The Kashmir valley is all set to have a bumper crop of rice
and maize and likely to achieve the target production of these principle crops during this year following the timely rainfall and use of good-quality seeds by the farmers. The rain showers witnessed by the valley on Tuesday have also brought relief to the farmers who can now expect good production of Rabi crop as

Namrata Acharya
Despite a steep increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) of various agri-commodities this year, farmers are unlikely to gain much, as the open market operations and manipulative practices of traders continue to hit their profitability. The fact has been highlighted by a recent study conducted by the National Centre for Agriculture Economics and Policy Research (NCAP).

MIRZA, Sept 28

SEVERAL states are set to face an acute shortage of certified seeds for crops this rabi season compared to the National Seed Plan

A heavy hailstorm ripped through the paddy crops in Budgam, Pulwama and Kupwara as heavy rains destroyed the crop in Anantanag this evening.

The low pressure-induced torrential rains across the State have further brightened the prospects of a bumper kharif crop for the second consecutive year

MONSOON WATCH
Surinder Sud / New Delhi September 12, 2008, 3:16 IST

Monsoon is yet to retreat even 11 days after the scheduled withdrawal date of September 1. But sowing for most kharif crops has been completed and farmers have shifted their focus to production and price trends of various crops.

From this viewpoint, the emerging scenario of cotton, oilseeds, pulses and maize is fairly clear. For the rest, data on sowing is still awaited. However, weather conditions for the remaining part of the kharif season and the build-up of pests and diseases still need to be watched.

Business Standard / New Delhi September 11, 2008, 5:59 IST