-Live Mint Notwithstanding the drought, farmers have preferred to sow sugar cane and rice instead of opting for less water-intensive crops such as coarse grains and pulses. The latest sowing data released by the agriculture ministry as of 16 August shows that area under coarse cereals and pulses is down 13% and 12.39%, respectively, from last year, while that for rice and sugar cane contracted only 3.57% and 4.53%, respectively. In the process,...

-DNA While all scarcity-affected districts are working toward implementing their contingency plans, the government has indicated that most of the relief work will be carried out under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Also, officials said the number of scarcity-hit talukas is likely to be reduced with the skies finally opening up. Talukas that get more than 150mm average rainfall will be taken off the scarcity-hit list. “Nearly 70% scarcity-related relief...

-The Economic Times PUNE: In a country where about a third of farmland is drought-prone, farmers have started adopting technologies that help mitigate the impact of Water Scarcity and maximise output with minimum inputs. Micro irrigation is the known technology to save water which has been used successfully by countries like Israel. Despite government subsidy, micro irrigation is not affordable to a large number of farmers. This has led to a widespread...

-The Telegraph In the desert-like barrenness of brown around him, Suresh Mangsuli is growing grapes. As the rest of his drought-hit village thirsts for drinking water, he splashes his three acres of vines with over 10,000 litres a day. His huge farm pond is brimming, insured against seepage by a black polythene sheet stretched across its floor. Its water is pumped out to irrigate the vineyard through a network of drip pipes. Growing grapes...

-The Indian Express As drought pushes up food prices, India must invest in new irrigation methods The speculation on the delay of the monsoons and below-normal rainfall this year is not new to India. But the drought in the maize belt of the United States — that is, in the Midwest — was unexpected. The impact of the drought will be felt on wheat and soya bean production. This will eventually lead...