Latest news with #Kharif
News18
3 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan's 3 Regions See 20% Drop In River Water Flow As India Keeps IWT On Hold
Last Updated: Adding to Pakistan's woes, India plans to link the waters of Indus and Chenab with the Beas and build a 160-km long tunnel to take the water to the heartland till Gangasagar River flows have now dropped significantly in all three major regions of Pakistan, in a direct fallout of India controlling the flow after putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance on April 23. Pakistan now desperately awaits the monsoon for some relief. As per Pakistan's official data reviewed by CNN-News18, the cusecs flow of water as on June 20 in Pakistan is almost 20 per cent down compared to same date last year. In the Punjab region of Pakistan, the water flow on June 20 stands at 1,10,500 cusecs, down 20 per cent from 1,30,800 cusecs on June 20 last year. Not just Punjab, water flow is down in the key region of Sindh now. The water flow in Sindh is at 1,33,000 cusecs, down from 1,70,000 cusecs on the same date last year. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, the water flow is down to 2,600 cusecs on June 20 from 2,900 cusecs on the same day last year. The situation in Pakistan is clearly grave, especially for the late Kharif season from June till September. Pakistan had anticipated a 21% water shortage due to India's steps in the Kharif season — the shortage has now almost reached that level, the latest data shows. India is planning to link the waters of Indus and Chenab with the Beas and build a 160-km long tunnel to take the water to the heartland till Gangasagar. This could make the situation even more difficult for Pakistan in the days to come. PAKISTAN'S REQUESTS In a statement last month, Pakistan said a 'crisis had been created by Indian short supplies in Chenab River", and this would lead to shortages in the Kharif season. Pakistan has so far sent four letters expressing concerns over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and urging India to reconsider the decision. India has made it clear that the treaty would remain in abeyance and that 'water and blood cannot flow together". Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on May 27 that the people of India had a right to water. 'Should they get their rightful share of water or not? And I haven't done much yet. Right now, we have said that we have kept it (Indus Waters Treaty) in abeyance. They are terrified there, and we have started cleaning by opening the dam a little bit; we are removing the rubbish that was there," the PM had said in Gujarat. WHY THE TREATY WAS PUT IN ABEYANCE India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, with the World Bank as an additional signatory. The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably between the two countries. Under the treaty, water from three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—was allocated to India, and that from the three western rivers—Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum—to Pakistan. The treaty also permitted both nations to use the other's rivers for certain purposes, such as small hydroelectric projects that require little or no water storage. 'I want to tell the new generation how the country has been ruined. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960. If you go into its details, you will be shocked. It has even been decided that the cleaning work of the dams built on other rivers of Jammu and Kashmir will not be done. Desilting will not be done. The gates downstream for cleaning will not be opened. These gates were not opened for 60 years, and the water that should have been filled with 100% water gradually reduced to 2-3%," the PM had said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister's More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : india Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty news18 specials Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 13:24 IST News india Pakistan's 3 Regions See 20% Drop In River Water Flow As India Keeps IWT On Hold | Exclusive
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Govt launches procurement through MARKFED
Parchur: Minister for agriculture Kinjarapu Atchannaidu assured farmers that the state government will purchase Black Burley tobacco crops until the last leaf, urging them not to fear or be deceived. The minister, along with local MLA Yeluri Sambasiva Rao, inaugurated the Black Burley tobacco procurement centre by MARKFED at the Agricultural Market Yard in Parchur on Thursday. The programme marks the first time in state history that the government is directly procuring the Black Burley tobacco. The government will purchase HDR and HDM grade black burley tobacco at Rs 12000 per quintal, and HDX grade at Rs 6000 per quintal through MARKFED. Minister Achennaidu appreciated the efforts of MLA Yeluri Sambasiva Rao for bringing the plight of the Black Burley tobacco farmers to the government's notice. He explained that the government stepped in as companies that initially pressured farmers to cultivate black burley tobacco abandoned them when the harvest arrived. He announced that the state has established five procurement centres across the region and expects to provide approximately Rs 500 crore in cash to the tobacco farmers. The government plans to procure 20 million kilograms of Black Burley tobacco, with funds already approved by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Atchannaidu emphasised that farmers should focus on alternative crops in the upcoming Kharif season to avoid a similar crisis, and said that the state may not purchase the leaf next year. MLA Yeluri Sambasiva Rao described this as a courageous decision by the coalition government aimed at protecting farmers. He noted that tobacco cultivation is predominantly practiced by farmers in the Parchur constituency, and the government has provided them with mountain-like support. He advised farmers to cultivate crops according to government decisions and move forward with government planning. He said that the government plans to develop new policies based on market demand, land suitability, and climatic balance to determine appropriate crop cultivation. Agriculture Department Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar noted that the Chief Minister reviews the farmers' crisis every two days, demonstrating the government's commitment to agricultural welfare. District Collector J Venkata Murali said that the procurement process will be conducted entirely online, with farmers receiving SMS notifications about when and how much produce to bring to the warehouses.
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rs 140.07 Crores Credited Under Rythu Bharosa Scheme to Support 1.35 Lakh Farmers in Jogulamba Gadwal
Gadwal: District Collector B.M. Santosh announced that financial aid amounting to ₹140.07 crores has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of small and marginal farmers across Jogulamba Gadwal district under the Rythu Bharosa (Farmer Investment Support) Scheme, ahead of the upcoming Vanakalam (Kharif) crop season. In an official statement, the Collector emphasized that the scheme, being implemented by the state government with the goal of farmer welfare and development, is significantly reducing the investment burden on farmers. As of Thursday evening (June 19, 2025), financial assistance has been disbursed to 1,35,024 farmers owning up to four acres of land. 'This timely deposit enables farmers to procure seeds, fertilizers, and pay labor charges without delay,' the Collector stated, underlining the importance of early support in ensuring smooth agricultural operations. The process involved accurate registration of farmers' bank account details and land information on the Rythu Bharosa portal by officials from the Agriculture Extension Department. The funds were released to eligible farmers based on this verified data. He assured that the remaining farmers will also receive the financial assistance soon. Collector Santosh highlighted that this scheme is not only providing economic relief but also enhancing mental stability among farmers. 'Providing assistance before the sowing season prevents farmers from falling into the trap of debts and allows them to begin cultivation with confidence,' he added. The Collector affirmed that the government's support extends to every acre of cultivable land, reflecting its commitment to stand by the farmers at every step. 'This is more than just a financial transaction — it is a testament to the trust and dedication the government holds toward our farmers,' he remarked. The Rythu Bharosa Scheme is increasingly being seen as a transformative initiative, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and empower rural communities by ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive necessary input support right when it is needed the most.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Black Burley tobacco procurement resumes in Andhra Pradesh
GUNTUR: BAPATLA District Collector J Venkata Murali on Wednesday directed officials to resume procurement of Black Burley tobacco in Bapatla district starting Thursday, following concerns over falling prices and growing distress among farmers. The decision was taken at a review meeting with Agriculture and MARKFED officials at the ETC Conference Hall in the Collectorate. Acting on Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's instructions, the State government has introduced a dedicated 'CM App' to streamline procurement. Only farmers registered through this app—linked with e-Crop and APAMS data—will be eligible for tobacco sales. The government has sanctioned Rs 300 crore to procure up to 25 million kilograms of Black Burley tobacco through MARKFED. Procurement centres will operate at two locations in Parchur and one in Chirala. The fixed procurement price is Rs 12,000 per quintal for HDR and HDM varieties and Rs 3,000 per quintal for HDX. A control room with a toll-free helpline (8331057095) will function in Parchur from 6 AM to 8 PM to address farmer grievances and ensure smooth operations. The Collector criticised Agriculture Department officials over irregularities in crop registration. Although Black Burley tobacco was cultivated in 67,132 acres, only 50,513 acres were recorded in the e-Crop system, covering 28,019 farmers. He instructed officials to upload complete data within a week and warned of strict action for lapses during the current Kharif season. Parchur MLA Eluri Sambasiva Rao highlighted that, for the first time, the government is directly procuring tobacco to support farmers. Bapatla MLA Vegesna Narendra Varma reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring fair prices and safeguarding farmer interests. MARKFED Managing Director Manajeer Zilani Saman and other senior officials participated in the meeting and later visited the Parchur market yard to review arrangements.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Farmers left high and dry as confusion prevails over Rythu Bharosa arrears
HYDERABAD: Even as the state government started disbursal of Rythu Bharosa amounts for the current Kharif season, confusion and concerns continue to prevail among farmers over the status of pending arrears from the previous agricultural season. The disbursement process, which began this week, marks the continuation of the state's flagship crop input subsidy scheme aimed at easing the financial burden on cultivators. Sources privy to the matter informed TNIE that the state government is of the opinion that there is no point in providing input subsidy for the crop season that has already ended. The government has not made an announcement on whether or not it would credit the Rythu Bharosa arrears into the accounts of farmers. It is pertinent to note that the input subsidy was credited only to farmers owning up to four acres of land during the previous season. Farmers holding more than four acres were not extended the monetary benefit for reasons best known to the government.
