5th March 2021, red rice export, FDI, exports to Iran, research study, farmers protest

5 March 2021

• "Red rice" exports start from Assam to USA

  The iron rich "red rice" are now being exported to USA from the State of Assam. This particular variety grows in the Brahmaputra valley and is something exotic for foreign countries. This variety is being grown organically and its export would mean increase in income of the farmers. Exports of non-Basmati rice from India in last nine months have kept growing exponentially.

• Foreign Direct investment in India grows by 40%

  There has been an inflow of USD 67.54 billion towards India from April to December 2020. This investment from foreign countries into India has helped in growth of Industries and has generated employment. Business with foreigners also involves exchange of technologies and knowledge. Government has done everything to make India investor friendly and to change anything that may hinder this inflow.

• Indian exporters slow exports to Iran

  Indian exporters have almost halved their exports to Iran. The reason for this is delay in payment of the earlier shipments. The exporters are not sure when they will be paid. Iranians buy rice, sugar and tea from India. Iranians are short on reserves of Indian Rupees and are facing sanctions on use of US Dollars, hence delaying their payments.

• 10 percent of world population fed by Brazilian farms

  Brazil has claimed that it is feeding 10 percent of world's population. They announced this following a agricultural research study by its agency Embrapa. This research is based on data about Brazil's agricultural output and price of its agricultural products in  the international market.

• MP Mahapanchayat repeats farmers demand

  The farmers Mahapanchayat held in Madhya Pradesh has repeated the demands of the farmers. The farmers have again told the Government to repeal the three farm laws that these farmers see as threat. This Mahapanchayat was organized by Congress Leader Digvijay Singh.

• 2023 is the International year of Millets

  India proposed and UN declared 2023 as the International year of Millets. More than 70 countries supported India's proposal. Prime Minister said this will give great opportunity to our millet farmers as growing awareness about this grain will increase its demand. He continued that 2023 campaign will make everyone see the nutritional values of this grain.

• Train Ticket prices increased to control Corona

  Prices of train tickets are being increased by the government at stations where overcrowding is expected. Corona spreads if we do not take precautions and go to crowded places. The government has said this rise is a "temporary" measure just to avoid crowds till the pandemic is over.

• Paddy procurement going smoothly under MSP

  More than 670 LMTs of paddy has been procured by the Indian Government in the Kharif 2020-21. All this paddy has been procured under MSP till date. More than 200 LMTs of paddy has been procured from Punjab alone.

• Crop loss expected in Argentina due to less rain

  Crops growing in Argentina expect high rainfall in February and March. No enough rain and more than expected dry conditions have meant loss of crops which have not received necessary irrigation. The major crops grown in these months are corn and soybean.

• 100th day of farmers protest

  Farmers have marked the 100th day of their protest with increased blockades of traffic on highways that they are protesting on. They have a point to prove and this is the only way they have guessed which will work in their favour. The government believes that the laws that they have passed will work towards helping the farming community rather than going against them. Farmers are protesting because they do not believe this.