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Agriculture

Why some farmers in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Sangli are taking a chance on dragon fruit

A low-maintenance crop, dragon fruit does not require much water. And while the initial investment for its cultivation might be high, the profits are even higher.

Govt approves environmental release of GM mustard, paves way for commercial cultivation

India meets 70% of its domestic cooking oil demand by importing a variety of oils, including palm, soybean and sunflower varieties.

Opposed to genetically modified crops until 2015, Ethiopia approves GM potato and maize trials

GM potato is resistant to the devastating fungal disease late blight, while GM maize is drought-resistant. Ethiopia is also also holding trials of GM enset (a type of banana).

More bad news after inflation hits 5-month high: Wheat stocks at 6-yr low, ‘rice output to fall’

Wheat stocks are half of where they stood in October 2021. Public stocks of rice are nearly double stocking norm, but price outlook depends on actual harvest this season.

A glut, low prices & high costs — why Himachal’s apple farmers are a bitter lot as polls near

With assembly polls approaching, BJP in Himachal has little time left to address farmers’ demands of MSP, uniform box sizes and relaxation in ‘colour classification’ of apples.

After Haryana, now Punjab records rain damage to paddy. Farmers to ‘wait & watch’, may seek relief

Jagmohan Singh of BKU (Dakaunda) says farmers expecting 40% loss in early rice varieties. According to experts, crop damage of this nature has taken place after almost a decade.

Snapdragon genes, anti-cancer properties — purple tomatoes are a superfruit, 14 yrs in the making

These genetically modified tomatoes will soon hit the shelves in US and are said to protect against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, among other ailments.

Why Punjab farmers who bet big on moong this summer reaped a harvest of discontent

MSP for moong became ceiling price as private traders were unwilling to offer more, claim growers. Another factor was low procurement of produce at MSP by Punjab government.

Agriculture needs market reforms, but with farmers at the centre, says Punjab farm panel new chief

Sukhpal Singh says repealed farm laws 'catered to corporations', plans to focus on boosting farmer income, crop diversification, favours export of surplus to neighbouring countries.

Why India banned export of broken rice & could more curbs be in the offing

High exports driven by demand from China led to shortage in country, where broken rice is used to make ethanol & as cattle feed. Lower & delayed planting likely to hit production too.

On Camera

Congress can’t deny Modi’s charge of Muslim quota. Karnataka & 2009 manifesto are proof

The issue of the Muslim quota has the potential to polarise SCs, STs, and OBCs along religious lines in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. It benefits the BJP.

Foreign policy resonating among more Indians in 2nd & 3rd tier towns of India, says EAM Jaishankar

Speaking at launch of economist Surjit Bhalla’s book, S Jaishankar also highlights Gen Z’s engagement with ‘reel culture’, which has 'promoted awareness, created interest in many subjects'.

Germany removes restrictions, India can now buy small arms from its firms

Germany’s erstwhile Christian Democratic Union govt, led by Angela Merkel, prevented sale of small arms to police forces in states they perceived had ‘bad human rights record’.

Frontrunner is letting the challenger define this poll campaign. Modi still hasn’t found a big theme

A theme has not yet emerged for BJP & people see lack of a contest, which makes it unexciting. For all these reasons, 2024 is turning out to be an unexpectedly theme-less election.