Drought conditions in the United States grew even worse over the last week as historic drought conditions crept north and threatened new winter wheat planting in several states.

To enhance per acre yield and encourage diversification of crops, the Haryana government is providing subsidy on certified seeds.

New Delhi Global food prices rose by 1.4 per cent in September due to strengthening of cereals,dairy and meat prices, United Nation's body FAO said today.

"Following two months of stability, the FAO Food Price Index rose slightly in September 2012, up 1.4 per cent, or 3 points, from its level in August," FAO said in a statement. FAO's Food Price Index (FFPI) is a monthly measure of change in international prices of 55 commodities.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, famed for seeking "happiness" for its citizens, is aiming to become the first nation in the world to turn its home-grown food and farmers 100 percent organic.

At an estimated 117.18 million tonnes, it is, however, “better than expected,” says Pawar

At an estimated 117.18 million tonnes, kharif production is expected to fall short of the target by 11.84 million tonnes this year, what with the delayed and deficient monsoon hitting production of coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds in parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is lower by 12.76 million tonnes than what was achieved during kharif of 2011-12, though the southwest monsoon deficiency has come down to five per cent after significant late rainfall in August and September.

New Delhi The government is unlikely to take up the National Food Security Bill in the winter season of Parliament as the panel examining the proposed law had to be reconstituted as its tenure had lapsed.

The National Food Security Bill, 2011, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha by food minister KV Thomas in the winter session last year, was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee chaired by Vilas Muttemwar for approval.

The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) has demanded that the Centre should ensure the passage of a comprehensive Food Security Act by making it a fundamental right.

Various units of the Federation across the country held dharnas and public meetings observing September 18 as “Demand Day”. In the Capital, a protest meeting was organised in front of Krishi Bhavan. NIFW general secretary Annie Raja said: “Even after three years of its rule, the present Government has failed to get the Food Security Bill passed which it had promised to do within 100 days. The Government clearly lacks the political will and social commitment which is the only reason to justify this delay.”