Agriculture ministry data shows area under rice cultivation in Punjab this season reached a record high of 32.46 lakh hectares. Yet, the produce is lowest ‘since 2016’.
Debt-burdened farmers cling to paddy even as it drains soil, water, and future prospects. ‘Crop diversification is a nice buzz word but nothing’s done at the policy level.’
As devastated farmers begin to come to terms with the fallout, 4 lakh hectares of land under paddy cultivation across state is flooded. Punjab is among the biggest contributors to PDS.
Farmers say they've been camping at mandis for 15-20 days with no buyers. Rice mills blame procurement delays on lack of storage space, as warehouses still hold last year’s stock.
Delayed, erratic rains wreaked havoc on Haryana’s rice crops. With stubble-burning restrictions looming, many farmers are eyeing weather-resistant underground crops.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann thanked farmers for accepting the ban and staying away from the water-guzzling paddy variety Pusa-44. But convincing them about the larger public good is a work-in-progress.
Higher MSPs for paddy and wheat will increase burden on exchequer and discourage farmers from diversifying crops. As 2024 elections approach, there is a strong possibility of more incentives.
Virender Lather, a former ICAR scientist, says scheme launched in 2021 will harm farmers' income & India's food security, urges governor & HC to intervene.
Charkhi Dadri (Haryana): On the intervening night of 2 and 3 July, Vikram Sangwan attempted suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of his home in Charkhi...
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.
A sound tax system is one based on the ability to pay or economic surplus. But the STT taxes the circulation of capital and not its returns, making it deeply distortionary.
Exporters said the Budget’s proposals to increase duty-free import limits on processing, create 500 reservoirs and support fisheries startups will boost the marine industry.
With recruitments under Agnipath set to rise, the Union Budget has significantly increased spending, with the Army taking nearly 87% of the total outlay.
The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.
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