The kharif crop season in India is off to a strong start this year. As of June 27, the total area sown has reached 262.15 lakh hectares. This is an increase of 11.3% from last year, when 235.44 lakh hectares were sown. The rise in area is encouraging for farmers as it suggests higher crop…
The Vasantrao Naik Farmer Magazine, a significant publication for farmers in Maharashtra, is facing serious challenges. Established in June 1965 by former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik, it was intended as a source of innovative agricultural knowledge for farmers. For over 60 years, it has served as a vital tool for farmers to access information on…
Monsoon showers have finally arrived in Delhi, offering a refreshing change from the heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the monsoon has officially reached the capital, alongside the rest of the country, nine days ahead of schedule. This year, the monsoon arrived on June 29, which is a significant date as it…
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is gaining attention for its versatility and profitability. Once seen as waste, jackfruit seeds have become valuable due to their rich nutrients. They are now being transformed into plant protein, packaging, and even bioenergy. This shift supports nutrition and enhances rural economies. Farmers can earn between Rs 59,500 to…
Beekeeping is a vital part of agriculture. It helps in pollination, which leads to higher crop yields. Additionally, beekeeping offers a steady income through honey and other products like beeswax. In India, many rural and underprivileged communities benefit from government support for beekeeping. This support comes in the form of subsidies and educational programs. The…
Genetically modified (GM) crops like Bt cotton were introduced in India with high hopes. The idea was to reduce pesticide use and help farmers. However, a recent study shows a different reality. GM crops have led to increased reliance on pesticides over time. The research focused on four GM crops: Bt cotton, herbicide-tolerant (HT) soybean,…
The Indian government has recently established the National Turmeric Board. This is great news for farmers who cultivate turmeric. The board’s main goal is to support the development and growth of turmeric and its products in India. Turmeric is known for its health benefits. The board will create awareness about these benefits and work to…
In a recent event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced exciting news for farmers. The state will set up separate arrangements in mandis for the procurement of natural and chemical crops. This initiative aims to support farmers who practice natural farming and make it easier for consumers to choose healthier options. During…
Farmers in Maharashtra are increasingly turning to the illegal Herbicide Tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton. This trend is driven by high labour costs associated with traditional Bt cotton. Laximant Kauthankar, a farmer from Adgaon Budruk village, explains that weed control for Bt cotton costs him over ₹20,000 per acre, while it costs just ₹2,000 for HTBt….
The agriculture sector in India has seen a remarkable transformation over the past 12 years. According to a latest report from the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sectors has surged by 225%. This increase has raised the GVA from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011-12 to ₹4,878 thousand…
