Synthetic vs. Organic: Understanding the Key Differences

The debate between synthetic and organic products has been ongoing for decades, particularly when discussing food production methods. Both categories cater to different consumer preferences and values, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article aims to provide an informative overview on what sets these two apart by diving into their […]

Maharashtra mills pay 96% of sugarcane prices to farmers

During the ongoing sugar season, data from the sugar commissioner’s office reveal that 202 mills are actively crushing sugarcane, having processed a total of 441.01 lakh tonnes (lt) of sugarcane. The cumulative gross payable Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) set by these mills stands at ₹13,642 crore. Impressively, the mills have disbursed ₹13,056 crore, covering […]

Natural Fertilisers to Increase Crop Production

As the world grapples with feeding a rapidly growing population amidst mounting environmental challenges, finding sustainable ways to enhance crop productivity becomes increasingly important. One promising approach involves utilizing natural fertilizers, which not only improve soil fertility and plant health but also minimize harmful impacts associated with synthetic chemical inputs. This article offers an extensive […]

Govt says masur production may touch record 1.6 mn tons this rabi season

The country’s masur (lentil) production is estimated to touch an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season on higher acreage, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh. Masur production stood at 1.55 million tonnes in the 2022-23 rabi season, as per the official data. Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, India imports certain pulses, including masur […]

Budget recap: A look at what was announced for the agriculture sector last year

The overall budgetary allocation for the agriculture ministry was increased to an estimated Rs 1.25 lakh crore for FY24 financial year, including Rs 60,000 crore for the government’s ambitious PM-KISAN scheme. Technological Push: Budget 2023 was largely along the lines expected by industry players. The emphasis on technology adoption in agriculture was announced at the right […]

Going bananas: Prices rise to ₹30/kg from ₹18-20 in October

Hit by falling cultivation and the spread of disease in major producing areas banana prices have gone bananas. Banana inflation increased to 16.5% in November from 2.2% four months ago, according to consumer inflation data released last month. Retail prices have been hovering around ₹30 per kg now, up from₹ 18-20 in October, said traders. […]

Bihar Announces 40% Subsidy for Dragon Fruit Cultivation

To bolster agricultural ventures and diversify crop cultivation, the Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Bihar, has announced a 40 percent subsidy under the National Horticulture Mission Scheme for the cultivation of dragon fruit in the state. This initiative aims to incentivize farmers and promote the growth of dragon fruit farming across the state, furthering the agricultural landscape […]

Amit Shah to launch procurement portal for tur dal growing farmers

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will on Thursday launch a tur dal procurement portal that will enable farmers to register themselves for selling the commodity and receive payments directly into their bank accounts.The multi-lingual portal will streamline the entire process for tur dal growers in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka and Jharkhand, simplifying the registration, […]

India to export raw cane sugar to US

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday notified export of 8,606 tonnes of raw cane sugar under tariff rate quota (TRQ) scheme to the US. The quantity of 8,606 MT raw sugar to be exported to the US under TRQ scheme from 1 October 2023, to 30 September 2024 has been notified,” a notification issued by […]

Govt procures 25,000 tonnes of kharif onion so far for buffer stock

The Centre has so far procured 25,000 tonnes of onion grown in the 2023 kharif season for maintaining a buffer stock, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said on Monday.The government is procuring onion to maintain a buffer stock and use it for market intervention to boost domestic availability and keep prices in check . […]