India: Rabi crops output may decline due to dry winter

Hyderabad, Jan 16 (RML) India’s rabi crops production is likely to decline on reduction of sowing due to above normal temperatures even in winter season, weather experts say.

The prevailing warm and low moisture conditions in winter have already affected the rabi sowing, Skymet weather agency sources told.

Pulses, oilseeds and wheat yields may come down than normal on weak monsoon rains followed by dry winter conditions in 2015-16, they added.

In the first three months of current rabi season, pulses acreage decline by 2.4 per cent to 128.24 lakh hectare and wheat area down by 7.4 per cent to 271.46 lakh hectare against corresponding period.

As per agriculture ministry data, total crop area coverage declined to 541 lakh hectare this rabi season from 567 lakh hectare of last year.

Pulses area decline by seven per cent, oilseeds by 12 per cent and wheat down by 5.6 per cent compared to last year.

This entire drop in sowing can be due to extremely bad winter season after 14 per cent deficit monsoon rainfall, experts explained.

AP: Day time power supply to agriculture – CMHyderabad, Jan 15 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government has decided to give uninterrupted seven hours power supply to agriculture, official sources said. In implementation, power supply timings will change on rotational basis for various regions, we are giving this as a gift to farming community on this Sankranti festive season, N Chandra Babu Naidu, Chief Minister declared. Government has taken the policy decision to give seven hours uninterrupted power supply to agriculture during the rabi season only, now we have even extended this to day time, he said. We are giving 3,200 rupees of subsidy under free power to farming, Chandra Babu said in a review meeting on electricity department. Officials also discussed on how to bring all agriculture pump sets under high voltage distribution system.

New Crop Insurance Scheme PMFBY features - low premium and better coverage

Hyderabad, Jan 14 (RML) Centre approved new crop insurance scheme has unique features like – low premium burden on farmers, insurance coverage after harvest also and easy to join in the scheme and get benefit out of this, sources say.

In new crop insurance scheme - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), there are no regional differences in premium unlike in former schemes NAIS & modified NAIS, they told.

Earlier, depending on crop valuation in some regions premium could be 5.6 per cent, in some areas 3 per cent and in other areas different premium charges were applicable.

Now in the new scheme, these are simplified to 1.5 per cent premium for rabi food crops and 2 per cent premium in kharif season.

If crop produce loss after harvest due to natural calamities like cylones or hailstorms, there is a coverage included in the new scheme, officials say.

Premium decrease in New crop Insurance scheme (Rs/hectare)Sl No Crops & States Old premium New

premiumTelangana

1 Paddy 1273 9092 Groundnut 1374 7633 Maize 1339.92 857.504 Gram 722 4635 Jowar 408 109

Andhra Pradesh1. Paddy 1502 11262 Groundnut 1334 1000.503 Maize 1606 1204.504 Blackgram 448 3365 Greengram 402 301.50

Centre approves New Crop Insurance Scheme for farmers

Hyderabad, Jan 13 (RML) Central government has approved the new insurance scheme, which has prepared to relieve heavy burden of premiums from farmer shoulders, official sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed ministers panel has cleared the new crop insurance scheme - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Government has fixed farmer’s premium at maximum of two percent for food crops and oil seeds and for commercial crop like cotton and horticulture plantations – premium is kept up to five per cent under this new scheme.

PMFBY to commence from this kharif season and this will replace the existing two schemes - National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS.

Ministers’ panel has approved farmers’ premium between 1.5 to 2 per cent for foodgrains and oilseeds crops, and up to 5 per cent for horticultural and cotton crops

The farmers’ premium would be 1.5 per cent for food grains and oilseed crops in rabi season, while 2 per cent for kharif food grains and oilseed crops.

For horticultural and cotton crops it has been fixed at up to 5 per cent for both the seasons.

If crop loss due to natural calamities, 25 per cent in compensation will be paid in 2 to 5 working days.

Remaining 75 per cent of compensation will be paid in 45 days after informing to insurance companies. These firms have to consider the reports of revenue department on crop loss.

Farmers can insure up to 150 per cent of their crops produce average price. In the current scheme it is only 100 per cent.

Now the centre increased insurance amount and decreased the premium.

Though, three types of insurance schemes are there in our country, only 23 per cent of 14 crore farmers utilizing them.

Government estimates that after the implementation of PMFBY, at least 50 per cent of Indian farmers may benefit out of that.

Karnataka: Maize may trade firm for a week Benguluru, Jan 14 (RML) Maize prices in major markets of Karantaka state are likely trade firm for a week, on poultry and starch industries demand for feed and also due to lower arrivals, traders said.

Maize prices are trading steady in the range of 1450 to 1460 rupees per quintal in Davanagere, one of the major markets in Karanataka state and this trend would continue for a week, a trader told RML.

Though centre has permitted for five lakh maize imports, it will take time to reach our country, trade experts say.

In another major maize market Chitradurga, rates are in the range of 1470-1480 rupees per quintal, prices may get positive correction by 20 rupees per quintal in a week, on consistent demand from poultry sector, traders said.

Sluggish trading activity is prevailing in the markets due to Sankranti festive season, they added.

Telangana: Now its rice turn to rise

Hyderabad, Jan 12 (RML) Rice prices in Telangana state are ruling high and may rise further on lower paddy acreage due prevailed drought conditions and deficit ground water levels, official sources said.

Rice prices trading around 3,500 to 3,750 rupees per quintal in major markets across the state, agriculture marketing department data revealed.

When it comes to retail market, Grade A variety rice price starts from 4,400 rupees per quintal, traders told.

Super fine varieties and old rice rates may go up to 5,500 rupees per quintal till April, they added.

Paddy covered in only 7,000 hectares across the state in rabi 2015-16, which is 65 per cent down to 20,000 hectares of corresponding last year, agriculture department data showed.

Farmers are not willing to go for paddy as ground water levels are very low this year due to weak monsoon, though Telangana government promised uninterrupted free power supply to agriculture.

However, reports said that consumer affairs department would plan to procure rice from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Bihar states to stabilise the prices.

New Scheme for Crop InsuranceTime limit for compensation paymentDiscussion on Jan 13 in Ministers panel

Hyderabad, Jan 11 (RML) Central minister’s panel to discuss the new scheme for crop insurance on January 13, official sources said.

Fixing time limit for compensation payment and equal share to states and centre in 95 per cent of premium payment can be main features in the newly proposed scheme, agriculture ministry release showed.

Panel would name this as ‘Bharatiya Krishi Bheema Yojana’ (BKBY), document revealed.

Premium could be 1.5 to 5 per cent depending on the crops and the amount of insurance amount.

Government may decide premium for paddy and pulses: 2.5 per cent, for oil seeds: 2 per cent, for wheat: 1.5 per cent and for commercial crops: 5 per cent.

If crop loss due to natural calamities, 25 per cent in compensation will be paid in 2 to 5 working days.

Remaining 75 per cent of compensation will be paid in 45 days after informing to insurance companies. These firms have to consider the reports of revenue department on crop loss.

Farmers can insure up to 150 per cent of their crops produce average price. In the current scheme it is only 100 per cent.

Now the centre increased insurance amount and decreased the premium.

Though, three types of insurance schemes are there in our country, only 23 per cent of 14 crore farmers utilizing them.

Government estimates that after the implementation of new crop insurance scheme, atleast 50 per cent of Indian farmers may benefit out of that.

India: Rabi crops acreage down 3 pctRabi sowing progressHyderabad, Jan 9 (RML) Total crops acreage declined by three per cent in the ongoing rabi season started from October, official sources said. Total crops area come down by 3.17 per cent to 564.98 lakh hectares as on January 8, against 582.46 lakh hectares of corresponding last year, state agriculture department weekly report’s data showed. Paddy area covered in only 17.07 lakh hectares so far, which is 8.37 per cent down, against 18.63 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago. Rabi sowings are lagging behind as north-east monsoon has also turned out to be weak after prolonged dry spell in the kharif season. Farmers are not willing to go for paddy as ground water levels are very low this year due to weak monsoon, though Telangana government promised uninterrupted free power supply to agriculture. So far, pulses sowing acreage slightly down by 0.33 per cent to 134.36 lakh hectares, when compared to 134.81 lakh hectares of corresponding last year. Oil seeds covered to 74.46 lakh hectares, which is 3.81 per cent down against 77.41 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago.

Crop Area sown in 2015-16

Area sown in 2014-15

Wheat 281.70 299.33Pulses 134.36 134.81

Coarse Cereals 57.40 52.28Oilseeds 74.46 77.41

Rice 17.07 18.63Total 564.98 582.46

ICAR to work for solution to control pink bollworm on cotton

Hyderabad, Jan 8 (RML) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to work for the solution to control pink bollworm pest on cotton crop, Agriculture ministry official sources said.

Pink bollworm pest in Bt cotton crop is evident in parts of Saurashtra and some districts of Andhra Pradesh, that means this pest has been developed a resistance, An expert team of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), which visited in these areas told.

ICAR scientists’ team will soon come up with advisory to control pink bollworm pest, they said.

In response to this, Mahyco Monsanto Biotech India Ltd (MMBL) representative said that improper pest control practices, illegal seeds and not using refugee seed around the fields can be reasons for pink bollworm spread.

In a long run, chances of developing resistance also can be possible, MMBL added.

Centre approves Rs 433 crore drought assistance to APDecision on relief to Telangana state will be taken in next weekHyderabad, Jan 7 (RML) Centre has approved to give 433.77 crore rupees as a drought relief to Andhra Pradesh state under Natural Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), official sources said. Decision on relief to telangana state has been deferred to next week, they added. Central home minister Rajnadh Singh headed High level steering committee has taken this decision. This committee also has approved drought assistance to Odisha and Uttar Pradesh too. Rural development ministry is examining the plea of AP to allocate 954 crore rupees for employment guarantee scheme.

Centre to import 5,000 tonnes of tur dal to boost supplyHyderabad, Jan 6 (RML) Centre has issued a tender to import 5,000 tonnes of Tur dal, as pulses prices still ruling high on drop in production estimates, official sources said.

Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India (MMTC) has invited tenders for 5,000 tonnes of Red gram to improve domestic supply from next month.

MMTC has invited global bids for import of 5,000 tonnes of tur dal of the latest crop from Myanmar, Malawi, Mozambique or any other origin, tender document showed.

Food minister Ram Vilas Paswan asked the commerce ministry to direct trading firms to import pulses in view of low production in the second consecutive year also.

Pulses production in the 2015-16 is likely to be much below the earlier estimate of around 18 million tonnes due to poor sowing of rabi crops. Production in 2014-15 was at 17.38 million tonnes.

Tur dal is still ruling high at 180 rupees per kg in major markets across the country.

Telangana: NALA Tax cut to three per centHyderabad, Jan 6 (RML) Telangana revenue department has decreased the NALA tax by six per cent to convert farm land for other purposes, official orders released.NALA tax has been decreased to three per cent from nine per cent, B R Meena, chief secretary of revenue department mentioned in the released orders. As per the orders, this tax was cut to two per cent from five per cent under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation purview. Notice period for tax payment, clearances and other issues also has been reduced to one week from one month after applying for land conversion. NALA application approval or refusal period also has been reduced to one month from two months. For more details about this NALA tax and how this is beneficial, farmers can contact their regional revenue officials

AP: Issue of 1B documents instead of pass books to farmers - CMHyderabad, Jan 5 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government to issue 1B papers instead of pass books to farmers, Chief Minister N Candra Babu Naidu announced. These 1B documents will be useful to get crop loans also and other benefits related to farming, he told. “We are planning to hike the daily wages of labourers under employment guarantee scheme. Now they are getting Rs 120 to 150 per day.” Chandra Babu declared. Minister said that second phase crop loan waiver funds will be released shortly and the remaining amount will be paid to banks with 10 per cent interest in next three years. Free medical tests in government hospitals from February on wards and up to Rs 2.5 lakh financial assistance for around 1000 diseases under ‘NTR Vidya Seva’ scheme, he added.

India: Cotton revised output estimate slides to 362 lakh bales in 2015-16 – CAI

Hyderabad, Jan 4 (RML) The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised India’s cotton production downwardly to 362 lakh bales from the earlier estimate of 370.5 lakh bales of 170 Kg each. For 2014-15, country’s cotton output stood at 382.75 lakh bales, association sources said.

In northern zone, the total cotton crop during this season is pegged at 43 lakh bales, compared to previous season's 53.50 lakh bales. Cotton output in the southern zone comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka is forecast at 111 lakh bales, down seven per cent from 2014-15 production of 119 lakh bales. In the central zone, which includes major cotton producing states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, production is likely to fall to 201 lakh bales, as against previous season's 204 lakh bales, CAI statement said. “The reduction in the consumption of cotton in India during the crop year 2015-16 is expected to offset decrease in cotton production to some extent,” the statement said. The projected balance sheet prepared by the CAI estimates total cotton supply for 2015-16 at 454.65 lakh bales, while domestic consumption is pegged at 318 lakh bales, thus resulting in surplus of 136.65 lakh bales. However, cotton consumption by textile mills is expected to remain at previous season's level of 278 lakh bales.

Hike in Cooking gas rate by Rs 53/CylinderHyderabad, Jan 2 (RML) State run oil companies have increased the cooking gas price by 53 rupees per cylinder, officials said. “According to the changes in international market, government has fixed the domestic cooking cylinder rate at 733.50 rupees.” Oil companies officials told. However government subsidy also has been increased as per the changes, hence the burden on customers won’t be that much, they added. Prices of Cylinders for business use also have been increased by 78 rupees.

Cylinder Price in December (Rs)

Price in January (Rs)

14.2 Kg (Domestic)

680.50 733.50

19Kg (Business) 1,294 1,372Govt. Subsidy 223.94 273

AP: Free medical tests in govt. hospitals – Minister102 service for Mother-New bornFive types of free services with public private partnership

Hyderabad, Dec 31 (RML) Five type of free health services in government hospitals are coming up in the New Year, official sources said.

“State government will start Medical tests, X-Ray, 102 service, Mother-Child Express and hospital equipment maintenance services.” Kamineni Srinivas, Health minister told.

N Chandra Babu Naidu, Chief Minister of AP will formally inaugurate these five free health services in government hospitals on New Year’s Eve, he added.

Eye tests, medical tests for children will also be free and 102 helpline services will be helpful for reduce mother & new born deaths.

278 mother-child express vehicles kept ready to drop mother-new born children at their homes after delivery at government hospitals.

Government is trying to bring CT scan and x-ray services also under free category from February 2016.

Telangana: govt. promotes hybrid horticulture plantationsHigher subsidies to hybrid Guava, Custard Apple & Pomegranate

Hyderabad, Dec 30 (RML) Telangana horticulture department is preparing an action plan to increase the acreage of custard apple, pomegranate and guava hybrid varieties, official sources said.

“Farmers of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states are earning high profits by these hybrid varieties.” Venkatram Reddy, commissioner of horticulture told.

Horticulture department will give higher subsidies on these plantations to boost the production of fruits and vegetables in the state, he added.

Subsidy of 48,000 rupees per hectare on Guava plantation. For various bulb type flowers farming 60,000 rupees subsidy is available from government side.

State and central governments to give their share of subsidies to fruit and flower plantations under recently launched scheme ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)’.

State government has decided the subsidies can be given for various horticulture plantations.

Horticulture department has decided the subsidy of 30,739 rupees per hectare for banana plantations in tissue culture.

Table: Govt. Subsidy for various horticulture plantations

Sl Crop Govt.

No Subsidy Rs/hectare

1. Guava 48,0002. Pomegranat

e16,004

3 Custard Apple

25,440

4 Mango 26,8805 Papaya 23,1206 Orange 23,1207 Sweetlime 9,6018 Lemon 9,6019 Flowers 16,00010 Big Plum

fruit8,400

Centre scraps Onion Minimum Export Price to stabilise farmer ratesHyderabad, Dec 29 (RML) Central government has scrapped the Minimum Export Price (MEP) of onion to give a lift to down casted local rates for farmers, officials said.

“To neutralise the mismatch of onion prices and to minimise the farmer sufferings, government allowed repealing onion MEP.” Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) official notification mentioned.

This move help farmers, who are selling their onion produce at steep low of around 10 rupees per Kg in the Lasalgaon, prime market for onion in the country, trade officials told.

Few months back, when crop was not there in the hands of farmers, commission agents, traders and middle men sold onions as high as 100 rupees per Kg.

India’s onion exports were at 4.85 lakh tonnes for first six months of 2015-16 fiscal, lower than the 5.89 lakh tonnes of corresponding last year, National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) data showed.

Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are the top three onion-producing states in the country.

AP: Govt. to set up Organic Farming Commission – MinisterHyderabad, Dec 28 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government to establish Organic Farming Commission shortly to promote organic food crops, P Pulla Rao, Minister of Agriculture said. New farming commission can be instituted in the coming year to bring healthy food in to people platter, Minister told. Government will take steps to increase organic farming practices in the state, he added.

Pulla Rao said that agriculture department is planning to give Rs 10,000 subsidy on cows to support organic farming.

Hike in Railway tatkal faresHyderabad, Dec 26 (RML) Indian railways has increased its tatkal fares in all classes, official sources said. “Hike tatkal charges by 10 to 100 rupees depending on the class people travel. This has come in to effect from December 25.” officials said in a statement. As per the official release, there is an exemption to second sitting (2S) for this tatkal fare hike. For all other classes, increase in charges is applicable.Sl No

Class Old (Rs) New (Rs)

Min Max Min Max

1 Second Class seats

10 15 10 15

2 Sleeper class 90 175 100 2003 Third AC 250 350 300 4004 Second AC 300 400 400 500

India: Centre to announce new farm Insurance Scheme – Minister

Hyderabad, Dec 24 (RML) Central government is planning to announce a brand new crop Insurance scheme for farmers, where the premium would be below 3 per cent, Radha Mohan Singh, Agriculture Minister said.

“Insurance compensation will also be evaluated scientifically with new drone technologies to estimate crop loss accurately and to settle claims faster” he told.

Ministry has proposed a premium of 3 per cent as farmers share and no cap on premium in disaster prone areas.

In the existing insurance schemes, farmers are paying 3.5 to 8 per cent and the remaining share comes to government.

On an average, insurance companies are charging an overall premium in the range between 1 and 20 per cent for crops.

Major crops insured are oilseeds, rice, wheat, pulses and coarse grains.

Telangana: Govt. to procure Tur at Rs 143/Kg from tradersHyderabad, Dec 23 (RML) Private traders have place a tender to supply Tur dal at previous rate of 143.08 rupees per Kg, as the new produce of kharif season coming to markets and to withstand the competition of central government agencies, official sources said.

Contractors have placed a tender at 163 rupees per Kg earlier; this has drawn much criticism to traders and contractors, so both parties review the situation, Civil supplies officials told.As Kendriya Bandhar also came forward to supply Tur dal at previous rates, private traders are left with no option. Civil supplies department procuring 1,500 tonnes of Tur at 143.08 rupees per Kg from private traders to distribute as a monthly ration to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the state.

AP: Issue of 12 lakh new ration cards from Jan 2 – MinisterHyderabad, Dec 23 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government to issue 12 lakh new ration cards to low income groups of the society from January 2, 2016, Paritala Sunitha, Civil Supplies minister said. If two families living in one house, there will be two ration cards, no arguments arise on this issue, minister clarified. Bio metric process is compulsory to take monthly ration, it is necessary to avoid misuse public resources. To avoid delays in ration distribution, civil supplies department is giving rice and sugar at a time, minister told. Minister Sunitha informed that civil supplies department has targeted to procure 54 lakh tonnes of paddy for this financial year.

India: Cotton production may dip 11 pct on drop in yields: Report

Hyderabad, Dec 22 (RML) India’s cotton output is likely to decline by 11 per cent to 335 lakh bales this year, when compared to 376.6 lakh bales of last year, because of the yields reduction in north Indian states due to white fly infection, Edelweiss Agri Research report said.

Cotton acreage is down by 7.5 percent in cotton growing states due to poor returns last year, data showed.

Overall yields also to come down by 3.8 per cent due to severe white fly infection in northern states of India.

The yields in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region are likely to be lower by 1.5 percent and in Karnataka acreage is lower by 24.3 percent on reduced sowing activity in major growing districts.

Telangana: paddy procurement may finish by Dec 31Hyderabad, Dec 22 (RML) Paddy procurement in Telangana state is likely to finish by December end across the opened 1,667 centers, official sources said. “We have procured 12.11 lakh metric tonnes of paddy so far from these 1,667 centers across Telangana.” Civil Supplies officials told.As there is no levi system, government only bought entire paddy instead of rice millers.

Another 25,000 tonnes of paddy may come for procurement, on decline in production due to prevailed dry spell during kharif season, they said. Paddy procurement has come to an end in Nizamabad, Medak, and Nalgonda districts, officials said in a statement. Procurement will be finished in another five districts of the state by this weekend. To know more details about paddy procurement, farmers may consult Agriculture market committee yards or regional agriculture officials.

Telangana: New online policy for tenant farmers

Hyderabad, Dec 21 (RML) Telangana state government is working on a policy to provide short and long term loans for tenant farmers, official sources said.

Government is working on to upload a contract and all other details related to tenant farming and to make them eligible to majority of subisidy schemes, state revenue department officials told.

Revenue department to issue Loan Eligibility Cards and upload the complete details of tenant farmers online, so that they can get maximum benefits of subsidies and loans, they added.

Agreement details of land owner and tenant farmer, land records will be uploaded on Revenue department website and also keep the details in revenue records and make them available to banks for loan disbursement.

By these arrangements, tenant farmers can get crop loss compensation, subsidies, seeds, and fertilizers.

India: 25 pct hike in output possible in pulses by genuine agro chemicals- Report

Hyderabad, Dec 18 (RML) Pulses output can go up by 25 per cent if farmers apply relevant and genuine pesticides on time, Crop Life India report says.

“The loss of production by 20-25 per cent can be avoided with the right and timely spraying of quality and genuine pesticides & fertilizers.” Ramkrishna Mudholkar, Chairman of Crop Life India told.

Spurious pesticides cannot protect the crops from pest attacks, but Indian farmers are unaware of this and thus facing huge losses, Mudholkar said.

Farm ministry need to impose stringent rules and regulations to avoid spurious pesticides and bring awareness among farming community to use pesticides in proper and economic way, he added.

Pulses prices ruling high across the country for the last few months, as the production shortage is around two million tonnes, though government tried to control prices by imports.

AP: Issue of new ration cards before Feb 2016

Hyderabad, Dec 18 (RML) Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to distribute new white ration cards to poor people before February 2016, official sources said.

“We need to finish the process of issue of new ration cards by February 2016 or before that to distribute Christmas ration and Sankranti festival rations.” N Chandra Babu Naidu directed Collectors in a conference.

If the process is being delayed, issue the temporary cards and distribute monthly ration to poor in the state, CM gave orders to officials.

Government officials have identified 12.42 lakh applications are eligible for the issuing of new ration cards.

CM Naidu has directed the District Collectors to begin ration distribution to poor for Christmas from December 23 and for Sankranti festival from January first week.

To know more details about the issue of ration cards, people can approach their village officials

Petrol price cut by 50 paise, Diesel reduced by 46 paise

Hyderabad, Dec 17 (RML) State run oil companies have reduced petroleum prices, aligning to the developed changes in international markets, petroleum ministry sources said.

Petrol price has been reduced by 50 paise per litre and Diesel rate cut by 46 paise per litre, they told.

After the recent changes, petrol current price in Hyderabad is 64.92 rupees per litre and Diesel rate is at 50.26 rupees per litre as on December 16.

AP: govt. to provide 150 day Employment Guarantee in 395 drought hit mandals

Hyderabad, Dec 17 (RML) Centre has given permission to increase employment guaranteed days to 150 from 100 in 195 drought hit mandals of Andhra Pradesh (AP), officials said.

“AP government has identified 395 drought hit mandals in the state and decided to provide employment for farming labour and other small workers in these regions” they told.

Centre has agreed to increase working days by 50 in only 195 mandals, where the drought intensity is high, however state government want to provide the additional 50 work days in the entire drought hit mandals.

As the rural development department got the permission from Chief Minister N Chandra Babu Naidu to implement 150 work days in 395 mandals, officials at field level have geared up to provide works in villages.

It is estimated that 2.6 lakh rural families in AP would benefit from this extension of work days to 150 under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

To get work, marginal farmers and farm laborers can contact panchayat officials or village administration officials.

Centre to fix Bt cotton seed rates from March 2016Hyderabad, Dec 16 (RML) The Central government has decided to control Bt cotton and other cotton seed prices from next kharif season, official sources said. According to the agriculture ministry notification, centre will fix and regulate the seed value and licensee fee including royalty value. This mechanism will help to fix one Maximum Retail Price (MRP) across the country and ensure seeds availability to farmers at affordable prices, department notice mentioned. Now Bt cotton seed is sold at different rates across India. Bt cotton seed 450 grams packet priced at 1000 rupees in Punjab and Haryana, while it is 830 rupees in Maharashtra and 930 rupees in Andhra Pradesh and five other states. This decision was taken in response to several representations from farmers and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI). MRP of the cotton seed will be notified on or before March 31 of every year applicable for the next financial year, official notification said.

India: govt. targets Soil Health Cards to 14 Cr farmers by 2017

Hyderabad, Dec 15 (RML) Indian government has targeted to issue Soil Health Cards to 14 crore farmers by 2017, official sources said.

“We have given Soil Health Cards to 66 lakh farmers across the country through agriculture department and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).” Radhamohan Singh, farm minister told.

So far 60 lakh soil samples have been collected and by financial year ending another 40 lakh soil samples will be collected, minister added.

To maintain balanced procedure of giving fertilizers, micro nutrients and pesticides, Soil Health test is very much useful for farmers and this awareness has grown in farmers, so they are coming forward with soil samples, he said.

India: Centre allocates Rs 440 Cr to boost pulses production

Hyderabad, Dec 15 (RML) Indian government has allocated 440 crore rupees to improve pulses production in the country under National Food Security Mission (NFSM), official sources said.

“50% of these allocated funds of NFSM is used for implementing better technology, distribution of quality seeds, introducing new varieties, spreading awareness on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods.” Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundaria, Minister of state for agriculture said.

Government to initiate a special program for demonstration of new varieties of pulses seeds through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) from rabi 2015-16.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments are also implementing accelerated pulses production program in the selected regions.

To know more details about this program and subsidies for pulses production, farmers can consult their regional agriculture officials.

AP: govt. green signal to procure discoloured paddyHyderabad, Dec 14 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government has given the green signal to Food Corporation India (FCI) to procure discoloured and broken paddy due to recent rains from farmers, official sources said. “If the discoloured paddy is five percent and broken paddy is 30 per cent in the total produce, FCI can buy that at Minimum Support Price (MSP).” Government issued official orders. To buy this type of produce, Civil Supplies department will give 36 crore rupees to FCI. Centre has relaxed the standards of discoloured paddy procurement to 10 per cent from five in East and west Godavari districts. Much damage has happened to crop in these two districts due to recent rains. No relaxation is needed in Krishna and other coastal districts, government sources said.

India: Rabi crops acreage down 9 pctRabi sowing progressHyderabad, Dec 12 (RML) Total crops acreage declined by nine per cent in the ongoing rabi season started from October, official sources said. Total crops area come down by 9.11 per cent to 442.33 lakh hectares as on December 11, against 486.69 lakh hectares of corresponding last year, state agriculture department weekly report’s data showed. Paddy area covered in only 10.94 lakh hectares so far, which is 14.86 per cent down, against 12.85 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago. Rabi sowings are lagging behind as north-east monsoon has also turned out to be weak after prolonged dry spell in the kharif season.

Farmers are not willing to go for paddy as ground water levels are very low this year due to weak monsoon, though Telangana government promised uninterrupted free power supply to agriculture. So far, pulses sowing acreage slightly down by 0.7 per cent to 114.51 lakh hectares, when compared to 115.34 lakh hectares of corresponding last year. Oil seeds covered to 65.68 lakh hectares, which is 7.7 per cent down against 71.18 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago.

Crop Area sown in 2015-16

Area sown in 2014-15

Wheat 202.28 241.91Pulses 114.51 115.34

Coarse Cereals 48.92 45.42Oilseeds 65.68 71.18

Rice 10.94 12.85Total 442.33 486.69

ICRISAT to release high yielding Tur seed varietiesHyderabad, Dec 11 (RML) High yielding Tur hybrid seed varieties are ready for release in Tandur and Gulbarga regions, researchers said. According to the official information, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has made ready two hybrids for Tandur and another two varieties for Gulbarga region. Institution is already producing ICPH 2740, ICPH 2761 for its research, scientists told. For high yielding varieties in tur, we are continuing our experiments at Rajendranagar, Tandur and Gulbarga research stations, these will come to a shape by the end of 2016, they added. Now the institution is doing research on 104 genome hybrid varieties in Tur to get high yield from them, ICRISAT scientists said.

Telangana: Rabi crops acreage down 14 pctRabi sowing progressHyderabad, Dec 10 (RML) Total crops acreage declined by 14 per cent in the ongoing rabi season started from October, official sources said.

Total crops area come down by 14.28 per cent to 2.94 lakh hectares as on December 9, against 3.43 lakh hectares of corresponding last year, state agriculture department weekly report’s data showed.

Paddy area covered in only 2,741 hectares so far, this is very least as north-east monsoon has also turned out to be weak after prolonged dry spell in the kharif season.

Farmers are not willing to go for paddy as ground water levels are very low this year due to weak monsoon, though Telangana government promised uninterrupted free power supply to agriculture.

AP: Sugar factories need to clear arrears for farmers by January 31Hyderabad, Dec 9 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government has directed the private and co-operative sugar factories to clear all the arrears payable to farmers, ministerial sources said.

“We have instructed the private sugar factories to clear their dues owed to farmers before January 31.” P Pulla Rao, agriculture minister told.

Two sugar factories need to clear 18.46 crore rupees to sugarcane farmers, he added.

Minister said that the government has come up with these decisions after conducting a meeting with sugarcane farmers and factories authorities.

CCI may not relax terms & conditions

Hyderabad, Dec 8 (RML) Cotton Corporation of India will not relax terms and conditions in cotton procurement, official said.

“Farmers need to bring cotton separately to procurement centers and not to compress in any container or bag, in this there is no concession.” Pushpa Subramanyam, additional secretary said while inspecting at one of the CCI centers.

CCI has also not considered the proposed relaxation on moisture percentage present in the buying cotton.

Apart from these, any other local issues pertaining to procurement, government agency would take necessary action, she said.

India: Drop in Production, hoarding are behind pulse price rise - Minister

Hyderabad, Dec 8 (RML) Production shortfall in pulses exporting countries Canada, Africa and Myanmar to India, drop in domestic output, hoarding and transportation charges are the major reasons behind the skyrocketing pulses prices, Minister said.

“2.05 million tonnes of drop in output from 2013-14 to 2014-15 propelled the scarcity of pulses.” Ram Vilas Paswan, Consumer affairs Minister told members of parliament.

1.3 lakh tonnes of pulses seized in state governments raids; this shows pulses hoarding is much higher than the expected, he added.

Telangana: higher subsidies on horticultureHyderabad, Dec 7 (RML)Telangana government to give higher subsidies on horticulture plantations to boost the production of fruits and vegetables in the state, official sources said. Horticulture department is giving subsidy of 48,000 rupees per hectare on Guava plantation. For various bulb type flowers farming 60,000 rupees subsidy is available from government side. State and central governments to give their share of subsidies to fruit and flower plantations under recently launched scheme ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)’. State government has decided the subsidies can be given for various horticulture plantations. Horticulture department has decided the subsidy of 30,739 rupees per hectare for banana plantations in tissue culture. Table: Govt. Subsidy for various horticulture plantationsSl No

Crop Govt. Subsidy Rs/hectare

1. Guava 48,0002. Pomegranat

e16,004

3 Custard Apple

25,440

4 Mango 26,8805 Papaya 23,1206 Orange 23,1207 Sweetlime 9,6018 Lemon 9,6019 Flowers 16,00010 Big Plum

fruit8,400

India: Rice area down 22 pct till Dec first weekRabi sowing progress

Hyderabad, Dec 5 (RML) India’s rice sowing has been declined by 22 per cent as on December 4, due to the predominantly drought prevailing conditions in many paddy growing states, official sources said.

As per the official report of ministry of Agriculture, Rice has been sown in 8.7 lakh hectares as on December 4, fell by 22 per cent, against 11.15 hectares of last year at the same time.

Pulses have been sown in 100.42 lakh hectares as on December 4 in the ongoing rabi season, marginally declined by 6 per cent, as compared to 106.93 lakh hectares at the same time a year ago.

Oil seeds area covered in 61.89 lakh hectares as on December 4, down by 10 per cent, against 69.01 lakh hectares of corresponding last year.

The total area covered under Rabi crops as on December 4 has 370.28 lakh hectares, marginally declined as compared to 438.77 lakh hectares a year ago at the same time.

Table: The details of the area covered so far and that covered during last year this time given as follows:                                                                 Crop Area sown in

2015-16Area sown in 2014-15

Wheat 152.56 208.64Pulses 100.42 106.93Coarse Cereals

46.71 43.04

Oilseeds 61.89 69.01Rice 8.70 11.15Total 370.28 438.77

Acreage figures in Lakh hectare

Telangana: FCI to buy 25K tonnes of TurHyderabad, Dec 4 (RML) Food Corporation of India (FCI) has stepped in to buy 25,000 tonnes of Tur from farmers at current market prices, official sources said.

According to the official orders, Markfed will procure Tur from farmers on behalf of FCI, in Suryapet, Adilabad and Tandur markets.

FCI will decide Tur buying prices on daily basis as per the latest market scenario, officials said.

Government procurement agency said that, after checking the farmer’s response, it will increase the purchase centers.

The purpose of this procurement is to offload the stocks in the open market to nutralise the high ruling tur prices.

Telangana: forms a minister panel on drought

Hyderabad, Dec 3 (RML) Telangana government formed a minister’s sub committee to take relief measures in drought affected regions, official sources said.

Revenue Minister Mahamood Ali to lead this panel as a chairman and Agriculture minister P Srinivas Reddy, Panchayat Raj Minister K T Rama Rao, Education Minister K Srihari, Makreting & Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao will serve as a members.

Agriculture department Secretary Parthasaradhi to co ordinate this panel as a convenor and facilitate reviews on drought conditions time to time.

AP: Rs 110.96 Cr loan waiver to Weavers

Hyderabad, Dec 3 (RML) Andhra Pradesh government has issued official orders of loan waiver to weaver community in the state, officials said.

As per the official orders, around 25,000 weavers will get benefit from 110.96 crore rupees loan waiver.

Government has classified loan waiver in to three categories and fixed an upper limit in each division - Weaver’s personal loans, weaving societies’ loans and loans on power looms.

Textile department has also explained loan waiver guidelines in the issued orders.

Rise in ground water levels in Rayalaseema, Coastal APResult of recent rains on active north-east monsoon

Hyderabad, Dec 3 (RML) Rise in ground water levels has been recorded on recent torrential rains due to active north-east monsoon over southern peninsula, official sources said.

Ground water levels in Rayalaseema region on an average gone up by 3.84 meters after November 20, when it is compared with levels in the month of May.

In Coastal AP also, ground water levels rose by 1.73 meters upto November third week, against May water levels.

Active north-east monsoon rains over Rayalaseema and Coastal AP have boosted the ground water levels, officials of ground water department analysed.

Digging of ponds in rural areas, mending of irrigation canals also helped to store rain water, they added.

India: Cooking Gas price rises by Rs 64.50 in DecemberHyderabad, Dec 2 (RML) Cooking gas cylinder rate has been increased by 64.50 rupees to reach 680.50 rupees from 616 rupees in November, 2015, official sources said. Centre is reviewing 14.2 Kg cooking gas cylinder prices every month, as per the prevailing scenario in the international oil market. Centre to give 223.94 rupees as subsidy; it is increased from 162.45 rupees in November.

Sl No

Cooking Gas Price in November

Price in December

1 Cylinder (14.2Kg) Rs 616 Rs 680.502 Govt. Subsidy Rs

162.45Rs 223.94