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Farmers’ unrest puts Modi government in a tight spot

Published

8 years ago

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Debt is just one aspect, farming is almost a terminal disease in India

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Problem revolves around increase in production and fall in prices

Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr

New Delhi: There is a clear recognition on the part of the BJP-led NDA government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is caught in a cleft as it were, and there is not much it can do about the farmers’ protests that have broken out in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana. Political opponents are not being blamed for the problem, and there is an acknowledgement that there the farmers’ anger stems from a crisis situation, which ironically is an outcome of increased production.

Here is what a highly placed sources in the government told APN Live, on condition of anonymity. It is being conceded from concerned quarters that the farmers’ agitation in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka is arising from a plentiful crop looking for reasonable returns. Farmers are angry and frustrated because they are not getting the price they need to recoup costs because of overproduction, whether pulses, oilseeds or onions. Prices have nosedived in the market, partly aggravated by imports as in the case of pulses from countries like Myanmar, Mozambique and Canada.

It has been indicated that imports are being rationalised but the government is not in a position to put a stop to imports in order to shore up domestic prices of pulses. Though production in pulses has improved, touching a high of 18 million tonnes, it still falls below the consumption needs, which stands at around 23 million tonnes. It is also the case that government cannot procure the entire produce because it is economically and logistically unfeasible though farmers want that government buy up the entire produce.

The increase in the production of pulses and other non-cereal crops is being seen as a success by the government because the policy has been towards crop diversification. It is being claimed that it is because of incentives including that of an attractive minimum support price that more farmers have taken to non-cereal crops.

The government is however working on long-term strategy. It wants to provide storage facilities so that the farmer can keep his produce in safe condition and sell it in the market at an opportune time. This is more so in the case of onions. To avert the disaster of onions rotting because they could not be sold, government with the help of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is working at the process of irradiating onions, which will suck out the moisture, and preserve it for a longer period. In the case of onions too, storage turns out to be a key factor though the technological intervention of using radiation to preserve them is helpful.

It is being conceded that infrastructure cannot be created overnight and that it takes time. Here too, there is no attempt to blame the previous government for not having done enough about infrastructure. Modi government is grappling with the actual problems of governance.

When it was suggested that one way out of the production glut of onions would be to allow exports, and this was the demand of the farmers as well, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felt that the export incentive would benefit the traders rather than the farmers. The farmers however wanted to dispose of their crop whatever the loss.

It has also been accepted that real time information about acreage for any crop is not available and that this makes it difficult to make reasonable estimates of output and tweak the MSP as well as imports accordingly.

Rationalising imports is causing embarrassment with countries like Canada in the case of pulses and with Malaysia and Indonesia in the case of palm oil. Government is now insisting on import of raw palm oil so that value-addition through refinement and its use in cosmetics could lead to job creation in the country.

The same argument seems to hold good in the case of crude oil imports. Government is happy about increase in imports because that would help in creating jobs in petroleum products and by-products, which in turn lead to exports apart from creating jobs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Delhi to install 305 mist sprayers across 9 major pollution hotspots

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in Delhi, alongside expert-led planning and coordinated measures to reduce dust and biomass-related pollution.

Published

11 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Delhi-NCR air quality

The Delhi government has announced a large-scale deployment of mist sprayer technology to tackle rising air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirming that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in the capital.

Mist sprayers to curb dust at critical locations

During an inspection at ITO, Gupta said the mist sprayers already operational at the site are performing effectively. She noted that 35 poles at ITO have been fitted with these machines, which are helping suppress dust—a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.

According to the Chief Minister, trials conducted in certain NDMC areas have shown promising results, reinforcing confidence in the technology.

High-level committee to guide pollution-control measures

Gupta announced the formation of a high-level expert committee that will advise the government on effective measures to reduce pollution. The panel will include senior officials from various departments as well as environmental specialists, including experts from IITs. Officials stated that the committee will receive special powers to implement pollution-mitigation strategies.

Departments directed to repair roads, add greenery

The Chief Minister said departments including PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fix potholes, repair and carpet roads, plant foliage along dividers and islands, and take other measures to reduce pollution sources.

She urged residents to report potholes on the government portal for quicker action.

Appeal to RWAs to prevent biomass burning

To curb winter pollution, Gupta advised Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to distribute electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning, which significantly contributes to seasonal pollution spikes.

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PM Modi welcomes Vladimir Putin with warm hug as Russian President begins India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a high-profile visit to India on Thursday, welcomed by PM Narendra Modi as both nations prepare to discuss defence, energy and trade cooperation.

Published

12 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

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Vladimir Putin rides in Indian PM Narendra Modi's car on India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence, energy and trade cooperation. The visit, marked by a warm embrace and a brief car ride shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the continuity of the India-Russia strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.

Putin receives ceremonial welcome and packed schedule ahead

Putin landed in Delhi around 6:35 pm, where PM Modi personally received him at Palam airport. The two leaders shared a hug before leaving together, with the Prime Minister set to host a private dinner in honour of the visiting President — a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended during Modi’s Moscow visit last year.

On Friday, Putin will begin his official engagements with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also scheduled to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House, where both sides will hold a working lunch.

The Russian President will later inaugurate a new India-based channel of Russia’s state broadcaster and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, before departing India on Friday night.

Defence, energy and trade to dominate agenda

Officials have indicated that discussions will centre on defence, energy and trade — the three pillars of the bilateral relationship. Agreements are expected across sectors including shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.

Ahead of the summit, defence ministers from both countries held extensive talks, covering additional procurement of S-400 air defence systems and delayed military hardware shipments affected by the Ukraine war. The S-400 platform, procured under a USD 5 billion deal, played a major role during Operation Sindoor.

The Kremlin has also hinted that Russia may propose the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which would put Moscow in direct competition with Western aircraft makers.

Energy ties face renewed pressure

India remains among the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. However, fresh US sanctions on key Russian oil producers have led to a dip in purchases.

Putin’s visit also comes at a time of strain in India-US ties, with Washington recently imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods — including measures linked directly to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.

Massive security deployment in Delhi

Delhi Police have stationed over 5,000 personnel across central and New Delhi districts, supported by SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, quick-reaction teams, anti-drone systems, HD-CCTV networks and layered surveillance measures for the visit.

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

17 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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