-The Hindu Rather than just increased budgetary outlays, farmers need plans that will rescue them from crop failure Similar to the last two Budgets, this year’s pro-agriculture intentions are palpable through increased outlays to the agricultural sector and initiation of various programmes. They seem impressive, but closer scrutiny shows that the measures may be of little help to stem the tide of agrarian distress. There are some real challenges confronting three...

-The Hindu Business Line ‘Green paper’ says Centre has not helped farmers in crisis; net returns at MSP in last four years much lower than under UPA-II New Delhi: Farmer groups on Tuesday termed the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre the most anti-farmer in the history of independent India and said its budgetary announcements were just grandstanding, with little action or money to back them. Bringing out what they...

-The Hindu New Delhi: Various farmers organisations including Swaraj India on Tuesday released the Green Paper on Farmers, Farming and Rural Economy, alleging that the present government was unable to fulfil promises made to the farmers. “The present government is the most anti-farmer government in the history of India. It has failed to deliver its the promises. This includes ensuring cost plus 50% profit as the Minimum Support Price” said Yogendra Yadav,...

-The Hindu Business Line Joint committee likely to seek term extension New Delhi: If the pace at which the Joint Committee on the FRDI Bill has held proceedings is any indication, the Centre seems to have developed cold feet on getting the legislation passed. In January, the committee has had all but two sittings. The panel has a mandate till April 6, the last day of the Budget Session of Parliament, but sources...

-The Hindu India must exploit the potential of this technology to help farmers meet irrigation needs In the past few years, solar pumps have consistently piqued the interest of various bureaucrats and politicians. The Prime Minister spoke about solar pumps from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 2016. There is no shortage of ideas which the Centre, States, civil society organisations, and enterprises are adopting to enhance penetration of solar for...