BUSINESS
How effective were agriculture development funds announced in Budgets
The role envisaged for the Union government in these funds is limited to helping the creation of an ecosystem that supports long-term debt financing through priority sector lending
BUSINESS
Wheat prices must fall for procurement to succeed
The wheat prices have been ruling high since the harvesting of last year’s crop in April-May 2022 and now they are at an all-time high
POLITICS
Thyagraj Stadium Controversy | The good, the bad, and the dog walkers
A large number of IAS officers across India, especially the younger ones, are highly empathetic to the plight of the downtrodden. However, it is also true that many officers, are arrogant, and unresponsive
BUSINESS
A climate crisis is upon us, and it’s threatening India’s food security
Climate Change must be treated as a global emergency. Its impact may not hit the entire world at the same time, like COVID-19 did, but its impact on economies may be as disastrous
BUSINESS
Are we staring at a global food crisis?
Wheat production may fall well short of the government's estimate of 111 million tonnes; it could be lower than 100 million tonnes
BUSINESS
Government’s resolve on agriculture reforms will be tested in 2022
From working out the modalities of a floor price for agricultural produce to tackling rising commodity inflation while balancing the needs of end users and farmers, ensuring high productivity to contain food prices and putting in place a robust supply chain infrastructure, the government has its task cut out
BUSINESS
What will be the future of agriculture reforms?
The announcement to repeal the farm laws 2020 on the ground that the Centre could not convince a section of farmers clearly indicates that reforms are hard for any government, but no reforms will be fatal for agriculture
POLITICS
When it comes to food security, climate change is the real challenge for South Asia
Science alone can provide the answer to challenges posed by increasing possibility of droughts, excessive rains in a short period, higher temperatures, rising sea levels and shorter monsoons. Any government concerned with food security should be according highest priority to tackling climate change
ECONOMY
Impact of COVID-19 second wave on India’s agriculture
For agriculture to make a positive contribution to GVA this year, the spread of COVID-19 in rural India needs to be prevented by using all possible means
POLITICS
Is there a reason for the IAS to worry?
The IAS really does not have much reason to be disappointed by the remarks of the Prime Minister. Due to the breadth and depth of experience in the states and their long association with politicians, the IAS will continue to enjoy preferences in discretionary appointments
BUSINESS
Budget 2021 | For agriculture, it looks like an interim budget
The budget for agriculture seems to be work in progress and we can expect more clarity on allocations for agriculture and allied sectors when a settlement is reached with agitating farmers
BUSINESS
Without much delay, Punjab and Haryana will have to diversify from wheat and rice cycles
The three farm laws would have already made it clear to farmers of Punjab and Haryana that they have no option but accept the reality of the beginning of the end of unlimited procurement
TECHNOLOGY
Modi Govt 2.0 | COVID-19 has prompted long-pending agricultural reforms
Based on its performance this last year, the second year of the Modi 2.0 government promises to bring far reaching changes to the agricultural economy
INDIA
COVID-19 | How to maximise food security in post-COVID India
India must revamp its food grain storage techniques, modernise its mandis and expand the capacity of cold chains without any further delay
INDIA
Finance Minister announces PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme, here is what experts have to say
Overall experts felt the moves were good for the common man, but markets and industries would have to wait and watch
BUSINESS
Lockdown strategy right step, but needs to be backed by logistical and income support
An allowance to workers – a direct transfer of money into their Jan Dhan Yojana accounts – is the bare minimum the government should already have announced.
ECONOMY
Covid-19 pandemic | India has little to fear about its food security
The most serious threat to availability of foodstuff in India could come not from any shortage, but from an overzealous bureaucracy….There is an urgent need for the Centre to issue clear directions to the states that they should not impose any border restrictions on movement.
INDIA
Budget 2020 | Three important leads in the agri-rural sector
With contraction in core infrastructure industries and non-food bank credit, the stress in the economy, especially in the agriculture and rural sector, demanded real action, rather than poetry.
ECONOMY
Budget 2020 | Economic revival has agriculture as a good starting point
Since the general elections, the agriculture sector has taken a back seat as the economy has itself touched new lows
ECONOMY
Falling employment, low wages and food inflation - the rural economy is in pain
With priorities of the government changing, the agriculture sector is unlikely to see any major initiatives and reforms
INDIA
Policy | Has PM-Kisan belied expectations?
The government has not shown any serious intent to undertake major reforms in agriculture sector. Till then, it seems unlikely that the central and state governments will be able to discontinue any of the direct income support schemes.
BUSINESS
Budget 2019: Deep reforms in agriculture have to wait for another day
For all the talk of the huge election mandate, agriculture as a sector failed to find its pride of place in the latest budgetary exercise. A political consensus can tilt he scales though
ECONOMY
Budget 2019 | Expect a higher outlay for agriculture, rural sectors
On the ground, farming operations cannot be carried out without agricultural labour. Neither PM-Kisan nor the pension scheme has anything for them.
