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The Budget 2024-2025 announcement by Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> saw productivity and resilience in <keyword id="19931887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture" source="keywords">agriculture</keyword> being prioritised above all else. With a desire to turn focus on <keyword id="19934969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers" source="keywords">farmers</keyword>, or Annadatas, ₹1.52 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and its allied sectors. This is quite an increase from the Interim Budget announcement of ₹1.27 lakh crore in February 2024. It is being speculated that this substantial focus on the agricultural sector stems from the BJP's vote share dipping in semi-urban and rural areas during the recent Lok Sabha elections. In fact, when Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> returned for a third term in office, the first file he signed was for the release of the 17th instalment of the PM <keyword id="22000840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-nidhi" source="keywords">Kisan Nidhi</keyword> scheme, ET reported. However, the government's commitment to transforming agriculture and potentially the lives of Indian farmers could lead to the agricultural sector growing at 3.7% in the current fiscal, compared to 1.4% last year, as per the CII. <h2>Key initiatives in agriculture</h2>Transforming Agriculture Research The government is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the agricultural research framework, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Funding will be allocated on a challenge basis, including to private sector initiatives. This research will be overseen by domain experts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Release of New Varieties A total of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be introduced for farmers to cultivate. Promoting Natural Farming In the next two years, the government plans to transition one crore farmers to natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. This initiative will be carried out through scientific institutions and willing <keyword id="20030597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gram-panchayats" source="keywords">gram panchayats</keyword>, with 10,000 bio-input resource centers to be established based on need. Missions for Pulses and Oilseeds To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. As outlined in the interim budget, a strategy is being implemented to attain 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) for oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111930255" title="Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Vegetable Production &amp; Supply Chains Large-scale clusters for vegetable production will be developed near major consumption centers. The government will support Farmer-Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and startups to streamline the vegetable supply chain, including collection, storage, and marketing. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture Building on the success of a pilot project, the government, in partnership with states, will facilitate the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture over the next three years. This year, a digital crop survey for Kharif crops will be conducted in 400 districts, integrating details of six crore farmers and their lands into registries. Additionally, Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be issued in five states. Shrimp Production &amp; Export Financial support will be provided to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for shrimp broodstocks. NABARD will facilitate financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export. National Cooperation Policy A new National Cooperation Policy will be introduced to promote systematic and comprehensive development of the cooperative sector. This policy aims to fast-track rural economic growth and create large-scale employment opportunities. <h2>Budget allocation highlights</h2><ul><li>PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Will be retaining its allocation of ₹60,000 crore to provide direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore small and marginal farmers.</li><li>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Allocated funds to provide crop insurance to four crore farmers, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.</li><li>e-NAM Expansion: Integration of 1,361 mandis into the e-NAM platform to enhance market efficiency and transparency, benefiting 1.8 crore farmers with an expected trading volume of ₹3 lakh crore.</li></ul><h2>Government committed to Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh</h2>The Finance Minister said that the government is fully committed to financing and expeditiously completing the Polavaram irrigation project, which is considered a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. <h2>Future directions</h2>The government aims to increase public and private investment in post-harvest infrastructure and supply chains, promoting aggregation, modern storage, and efficient processing to reduce losses and improve food security. Additionally, the dairy and fisheries sectors will see significant development, with initiatives to boost productivity and exports, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

<keyword id="161914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="godrej-agrovet" source="Orion">Godrej Agrovet</keyword> was allotted about 47,000 acres of land in Sangareddy district in Telangana for oil palm plantation, the company said in a release on Tuesday. Allocated by Telangana's Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (Horticulture and Sericulture), the allotted area will be utilized by the company to expand the cultivation of oil palm and set up processing units. Recently, Godrej Agrovet inaugurated an edible oil refinery at Chintalapudi in the Eluru district "We are delighted to receive additional district in the fresh allotment released by the Government of Telangana. It is a testimony of GAVL's commitment and efforts to boost oil palm plantations and promote farmer prosperity in the region. We would like to thank Government of Telangana for their support and commitment to this initiative which will benefit the farmers," said Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet. The company has an expertise of more than three decades in the oil palm business. The Telangana government has set a target to extend the cultivation of oil palm across 20 lakh acres in the state. A total of ₹1,000 crore is proposed in the Budget for 2023-24 for oil palm cultivation. India is the world's second-largest consumer and number one <keyword id="451493" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vegetable-oil" source="Orion">vegetable oil</keyword> importer, and it meets 60% of its need through imports. A large part of it is palm oil and its derivatives, which are imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. Although oilseed production in India has grown over the years, the production has lagged behind its consumption, resulting in continuous dependence on imports.

Telangana govt allots Godrej Agrovet 47,000 acres for oil palm plantation

New Delhi [India], November 2 (ANI): In a move to further make the edible oil supply chain seamless, the central government has exempted the current stock limit for wholesalers and big chain retailers. The order will come into effect immediately, a <keyword id="393956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-consumer-affairs" source="Orion">Ministry of Consumer Affairs</keyword>, <keyword id="427106" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="food-and-public-distribution" source="Orion">Food and Public Distribution</keyword> statement said late Tuesday evening. The removal of wholesalers and big chain retailers from the stock limit order would allow them to keep various varieties and brands of edible oils, which they are unable to keep at present due to the limits imposed. "A need was felt for exempting big chain retailers and wholesalers from the stock control order as reports were coming that Wholesalers and big chain retail outlets were facing problems in their sale due to the Control Order as the limits specified for them was very less and replacement of shelf stocks in city limits is not possible on an everyday basis," the statement read. In view of the restoration of ample supplies and continuous decline in the prices of edible oils both in the international and domestic market, the statement said it was an "opportune time" for the exemption. "The removal will also have a positive effect on the oilseed prices as it will boost procurement of the oilseeds hereby increasing the returns of domestic oilseeds growing farmers," it added. Initially, the stock limits were imposed in October 2021. Subsequently, the stock limit quantities on edible oils and oilseeds were extended upto June 2022 and later the order was further extended upto December 31, 2022. "The Stock Limit Order was imposed in the country due to increasing prices of edible oils both in international as well as domestic market. Its high volatility was leading to hoarding, profiteering and black marketing at that time. This timely intervention by the Government had led to significant decline of the skyrocketing prices and had helped to keep a check on the hoarding, especially soyabean seeds," Tuesday's statement further said. India is the world's second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer, and it meets 60 per cent of its need through imports. (ANI)

Govt exempts wholesalers, big retailers from stock limit on edible oil, oilseeds

New Delhi, May 10 () Cooperative Nafed is procuring pulses and oilseeds from farmers at support price during the current lockdown, the government said on Sunday. "2.74 Lakh tonnes gram (chana) has been procured from 9 states namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana," the agriculture ministry said in a statement.That apart, Nafed has bought 3.40 lakh tonnes of mustard from 5 states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana. Around 1,700 tonnes of sunflower has been procured from Telangana.In pulses, 1.71 lakh tonnes toor (arhar) has been procured from 8 states - Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha.The Union Agriculture Ministry said it is taking several measures to facilitate farmers and farming activities at field level during the lockdown.Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is regularly monitoring the situation.Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the government's nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains. It mainly purchases wheat and paddy from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) for maintaining the central buffer stock.Nafed procures pulses and oilseeds from farmers on behalf of the government.Regarding sowing area coverage of summer crops, the ministry said that paddy has been sown in about 34.87 lakh hectare area as compared to 25.29 lakh hectare during the corresponding period previous year.About 10.35 lakh hectare area has been sown under pulses as compared to 5.92 lakh hectare during the same period last year.The area under coverage for coarse cereals rose to about 9.57 lakh hectare as against 6.20 lakh hectare.Sowing of oilseeds has been completed in about 9.17 lakh hectare area from 7.09 lakh hectare. MJH BALBAL

Nafed procures pulses, oilseeds at support price amid lockdown

<ul><li>The total rain from south west monsoon has been 40% less than the average.</li><li>The deficit is as high as 56% in south India and farmers have been asked to avoid sowing for crops like rice that need a lot of water.</li><li>Central India comes a close second with a rain deficit of 41% until June 19.</li><li>The crisis in rural India may become a significant factor in the upcoming budget.</li></ul> India is already suffering from a severe water shortage in many parts of the country and the rain Gods have not been merciful yet. That would put pressure on the Narendra Modi government, particularly on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, ahead of the upcoming budget to ensure the rural distress in the country does not worsen any further. The total rain from south west monsoon has been 40% less than the average. The deficit is as high as 56% in the southern peninsula --Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. The central parts of the country, states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhatisgarh, come a close second with a rain deficit of 41% until June 19. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 The shortage is therefore the worst in the rice growing areas and therefore the farmers have either delayed or reduced the sowing of crops like rice, sugarcane and cotton, all of which need a lot of water, according to government data. This is part of the government's contingency plan in the 648 worst-hit districts of the country. What's worse, farmers have <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/chem-/-fertilisers/fertilisers-to-turn-10-costlier-as-potash-rates-rise/articleshow/69657956.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">to pay up to 10% more for fertilisers</a> this sowing season, than what they paid last winter, thanks to a rise in global prices for potash due to stronger demand, the key raw material, and a weaker rupee. Tractor sales Expectations of a poor monsoon also affect the purchase of farm equipment like tractors. The impact has been visible already in the 15% fall in tractor sales in May compared to the same time last year. That's bad news for Mahindra and Mahindra, which makes nearly 31% of its revenue from tractors alone and things have been far from rosy for a while now. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 The gloomy expectations have been evident in the share price too, which has lost over 31% in the last one year. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 All eyes are now on the budget, and both the country's millions of farmers as well as companies like M&amp;M hope for some sort of relief package that soften nature's blow on the rural economy. There are some encouraging signs with the President Ram Nath Kovind announcing a ₹25 trillion fund to protect the rural economy. The income guarantee scheme of ₹6,000 a year has been extended to the country's 145 million farmers. India has also appealed to China to lower tariffs on agricultural exports from India. Rural consumption has already slumped sharply and a poor monsoon may only worsen it. The government will have to think of other measures to support the economic recovery. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/there-is-a-lot-of-bad-news-that-modi-has-to-budget-for-this-year/articleshow/69635372.cms">There is a lot of bad news that Modi has to budget for this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/modi-government-sets-up-two-cabinet-panels-to-check-falling-gdp-employment/articleshow/69670523.cms">Modi government sets up two cabinet panels to check falling GDP, employment</a>

The shortfall in rains is the worst in South India and it will affect rice and oilseeds production as well as tractor sales

<ul><li>The amendment to the <keyword id="95281" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Essential-Commodities-Act">Essential Commodities Act</keyword> was introduced as a part of the slew of reforms that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced in May 2020 as relief measures for COVID-19 pandemic.</li><li>Through the amendments, better price realisation will be made possible for <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> and cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potatoes will be deregulated. </li></ul>The monsoon session of the parliament will begin on September 14, and one of the amendments that will be up for discussion is for the Essential Commodities Act. Introduced as a part of the slew of reforms that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced in May 2020 as relief measures for the COVID-19 pandemic and the ₹20 trillion stimulus package, the government had said it was a landmark decision which would help India’s farmers. The amendment was a step towards creating ‘One India, One <keyword id="6355165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture">agriculture</keyword> market’. The Essential Commodities Act (ECA) was passed by the Union Cabinet in June and is now an <keyword id="152892" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ordinance">ordinance</keyword>. The ECA will lapse if it doesn’t get cleared by the Parliament in this session. Amendments to the Essential Commodities Act Through the amendments, better price realisation will be made possible for farmers and cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, and potatoes will be deregulated. Stock limits will be imposed only under exceptional circumstances like national calamities, famine with a surge in prices. No such stock limit shall apply to processors or value chain participants, or any exporter subject to export demand. According to PRS, a stock limit may only be imposed if there is: (i) a 100% increase in the retail price of horticultural produce; and (ii) a 50% increase in the retail price of non-perishable agricultural food items. What is referred to as Essential Commodity? Currently, essential commodities are defined as per the schedule within the act. The schedule entails drugs (fertilisers – inorganic, organic or mixed), petroleum and petroleum products, food products, raw jute and jute textiles, seeds of food crops, fruits, vegetables, and cattle fodder, jute seed, cottonseed. During this COVID-19 pandemic, face masks and hand sanitizers were added to the list. This was due to the scarcity of the products, and as there were cases of a price increase. However, deeming them essential the government notified that their prices cannot be increased. The notification was in force until June 30, and the two items <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/hc-rejects-plea-seeking-to-classify-masks-sanitisers-as-essential-commodities/articleshow/77611390.cms">aren’t classified</a> as essential anymore, once the availability in the market improved. What is the Essential Commodities Act initially implemented in 1955? The act was brought into place for the control of the production, supply and distribution of, and trade and commerce, in certain commodities. The act then allowed the government of India to control the price of essential commodities, and also decide to increase or decrease the supply of the product in the market. It also gives the government to regulate through licences, permits or otherwise the storage, transport, distribution, disposal, acquisition, use or consumption of any essential commodity. However, in recent years the Essential Commodities Act has come under a lot of debate. It has also been called ‘<a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/draconian-essential-commodities-act-needs-to-go-if-india-wants-to-raise-farm-incomes/183006/">draconian</a>’ by certain sections as it gives the government complete control. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/the-epidemic-diseases-amendment-ordinance-protecting-the-corona-warriors/articleshow/78038114.cms">The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance — protecting the ‘corona warriors’</a>

Monsoon session of Parliament: All you need to know about the Essential Commodities ordinance

<ul><li>An increasing number of American farmers struggled to make ends meet in 2019.</li><li>There were 595 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies filed last year, according to court filings <a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/the-verdict-is-in-farm-bankruptcies-up-in-2019">reviewed by the American Farm Bureau</a>, a 20% increase from 2018. </li><li>Trade tensions have added to a range of growing challenges in the sector, from severe weather to low commodity prices. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>An increasing number of American farmers struggled to make ends meet in 2019 as trade tensions added to a range of growing challenges in the sector, from severe weather to low commodity prices. There were 595 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies filed last year, according to court filings <a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/the-verdict-is-in-farm-bankruptcies-up-in-2019">reviewed by the American Farm Bureau</a>, a 20% increase from 2018. That was the highest level since 2011 when the nation was still in recovery following the Great Recession.The rise in farm bankruptcies came even as President Donald Trump ramped up a nearly $28 billion subsidy program for agricultural producers hurt by trade disputes. The program included direct payments to mitigate losses of grain and pork exports, which fell sharply as the Trump administration escalated tariff standoffs with China and US allies.Farm-related income from crop and livestock sales would have been at the second-lowest level in the last decade without that program in 2019, according to the American Farm Bureau. Midwestern farmers also faced record flooding last year. But farmers have grown more optimistic in recent weeks. Trump signed a revised version of the North American Free Trade Agreement on Wednesday, which was expected to increase Canadian dairy market access for American farmers. As part of a separate trade truce, China said this month it would increase purchases of food products from the US."Farm financial conditions in 2020 will come down to - notwithstanding any other black swans - a race between the additional grain and oilseed supplies … and any demand boosts for US agriculture that results from these new and enhanced trading opportunities," the farm group said in a statement.Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1217827468230434818">declared</a> on Twitter in early January that farmers were "really happy" with the two new trade agreements but sought to highlight efforts to soften the blow of two years of trade tensions. "I hope the thing they will most remember is the fact that I was able to take massive incoming Tariff money and use it to help them get through the tough times!" he added.

US farmers are filing for bankruptcy at the highest rate since 2011

Move aside Olive oil, Canola Oil and all other varieties of <keyword id="44868" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="cooking-oil">cooking oil</keyword> considered high-end or premium. A very unassuming variety of cooking oil has recently taken over the mantel of India’s most expensive edible oils. <keyword id="112445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="groundnut-oil">Groundnut oil</keyword> has become the most expensive cooking oil in India, backed by growing consumption of <keyword id="110639" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="peanuts">peanuts</keyword> as table nuts in the form of savouries, as an accompaniment with liquor, snack bars and rise in exports. 
 
Reflecting the rise in demand, farmers are expected to increase groundnut planting by about 15% to 20% in the current kharif season. 
 
Technically speaking, sesame oil is the most expensive vegetable oil in India. But since it is used in very small quantities for direct cooking, groundnut oil remains the most expensive. 
 
The wholesale rate of groundnut oil is Rs 90 per kg while sesame oil is Rs 125 per kg. The retail prices of both the oils are about Rs 135 per litre and Rs 250-Rs 280 per litre, respectively. 
 
The rate of decline of area under groundnut between FY08 and FY14 was -1.5%; the output went up due to increase in productivity. "Direct consumption of peanuts as accompaniment with liquor has been growing as it is the cheapest nut," said BV Mehta, executive director, Solvent Extractors Association of India told the Economic Times. 
 "Groundnut has been increasingly used for direct consumption as table nut as it is the cheapest among all the nuts, but there's no commensurate increase in their production," said Kishore Tanna, chairman, Indian <keyword id="6378870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="oilseeds">Oilseeds</keyword> and Produce Export Promotion Council. According to the third advance estimates, India produced 66.4 lakh tonne of groundnut in the 2014-15 season. 
According to the processing industry, the kernel yield is 70% of the total groundnut with shell. Thus the production of groundnut kernels in 2014-15 was 44.8 lakh tonne. Of this, 7 lakh tonne kernels went for exports, 7.5 lakh tonne for sowing, and 18 lakh tonne for direct domestic consumption. 
 
As against groundnut, sesame sesame production is only 7.5 lakh tonne, of which 3 lakh tonne goes for exports and about 15,000 tonne for sowing, leaving a very small portion for production of sesame oil. 
 
According to industry estimates, the area under groundnut had declined in 2014-15 to 37.25 lakh hectare from 43.20 lakh hectare in the year before. "Area had declined last year as farmers could not get even the minimum support price of Rs 4,000 per tonne," Mehta told ET. 
 
This year, however, industry expects farmers to shift from cotton to groundnut, especially in Gujarat, which accounts for half the country's total groundnut production, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Govindbhai Patel, managing director, GGN Research, a Rajkot-based brokerage firm, said, "The area under groundnut can increase by about 4 lakh hectare to 5 lakh hectare this year." 
 
Indian peanut exports have increased to the Far East. According to Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Agency (APEDA), groundnut exports increased from 5.35 lakh tonne in 2012-13 to 7.08 lakh tonnes in 2014-15. India ranks second in groundnut production in the world next to China. 
 
But it is not the top exporter like the US as most of the produce is consumed locally. "We cannot enter the European market as we have not been able to deal with the issue of aflatoxin contamination," said a leading Mumbai-based exporter requesting not to be identified. 
 
Apart from taste and price, nutritional parameters have been responsible for the growing consumption of peanuts. 
 
(Courtesy: Thinkstock Images)

From peanuts, but no longer worth peanuts for sure!
Meet India’s most expensive cooking oil

New Delhi, Mar 28 () As rabi harvesting likely to pick up in the coming days, the government's agri-research body ICAR on Saturday asked farmers to follow social distancing and safety precaution while handling farm machines and labour in the field.For tackling any emerging issue related to managing crops, livestock and fisheries, farmers should consult and be in touch with agri-scientists in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR research institutes and state agricultural universities for timely advisories, it said."The disease crisis has coincided with the harvesting season of rabi food crops such as wheat, millets, pulses and oilseeds and other crops. We need to take precautions as we will be engaged in the harvesting of grains, fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and fish," Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Trilochan Mohapatra said in a statement.Similarly, proper sanitation is required for using shared or hired machinery for harvesting, he said, adding simple measures on washing of hands with soap, alcohol rub and maintaining isolation distance at personal level and proper cleaning of shared machinery are to be followed.It is the time to religiously follow the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining personal hygiene and isolation by everyone for arresting the community transmission of the disease and endangering of millions of lives, he added."My wishes for the well being of all farmers across the country at this critical time as we all face the pandemic of COVID-19," Mohapatra said, adding that the government has taken several steps in order to prevent the spread of infection.The government has exempted farming operations, farm workers, custom hiring centres of farm harvesters and implements as well as mandis and procurement agencies from the lockdown rules.It has allowed fertiliser shops to function and even manufacturing and packaging of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds has been permitted during the lockdown period.Inter and intra movement of farm machinery related to sowing and harvesting are also exempted from the lockdown rules. LUX BALBAL

Farmers should maintain social distancing, take precaution while harvesting crops: ICAR

New Delhi, Apr 16 () The Union Agriculture Ministry on Thursday laid down the standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide farmers on safety precautions that need to be strictly followed during planting of kharif crops amid the threat of COVID-19 pandemic. Paddy is the main kharif (summer) crop, besides pulses, oilseeds and commercial crops like cotton and sugarcane. The sowing of kharif crops has already begun in some parts. "Transplanting of paddy and vegetables are labour-intensive activities. Hence, strictly follow guidelines on social distancing, sanitizing and wearing masks," as per the SOP released by the ministry during the national video conference on kharif crops. Farm workers should wash their hands, legs and face with soap when coming out of the field for meal or rest, it said. For preparing land for sowing of kharif crops, the ministry said farmers should minimise labour and use tractor driven machineries. Farmers should use seed-cum-fertiliser drills and reduce the number of workers in the field. As per the SOP, social distancing and sanitization norms should be followed during field preparation, sowing and fertiliser application. "Maintain social distance at least 1-2 metre during farm operations. Workers should be assigned separate duties with regard to farm activities," it said. "All farm equipment from seed drill, plough to tractor should be sanitized before use. Those working in the farm field should wear masks or cover their face with three layers of "chunnis, gamchha or towel," it added. Each worker should have a separate utensil and clean it with soap after use, it said. For other operations like weeding and spraying of fertilisers/pesticides, the ministry said farmers or workers must follow all protocols of social distancing and sanitize the equipment. "Burn or bury in soil empty packets of pesticides. Sun dry empty bags of seeds, fertilisers for two days for re-use," the ministry said. The ministry also mentioned that after the day's work, farmers should bath and wash clothes with soap and sundry. For harvesting of rabi crops, the ministry said farmers should prefer mechanised harvesting and threshing, and maintain 4-5 metres social distancing during harvesting, threshing, packaging, eating and resting. Farmers have been asked to keep farm produce in open, preferably under sun for 48 hours before storing. Agriculture and allied activities have been exempted from the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. LUX RVK

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What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

BI India Bureau

Telangana govt allots Godrej Agrovet 47,000 acres for oil palm plantation

ANI

Govt exempts wholesalers, big retailers from stock limit on edible oil, oilseeds

ANI

Nafed procures pulses, oilseeds at support price amid lockdown

PTI

The shortfall in rains is the worst in South India and it will affect rice and oilseeds production as well as tractor sales

Sriram Iyer

Monsoon session of Parliament: All you need to know about the Essential Commodities ordinance

BI India Bureau

US farmers are filing for bankruptcy at the highest rate since 2011

Gina Heeb

From peanuts, but no longer worth peanuts for sure! Meet India’s most expensive cooking oil

BI India Bureau

Farmers should maintain social distancing, take precaution while harvesting crops: ICAR

PTI

COVID-19: Centre issues standard operating procedure to guide farmers during kharif crops sowing

PTI

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