India’s government significantly raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra to ₹11,582 per quintal (milling) and ₹12,100 per quintal (ball) for the 2025 marketing season. This move aims to improve farmer incomes, boost copra production, and ensure food security. Farmers can choose to sell to government agencies at the MSP or in the open market.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the collateral-free agricultural loan limit to ₹2 lakh, offering crucial financial relief to millions of Indian farmers struggling with rising input costs. This move, effective January 1st, 2025, is expected to significantly impact the agricultural sector and stimulate rural economic growth.
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.
