Reportage
Madhya Pradesh farmers say organic farming is profitable, and at the same time saves on medical bills
There is a steady rise in demand for organic produce and the pandemic has further reinforced the need for a healthier lifestyle, say farmers from Madhya Pradesh that leads in organic cultivation in the country.
Arun Singh
Farm laws to be repealed ahead of UP Elections — here’s what opposition leaders say
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal the three farm laws ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections has invited flak from opposition parties. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said the decision was taken to garner public support in the state. Meanwhile, farmers’ bodies say that there are a few more demands that are still pending.
Gaon Connection
WATCH: Couldn’t convince farmers about their benefits, have decided to repeal the farm laws, says PM Modi
Ever since the Union government passed the three farm laws, the country has been witnessing protests against the legislations, particularly on the borders of the national capital where farmers, primarily from the states of Punjab and Haryana, have been camping in protests since November last year.
Gaon Connection
Rural women craftspersons find a platform at Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021 in Delhi
Saras Aajeevika Mela is on at the 40th International Trade Fair 2021, in New Delhi between November 14 to November 27. The fair was organised after a year-long break due to COVID19. Gaon Connection spoke to women artisans from Manipur and Karnataka who shared their experience about the fair.
Sarah Khan
As shortage of fertilisers continue to plague farmers, the central government says there is enough and more
There have been farmer agitations, appeals and even deaths by suicide allegedly due to shortage of fertilisers in the country. While the government says there is no shortage, farmers continue to be plagued by unavailability, overpricing and blackmarketing of the indispensable DAP and NPK fertilisers.
Arvind Shukla
Bihar hooch deaths: 16 men from Dakshin Telhua village lose their lives after consuming spurious liquor
While liquor has been banned in Bihar since 2016, there is easy access to illegal and spurious spirits. Recently, 39 people across the state died between Diwali and Chhath Puja, after they drank spurious liquor. Of them 16 belonged to Dakshin Telhua village in West Champaran district. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has promised stringent action.
Lovely Kumari
Chennai civic body suggests stocking up groceries as IMD forecasts heavy rains in Tamil Nadu today
Apart from suggesting the citizens to stock up the groceries and other essential goods in the wake of the upcoming heavy rainfall, the Chennai civic body has also appealed the people not to approach sensitive locations like lakes or water bodies to take selfies. Details here.
Gaon Connection
A zero tillage seed drill assures farmers of better yield and more savings
Scientists of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena, in Madhya Pradesh are encouraging wheat farmers to use the zero tillage seed drill to sow their wheat crop. They say the farmers will spend less money on cumbersome ploughing this way and they will see better yield.
Divendra Singh
Smartphone ownership has doubled during the pandemic in rural India; but it has been of no help to most children
While smartphone ownership has doubled over the last few years, from 36.5 per cent in 2018 to 67.6 per cent in 2021, children’s access to them has been limited. A survey report shows every fourth enrolled rural kid has no access to smartphones at home.
Gaon Connection
National Epilepsy Day: The neurological disease has the highest prevalence in rural areas. What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that can affect people of any age. The disease is characterised by recurrent seizures, a behavioural abnormality. Up to 10 per cent of people worldwide have had at least one seizure during their lifetime. In India, epilepsy often is the cause for prohibiting or annulling marriages.