News for 'Ministry of Agriculture'

Indian telcos surpass 3-year 5G rollout target in six months

Indian telcos surpass 3-year 5G rollout target in six months

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

Indian telecom operators have surpassed the three- year 5G network rollout target given to them within six months and now the government is making efforts to enhance adoption of 5G applications across various key segments, a senior government official said in Barcelona. Department of Telecom Additional Secretary VL Kantha Rao told PTI at "India Evening" event on the sidelines of Mobile World Congress 2023 that the government has hosted over 50 companies at the India pavilion and the delegation is here to showcase indigenously-developed 4G and 5G technology stack. "When the spectrum was allocated to telecom service providers for 5G rollout, we gave a minimum rollout obligation saying that within one year they have to cover a few cities within three years, a few towns and so on and so forth.

Data on India's burgeoning farm exports is not correct

Data on India's burgeoning farm exports is not correct

Rediff.com17 Nov 2020

A closer look at the data reveals that a lot of the items are not part of this calculation. The notable ones include buffalo meat, marine exports, raw cotton, and plantation crops such as tea, coffee, rubber, etc.

Govt lifts expenditure curbs linked to Covid-19

Govt lifts expenditure curbs linked to Covid-19

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

The finance ministry on Friday withdrew expenditure curbs on various departments and ministries imposed in June in the wake of the COVID-19 second wave, reflecting improvement in public finances and the urgency to step up growth.

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'Why should our government opt for unproven technology that has been rejected by most countries across the globe?' 'Being dependent on any other nation to supply you seed for your good crops is another form of slavery.'

Delhi gasps for breath: Govt orders 50% WFH, primary schools shut

Delhi gasps for breath: Govt orders 50% WFH, primary schools shut

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that primary schools will be closed from Saturday in view of spike in pollution levels in the national capital.

'We crossed over into Pakistan at 2 am'

'We crossed over into Pakistan at 2 am'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

'Imagine for a soldier -- first you conquer territory after fighting a fierce battle, suffer casualties and then you are ordered to come back to your side of the International Border in India.'

Parkash Singh Badal passes away, Centre declares 2-day mourning

Parkash Singh Badal passes away, Centre declares 2-day mourning

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

Five-time former Punjab chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali over a week ago, died on Tuesday. He was 95.

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM, allots portfolios

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

Patel was administered the oath as the 18th chief minister by Governor Acharya Devvrat at a function held at the Helipad Ground near the new Secretariat.

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

'...Market-linked debentures, high-value insurance, exemptions from capital gains by investment in real estate, etc.' 'So, there are a number of measures directed at collecting a fair share from higher income individuals.'

After non-basmati, govt bans export of broken rice

After non-basmati, govt bans export of broken rice

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

After imposing 20 per cent export duty on non-basmati rice, the government has banned the export of broken rice with an aim to increase domestic availability, according to a government notification.

Why India Inc is moving to Dubai in droves

Why India Inc is moving to Dubai in droves

Rediff.com7 Nov 2022

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani might have made news for purchasing the most expensive beach-side villa in Dubai recently, but he is not the only Indian eyeing the city for investment. Since Dubai allowed foreign investors full ownership in specific sectors in June 2021, a horde of Indian companies have moved or expanded into the desert city. The list even includes a kindergarten, an elementary and middle school, and a hotel that has sought 100 per cent ownership.

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

A top Republican lawmaker has welcomed India signing a trade deal with Australia, and urged the Biden administration to enter into a similar arrangement with New Delhi that can advance Washington's strong economic agenda in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. "I'm pleased to see #Australia & #India sign a strong trade deal," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch said in a tweet. "The US needs to do the same and advance a strong economic agenda in the #IndoPacific. "The Biden Admin's failure to lead hurts US growth and our partnership in the region," Risch said in another tweet.

India has no plans to import wheat: Govt

India has no plans to import wheat: Govt

Rediff.com21 Aug 2022

The government has no plans to import wheat as it has sufficient stocks to meet the country's requirements, official sources said. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has enough stock for public distribution, they added. "There are no plans to import wheat into India. "The country has sufficient stocks to meet our domestic requirements," a source said.

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Egypt's strategic partnership for India, highest award for Modi

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

El-Sisi welcomed Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Egypt, at the Presidential Palace where the two leaders were closeted for one-on-one meeting after which the two sides signed a memorandum of understandng.

India bans wheat exports to control rising domestic prices

India bans wheat exports to control rising domestic prices

Rediff.com14 May 2022

India has banned wheat exports with immediate effect as part of measures to control rising domestic prices, according to official notification. However, the export shipments for which irrevocable letters of credit (LoC) have been issued on or before the date of this notification will be allowed, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification dated May 13. "The export policy of wheat ... is prohibited with immediate effect...," the DGFT said. It also clarified that wheat exports will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the Government of India to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their governments.

Cracks in Sangh Parivar, BKS wants farm laws tweaked

Cracks in Sangh Parivar, BKS wants farm laws tweaked

Rediff.com3 Dec 2020

'We were among the first organisations to voice our opposition to the three Acts long before anyone else and had sent memorandums collected from 3,000 tehsils across the country to the agriculture ministry to amend the Bills, but nothing was accepted,' says BKS general secretary Badri Narayan Chaudhary.

What Tamil Nadu Does Today, India May Do Tomorrow

What Tamil Nadu Does Today, India May Do Tomorrow

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

Tamil Nadu's latest budget offers path-breaking initiatives and major boost for social infrastructure, which other state governments are sure to follow in the coming years, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Anti-Agnipath protester killed in police firing had cleared Army tests

Anti-Agnipath protester killed in police firing had cleared Army tests

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

The deceased, an unfortunate first casualty of the ongoing protests against the Centre's new recruitment policy for the Armed forces, hailed from Dabeerpet village in Warangal district of Telangana.

Modi Cabinet reshuffle: Who got what

Modi Cabinet reshuffle: Who got what

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

Fifteen Cabinet ministers and 28 Ministers of State were sworn-in by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday evening.

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Rediff.com18 Sep 2020

'The President of India, as advised by the prime minister, has accepted the resignation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect,' the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

With 300 mn Indians in its fold, cooperative sector awaits big-bang reforms

With 300 mn Indians in its fold, cooperative sector awaits big-bang reforms

Rediff.com27 Jul 2021

About 150 years ago, in British India, big farmers in the western region of Maharashtra agitated over unfair lending practices and demanded a more fair and inclusive financing structure. People say this is where the seeds of the cooperative movement, now omnipresent in the country, were sown. Today, more than 800,000 cooperative societies thrive in India, with 300 million members, a number close to the population of the United States. Despite a reach this deep--grass roots as they call it--cooperatives do not occupy a lion's share in the Indian economy.

What does Modi gain by not REPEALING Farm Laws?

What does Modi gain by not REPEALING Farm Laws?

Rediff.com4 Oct 2021

And the only answer one can think of is that this is being done to preserve the image of toughness and 56 inches and all the rest of it, notes Aakar Patel.

Farm fires from Punjab choke Delhi, AAP blames Centre

Farm fires from Punjab choke Delhi, AAP blames Centre

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

The increase in stubble burning has kicked off a political slugfest, with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday saying that there had been a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021 in Punjab and that the Aam Aadmi Party had turned the national capital into a gas chamber.

Bengal: Babul Supriyo among 9 new ministers sworn in

Bengal: Babul Supriyo among 9 new ministers sworn in

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Nine MLAs, including Babul Supriyo, took oath as ministers in West Bengal on Wednesday, in a major reshuffle of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's cabinet.

RLD members to quit UP ministry

RLD members to quit UP ministry

Rediff.com24 May 2003

The five ministers in UP government are: Kokab Hamid, Anuradha Chaudhary, Babu Lal, Thakur Tejpal Singh and Swami Omvesh.

Cabinet nod for Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infra fund

Cabinet nod for Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infra fund

Rediff.com8 Jul 2020

The new agri-infra fund, the duration of which will be 10 years till 2029, aims to provide medium-to-long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.

Govt rejects global hunger ranking after India fares poorly

Govt rejects global hunger ranking after India fares poorly

Rediff.com15 Oct 2021

Reacting sharply to the Global Hunger Report 2021, the Women and Child Development Ministry said it is 'shocking' to find that it has lowered the rank of India on the basis of FAO estimate on proportion of undernourished population which is found to be 'devoid of ground reality and facts, and suffers from serious methodological issues'.

PM Modi launches Rs 1 lakh cr agri infrastructure fund

PM Modi launches Rs 1 lakh cr agri infrastructure fund

Rediff.com9 Aug 2020

The PM also said that the country does not face problems in farm production but in post-harvest losses and therefore efforts are being made to strengthen post harvest infrastructure facilities and ensure better income for farmers.

SJM demands total ban on killer glyphosate weedicide

SJM demands total ban on killer glyphosate weedicide

Rediff.com11 Dec 2021

A memorandum with over two lakh signatures of people favouring a complete ban on the weedicide has been submitted to Union minister for agriculture and farmers welfare Narendra Singh, SJM co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said.

Tomato prices may soften from Dec

Tomato prices may soften from Dec

Rediff.com26 Nov 2021

All India average retail tomato price, which has shot up by 63 per cent to Rs 67 per kg over the last year due to unseasonal rains, are likely to soften from December with the arrival of fresh crop from northern states, the government said on Friday. In the case of onions, retail prices have substantially subsided below to the level that prevailed in 2020 and also 2019, it said. "Tomato arrivals from north Indian states will start from the beginning of December itself, which will add to availability and lead to fall in prices.

FinMin cites 'green shoots' of recovery after policy measures

FinMin cites 'green shoots' of recovery after policy measures

Rediff.com23 Jun 2020

The finance ministry on Tuesday cited "green shoots" of recovery in agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors, and said the prompt policy measures taken by the government and RBI have helped reinvigorate the economy with minimal damage. Stating that the agricultural sector remains the foundation of the Indian economy, the ministry said that a normal monsoon, as has been forecast, should support the rebooting of economy.

Imports from Russia jump 33% to $1.1 bn in March

Imports from Russia jump 33% to $1.1 bn in March

Rediff.com9 May 2022

Shipments from Russia rose nearly 33 per cent to $1.1 billion in March from $831.17 million in the previous month, which was when the country mounted aggression on Ukraine and faced sanctions from Western nations, the data accessed by Business Standard shows. Growth in imports was largely on account of oil, people aware of the matter said. The Department of Commerce is learnt to have written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), seeking details of imports, including the payment mechanism, which India has not made public.

Budget 2018: What the rural sector can expect

Budget 2018: What the rural sector can expect

Rediff.com24 Jan 2018

The Budget allocation for Ministry of Agriculture and allied activities has grown by 114% since 2010-11

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Portfolios were on Tuesday allocated in the new Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, predictably, retained the all-important home department which helps him keep direct control on the state police.

India aims for record 298.3 m tonne foodgrain output in 20-21

India aims for record 298.3 m tonne foodgrain output in 20-21

Rediff.com16 Apr 2020

Riding high on the hopes of a normal monsoon, the agriculture ministry aims to increase foodgrain production by 6.35 million tonnes to a record 298.3 million tonnes in the 2020-21 crop year. The foodgrain output in the 2019-20 crop year (July-June) is estimated at an all-time high 291.95 million tonnes, as per the second advance estimates released by the ministry in February.

Budget 2022: Industry groups want Sitharaman to rationalise I-T slabs

Budget 2022: Industry groups want Sitharaman to rationalise I-T slabs

Rediff.com22 Dec 2021

Rationalisation of income tax slabs, infrastructure status for digital services and incentives to hydrogen storage as well as fuel cell development were some of the suggestions made by various stakeholders at the pre-Budget consultation meeting convened by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The customary pre-Budget consultation meetings were held with the finance minister virtually between December 15 and December 22, as per the finance ministry statement. More than 120 invitees representing seven stakeholder groups participated in eight meetings, scheduled during this period, it said.

ERCP: Gehlot's Quiet War With Modi

ERCP: Gehlot's Quiet War With Modi

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is determined to implement the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project despite the Centre's indifference.

'Farm laws will have to be repealed'

'Farm laws will have to be repealed'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2021

'The issue is not whether the farm laws are beneficial for the farmers or not.' 'The farmers have taken a stand that they do not want these laws.' 'Why do you want to thrust these laws down their throat?'

India faces its worst locust swarm in nearly 30 years

India faces its worst locust swarm in nearly 30 years

Rediff.com27 May 2020

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Director General Trilochan Mohapatra, the insects have attacked about 40,000 hectares of land.

Challenges before NITI Aayog's Suman Bery

Challenges before NITI Aayog's Suman Bery

Rediff.com14 Jun 2022

The most immediate challenge for growth is the disruption of the global economy brought about by the Ukraine war and related sanctions, the Covid shutdowns in China and the rising tide of inflation, points out Nitin Desai.