Flood Resistant Rice developed by TN Agri University

The Hindu Business Line, Sept 15

Rice is the primary food of billions of people around the world.  And more than 25% is grown in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.

Huge crop losses are reported whenever the paddy fields get submerged in flooded conditions.  After extensive research scientists have developed the Swarna Sub1 variety to counteract losses in submergence.  The present day strains cannot withstand flooding for more than a week.

The University undertook extensive research to study the efficiency of Swarna Sub1 in mitigating the effect of floods during 2010-11 samba season.  And demonstrations proved its sustainability.

Read the full report here 

Rise in India's cotton output

Business Standard - August 31, 2011

A new record in India's cotton output.  A likely rise up to 9% this year.  Farmers have migrated to cotton sowing from less remunerative crops.  Hurricane Irene destroyed crops in the US and prices would have an upward bias. The crop in other leading producer countries like China and Pakistan has not been encouraging.  Since the government has allowed cotton exports under Open General Licence, Indian traders would benefit from higher global prices.

Availability of cotton for 2011-12 is forecast for 40.75 million bales.

For a full report click the link

Agriculture is not only source of food....

The editorial that appeared in The Hindu Business Line, September 3, 2011


Granaries are packed.  Food grains are rotting.  Malnutrition continues.  This is the frightening scene in India.  The challenges of food and nutrition security are increasing.  Several hundred millions face malnutrition or under-nutrition because of a serious protein and calorie intake on a regular basis. India is low on the Human Development Index and high on the Global Hunger Index.  


There are dozen schemes promoted by five ministries to counteract the problem.  The progress in promoting nutrition is not uniform across the country and there is nothing to suggest that ‘food' supplied under the various welfare schemes is nutritious. The country deserves a far better coordinated approach to eliminating pervasive malnutrition. Policymakers must recognise the interconnectedness of agriculture, nutrition and health. Agriculture is not only a source of food and thereby nutrition, it is also a source of income that helps buy nutritious food.


India growth story is at once real and surreal. Real because our macro performance continues to be robust, making the country one of world's fastest growing economies; and surreal because the micro challenges of poverty, hunger, malnutrition and illiteracy have not been addressed with focused attention. Growth without development is an irony that India testifies to. The micro challenges have the potential to drag down growth. With over $300 billion in the forex kitty, India can afford to import food to meet any shortage, but money cannot buy nutrition. The latter must be tackled on a war-footing domestically with good governance.


Read the editorial here

Middlemen make huge profits on sale of perishable commodities

             Article that appeared in The Hindu - September 1, 2011

There is a monopoly that exists between the private guilds of middlemen, commission agents at whole sale markets and street vendors and vegetable sellers in the retail market says Mr Ajay Jhakar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Sangh. 

They make huge profits on sale of perishable commodities.  Since the produce is perishable the farmer is compelled to sell his crop immediately after harvest.  And since he cannot wait for a better price he is exploited by the guilds.

The farmer’s share in consumer price keeps reducing even as the consumer pays more.  Perishable produce is purchased by the urban consumer at 50% more than the price at which the farmer sells his produce.  Adds  Mr  Jhakar – no other monopoly in the world is this profitable.  The consumer along with the farmer is being exploited.

It is therefore no surprise that world’s largest retail organisations are vying for the Indian markets.

He feels that certain conditions should be incorporated in the deal when FDI in multi-brand retails is being finalised.  They should buy 75% of the produce directly from the farmer.  50% of the agriculture produce sold to be purchased from farmers should be mandated to be within 100 kms of every store. This will benefit all stake holders especially the small farmer.

Read the full article which elaborates Mr Jhakar’s views and suggestions here.