Untimely rains dent coffee harvest in Karnataka
The current spell of widespread unseasonal rains have added to the woes of coffee growers in Karnataka, who are in the midst of harvesting 2020-21 crop.
The rains have not only triggered the fruit split and droppings in the standing crop, but have also raised the risk of early blossoms, which could dent the next year’s crop prospects.
The picking of arabicas is in full swing across Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru, whereas the robusta has ripened in several areas that received the early blossom showers last year.
Set for a record: Rabi sowing at 644 lakh ha on higher wheat area
Rabi sowing is in full swing and it seems to be heading for covering a record area with planting so far covering 644 lakh hectares (lha), 2.6 per cent more than nearly 628 lha sown in the corresponding week in the previous season, according to data released by Agriculture Ministry on Friday.
Farmers have planted wheat over 335 lha as against nearly 327 lha covered in the same week last year.
Kerala announces ₹15/kg MSP for pineapples
Bringing some relief to the ailing pineapple growers, Kerala Government has come out with a minimum support price of ₹15 per kg for A-grade green varieties.
The State Agriculture Minister VS Sunil Kumar has directed the Vazhakulam Agro Processing Centre to procure the fruit at the earliest. The government’s decision comes in the wake of a record price drop at ₹10 per kg for A grade fruit and ₹3-5 for B & C grades.
