-The Times of India NEW DELHI: The Centre has proposed restoration of the provisions for "consent" and "social impact assessment" in the land acquisition bill, a climbdown aimed at wriggling out of the stalemate triggered by its bold attempt to liberalise the law resented by industry and which was seen to have slowed land acquisitions to a crawl. It is learnt the Centre would undo most of the contentious changes it brought...

-The Hindu Business Line New structure facilitates inter-state co-operation The recently announced National Agricultural Market aims to bring about a unified market through networking of mandis to facilitate seamless flow of goods and information. This may not alter the State- dominated existing agricultural marketing structure; but it calls for redefining their role and functions to make the concept more inclusive for Farmers. Fear of rejection The networking of markets is expected to enhance access to...

-Hindustan Times New Delhi: While the Delhi Development Authority notified the Land Pooling Policy a month ago after years of waiting, the project cannot proceed further unless Delhi government classifies the identified agricultural lands as ‘urbanisable’. The DDA had notified the policy in May, and was looking to start registration of lands in 89 villages for pooling by August. The matter then went to the Delhi government for consideration, and the DDA...

-Business Standard Skymet says rains will be normal in August Southwest monsoon has shown marked improvement over central and eastern parts of India in the past few days, narrowing the cumulative deficiency for July to 15 per cent from a high of 50 per cent. However, the situation is worrisome in parts of central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh, some districts of Telangana, and north interior Karnataka, where the total seasonal...

-The Times of India RAIPUR: Farmers in Kanker region in tribal Bastar are being trained by the government to cultivate itch-free varieties of yam which could be grown on barren portions on land providing them a source income. State agriculture department has tested soil in the area and found it suitable for cultivating yam. Local Farmers are provided itch-free variety and being sent groups of 10 to Bilaspur to learn method of...