Page 3 - Farming

40% of Indian farmers now paying electronically, says McKinsey survey

But they're still relying on traditional farming methods, says McKinsey survey

Re 1 crop insurance scheme won't be discontinued: Maharashtra minister

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate on Sunday reiterated that the government will not discontinue the Re 1 crop insurance scheme despite recommendations to shut it down. Speaking to the media in Nandurbar, Kokate confirmed that while some adjustments will be made, the scheme will continue in its current form to support farmers. The crop insurance scheme was introduced in the 2023 budget by the then-finance minister and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Under the scheme, farmers can get crop insurance for just Re 1. Before the scheme, farmers had to pay the company 2 per cent of the insurance premium. The scheme, however, faced criticism after a review brought to light over four lakh bogus applicants. "This scheme is for the benefit of farmers, and while some changes are necessary, it will not be closed," the minister said. He further confirmed that compensation for crop losses was distributed to some farmers, and investigations into other cases were ongoing.

Kashmir's saffron farmers experiment indoor cultivation amid climate change

Experts say rising temperatures and erratic rainfall pose a risk to saffron production, which has dropped from 8 metric tons in the financial year 2010-11 to 2.6 metric tons in 2023-24

Natural farming to be adopted in all farms under agriculture dept: CM Sukhu

All farms under the Agriculture Department will be fully developed for natural farming by next year, with a focus only on producing seeds for natural farming, said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. Chairing a review meeting of the Agriculture department here, he said that one lakh families would be linked with natural farming in the coming year, according to a statement issued here. He directed the department to map farmers cultivating wheat and maize through natural farming methods across the state and issued instructions for the establishment of high-tech storage centres for the grains produced through natural farming. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh was on its way to becoming a leading state in natural farming, and the state government was leaving no stone unturned to achieve this goal with a view to benefit the maximum farming community. It is important to adopt natural treatment methods for disease management in the crops grown naturally, he sa

Farm sector holds out amid headwinds: NSO's 1st advance estimates for FY25

Strong monsoon, robust kharif output drive growth, boosting agri GVA

Wheat sowing at 32 million hectares until January 3, shows data

If the final area covered under wheat stays at around 32 million hectares, this would mean that acreage in 2025 is 1.74 per cent more than 2024 and 2.4 per cent more than the normal acreage

Defunct PACS to wind up in 15 days after property transfer: Centre's SOP

The SOP was shared with all state Registrars of Cooperative Societies, with advice to modify it suitably and adopt

Tripura govt plans palm cultivation on 7,000 hectares of wasteland by FY27

The Tripura government has planned to bring around 7,000 hectares of wasteland under oil palm cultivation by the 2026-27 financial year (FY'27), an official said on Friday. Initially, the Centre had identified 7,000 hectares for oil palm cultivation in the state but the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research reassessment committee classified 1.46 lakh hectares as a potential area for such farming in 2020 through digital mapping. "Under the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the state planned to bring at least 7,000 hectares of wasteland under oil palm cultivation by the 2026-27 financial year. The state has a favourable agro-climate for palm cultivation. Accordingly, we are working rigorously to achieve the target," Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department's Director P B Jamatia told PTI. He said the department has selected two processors as technical associated partners- Godrej Agrovet Pvt Ltd and Patanjali Foods Pvt Ltd -for implementation of the national

Farm profits to be higher this kharif season due to higher output: Study

The report said that region-wise farm profitability in the northern belt was expected to be relatively better than in the southern belt, while the eastern and western belts presented a mixed bag

Natural farming in mission mode, but is it a workable alternative?

While the government is looking to push natural farming, which is different from organic farming, contrasting studies question the scalability and viability of the practice

Cabinet approves Rs 2,481 crore national mission on natural farming

In 2019-20, the Central government initiated a programme on natural farming titled Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati

Synergy Marine Group growing vegetables on its vessels using AI tech

Synergy Marine Group has started growing vegetables on its vessels on a pilot basis using technology provided by Agwa. "As part of a pilot project, Synergy's managed Suezmax tanker 'EFFIE MAERSK' has been using Agwa's cutting-edge AI-directed cultivation devices since September," according to a statement on Thursday. These units, which are about the same size as standard refrigerators or wine coolers, allow the crew to enjoy freshly picked vegetables in the middle of the ocean, it added. Eli Feiglin, Chief Commercial Officer of Agwa, said, "The fully automated process allows crews to enjoy fresh greens and herbs without the need for special skills or substantial time commitment." The self-contained units use artificial intelligence, cameras and sensors to regulate environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, water, fertiliser and temperature. By maintaining optimal conditions for plant growth, the AI ensures that the vegetables grow efficiently. Captain Rajesh Unni, Synergy's

Donald Trump's mass-deportation plan to hurt farming, says Co-op chief

Farming would be one of the biggest US sectors hit should the incoming administration move forward with kicking potentially millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country

Over 35% FPCs process multiple documents for registration: Survey

Access to crop insurance and agricultural machinery was limited, with 50 per cent of FPCs lacking crop insurance and 61 per cent without access to agricultural machinery

PM Modi launches Unified Genomic Chip for cattle: How will it help farmers?

PM Modi launched the 'Unified Genomic Chip' to help farmers identify high-quality cattle early, which is aimed at enhancing dairy farming quality in India

Life sciences major Bayer launches ForwardFarm for first time in India

Worldwide, Bayer has 29 such farms across the globe, and the first one was just launched in India

Centre approves 7 major agri schemes worth Rs 14,000 crore

On September 2, the Union Cabinet rolled out 7 new schemes with a total budget of nearly Rs 14,000 crore to boost the agriculture sector. Watch the video to know the details.

Paddy acreage surpasses normal levels, reaching 40.87 million hectares

Overall, till August 30 kharif crops have been sown in around 108.73 million hectares which was almost 2 per cent more than the same period last year

Cabinet approves seven agricultural projects worth Rs 13,966 crore

Cabinet approves seven agricultural projects worth Rs 13,966 crore

PM Narendra Modi to give out 1.1 million certificates to Lakhpati Didis

Chouhan said that several Didis will have their certificates delivered to their place of residence