Category Archives: agriculture

agriculture, economy, politics

State should help farmers, not take from them: Sharad Pawar

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Sharad Pawar has expressed concern over the major losses suffered by farmers across the state due to heavy rains. He criticized the state government’s decision to forcibly recover funds from sugarcane producers for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, calling it “completely wrong.” Pawar urged the Chief Minister to reconsider this decision and emphasized the need for proper damage assessment and government support for the affected farmers.

According to Pawar, “Farmers and crops have suffered significant losses due to excessive rainfall. Data from the Vasantdada Sugar Institute shows that sugarcane crops have been severely damaged in many areas of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra.” He added that a detailed assessment of the damage is necessary.

Pawar also mentioned that a Governing Council meeting, which will include all sugar factories in the state, is scheduled for the 12th. He expressed hope that the state government would provide maximum assistance to farmers following this meeting, as reported by ANI.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state government’s decision to impose a levy on sugar mills. He clarified that the contribution would be taken from the profits of the mills and not from the farmers’ earnings, according to PTI.

Last week, in response to the heavy rainfall and flood-related losses across parts of Maharashtra, the government announced a levy of Rs 10 per tonne of sugarcane on mills for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, along with an additional Rs 5 per tonne to assist flood-affected farmers.

Opposition leaders have alleged that this decision will adversely affect farmers. However, speaking at an event at a sugar factory, CM Fadnavis stated, “There are around 200 mills in the state. One mill may have to contribute about Rs 25 lakh to the CMRF. We are seeking funds from the profits of sugar mills, not from farmers,” reported PTI.

(With ANI and PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-floods-state-should-help-farmers-not-take-from-them-says-ncp-sp-chief-sharad-pawar-23597312

agriculture, business, environment, society, technology

24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Pioneers Goat Grazing Business

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In Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, goats eagerly graze at a farm established by Yota Maeda, the head of Tokyo-based startup Mujou. Maeda, who launched a funeral services business while still at university, opened the goat farm in 2024. His latest venture offers goat grazing services as an alternative to conventional weeding methods.

Unlike machines, the goats consume the grass directly, eliminating the need for herbicides or the burning of clippings. “Their bleating is not particularly disruptive, and the animals don’t produce a strong odor,” Maeda said.

Contracts have already been signed with both businesses and individuals. One notable client is a large clinical testing facility capable of processing hundreds of thousands of samples daily, thanks to advanced automation and AI systems. The company introduced goats into its courtyard on a trial basis, allowing them to handle grass management.

“They work tirelessly from morning onward,” said Sakuya Odashima from H.U. Group Holdings’ HR and General Affairs Services Division. Employees also report feeling refreshed by the presence of the goats, with some noting how their greetings at the end of the day boost morale.

Behind Maeda’s project is a strong awareness of broader national issues, particularly the spread of abandoned farmland. By deploying goats, unused land can be restored, which may also help deter wild animal intrusions.

“In an era of population decline, we can’t maintain everything perfectly, but by leaving animals to graze, the land doesn’t lose its potential. We’re preserving it in a usable state,” Maeda explained.

Goat droppings naturally decompose, and Maeda is considering ways to repurpose them as fire starters, aiming to expand the scope of the business further.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147049.php

agriculture, commodity, developments, economy, markets

Hogs Close with Mixed Trade Ahead of Bullish Hogs & Pigs Report

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Lean hog futures closed Thursday’s session with nearby contracts up 30 to 67 cents, while back months gained between 10 and 67 cents. USDA’s national base hog price from the Thursday PM report was down 17 cents from the day prior, settling at $104.50. The CME Lean Hog Index was up 10 cents on September 23, closing at $105.00.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released their quarterly Hogs & Pigs report this afternoon. The September 1 inventory was reported at 74.472 million head, down 1.35% from last year and well below estimates that had predicted a slight increase. Hogs kept for breeding saw a decrease of 1.82%, totaling 5.934 million head—also below estimates. Market hog inventory declined by 1.31% compared to last year, falling to 68.538 million head.

In export news, USDA reported pork sales totaling 29,402 metric tons (MT) for the week ending September 18, marking a four-week high. The largest buyer was Mexico, purchasing 10,000 MT, followed by South Korea at 4,900 MT and Japan at 3,800 MT. Pork shipments for the week were recorded at 29,297 MT, down from the previous week. Mexico remained the top destination with 13,100 MT shipped, while Japan and China received 3,600 MT and 2,800 MT respectively.

USDA’s FOB plant pork cutout report from Thursday afternoon showed a decline of 64 cents, closing at $110.99 per hundredweight (cwt). However, ham and belly primals were the only cuts reported higher.

Federal hog slaughter for Thursday was estimated at 490,000 head, bringing the weekly total to 1.939 million head. This total is down 1,000 head from the previous week but 3,906 head above the same week last year.

October 2025 lean hog futures closed at $100.10, up 67.5 cents. December 2025 closed at $88.63, up 50 cents, while February 2026 closed at $89.93, up 30 cents.

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**Disclosure:** On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the [Barchart Disclosure Policy](#). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hogs-close-mixed-trade-ahead-bullish-hogs-pigs-report

agriculture, land issues, politics, protest

Lucknow: Farmers Protest On Bullock Carts Against LDA Over Land, Compensation Issues

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**Farmers Stage Massive Protest in Lucknow Over Unfulfilled Compensation and Rehabilitation Promises**

*Lucknow:* Farmers under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rashtrawadi) staged a massive protest in Lucknow on Tuesday. Arriving on bullock carts and carrying sticks, they marched from Kaiserbagh to the District Magistrate’s office to voice their grievances.

The protesters accused the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) of seizing a cremation ground and failing to deliver the compensation and rehabilitation benefits promised during land acquisition. The farmers explained that their land in Ujariyaon, acquired under the Gomti Nagar scheme in 1984, was compensated at a rate of just 84 paise per square foot. This amount was later revised by the court to ₹4.60 per square foot.

Despite a 2016 court order directing full payments, the farmers allege that the LDA has not disbursed the complete compensation, citing a lack of funds. Ashok Yadav, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rashtrawadi), highlighted that along with monetary compensation, promises were made for jobs, housing, farmer centers, and village development — none of which have been fulfilled.

“Women of farmer families are now forced to work as domestic help to survive,” Yadav stated, underlining the dire situation faced by the community.

The protesters further alleged that of the three cremation sites originally available, only one remains, with the other two taken over by the LDA. Participating women activists emphasized, “We have written proof of the promises made, but no authority listens to us.” They added that years of appeals to both the LDA and district officials have gone unanswered.

Declaring that the farmers are caught in a struggle between the state government and the LDA, the protest leaders warned of an indefinite agitation if their 13-point demand charter is not addressed promptly.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rashtrawadi) continues to urge authorities to fulfill their commitments and provide justice to the affected farmers.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/lucknow-farmers-protest-on-bullock-carts-against-lda-over-land-compensation-issues

agriculture, economy, environment, food, health

Breadfruit: A superfood worth trying

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**Breadfruit: A Superfood Worth Trying**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 22, 2025, 04:42 pm*

**What’s the story?**
African breadfruit is rapidly gaining attention as a sustainable superfood due to its impressive nutritional benefits and positive environmental impact. This versatile fruit can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients. As more people seek eco-friendly food alternatives, African breadfruit emerges as a promising option. Its cultivation demands fewer resources compared to many other crops, making it a valuable choice for sustainable agriculture.

**Nutritional Benefits of African Breadfruit**
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, African breadfruit supports overall health in numerous ways. It is a rich source of vitamin C, which is vital for boosting immunity and aiding collagen production. The fruit also contains potassium, essential for heart health and muscle function. Moreover, its dietary fiber content promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. With such a nutrient profile, African breadfruit is an excellent addition to any balanced diet.

**Environmental Impact of Cultivation**
The environmental footprint of African breadfruit cultivation is relatively low when compared to other crops. It thrives in poor soil conditions and requires less water, making it ideal for drought-prone regions. The fruit grows well without heavy dependence on fertilizers or pesticides, which helps maintain soil health and enhances biodiversity. Encouraging the growth of African breadfruit supports more sustainable farming practices.

**Economic Opportunities for Communities**
Cultivating African breadfruit can unlock new economic prospects for local communities. The fruit can be processed into various products like flour and snacks that are marketable both locally and internationally. This diversification generates income and creates employment opportunities in processing and distribution sectors. Investing in African breadfruit farming and processing helps communities achieve greater economic stability and growth.

**Culinary Versatility of African Breadfruit**
One of African breadfruit’s most attractive qualities is its culinary flexibility. When cooked, it has a texture similar to potatoes, making it perfect for soups, stews, roasting, and more. Its mild flavor readily absorbs spices, enhancing dishes without overpowering other ingredients. This adaptability has made African breadfruit a favorite among chefs seeking innovative, sustainable ingredients for their menus.

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African breadfruit stands out as a nutritious, eco-friendly, and economically beneficial superfood. Whether you’re a consumer, farmer, or chef, exploring this versatile fruit offers exciting possibilities for health, sustainability, and community development.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/african-breadfruit-a-sustainable-superfood/story

agriculture, biology, gardening, science, technology

How sound waves can affect plant growth

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**How Sound Waves Can Affect Plant Growth**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 22, 2025 | 01:43 pm*

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### What’s the Story?

Sound waves have long fascinated scientists and gardeners alike for their potential effects on plant growth. Although it might sound unusual, emerging research suggests that sound waves can influence how plants develop. In this article, we explore the science behind sound waves and their possible impact on plant growth. By delving into this intriguing topic, we aim to provide insights into how sound waves could benefit gardening and agriculture.

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### The Science Behind Sound Waves

Sound waves are vibrations that travel through air or other mediums. When these waves reach plants, they may trigger physical and chemical changes within them. Such changes could affect vital processes like photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

The frequency and intensity of the sound waves play a crucial role in determining their effects on plant growth. Different sounds can cause different reactions, making it important to understand how sound interacts with living plants.

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### Positive Effects on Plant Growth

Several studies have indicated that exposure to certain sound frequencies can promote seed germination and root development. For example, low-frequency sounds might stimulate cellular activity, encouraging faster growth rates.

Furthermore, some researchers suggest that specific musical genres might enhance plant vitality by creating a more favorable environment for growth. This opens up exciting possibilities for using sound as a natural growth enhancer in agriculture and gardening.

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### Potential Drawbacks of Sound Exposure

While sound waves may offer benefits, excessive or inappropriate exposure can harm plants. High-intensity sounds have the potential to cause stress or physical damage to delicate plant tissues.

Therefore, it is vital to choose the right type of sound and carefully monitor its effects. Avoiding high volumes and prolonged exposure will help prevent negative outcomes and ensure plants remain healthy.

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### Tip 1: Practical Applications in Gardening

For gardeners interested in experimenting with sound waves, it’s best to start with gentle, appropriate frequencies and limit exposure times. Playing soft background music or nature sounds can be a safe and enjoyable way to test this approach without overwhelming your plants.

Regular observation is key—monitor your plants closely to see if sound exposure is improving growth or causing stress. With patience and care, sound waves could become a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit.

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Explore the fascinating connection between sound and plant growth, and discover new ways to nurture your garden naturally!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-make-plants-thrive-with-sound/story