ARTICLE 4

Sugarcane acreage in Telangana has witnessed a sharp decline this season as a growing number of farmers shift toward paddy cultivation. The trend, observed across major agricultural districts, is driven by a combination of economic, climatic, and policy-based factors.

According to local traders, the current buying prices for maize have dropped significantly, leaving farmers frustrated and unwilling to sell their produce at such low margins.

Karnataka Chief Minister has announced that a meeting will soon be held with distillery operators across the state to direct them to begin immediate procurement of maize for ethanol production.

Sugarcane farmers in the Jalandhar region have postponed a planned highway and railway blockade by four days, following assurances from state authorities.

Farmers in North Karnataka, particularly in the Dharwad region under Raitha Sene Karnataka, have launched an indefinite protest in Navalgund taluk.

Farmers producing silage from maize crops are witnessing improved earnings as the product continues to find strong demand in the livestock sector. According to local agricultural sources, maize-based silage—known for its high nutritional value—was produced at a cost of ₹2 per kilogram.

The report also underlined the importance of supply chain integration, investment cooperation, and easier mobility for professionals and students. Enhanced collaboration in sustainability, clean energy, and climate-friendly technologies could further deepen economic ties.

While the government has launched several initiatives—such as promoting natural farming, encouraging efficient fertilizer use, and supporting renewable energy in rural areas—experts believe these efforts need to be scaled up.

Referring to ongoing reforms, the Home Minister noted that empowering farmers through infrastructure development, better storage facilities, and transparent pricing mechanisms would help convert agricultural labor into long-term economic growth.

The Chief Minister also called for timely release of funds under various Central schemes and greater flexibility in their implementation to suit state-specific needs.

The government is also planning storage and distribution strategies to ensure that this abundance reaches all regions efficiently.

hese upgrades are part of a broader strategy to position PAU as a hub of agricultural innovation and education, ensuring that advances in technology and research are translated into practical outcomes for Punjab’s farming community.