India - RS members seek more time for farmers to payback crop loan

02.12.2016 388 views
More time should be given to farmers to pay interest on their crop insurance loans in view of the government's demonetisation move, Rajya Sabha members said today. A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) raised the issue during Zero Hour, saying the farmers are facing problems in paying interest on their crop insurance loans due to paucity of cash. "The date of payment should be (extended) as farmers are facing problems," he added. T K Rangarajan of the CPI(M) too raised the issue saying that the date should be extended by 15 days to help farmers pay interest on their crop insurance loans. T Subbarami Reddy (Cong) raised a Point of Order saying Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal has made a "misleading statement" regarding cash available with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the banks. He quoted the Minister as saying that there was sufficient cash with the RBI and the banks, and said this is wrong as there is no cash. Anand Sharma (Cong) too raised the issue saying it was a "serious matter". Deputy Chairman P J Kurien then said he has given a ruling and directed the government to reply to Reddy's Point of Order during the discussion on demonetisation. Madhusudan Mistry (Cong) said "we don't want reply (from government), we want cash." Shantaram Naik (Cong) said he has moved a notice on breach of privilege by the Prime Minister for his statements outside Parliament. R Ananda Bhaskar (Cong) raised the issue of cashless transactions and cyber security and said the government is yet to take note of this issue adding that cyber criminals are targeting cashless transactions and if the system collapses then consumers would not be able to use their cards to make payments. K K Ragesh of CPI(M) raised the issue of steep fall in prices of coconut. He said coconut farmers in South India, especially Kerala, have been impacted by the fall in prices and asked the Centre to come to their aid. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said there is a minimum support price for coconut and if state governments reach out to the Centre, it will act on the issue. Sanjiv Kumar (JMM) raised the issue of violence and bandh in Jharkhand over protests on the amendments in the tenancy laws Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Paragana Tenancy Act. Source - http://www.moneycontrol.com
04.06.2026

India - Delhi raises crop damage compensation after 10 years by over 50% to Rs 75,000 per hectare

In a major relief for farmers, the Delhi government has increased compensation for crop loss caused by rain and hailstorms from Rs 20,000 per acre to Rs 75,000 per hectare.

04.06.2026

Why Tech-Driven Agro-Insurance Has Stumbled in Ethiopia

For decades, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector has remained trapped in a dangerous paradox. 

04.06.2026

UK - Rural crime cost Wales £2.2m last year despite fall in offences

Rural crime cost Wales an estimated £2.2 million last year, with organised criminals continuing to target tractors, livestock and farming equipment despite an overall fall in offences, according to a new report.

04.06.2026

Kenyan Agro-Insurance Startup, Pula Raises US$ 20 Million in Series B Round

Pula, a Kenyan startup that offers insurance to small-scale farmers, aims to serve more than 100 million farmers in Africa after raising US$ 20 million in its Series B round. 

04.06.2026

USA - USDA announces $52M to boost public access to private lands for hunting, fishing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing $52 million to help state and tribal governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). 

04.06.2026

Hope Grows in Malawi’s Grain Stores as Farmers Battle Post-Harvest Losses

Some grain rots in poorly ventilated storage. Some is eaten by pests. Some is damaged during drying or transportation before it ever reaches the market.

03.06.2026

Canada - AFSC extends several northern Alberta seeding dates for 2026

Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) is extending the recommended seeding dates in the province’s northeast, northwest and Peace regions for several crops for the 2026 growing season only.

03.06.2026

India - Elephants run amok in Konaje agricultural farm, cause massive crop damage

A herd of elephants, including calves, wreaked havoc on an agricultural farm belonging to Yashodhara Gowda at Pallattadka in Konaje village of Kadaba taluk.