<p>The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland. According to the notification, which was published on Wednesday and comes following the Supreme Court's tough stance on the issue, farmers with less than two acres of land will now have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. And those with land between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000.</p>

<p>Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during late autumn and winter.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ruckus-breaks-out-in-jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-over-article-370-banner-video-774232">India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15 when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases.</p>

<p>Major factors behind stubble burning include the paddy-wheat cropping system, cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties, mechanised harvesting that leaves standing crop stubble in the field, labour scarcity, and the lack of a viable market for crop residue.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/noida-22-year-old-wanted-gangster-arrested-after-police-chase-led-to-encounter-774298">Noida: 22-year-old wanted gangster arrested in encounter after police chase</a></strong></p>

<p>Studies estimate that during peak burning periods, farm fires contribute up to 30 per cent of PM levels in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas.</p>

<p>However, according to senior environmentalist Sunita Narain, the episodic burning of crop residue by farmers in winter is not the primary concern for poor air quality in Delhi-NCR. Instead, the persistent and major sources of pollution within the city, including transport and industries, are more worrisome.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland.

The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland. According to the notification, which was published on Wednesday and comes following the Supreme Court's tough stance on the issue, farmers with less than two acres of land will now have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. And those with land between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000. Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during late autumn and winter. Also Read | India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15 when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases. Major factors behind stubble burning include the paddy-wheat cropping system, cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties, mechanised harvesting that leaves standing crop stubble in the field, labour scarcity, and the lack of a viable market for crop residue. Also Read | Noida: 22-year-old wanted gangster arrested in encounter after police chase Studies estimate that during peak burning periods, farm fires contribute up to 30 per cent of PM levels in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas. However, according to senior environmentalist Sunita Narain, the episodic burning of crop residue by farmers in winter is not the primary concern for poor air quality in Delhi-NCR. Instead, the persistent and major sources of pollution within the city, including transport and industries, are more worrisome. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Centre doubles penalty for farmers burning crop residue over deteriorating Delhi-NCR air quality

<p>The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent&nbsp;duty on onion exports until December 31. This move was confirmed by a government notification reported by news agency PTI.</p>

<p>The government notification clearly states, "Government imposes 40 per cent&nbsp;duty on onion exports till December 31," thereby emphasising the temporary nature of this export duty.</p>

<p>As per reports, India stood at number one amoung the world's top onion-producing countries in 2020-2021. India produced 26.6 million tonnes, China 24.2 million tonnes and Egypt 3.3 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the production of onion in India in 2020-2021 was 26.6 million tonnes in 2021-22, it was 31.7 million tonnes and in 2022-2023, it stands at 31.0 million tonnes.&nbsp;India's top onion-producing states are Maharashtra (43 percent), MP (16 percent) and Gujarat (9 percent).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Context: Rising onion prices</strong></h2>

<p>This increase in export duty is a response to concerns that onion prices are likely to surge in September. To address this issue, the government had recently announced the immediate release of onions from its buffer stock in specific regions. The aim was to stabilise prices until the arrival of the new crop in October.</p>

<h2><strong>Distribution channels and stockpiling</strong></h2>

<p>The government has been actively exploring various distribution channels for onions, including e-auctions, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with state authorities. These partnerships aim to offer discounts on onions through retail outlets managed by consumer cooperatives and corporations.</p>

<p>Currently, the government holds a significant stockpile of 300,000 metric tonnes of onions within the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to manage any unforeseen price spikes during periods of low supply.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-addresses-g20-digital-economy-ministers-meet-announces-new-ai-powered-language-translation-platform-626940">PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform</a></p>

<h2><strong>Price trends</strong></h2>

<p>Government data indicates that the cost of onions has experienced a slight increase. As of August 10, the all-India retail price for this essential kitchen staple stood at Rs 27.90 ($0.34) per kilogram. This represents an increase of just over Rs 2 per kilogram compared to the same period last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Buffer stock and procurement</strong></h2>

<p>To manage onion prices effectively, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) had earlier procured 150,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes of onion&nbsp;each from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the government has initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to irradiate onions, extending their shelf life.</p>

<h2><strong>Buffer expansion for price stability</strong></h2>

<p>The annual buffer for onions has been significantly increased, rising from 100,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes in 2020-21 to 300,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes in 2023-24. This expansion is attributed to the procurement of Rabi (winter crops) season onions, which are released in high consumption areas during lean seasons.</p>

<p>A statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs highlighted the vital role played by the onion buffer in ensuring consumer access to onions at affordable prices while maintaining price stability.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: What’s happening in India’s aviation sector?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-whats-happening-in-indias-aviation-sector-627062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Seasonal supply and demand</strong></h2>

<p>India typically receives nearly 65 per cent of its onion supply from the Rabi season, harvested from April to June. These onions meet consumer demand until the Kharif crop (harvested at the end of monsoon season) is harvested in October-November.</p>

<p>In sum, the government's imposition of an export duty on onions reflects its commitment to stabilise domestic prices, enhance distribution mechanisms, and manage the impact of seasonal variations on onion availability and affordability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent duty on onion exports until December 31.

The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent duty on onion exports until December 31. This move was confirmed by a government notification reported by news agency PTI. The government notification clearly states, "Government imposes 40 per cent duty on onion exports till December 31," thereby emphasising the temporary nature of this export duty. As per reports, India stood at number one amoung the world's top onion-producing countries in 2020-2021. India produced 26.6 million tonnes, China 24.2 million tonnes and Egypt 3.3 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the production of onion in India in 2020-2021 was 26.6 million tonnes in 2021-22, it was 31.7 million tonnes and in 2022-2023, it stands at 31.0 million tonnes. India's top onion-producing states are Maharashtra (43 percent), MP (16 percent) and Gujarat (9 percent). Context: Rising onion prices This increase in export duty is a response to concerns that onion prices are likely to surge in September. To address this issue, the government had recently announced the immediate release of onions from its buffer stock in specific regions. The aim was to stabilise prices until the arrival of the new crop in October. Distribution channels and stockpiling The government has been actively exploring various distribution channels for onions, including e-auctions, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with state authorities. These partnerships aim to offer discounts on onions through retail outlets managed by consumer cooperatives and corporations. Currently, the government holds a significant stockpile of 300,000 metric tonnes of onions within the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to manage any unforeseen price spikes during periods of low supply. Also read | PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform Price trends Government data indicates that the cost of onions has experienced a slight increase. As of August 10, the all-India retail price for this essential kitchen staple stood at Rs 27.90 ($0.34) per kilogram. This represents an increase of just over Rs 2 per kilogram compared to the same period last year. Buffer stock and procurement To manage onion prices effectively, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) had earlier procured 150,000 metric tonnes of onion each from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, the government has initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to irradiate onions, extending their shelf life. Buffer expansion for price stability The annual buffer for onions has been significantly increased, rising from 100,000 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 300,000 metric tonnes in 2023-24. This expansion is attributed to the procurement of Rabi (winter crops) season onions, which are released in high consumption areas during lean seasons. A statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs highlighted the vital role played by the onion buffer in ensuring consumer access to onions at affordable prices while maintaining price stability. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: What’s happening in India’s aviation sector? Seasonal supply and demand India typically receives nearly 65 per cent of its onion supply from the Rabi season, harvested from April to June. These onions meet consumer demand until the Kharif crop (harvested at the end of monsoon season) is harvested in October-November. In sum, the government's imposition of an export duty on onions reflects its commitment to stabilise domestic prices, enhance distribution mechanisms, and manage the impact of seasonal variations on onion availability and affordability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian govt imposes 40% export duty on onions to curb soaring local prices

A Scottish farmer is giving his entire crop of blueberries to charity after cheap imports and high labour costs made harvesting the fruit economically unviable.

Scottish blueberry farmer donates crop worth millions to charity. Know why

<p>India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said.</p>

<p>But that higher production would add to India's already swelling inventories, potentially forcing the world's second-biggest wheat producer to ramp up procurement of the grain from farmers and provide incentives for overseas sales to support local prices.</p>

<p>"The area under wheat and yields would rise due to good rainfall. We can certainly produce more than last year's record production," said Gyanendra Singh, director at the state-run Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research.</p>

<p>India grew 102.19 million tonnes of wheat in 2019.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india.../rural-economy-might-face-setback-as- untimely-rains-hit-indias-summer-crops-262498">country received monsoon rains</a> during the June-September season that were 10 per cent&nbsp;above average and the rainfall continued during October and November, increasing soil moisture levels required for crop sowing.<br />
Rainfall also lifted the water level in India's key reservoirs to 86 per cent&nbsp;of capacity compared to 61 per cent&nbsp;a year ago and a 10-year average of 64%, according to government data.</p>

<p>Only one wheat crop is grown in India each year, with planting starting in late October and harvesting in March.</p>

<p>Farmers are inclined to expand the area under wheat as its prices are more stable than any other crop due to government buying, said Harish Galipelli, head of commodities and currencies at Inditrade Derivatives &amp; Commodities in Mumbai.</p>

<p>New Delhi sets <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../oecd-hails-india-reforms-pegs-62-growth-in- 2020-264158">minimum support prices </a>(MSP) for nearly two dozen crops to set a benchmark, but state agencies mainly buy rice and wheat at those prices. For 2020, India has lifted the price at which it buys locally produced new-season wheat by 4.6&nbsp;per cent to 19,250 rupees ($268.22) a tonne.</p>

<p>"After the hike in MSP, wheat planting has become even more attractive for farmers," Galipelli said.</p>

<p>For the time being, dealers say wheat exports from India next year would be difficult because of their comparatively high cost.</p>

<p>With the new MSP setting, export prices would be above $300 a tonne on a free-on-board basis, while supplies from the competing countries are available below $250 a tonne, said one Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.</p>

<p>"India could easily produce more than 100 million tones but could not export even 1 million tonnes unless the government provides subsidy for exports," the dealer said.</p>

<p>India exported 226,225 tonnes of wheat in the 2018/19 fiscal year that ended on March 31, compared to a record 6.5 million tonnes in 2012/13, according to government data.</p>

<p>Higher production and negligible exports could force the government to increase procurement from farmers to ensure prices stay at or above the MSP, said Galipelli at Inditrade.</p>

<p>Government wheat stocks stood at a record 37.4 million tonnes as of November&nbsp;1, up 13 per cent&nbsp;from a year ago.</p>


India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said.

India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said. But that higher production would add to India's already swelling inventories, potentially forcing the world's second-biggest wheat producer to ramp up procurement of the grain from farmers and provide incentives for overseas sales to support local prices. "The area under wheat and yields would rise due to good rainfall. We can certainly produce more than last year's record production," said Gyanendra Singh, director at the state-run Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research. India grew 102.19 million tonnes of wheat in 2019. The country received monsoon rains during the June-September season that were 10 per cent above average and the rainfall continued during October and November, increasing soil moisture levels required for crop sowing. Rainfall also lifted the water level in India's key reservoirs to 86 per cent of capacity compared to 61 per cent a year ago and a 10-year average of 64%, according to government data. Only one wheat crop is grown in India each year, with planting starting in late October and harvesting in March. Farmers are inclined to expand the area under wheat as its prices are more stable than any other crop due to government buying, said Harish Galipelli, head of commodities and currencies at Inditrade Derivatives & Commodities in Mumbai. New Delhi sets minimum support prices (MSP) for nearly two dozen crops to set a benchmark, but state agencies mainly buy rice and wheat at those prices. For 2020, India has lifted the price at which it buys locally produced new-season wheat by 4.6 per cent to 19,250 rupees ($268.22) a tonne. "After the hike in MSP, wheat planting has become even more attractive for farmers," Galipelli said. For the time being, dealers say wheat exports from India next year would be difficult because of their comparatively high cost. With the new MSP setting, export prices would be above $300 a tonne on a free-on-board basis, while supplies from the competing countries are available below $250 a tonne, said one Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. "India could easily produce more than 100 million tones but could not export even 1 million tonnes unless the government provides subsidy for exports," the dealer said. India exported 226,225 tonnes of wheat in the 2018/19 fiscal year that ended on March 31, compared to a record 6.5 million tonnes in 2012/13, according to government data. Higher production and negligible exports could force the government to increase procurement from farmers to ensure prices stay at or above the MSP, said Galipelli at Inditrade. Government wheat stocks stood at a record 37.4 million tonnes as of November 1, up 13 per cent from a year ago.

India may get record wheat production in 2020 due to wettest monsoon in 25 years

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-resumes-postal-mail-services-with-india-lifts-ban-on-delivery-of-letters-263104">Pakistan</a> is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country.</p>

<p>Locusts are characterised by their short horns, dynamic colours, and the ability to travel long distances.</p>

<p>In fact, the pests have taken over Pakistan's most populous city, Karachi, over the course of last week.</p>

<p>Residents of the city, have taken to social media to vent their anger and have requested others to beware of these creatures.</p>

<p>The short-horned grasshoppers have also attacked farmlands in Sindh and Karachi.</p>

<p>Areas like Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas and Sanghar have lost 40 per cent of their crops. These include wheat, cotton and several vegetables.</p>

<p>According to many farmers, this is the worst locust crisis in two decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan's food security is under attack, as only two out of its 21 crop-spraying aeroplane fleet are functional. The country lacks the resources to win this battle. In the face of Pakistan's mounting debt, the scope for solutions becomes even dimmer.</p>

<p>Sindh's Minister of Agriculture recently suggested ''cooking'' the locusts and ''making biryani''&nbsp;to solve the problem.</p>

<p>The locust attack coincides with Pakistan's facing a shortage of basic food ingredients, with prices sky-rocketing. Tomatoes are increasingly becoming out of common man's reach. Priced at Rs 300 per kilogram, the important ingredient costs over $4.</p>

<p>In ideal socio-economic situations, tomatoes cost Rs 20 a kilogram, ie, a quarter of a dollar.</p>

<p>Recently, Iran offered to help Pakistan's tomato shortage by&nbsp;exporting tomatoes to them.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aftermath <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ban</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smuggling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smuggling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iranian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iranian</a> fuel the carriers have started transporting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tomatoes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tomatoes</a> due to its <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shortage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shortage</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> , footage shows cars loaded with tomatoes on Iranian side<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThursdayMotivation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThursdayMotivation</a> <a href="https://t.co/kvQ26YQGSQ">pic.twitter.com/kvQ26YQGSQ</a></p>
— Daniyal Butt (@butt_daniyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/butt_daniyal/status/1194914331084906496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Two batches of tomatoes have already reached Pakistan but this move has been unsuccessful in keeping the prices in check.</p>

<p>Traders in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar are feigning ignorance to an increase in tomato supply.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts. Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress. But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country.

Pakistan is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts. Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress. But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country. Locusts are characterised by their short horns, dynamic colours, and the ability to travel long distances. In fact, the pests have taken over Pakistan's most populous city, Karachi, over the course of last week. Residents of the city, have taken to social media to vent their anger and have requested others to beware of these creatures. The short-horned grasshoppers have also attacked farmlands in Sindh and Karachi. Areas like Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas and Sanghar have lost 40 per cent of their crops. These include wheat, cotton and several vegetables. According to many farmers, this is the worst locust crisis in two decades. Pakistan's food security is under attack, as only two out of its 21 crop-spraying aeroplane fleet are functional. The country lacks the resources to win this battle. In the face of Pakistan's mounting debt, the scope for solutions becomes even dimmer. Sindh's Minister of Agriculture recently suggested ''cooking'' the locusts and ''making biryani'' to solve the problem. The locust attack coincides with Pakistan's facing a shortage of basic food ingredients, with prices sky-rocketing. Tomatoes are increasingly becoming out of common man's reach. Priced at Rs 300 per kilogram, the important ingredient costs over $4. In ideal socio-economic situations, tomatoes cost Rs 20 a kilogram, ie, a quarter of a dollar. Recently, Iran offered to help Pakistan's tomato shortage by exporting tomatoes to them. Aftermath #Ban on #smuggling #Iranian fuel the carriers have started transporting #Tomatoes due to its #shortage in #Pakistan #Balochistan , footage shows cars loaded with tomatoes on Iranian side#ThursdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/kvQ26YQGSQ — Daniyal Butt (@butt_daniyal) November 14, 2019 × Two batches of tomatoes have already reached Pakistan but this move has been unsuccessful in keeping the prices in check. Traders in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar are feigning ignorance to an increase in tomato supply.

Pakistan under attack by locusts, more than 40% crops under risk

<p>India's monsoon rains were 20% below average in the week ending on Wednesday, the weather office said, as summer showers turned patchy over the central, western and southern parts of the country, raising concerns over the progress of crop plantings.</p>

<p>Overall, India has received 16% below average rain since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353">monsoon season</a> began on June 1.</p>

<p>Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth in India, where about 55% of all arable land is reliant on rainfall and the farm sector employs nearly half of the country's 1.3 billion people.</p>

<p>India typically receives 75 per cent of its annual rain from the June-September monsoon as moisture-laden winds sweep in from the southwest of the peninsula.</p>

<p>In the week to July 17, soybean and cotton areas in the central parts of the country received 68% less than average rainfall, while rubber and tea areas in southern India got 71% lower rains, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed.</p>

<p>Key sugarcane and groundnut producing areas in western India also received below-average rains, the IMD data showed.</p>

<p>The IMD defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season beginning June.</p>

<p>Indian farmers plant rice, cane, corn, cotton, soybean and groundnut -- the main winter oilseeds -- in the rainy months of June and July, with harvests from October.</p>

<p>Patchy rains have led to some anxious sky-watching, even as floods in eastern and northeastern India have displaced and killed people.</p>

<p>At least 5.8 million people have been displaced and some 30 have died in the past two weeks in the tea-growing state of Assam due to the monsoon rains.</p>

<p>Assam and Bihar states have been the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-assam-floods-reaches-37-situation-still-grim-237012">worst-affected parts of India</a>, and floods have also hit neighbouring Nepal and Bangladesh.</p>

<p>At least 153 people have been killed in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Parts of Pakistan have also seen flooding.</p>

<p>Although India is sitting on massive mounds of staples such as rice, wheat and sugar, any drop in oilseed production will push up imports of expensive vegetable oils.</p>

<p>India imports about 60% of its vegetable oil need at an annual cost of up to $10 billion – its third-biggest import item after crude oil and gold.</p>


India's monsoon rains were 20% below average in the week ending on Wednesday, the weather office said, as summer showers turned patchy over the central, western and southern parts of the country, raising concerns over the progress of crop plantings.

India's monsoon rains were 20% below average in the week ending on Wednesday, the weather office said, as summer showers turned patchy over the central, western and southern parts of the country, raising concerns over the progress of crop plantings. Overall, India has received 16% below average rain since the monsoon season began on June 1. Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth in India, where about 55% of all arable land is reliant on rainfall and the farm sector employs nearly half of the country's 1.3 billion people. India typically receives 75 per cent of its annual rain from the June-September monsoon as moisture-laden winds sweep in from the southwest of the peninsula. In the week to July 17, soybean and cotton areas in the central parts of the country received 68% less than average rainfall, while rubber and tea areas in southern India got 71% lower rains, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed. Key sugarcane and groundnut producing areas in western India also received below-average rains, the IMD data showed. The IMD defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season beginning June. Indian farmers plant rice, cane, corn, cotton, soybean and groundnut -- the main winter oilseeds -- in the rainy months of June and July, with harvests from October. Patchy rains have led to some anxious sky-watching, even as floods in eastern and northeastern India have displaced and killed people. At least 5.8 million people have been displaced and some 30 have died in the past two weeks in the tea-growing state of Assam due to the monsoon rains. Assam and Bihar states have been the worst-affected parts of India, and floods have also hit neighbouring Nepal and Bangladesh. At least 153 people have been killed in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Parts of Pakistan have also seen flooding. Although India is sitting on massive mounds of staples such as rice, wheat and sugar, any drop in oilseed production will push up imports of expensive vegetable oils. India imports about 60% of its vegetable oil need at an annual cost of up to $10 billion – its third-biggest import item after crude oil and gold.

Monsoon rains below average in past week, raising crop worries

<p>It has many names. It descends annually. It stalks and descends slowly covering every nook and corner of my city. Once it&rsquo;s there you know the beast has arrived. It is insidious but unpretentious as it is always on your face. It is silent but visible. Like a hug which slowly smothers you.</p>

<p>In the past, homes and offices acted as fragile but workable borders but this time they too gave away like sand castles on a beach.</p>

<p>The silent killer envelopes the city like mother&rsquo;s love covering all and sundry. From the sky, the beast looks even more fascinating. Still but working effortlessly and nibbling away our insides slowly. The beauty of the beast is that it just doesn&rsquo;t discriminate.</p>

<p>It is also mysterious in its origin. No one knows as to who is responsible for its coming. Some in past suggested that it was pre-ordained but rest continue to blame everyone for its becoming. So, the talk remains a conversation or like a whisper but never an outrage.</p>

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<h5>I think we all have an idea of what is eating our flesh gently.</h5>
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<p>I often ask myself as to why we have failed to beat the beast? Is it the lack of will? Or, are we uninformed about its anatomy? I don&rsquo;t think so. I think we all have an idea of what is eating our flesh gently.</p>

<p>The beast has been unbearable and selfish this year. It incapacitated a lot of people. Victims had to rush to buy the best protection. Though some were plain faint hearts. They collapsed and passed away. Quickly.</p>

<p>Misery also creates good business opportunities. Two of my friends did well. They ended up making a good money. Last, I heard that left for La La Land with their children. I hate them for their entrepreneurship. They were smart enough to invest in the industry of precaution where new and better coping mechanisms are being designed. It is collaborative and remains profitable. I have also been told that it will continue to grow.</p>

<p>Perhaps, my despair stems from the fact that I cannot escape as quickly as I want. I cannot fight it. It cannot be fought alone. That&rsquo;s the shield of the beast.</p>

<p>Sometimes it also gives you relief from the drudgery of the world. For hours, it makes shanties in front of my multi-story apartment disappear. Though I can smell the dirty shanty town. Obviously, the beast also has a chink in its armour. It can make ugly things disappear temporarily but cannot hide the stench.</p>

<p>So, I often take little chances by immersing myself in his shadow. It smells slightly acidic. Obviously not like rotten eggs but bearable enough to remind me of my childhood of a different entity, a more benign one, which would descend on us on yearly basis. It had a similar look but spared us. Like a separated, civilised twin.</p>

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<h5>We all fail to agree on a strategy to beat the shit out of it.</h5>
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<p>Those were yesteryears. In the past, everyone knew with winter comes the fog. There was no panic or little precaution. But these days we all have to brace ourselves, waiting anxiously for its twin to spare us. We all fail to agree on a strategy to beat the shit out of it. It is not as if the &lsquo;us&rsquo; isn&rsquo;t concerned but it doesn&rsquo;t motivate anyone to remove the head from the monster&rsquo;s body.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Relief is that no one dies immediately. It begins with a gentle cough. It persists like a heartbeat to turn itself into a different creature inside you. Though many similar cases have been reported.</p>

<p>Those who ultimately die have millions of things to blame upon unlike the other types of malevolences where a finger can be pointed. Last year in a nearby hospital, a lot of women died because of dirty syringes. The doctor got lynched. There is no one to lynch here. I suppose it is impossible to lynch your-self and suicide is illegal in my country. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Then the city I live in has a robust democratic tradition. We all agree to disagree. Last Diwali, I couldn&rsquo;t even convince my aunt to ensure a Green Diwali.</p>

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<h5>Since everyone is complicit it doesn&rsquo;t make great politics either. There no one person to blame.</h5>
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<p>Half the population believes that neighbouring settlements, with their cars and crops, high-rises and power plants, feed the beast. In passing the blame they deny their complicity in the act.</p>

<p>Since everyone is complicit it doesn&rsquo;t make great politics either. There no one person to blame.</p>

<p>Somehow it ends up becoming a debate on everything else. Last year we all decided to stay home and bid time. Then, US election happened,&nbsp; leaving us feeling much worse than this nasty creature masquerading as velvet sheet. Fortunately, with sudden rain, the beast vanished in few days. We all cheered as the despair melted away. It was back to business as usual.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the next time, I will rush to the forest when the insidious arrives. If the woodlands succumb to sprawling cities, and the beast comes knocking there too, I would run away to another hole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As it has been accepted that it is better to escape than fight. I have also chosen to escape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But if the smog does get me, then I would pray that it does me in my sleep. As it has done for many.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The silent killer envelopes the city like mother?s love covering all and sundry.

It has many names. It descends annually. It stalks and descends slowly covering every nook and corner of my city. Once it’s there you know the beast has arrived. It is insidious but unpretentious as it is always on your face. It is silent but visible. Like a hug which slowly smothers you. In the past, homes and offices acted as fragile but workable borders but this time they too gave away like sand castles on a beach. The silent killer envelopes the city like mother’s love covering all and sundry. From the sky, the beast looks even more fascinating. Still but working effortlessly and nibbling away our insides slowly. The beauty of the beast is that it just doesn’t discriminate. It is also mysterious in its origin. No one knows as to who is responsible for its coming. Some in past suggested that it was pre-ordained but rest continue to blame everyone for its becoming. So, the talk remains a conversation or like a whisper but never an outrage. I think we all have an idea of what is eating our flesh gently. × I often ask myself as to why we have failed to beat the beast? Is it the lack of will? Or, are we uninformed about its anatomy? I don’t think so. I think we all have an idea of what is eating our flesh gently. The beast has been unbearable and selfish this year. It incapacitated a lot of people. Victims had to rush to buy the best protection. Though some were plain faint hearts. They collapsed and passed away. Quickly. Misery also creates good business opportunities. Two of my friends did well. They ended up making a good money. Last, I heard that left for La La Land with their children. I hate them for their entrepreneurship. They were smart enough to invest in the industry of precaution where new and better coping mechanisms are being designed. It is collaborative and remains profitable. I have also been told that it will continue to grow. Perhaps, my despair stems from the fact that I cannot escape as quickly as I want. I cannot fight it. It cannot be fought alone. That’s the shield of the beast. Sometimes it also gives you relief from the drudgery of the world. For hours, it makes shanties in front of my multi-story apartment disappear. Though I can smell the dirty shanty town. Obviously, the beast also has a chink in its armour. It can make ugly things disappear temporarily but cannot hide the stench. So, I often take little chances by immersing myself in his shadow. It smells slightly acidic. Obviously not like rotten eggs but bearable enough to remind me of my childhood of a different entity, a more benign one, which would descend on us on yearly basis. It had a similar look but spared us. Like a separated, civilised twin. We all fail to agree on a strategy to beat the shit out of it. × Those were yesteryears. In the past, everyone knew with winter comes the fog. There was no panic or little precaution. But these days we all have to brace ourselves, waiting anxiously for its twin to spare us. We all fail to agree on a strategy to beat the shit out of it. It is not as if the ‘us’ isn’t concerned but it doesn’t motivate anyone to remove the head from the monster’s body. Relief is that no one dies immediately. It begins with a gentle cough. It persists like a heartbeat to turn itself into a different creature inside you. Though many similar cases have been reported. Those who ultimately die have millions of things to blame upon unlike the other types of malevolences where a finger can be pointed. Last year in a nearby hospital, a lot of women died because of dirty syringes. The doctor got lynched. There is no one to lynch here. I suppose it is impossible to lynch your-self and suicide is illegal in my country. Then the city I live in has a robust democratic tradition. We all agree to disagree. Last Diwali, I couldn’t even convince my aunt to ensure a Green Diwali. Since everyone is complicit it doesn’t make great politics either. There no one person to blame. × Half the population believes that neighbouring settlements, with their cars and crops, high-rises and power plants, feed the beast. In passing the blame they deny their complicity in the act. Since everyone is complicit it doesn’t make great politics either. There no one person to blame. Somehow it ends up becoming a debate on everything else. Last year we all decided to stay home and bid time. Then, US election happened, leaving us feeling much worse than this nasty creature masquerading as velvet sheet. Fortunately, with sudden rain, the beast vanished in few days. We all cheered as the despair melted away. It was back to business as usual. For the next time, I will rush to the forest when the insidious arrives. If the woodlands succumb to sprawling cities, and the beast comes knocking there too, I would run away to another hole. As it has been accepted that it is better to escape than fight. I have also chosen to escape. But if the smog does get me, then I would pray that it does me in my sleep. As it has done for many.

Delhi pollution: My city is killing me, softly

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