-Press release by VikasAnvesh Foundation, Sambodhi, Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), BAIF Development Research Foundation (BAIF), Action for Social Advancement (ASA), SATHI-UP, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), Grameen Sahara and Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF), dated 13th May, 2020 One of the largest surveys to assess the impact of COVID 19 and the lockdowns on the rural poor was recently undertaken by leading Indian NGOs. The collaborating NGOs have footprints...

-Livemint.com * A ground report reveals deep distress among vegetable and fruit farmers. Is this the right stage for agri-reform? * Despite repeated attempts to weaken state regulation, no competing agency can aggregate large volumes of produce and also help in price discovery BULANDSHAHR/ NEW DELHI: When Surendra Panwar speaks, his words are steeped in politeness. For instance, when asked whether it was his farm, Panwar’s response was, “Yes, but it belongs to...

-Newsclick.in The lockdown has got the government talking about agri ‘reforms’ again, but the exploitation of India’s weakest farmers continues unchecked. It is a cruel irony that in the sixth week of the nationwide lockdown, the government is talking up omnibus agriculture “reforms” as if they can mitigate the growing distress in rural India. Reforms, no doubt, implies stricter compliance with online registration and payment rules, more focus on market-based pricing, and...

-TheWire.in Unlike other sectors, a large majority of the farming community do not have any savings to fall back upon. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only hit manufacturing, services and business but also pushed back the Narendra Modi government’s ambitious programme to double farmers’ income by 2022. From feeding a population displaced, dislocated and frozen in its tracks, to ensuring farmers stay afloat in the coming months, the government has a tough...

These days a lot many articles, reports, documents, etc. are appearing in the public domain on Coronavirus infection and related issues. An attempt has been made in the present news alert to put together in one place some of the best articles, reports, blogs, webinars, podcasts, etc., which can be useful for our readers. We have divided the resources under various themes for the convenience of our readers and social media...