-The New Indian Express BENGALURU (Karnataka): Bhoomee, a web-enabled platform for the agriculture community, and integrated with cloud, mobile and other digital technologies, intends to take information and engagement closer to farmers.An increasing number of farmers are reaping benefits of the platform. Rajanna, a farmer from Tumakuru district, got to know the price of watermelon in Bengaluru’s market through the Bhoomee platform and was able to sell his produce at double...

-Down to Earth That explains why agrarian riots have increased by over 600 per cent in the last three years Whenever agriculture makes headlines, ironically, they hide more stories of distress. For sixth consecutive year, horticulture (fruits and vegetables) production has outstripped food grain production. Apparently, it is encouraging news given that farmers earn more from vegetables and fruits than food grains. But around the same time, reports of farmers dumping...

-PTI The leaders claimed thousands of people had lost their jobs because of demonetisation Trade Unions want the government to allocate more funds in the Union Budget for Employment generation and claimed that opening up the retail market to foreign players would lead to further loss of jobs. Though Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said suggestions made by TU leaders during a pre-budget consultation meet last month would be considered, the leaders felt...

-Livemint.com Immediate challenges to economy top talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior ministers and economists, sector experts from across India New Delhi: The government on Wednesday signalled that the Union budget for 2018-19 would include solutions for vexed problems such as rural distress, weak Employment and revival of private investments. These immediate challenges to the economy topped the extensive discussion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior cabinet colleagues had on Wednesday...

-The Hindu For millions hit by agricultural distress, the escape to construction jobs is grinding to a halt With the Union Budget to be presented on February 1, it is hoped that the Finance Minister will make a significantly higher allocation for investment in infrastructure. It is vital for addressing rural distress. The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) informed us that ‘landlessness and dependence on manual casual labour for a livelihood...