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After two straight years of substandard yields, a beacon of bright light finally appeared in mid-January 2024. According to Agricultural Minister <keyword id="20373047" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="arjun-munda" source="keywords">Arjun Munda</keyword>, Indian farmers had sown more <keyword id="47374" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="wheat" source="Orion">wheat</keyword> than in the previous years this time around, which could help the nation set a new wheat production record during the ongoing 2023-24 <keyword id="50895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="crop" source="Orion">crop</keyword> year. But the weather, it appears, had other plans. You see, wheat is extremely sensitive to high temperatures! Last year, temperature fluctuations played a major role in the overall shortfalls and subsequent food price inflation. However, the expectations of a bumper <keyword id="6417335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="harvest" source="Orion">harvest</keyword> this year received a boost when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also predicted that March maximum temperatures were likely to remain normal to below normal in many parts of several wheat-growing states — including <keyword id="19911160" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab" source="keywords">Punjab</keyword>, a major part of India’s “food bowl” states. But just as the farmers were preparing to harvest the yield of their hard labour, disaster struck. Untimely hailstorms and heavy rain lashed some parts of India's wheat-cultivating belt in the last couple of weeks, threatening the dream of a record-breaking crop yield this year. These storms wreaked havoc in Punjab, in particular, damaging around 1,50,000 hectares of wheat and rapeseed crops that now lay slouched over in the fields. Now, farmers anxiously await damage assessments while bracing for potential yield losses due to the severe weather. Further, the downpours and hail, combined with forecasts of above-average temperatures and heatwave days in some other parts of Northwest India in March, could spell more trouble for the upcoming harvest. Wheat is harvested between April and May. According to IMD’s long-range summer forecast, daytime temperatures are likely to be above normal in most of the country from March to May — including in about half of Punjab. In addition, all of the wheat-belt states, including Punjab, <keyword id="19904807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="haryana" source="keywords">Haryana</keyword> and Uttar Pradesh, will see more than the usual number of heatwave days this summer season. All of these factors could have an effect on the wheat output this year. However, there is still reason for cautious optimism. The recent hail-affected area represents only a small fraction of India's overall wheat plantings, and some crops are expected to recover. According to a report by the Business Standard, experts explained that some of the hail-bent wheat will revive, and overall, the crop condition appears promising at the moment. It is a crucial time for India in terms of crop output. The farm ministry had predicted a record wheat harvest of 112 million tons in 2024, which would have allowed them to lift 2022’s shipment curbs that had been put in place to ensure <keyword id="118345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-security" source="Orion">food security</keyword> and control domestic prices in the nation. It remains to be seen if the weather damage forces them to reconsider these plans.

Last-minute patch of intense rain and hail affects wheat harvest across India’s ‘food bowl’ states

After potato and onion, the price of edible oil has now gone up due to a sharp increase in the cost of oilseeds. Crude palm oil (CPO) prices in the domestic futures market have risen by 53 per cent in the past six months due to a decline in palm oil production in Malaysia. <keyword id="53341" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="soybean">Soybean</keyword> and mustard prices are also witnessing steady rise. Oilseed market experts say that the price of mustard, soya oil and palm oil is currently at the highest level in India and there is a possibility of further rise in prices in the coming days due to costlier imports from abroad. According to market sources, the wholesale price of raw mustard in the country was Rs 1,155 per 10 kg on Thursday, while the wholesale price of soya oil was Rs 995-1010 per 10 kg, while that of and palm oil (RBD) was Rs 935-945 per 10 kg. At the same time, the wholesale price of sunflower oil was Rs 1,180-1,220 per 10 kg. On Thursday, the CPO on <keyword id="109771" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Multi-Commodity-Exchange">Multi Commodity Exchange</keyword> (MCX) gained nearly 2 per cent to Rs 869.70 per 10 kg, while the CPO contract was broken by Rs 567.30 per 10 kg on May 7, 2020. Thus, CPO prices have risen by more than 53 per cent in the last six months. Ajay Kedia, director of <keyword id="8953944" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="kedia-advisory">Kedia Advisory</keyword>, said the fall in palm oil production in Malaysia has led to a rise in prices. He said that in view of the rise in prices of mustard and soybean in the country along with crude palm oil, there is a possibility of further rise in the prices of edible oil in the coming days. On the other hand, the prices of soybean and soy oil have also gone up in the global market. Lakshmichand Aggarwal, president of the Central Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade, said that the rise in prices of other edible oils, including palm oil and soy oil, has also affected the mustard oil, while the mustard crop remained low in the last season. Prices have got support. He said that the increase in prices will increase the interest of farmers in mustard sowing during the current Rabi season. On Thursday, the Mustard November contract price on <keyword id="9936942" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-national-commodity-and-derivatives-exchange">the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange</keyword> (NCDX), the largest futures market for agricultural products in the country, rose to Rs 6,348 per quintal. At the same time, the November contract of soybean on NCDX rose by Rs 4,339 per quintal. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/heres-when-you-can-expect-more-data-from-each-state-in-the-next-few-hours/articleshow/79065787.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Here's when you can expect more data from each state in the next few hours</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambani-cashes-in-yet-another-cheque-from-pif-saudi-arabia-sovereign-fund-to-invest-1-3-billion-in-reliance-retail/articleshow/79061345.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mukesh Ambani cashes in yet another cheque from PIF — Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund to invest $1.3 billion in Reliance Retail</a>

After potato and onion, edible oil prices shoot up 53% in the past six months

<ul><li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved the <keyword id="44033" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="hike">hike</keyword> in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all mandated six <keyword id="6372377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rabi-crops">Rabi crops</keyword> in crop season 2020-21 (July-June).</li><li>The increase in MSPs is in line with the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, as per a <keyword id="6393070" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture-ministry">Agriculture Ministry</keyword> statement.</li><li>The highest increase in MSP has been announced for lentils (Rs 300 per quintal), followed by gram, rapeseed and mustard (Rs 225 per quintal each) and safflower (Rs 112 per quintal). </li></ul>The <keyword id="180278" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cabinet-committee">Cabinet Committee</keyword> on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved the hike in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all mandated six Rabi crops in crop season 2020-21 (July-June). While announcing the MSP hikes in the Lok Sabha, Union Agriculture Minister <keyword id="6382481" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-singh-tomar">Narendra Singh Tomar</keyword> reiterated that procurement of crops at MSP will continue across the country. The increase in MSPs is in line with the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, as per a Agriculture Ministry statement. "Working for the welfare of farmers is a matter of good luck for us. The Cabinet has taken a historic decision on the MSP increase in tune with our priority to work for those providing us food. Crores of farmers will benefit from the decision," Modi tweeted in Hindi. The highest increase in MSP has been announced for lentils (Rs 300 per quintal), followed by gram, rapeseed and mustard (Rs 225 per quintal each) and safflower (Rs 112 per quintal). For barley and wheat, an increase of Rs 75 per quintal and Rs 50 per quintal respectively has been announced. The differential remuneration is aimed at encouraging crop diversification. The MSP of wheat for crop season 2020-21 has been raised from Rs 1,925 to Rs 1,975 per quintal and that of barely from Rs 1,525 to Rs 1,600 per quintal. MSP of lentils for the same season has been fixed at Rs 5,100 per quintal, and Bengal gram or chana at Rs 5,100 per quintal. For the crop year 2020-21, the MSP of rapeseead and mustard has been fixed at Rs 4,650 per quintal. Similarly, the MSP of safflower has been increased to Rs 5,327 per quintal. The expected returns to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in the case of wheat (106 per cent) followed by rapeseed and mustard (93 per cent), and gram and lentil (78 per cent). For barley, the return to farmers over their cost of production is estimated at 65 per cent and for safflower 50 per cent. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other designated state agencies would continue to provide price support to the farmers, said Tomar. The government has set up a buffer stock of pulses and domestic procurement of pulses is also being done under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), he added. The umbrella scheme of '<keyword id="6524177" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pradhan-mantri">Pradhan Mantri</keyword> Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan' (PM-AASHA), comprising Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and pilot Scheme of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS) will aid in the procurement of pulses and oilseeds, said the Minister. Despite global COVID-19 pandemic and consequent nationwide lockdown, timely intervention made by the Centre led to an all-time record procurement of wheat at about 39 million tonne for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2020-21 and around 43 lakh farmers benefited under procurement operations period, which is 22 per cent higher than the RMS 2019-20, said the statement. In 2019-20, 390 lakh tonne wheat is estimated to be procured, while in 2014-15, 280 lakh tonnes was procured. In 2019-20, 15 lakh metric tonne pulses is estimated to be procured, while in 2014-15, 3 lakh tonnes was procured. In 2019-20, 18 lakh metric tonne oilseeds is estimated to be procured, while in 2014-15, 12,000 metric tonne was procured, as per the Ministry. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-passes-bill-that-punishes-those-who-attack-health-workers-or-doctors/articleshow/78246824.cms">Lok Sabha passes bill that punishes those who attack health workers or doctors</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-passes-two-health-ministry-bills-in-midnight-proceedings/articleshow/78246772.cms">Lok Sabha passes two Health Ministry Bills in midnight proceedings</a>

PM Modi hikes minimum support prices of all six Rabi crops

New Delhi, Apr 13 () Industry body CII on Monday said that harvesting of rabi (winter) crops has been impacted due to labour shortages and logistics issues and suggested the government to leverage Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for imparting training to farmers about health and hygiene. "The agri and food supply chains are vulnerable to massive disruptions which can further impact availability and prices, hence proactive measures for safety and health of farmers and workers are required at both the farm as well as mandi level," said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.While the country is under a lockdown, it is essential that harvesting and post-harvest activities remain functional so that farmers do not suffer and crops are not lost, he added. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it has developed a comprehensive guidance document on safety measures during post-harvest and mandis operations towards ensuring smooth supply of farm produce days ahead of the rabi harvest. The CII has recommended that KVKs should be leveraged for effective implementation of the guidelines. "Clear and prominent instructions should be posted in local languages on masks, hand-washing, social distancing and hygiene. The KVKs and other competent authorities can take the lead in providing training, checking health status and disseminating masks," the statement said. The association said the current crisis has impacted harvesting operations for the rabi crops (wheat, mustard, pulses, oilseeds, tomato, mango amongst others). Arrivals and prices in mandis have been impacted, it said."While the Government has taken timely decisions to streamline these issues and released necessary advisories, including permitting inputs of agri-input retail, movement of agri-machinery and all farming operations, the key challenges now are being faced in terms of labour availability and timely transportation support," CII said. MJH MKJ

Lockdown: Labour shortages, logitics issue impact rabi crops harvesting

Chandigarh, Mar 2 () Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday announced special girdawari (revenue survey) of rabi crops affected due to heavy rains and hailstorms in some parts of the state recently. The special girdawari was ordered for assessment of crop loss so that the farmers can get compensation for damaged crops. The chief minister made the announcement in the State Assembly here after some members expressed concern over loss of crops due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms. On Sunday, Haryana's Cooperation Minister Banwari Lal had inspected fields of farmers and interacted with those whose crops were damaged due to rains and hailstorm in Rewari district. During his visit, Lal had assured the farmers of all possible help and also directed sub-divisional officer and officials of agriculture department to assess crop loss of every affected farmer. SUN RVK

Khattar orders special girdawari of rabi crops affected by heavy rains, hailstorm

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has embraced technology in every field of activity. It is adopting smart farming methods through technology and innovation in the agriculture sector and this may prove to be a game changer in the days to come by substantially raising farmers income. How is this method beneficial? Smart farming involves the application of sensors and automated irrigation practices. It can help monitor agricultural land, temperature and soil moisture. This would enable farmers to monitor crops from anywhere. Moreover, smart farming can help integrate digital and physical infrastructures, which would benefit small farmers. Agri-based startups can reach out to the farmers and help them gain access to such viable and cost-effective solutions. Agri-based, tech-driven startups have been very innovative in assisting farmers and revolutionising farming techniques. They have also addressed one of the most powerful headwinds (climate change) through climate-smart farming. In a unique move, the Indian government is implementing a <keyword id="12166469" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-Agriculture-Mission" source="Orion">Digital Agriculture Mission</keyword> (DAM), which includes India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA), Farmers' Database, Unified Farmers Service Interface (UFSI), funding to the states on the new technology (NeGPA), revamping <keyword id="3182679" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahalanobis-National-Crop-Forecast-Centre" source="Orion">Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre</keyword> (MNCFC), Soil Health, Fertility and profile mapping. According to a report published by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in 2019, there were more than 450 argi-based tech-driven startups in India as of 2019. This number has skyrocketed in the last two years as the sector witnessed a surge in investments and funding. Agri-based tech-driven startups have been very innovative in assisting farmers and revolutionising farming techniques. They have also addressed one of the most powerful headwinds (climate change) through climate-smart farming. Under the NeGPA programme funding is given to the governments in various Indian states for Digital Agriculture projects using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Internet of Things (IOT), Block chain etc. Adoption of drone technologies is being done too. To promote smart farming, the government promotes startups in the agriculture sector and nurtures agri-entrepreneurs. The 'Per Drop More Crop' component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana (PMKSY-PDMC) aims to increase water use efficiency at the farm level through micro irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. PMKSY is a scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The <keyword id="87560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Council-of-Agricultural-Research" source="Orion">Indian Council of Agricultural Research</keyword> (ICAR) promotes innovation, extension and education in agriculture. A total of 1,575 field crop varieties were released for different agricultural crops during 2014-21. During 2014-21, 91.43 crore agri-advisories were provided to farmers through mobiles. ICAR developed 187 mobile apps on different farm and farmer related services during 2014-21. The agriculture sector plays a vital role in enriching India's economy. Agriculture accounted for almost 17.8 per cent of India's Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2019- 20. According to the World Bank's collection of development indicators, employment rate in the Indian agriculture sector stood at 41.5 per cent in 2020. From a socio-economic standpoint, agriculture is a vital sector which requires focus and awareness at all levels. According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the rising population and changing diets have created a huge pressure on land in India. Farmers are struggling to keep up as crop yields level off, soil degradation rises, water shortage increases, biodiversity declines, and natural calamities become more frequent. Furthermore, agriculture accounts for almost 14 per cent of India's total greenhouse gas emissions. In the meantime, the NITI Aayog (erstwhile Planning Commission of India) conducted a study entitled "Efficacy of Minimum Support Prices on farmers", in 2016, which found, among other things, that MSP declared by the government has encouraged 78 per cent of the farmers covered under the study for adopting improved methods of farming such as high yielding varieties of seeds, organic manure, chemical fertilizer, pesticides and improved methods of harvesting etc. Additionally, oilseeds, pulses and copra of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) are procured from registered farmers under Price Support Scheme of the umbrella scheme of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), as per its prescribed guidelines. The Indian national Budget for 2018-19 had announced the pre-determined principle to keep Minimum Support Price or MSP at levels of one-and-half times of the cost of production. Accordingly, government has increased the MSPs for all mandated Kharif (including wheat), Rabi and other commercial crops with a return of at least 50 per cent over all India weighted average cost of production from the agricultural year 2018-19. Moreover, India's National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) is the only source of enrolment for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), on which farmer applications from various designated sources including banks/financial institutions are entered. Specific cut-off dates have been prescribed for enrolment of farmers, debit of premium, remittance of farmers' premium to concerned insurance company and uploading of data of farmers on NCIP. The <keyword id="603825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Food-Processing-Industries" source="Orion">Ministry of Food Processing Industries</keyword> (MoFPI) has been incentivising setting of food processing industries through central sector umbrella scheme �Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) and centrally sponsored scheme �PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme across all the country. Under scheme of creation of infrastructure for agro processing clusters, a component scheme of PMKSY, the scheme is aimed at development of modern infrastructure and common facilities to encourage entrepreneurs to set up food processing units based on cluster approach and also to create modern infrastructure for food processing closer to production areas and to provide integrated and complete preservation infrastructure facilitates from the farm gate to the consumer. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/india-must-pitch-for-rupee-as-dollar-distancing-might-be-finally-happening-sbi-ecowrap/articleshow/93513940.cms">India must pitch for Rupee as dollar distancing might be finally happening: SBI Ecowrap</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/snapchat-comes-to-india-with-exclusive-features-heres-how-much-it-costs-and-how-to-sign-up/articleshow/93513880.cms">Snapchat+ comes to India with exclusive features — here's how much it costs and how to sign up</a>

Smart farming can prove to be a game changer in the coming days

The Indian government spelled out more relief for farmers, keeping the current <keyword id="6770508" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rabi-season">rabi season</keyword> in focus. Announcing more measures to ease the current situation on <keyword id="3315394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="demonetisation">demonetisation</keyword>, Economic Affairs Secretary <keyword id="3856061" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="shantikanta-das">Shantikanta Das</keyword> said the expectation is to move more and more people to digital transactions. 
 Focusing on the rural sector, Das said a slew of measures were being taken, especially for farmers so that they do not feel the <keyword id="6380684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="cash-Crunch">cash crunch</keyword> in the rabi crop season. 
 Moreover, he announced few waivers to ensure seamless transactions. Meanwhile, the opposition continued to protest against the demonetisation, demanding <keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-Narendra-Modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword>’s presence in the parliament. 
 
Here are 10 latest developments on demonetisation 
 
(Images: Indiatimes/Thinkstock/Reuters)

You Searched For "Rabi crops" and got 7 results

Last-minute patch of intense rain and hail affects wheat harvest across India’s ‘food bowl’ states

Ankush Banerjee

After potato and onion, edible oil prices shoot up 53% in the past six months

IANS

PM Modi hikes minimum support prices of all six Rabi crops

IANS

Lockdown: Labour shortages, logitics issue impact rabi crops harvesting

PTI

Khattar orders special girdawari of rabi crops affected by heavy rains, hailstorm

PTI

Smart farming can prove to be a game changer in the coming days

IANS

Demonetisation: More relief for farmers, Railways waives-off service charge. Here are today’s 10 new developments

Akanksha Jain

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