Agriculture

For decades, Muzaffarpur, India’s Lychee Capital was a point of pride. But fly ash drifting from Kanti’s coal-fired power plant settles on the district’s orchards like grey snowfall.

A strong monsoon has boosted Kharif sowing and rural spending in central India. This report looks at how rainfall trends are driving agriculture, inflation, and local markets.

The Madhya Pradesh government will geo-tag solar pumps under a new plan to prevent subsidy misuse. Farmers will also pay margin money and use extra solar energy for other rural activities.

Crops are failing in Uttarakhand’s hills. Farmers are switching from cereals to pulses and spices as farming adapts to climate change and rising heat.

New research reveals GM crops like Bt cotton and HT soybeans have raised pesticide use worldwide. The study links this to the Jevons paradox, showing how promises of efficiency have locked farmers into high-input, chemical-heavy systems.

In Madhya Pradesh, electrical failures have destroyed thousands of wheat fields, leaving farmers like Mishrilal Rajput facing devastating losses. As inadequate infrastructure and compensation systems fail rural communities, farmers demand urgent reforms.

Bt cotton aimed to reduce pests & raise yields, but pests evolved, forcing farmers to use more pesticides. Costs rose, debt increased, & cotton quality declined. Despite promises, yields stagnated, & many farmers still struggle with financial hardships

Farmers in Neelbad village face significant losses as wilt disease damages up to 50% of gram crops. Despite available preventative measures, lack of information and government support leaves farmers vulnerable to climate-related agricultural challenges.

Toxic pesticides are killing Indians, yet weak laws let them thrive. Experts say banning them, like Kerala did, can save lives without hurting farming. Will India act before more lives are lost?

The govt has announced removal of the 20% export duty on onions from April 1, 2025, following months of farmer protests. With rabi production up 18% from last year, decision aims to ease losses for farmers while maintaining price stability for consumers.