A research report prepared by the Foundation of Agrarian Studies highlighted that while the share of central government expenditure was reduced, there was an increase in the share of state government expenditure. It also found that the government expenditure on agriculture as a share of gross value added in agriculture has declined considerably in the past decade. Details here.

In a seminar organised to discuss the socio-economic, political and environmental challenges faced by the Indian agriculture sector, farmers and agriculture experts came together and concluded that innovations are needed to adapt to the changing climate. They also batted for a legal guarantee of the MSP and suggested that horticultural and forest produce should be used for ensuring the nutritional requirements of local communities. Details here.

On May 13, the Commerce Ministry prohibited the export of wheat by private traders and limited it to government-to-government channels. The order has left farmers high and dry, and there are fears of hoarding and blackmarketing. Gaon Connection spoke with farmers, traders and agri sector experts to understand the impact of the recent notification.

India's wheat exports are at an all-time high due to the Ukraine-Russia war. Because of rising global demand, farmers in the country are getting higher prices for their wheat, which is mostly being sold in the open market. Wheat procurement by sarkari mandis is low. Also, the heatwave has led to a drop in wheat yields this year. Is there an impending wheat crisis in the country? Gaon Connection finds out.