Integration of smart farming technologies for a greener, smarter agri landscape

From ancient practices relying on man and animal power to the modern era, where technology has become an indispensable ally in our quest for sustainable, efficient farming, our agricultural practices have covered a long journey. This progression often termed the “agtech Revolution“, represents a pivotal shift towards more innovative, greener agricultural practices driven by the integration of cutting-edge technologies into […]

Union Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights Need To Focus on ‘Annadata’

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the interim budget for 2024 in today’s parliamentary session. Commencing her address, she provided a comprehensive overview of the government’s achievements over the past decades. Emphasising the current imperative, Sitharaman underscored the pivotal focus on the welfare of Gareeb (the poor), Mahilayein (women), Yuva (youth), and Annadata (farmers) in India. Furthermore, she underscored […]

Have you ever heard of Mango Farming?

Obviously! You must have heard because it is a fruit that you enjoy eating the most throughout the summer. And this is the fruit that reigns supreme over all others.   What is mango farming? In India, people regard the mango as a token of friendliness, and it symbolizes the love in our hearts. Mango farming […]

Soyabean, meal prices under pressure on rising global supplies

Prices of soyabean and soyameal have come under pressure with the rise in global supplies and fall in prices. In fact, the modal prices of the bean in various mandis of Madhya Pradesh are ruling below the minimum support price (MSP) levels. Trade feels that the Indian soyameal may be uncompetitive in the international market with the […]

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. […]