According to sources in the Agriculture Department, kuruvai paddy has been raised in about 9,834 hectares (ha) this year. This is the highest coverage achieved in the district during kuruvai after 2000-01. The system of rice intensification technique has been adopted in 5,432 ha, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the total area.

The Rajasthan Government has set the target for disbursement of crop loans worth Rs. 6,000 crore to farmers during 2011-12. It decided to provide a subsidy of Rs.72 crore to cooperative banks which would select the beneficiaries and pay out the loans.

Farmers would also be trained in production of quality seeds. The training modules would cover selection of varieties, seasonal application of bio-fertilizers, micro-nutrients and improved seed production technologies.

Sakleshpur (Hassan dist)  :  At a time when farmers often demand compensation for failed crops, Jai Maruthi Devaraj, a ryot of Jannapura in the taluk has set an example on how to reap rich benefits

The agriculture officials would inform about the condition of soil, input required for enriching it, and make them fit for cultivation and assist in selecting crops suitable to the soil condition.

An agricultural research institute in India has developed hybrid varieties of pigeon pea (arhar), which promise to significantly raise output and cut import dependence for the produce.

NEW DELHI, 18 JULY: Seeking to promote self-employment among women, the government has proposed to bring down the interest rate on bank lending to self help groups (SHGs) at par with that on crop loans to farmers and set up a dedicated national bank for women SHG on the lines of NABARD.