-Deccan Chronicle Jowar sown on 15,625 acres in Mahbubnagar district, and on 1,695 acres in Nagarkurnool has dried up. Hyderabad: The poor monsoon this year, resulting in a prolonged dry spell, has destroyed crops, especially in five districts of the state. The cotton crop sown on 24,875 acres in Ranga Reddy district has been lost, though elsewhere it has done well. Jowar sown on 15,625 acres in Mahbubnagar district, and on 1,695 acres...

-Down to Earth MGNREGA budget has declined in real terms over the years, despite claims of “highest ever” allocations In 2004, before India had any legal welfare entitlements for the informal sector, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, was furiously debated in the Parliament and the media. The aim of this legislation was to address the crisis of under employment and unemployment in the rural economy and provide job opportunities through public works...

-The Indian Express The consolation this time, though, is the surplus showers during June and July. It has resulted in the cumulative rainfall for the four-month southwest monsoon season (June-September) being only 4.3 per cent below normal till August 16. New Delhi: The current month is turning out to be the driest August in eight years. The country as a whole has received 25.6 per cent less area-weighted rainfall during August 1-16...

-The Times of India LAKHIMPUR KHERI: Residents of Choudhipur village in Mailani area in Lakhimpur Kheri district, 70 km from here, have refused to celebrate Independence Day as they felt that no development has happened in their village even 70 years after Independence. There is no electrification in the village and the roads are in terrible condition. The villagers are still forced to defecate in the open, as most of the...

-The Hindu This, despite early release of water to Godavari, Krishna deltas Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh): Deficit rainfall in July in August has impacted sowing in the State. The State government’s pro-active step to release water early to Godavari and Krishna deltas to hasten sowing too has not worked to the expected level. While the normal area sown till date (August 9 from June 1) is 24 lakh hectares, sowing has been completed only...