-The Times of India NEW DELHI: After a tough summer due to sub-normal rains that led to deficit in Kharif sowing, the Centre on Wednesday asked states to focus on Rabi (winter) crops so that the possible shortfall can be made up and proposed to provide finance to 5 lakh "joint farming groups" in the current financial year. Though sowing of Kharif crops showed a steady increase last week, it could not...

-The New Indian Express   PADERU (VISAKHAPATNAM DT) : It looks like there is no end to the plight of tribals in Agency areas of the district. They are being fleeced, cheated and robbed almost in every sphere of their lives. Here is a classic example of how the ‘shahukars' or the Money-lenders loot the tribals with the banned instruments of measuring foodgrains. The ‘shahukars' shortchange the tribals as the latter barter their...

-India Today Devgadh Baria, Gujarat: Savita Naik, Navliben, Chandaben and Kamtiben eke out a meagre living in Panchiyasaal village, just about 30 km from the block headquarters of Devgadh Baria in Gujarat's tribal-dominated Dahod district. They have 1 to 1.5 bighas of land and so have been categorised as marginal land holders. It was a huge fight for them to earn even this land - they fought right from the level of...

-Down to Earth Working out the details and convergence with other programmes like rural job scheme will take time, say officials One of the ambitious schemes of new government of providing irrigation facility to all farms may not take off before financial year 2016-17. The programme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY), was announced in this year's budget and Rs 1,000 crore was allocated for it. This allocation may be further enhanced...

-The Indian Express Mumbai: Shweta Katti, who grew up in Mumbai's red light district of Kamathipura, had her first breakthrough when she made it to the Bard College in New York last year. Now, there is another reason for the 19-year-old to celebrate: She has been selected by the United Nations Special Envoy for Education for the Youth Courage Award, given to girls from around the world for showing exemplary courage...