National
INDIAN ECONOMY'S GROWTH AT 6.9 PER CENT
India's economy in the Financial year 2004 is likely
to grow at a rate of 6.9 per cent, compared to the 8.5 per cent growth
recorded in the year 2003, due to lower farm output. The government
estimated that the farm sector, making up more than onefifth of GDP,
would grow at 1.1 per cent in the Financial year, while manufacturing
will grow at the rate of 8.9 per cent. The finance, real estate and
insurance sectors are estimated to grow at 7.1 per cent, while community,
social and personal services are expected to expand by 6 per cent.
KERALA FARMERS KEEN ON ORGANIC
FARMING
Around 33 farmers of Kerala's
Kuttanad village have taken to organic farming. Known as the rice
bowl of Kerala, where farming is done below sea level, farmers are
cultivating organic rice on 80 acres of land. Organic farming first
came into existence with the help and support of an NGO, Kuttanadu
Development Society who conducted a seminar in the region for the
development of organic rice cultivation since water to the region
was getting contaminated due to heavy usage of chemical pesticides
and by paddy farmers. The seminar was attended by 100 farmers with
few ready to adopt the idea. A surprising decision since paddy farming
is an age-old occupation for the people living in this area. By introducing
organic farming, the farmers would be able to produce a much healthier
rice, free from both pesticides and insecticides.
INDIA EXPECTS RISE IN WHEAT
PRODUCTION
India expects a marginally
higher wheat production of around 75 million tonnes against last year’s
72 million tonnes. The agriculture ministry has cited that wheat production
for the ensuing Rabi (winter) crop is likely to be around 75 million
tonnes provided weather conditions remained favourable. Last year,
due to warm weather in March and hailstorms during the wheatripening
season, around four million tonnes of the crop was damaged. If the
weather remains favourable, the government is then optimistic of having
a good Rabi crop other than coarse grains as well. The decision was
taken in a meeting held by the Department of Food and Public Distribution
with food secretaries of the main procuring states - Punjab and Haryana
- to discuss procurement of wheat and coarse grains. According to
preliminary estimates, Punjab is expected to contribute the maximum
to the central pool with 10 million tonnes followed by Haryana with
5.5 million tonnes. Procurement in Punjab and Haryana will start on
April 1. The minimum support price for wheat fixed by the government
is Rs 640 per quintal.
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