Explained: Why Farmers Are Opposing the India-US Trade Agreement
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against a proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States. They are concerned that opening India’s agricultural market further to American products could place millions of Indian farmers at a serious disadvantage because the two agricultural systems are very different in size, costs and government support.
India’s Soil Is Sick, and So Is the Food on Your Plate: New Study
Most of the food we eat comes from the soil. But across India, the soil is badly damaged and missing key nutrients that crops need to grow well and carry the minerals our bodies depend on, a new report says. As a result, you can eat a full plate of food and still not get the nourishment you need.
Once in a Generation, Rats Return to Mizoram’s Fields
In parts of Mizoram, farmers are experiencing a surge in rodent numbers that is damaging their crops. Large groups of rats have been entering fields and eating rice, soybeans and other produce. Many of these farmers practise jhum cultivation, which means clearing forest patches and growing crops there for one or two seasons. Rats are entering these farms, eating produce before harvest, and causing heavy financial losses for families who depend on a single yearly crop for food and income.
Punjab Farmer’s Health Declines as Hunger Strike Reaches 50th Day
The health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 70-year-old farmer from Punjab, is deteriorating as he enters the 50th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Jan. 14. He has refused medical intervention while continuing his fast to demand a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops.
Punjab Farmer’s Fast Enters Crucial 40-Day Mark
A 70-year-old farmer leader in Punjab reached his 40th consecutive day of indefinite fasting to demand a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops on Jan. 4. A fast beyond 40 days in older adults may lead to the depletion of fat and muscle, increasing the risk of organ failure and sudden cardiac complications.
‘Dilli Chalo’ March: 15 More Farmers Injured by Police Tear Gas
Fifteen more farmers were injured on Dec. 14 at the Shambhu border after Haryana police deployed tear gas against protesters who were attempting to move toward the capital city as part of their “Dilli Chalo” march, held in support of their longstanding agricultural demands.
8 More Protesting Farmers Injured With Tear Gas Shells
Eight more farmers sustained injuries on Dec. 8 when Haryana police discharged tear gas shells at protesters attempting to enter Delhi on foot to voice their demands for legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and other longstanding grievances. The incident is the latest in a series of crackdowns this month, which have already resulted in injuries to at least 15 other farmers.
Farmers’ Protest: 15 Injured and Hospitalised After Haryana Police Use Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets
At least 15 farmers were injured and hospitalised after the Haryana police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters at the Shambhu border on Dec. 5. The demonstrators, who were seeking to enter Delhi, are part of a movement demanding government to address agricultural issues for the last five years.
What’s the Farmer’s Share When Vegetables Reach Your Table?
When you buy vegetables from the market, have you ever wondered how much of the money you spend actually ends up in the pockets of the farmers who grow them? A study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) suggests that only about one-third of the money you spend on tomatoes, onions and potatoes, commonly referred to as TOP, ends up with the farmers.