The Indian government is set to release the 18th installment of the PM Kisan Yojana Scheme on October 5, 2024. This scheme provides financial assistance to farming families across India, offering ₹2,000 every four months, totalling ₹6,000 annually. This article outlines the key details about the installment, including eligibility criteria, KYC requirements, and how to track payment status.
Stubble burning in India has once again become a contentious issue, with the Delhi government calling for an urgent meeting to address the problem. The Delhi government, facing pressure from the Supreme Court, is seeking collaboration from neighboring states and the central government to combat air pollution caused by crop residue burning. Farmers, meanwhile, are calling for permanent solutions to the issue, highlighting the economic burden associated with alternative methods.
Farm Aid 2024, a sold-out event featuring Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Margo Price, showcased the work of farmers who are building community-based food systems. The festival highlighted the need for support from consumers and elected officials to counter corporate dominance in the food system.
A group of farmers protested in front of GT World Mall in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after an elderly farmer was denied entry for wearing a ‘dhoti’. The incident sparked outrage, with many accusing the mall of discriminatory practices and highlighting the issue of cultural sensitivity. The protest comes amid the Karnataka government’s controversial move to reserve jobs for Kannadigas in the private sector.
Young European farmers are leading the charge against the detrimental effects of big agriculture on climate change. They argue that current trade agreements and subsidies incentivize unsustainable practices and push small-scale farmers towards industrialization. They advocate for a system that prioritizes local production, fair pricing, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for systemic change to protect both farmers and the planet.
Ahead of the state assembly elections in October, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state Budget for 2024-25. The budget includes several key announcements, such as a financial assistance scheme for women, free cooking gas cylinders, bonuses for farmers, and increased compensation for deaths due to animal attacks.
The first day of the Maharashtra legislature session saw opposition members from the Maha Vikas Aghadi protest against issues like NEET irregularities and farmer concerns. The BJP-led government, however, countered these allegations, claiming the opposition is creating false narratives.
A new survey highlights the devastating impact of climate change on Indian marginal farmers, revealing significant crop losses, income reductions, and livelihood shifts. The study, conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) and Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED), surveyed 6,615 marginal farmers across 21 states and union territories, painting a stark picture of the challenges they face.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a rare visit to North Korea, highlighting Moscow’s growing partnership with the nuclear-armed state. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address farmers in Varanasi, outlining plans for their well-being. Other notable events include a Supreme Court hearing on an AAP MLA’s plea and the start of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Congress party has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of waiving off bank loans worth ₹16 lakh crore for its ‘crony capitalist friends’ while neglecting farmers’ loan burdens. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government for failing to provide relief to farmers, despite the UPA government’s ₹72,000 crore agricultural loan waiver in 2008. The Congress has pledged to establish a permanent farm loan waiver commission if it comes to power. Ramesh also highlighted the government’s unfulfilled promises to farmers’ organizations, including the implementation of a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).
