds meetings to prepare for adverse monsoon, works on action plans
Rediff.com19 May 2023With different agencies showing divergent predictions regarding the southwest monsoon, the central government and states are gearing up to face adversity with various line ministries reportedly being directed to undertake mock drills and hold preparatory meetings. Around 56 per cent of the net cultivable area of the country is rain-fed, accounting for 44 per cent of foodgrain production. The June-September rains contribute around 73 per cent of the annual precipitation.
Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed
Rediff.com16 May 2023The onset of the southwest monsoon is being keenly watched this year as it may provide an early sign regarding its progress over the Indian subcontinent, particularly when El Nio is expected to rear its head during the latter half of the season.
Monsoon nearing, fear of lumpy skin disease in cattle resurfaces
Rediff.com17 Apr 2023The Centre has issued an advisory to states to speed up the preventive vaccination process.
Impact of untimely rain on wheat crop marginal
Rediff.com5 Apr 2023There has not been a large impact of untimely rain and hailstorm so far in several major wheat-growing areas, and those might have damaged around 3 per cent of the standing crop -- not enough to make a big dent in the expected 112 million tonnes of production in FY24, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Relentless rain pounded most North Indian states all through March. Separately, the chairman of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Ashok K Meena, told reporters the agency was on track to achieve the targeted 34 million tonnes of procurement in FY24 on the back of a strong start to the purchase season from Madhya Pradesh.
Modi Prepares Govt For Harsh Summer
Rediff.com24 Mar 2023Prime Minister Modi last week called for optimal grain storage, fire audits and mock drills in hospitals as preparations for the harsh summer forecast by the meteorological department.
Farm sector to grow 3.7% in Oct-Dec on kharif output
Rediff.com3 Mar 2023The Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied activities is projected to clock its best growth in FY23 during the October-to-December quarter, at 3.7 per cent, on the back of a strong kharif harvest, according to the second advance estimates of national income. In the third quarter of FY22, GVA in the sector was 2.3 per cent at constant prices. At current prices, the growth in the third quarter of this financial year is projected at 8.6 per cent, which is almost at the same level in the corresponding quarter of FY22.