The southwest monsoon, which had stalled after reaching Mumbai, is expected to regain momentum in the next few days, bringing much-needed relief to India’s agriculture sector. While the monsoon arrived ahead of schedule in Kerala, its slow progress has caused concerns for farmers and highlighted the importance of timely rainfall for crop production and economic stability.
An Indian agricultural worker died in Italy after being abandoned following a workplace accident that left him with a severed arm. The incident sparked outrage and calls for action against labor exploitation in the country. The victim’s employer is facing investigation for negligence and manslaughter.
India is experiencing a temporary respite from the intense heatwave that has plagued the country for weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heatwave conditions are unlikely until Monday, bringing some relief to regions like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. While eastern India is expected to cool down, the monsoon’s arrival is still delayed in many areas, raising concerns about its impact on agriculture.
India’s monsoon has been delayed and is significantly below normal, raising concerns for agricultural yields and water reserves. While the monsoon has advanced into parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and other regions, the overall rainfall for June is expected to be below normal, with potential impacts on the crucial Kharif crop season.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, providing Rs 20,000 crore to over 9.26 crore farmers. Farmers can check their beneficiary status online on the official PM-Kisan portal.
The 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme is set to be released on June 18, with Rs 20,000 crore benefitting 9.3 crore farmers across India. The scheme, which provides financial assistance to eligible landholding farmer families, aims to support their agricultural expenses and domestic needs. Learn how to apply for the scheme and discover key details about eligibility and disbursement.
New Zealand’s centre-right government has repealed a plan to impose a price on greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, a policy that had drawn widespread opposition from farmers. The government plans to remove the agriculture sector from its emissions pricing scheme and establish a new pastoral group to address methane emissions without reducing production. While farmers welcomed the decision, environmental groups condemned it, accusing the government of prioritizing industry interests over climate action.
With climate change leading to more frequent and severe droughts, scientists are racing to develop a wheat variety that can withstand these conditions. Wheat, a staple food for billions worldwide, is particularly vulnerable to water shortages due to its high water consumption. Traditional plant breeding methods have made some progress in creating drought-tolerant varieties, but the process is slow. Gene editing techniques, which allow for more precise changes to plant DNA, are offering new hope for a truly drought-resistant wheat. While challenges remain, such as the sheer complexity of the wheat genome, scientists are making strides and believe that this agricultural Holy Grail is within reach.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a gradual fall in maximum temperatures over northwest and central India in the next three days, bringing relief from the scorching heatwave conditions. While monsoon onset has occurred in parts of northeast India, further advancement is expected in the coming days.
The southwest monsoon has arrived in India earlier than expected, providing much-needed relief to areas experiencing heatwaves and floods. The timely entry of the monsoon is crucial for the country’s agriculture-dependent economy, boosting farm incomes and consumer demand. With above-normal rainfall predicted, the monsoon season holds the potential to mitigate food inflation and support economic growth.
