While answering a question pertaining to the availability of data on manual scavenging in the country, the Union government stated there is no report on the practice of manual scavenging in any district. It also mentioned that 530 districts have eradicated the practice of manual scavenging. However, Bezwada Wilson, an activist who works for the interests of manual scavengers, termed these claims as 'false'. Details here.

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.

Because of a delayed monsoon, a decline in kharif sowing of pulses by 93%, soybean by 93% and oilseeds by 91% in Maharashtra. An overall kharif sowing area decline across the country, too.

Even though the government is stressing on adopting zero budget farming, but it has cut back budget for organic farming. In this Budget, there was a marginal increase in budget of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, however Rs 9,905.65 crore was allocated in surplus for chemical fertilizers

In the recent response shared in the Lower House by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, MGNREGS, a wage-employment guarantee scheme for rural India has failed to provide the minimum guaranteed 100 days of wage-work to rural residents.

Like edible oils, India is also dependent on the import of chemical fertilisers which are vital for the country's food production. Natural gas is the primary component used in manufacturing these fertilisers and Russia which is waging a war in Ukraine is the biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) which means the subsidised prices at which the Indian farmers buy these fertilisers will shoot Indian government's expenses.

60% of India's edible oil demand is met through imports with a large share of it coming from warring Ukraine and Russia. As supply chains get affected due to the war, edible oil prices have gone through the roof in the country. Also, overall food inflation is on the rise which is likely to dampen the Holi festivities.

A three-day-long investors summit organised by the Uttar Pradesh government from February 10-12 saw participation from both national and international investors who are keen to tap into the potential of various sectors in the state. The state government has been putting forth an ‘ease of doing business’ model, assuring entrepreneurs of ground support for being part of Uttar Pradesh’s growth.

The latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates drought conditions in 196 districts of the country. Of these, 65 districts are from Uttar Pradesh and 33 are from Bihar. The government should declare a drought and compensate the farmers for the loss of crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

In the animal husbandry department, livestock extension officers are the second-biggest technical cadre after veterinary officer cadre. The employees’ associations have alleged that they are forced to do other official works due to which they are unable to attend to the animals