1.   

Milk output may rise 6-7%

A good monsoon, stable cattle-feed cost and better price to farmers are expected to increase domestic milk production by six-seven per cent and ensure stable prices to consumers. The production growth rate will be higher than three-four per cent increase achieved in recent years. R S Sodhi, managing director, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which sells milk and milk products under the Amul brand across most domestic markets, said, “A series of .....

2.   

Low prices may cut Rabi potato acreage by 15 to 20 per cent

Potato acreage in India is likely to drop by 15-20% in the new season. Farmers suffered last year due to a decline in prices following a higher production. According to an initial estimate, the losses could run into few thousand crores with Bengal farmers suffering the most. In this backdrop, a further expansion in area could weaken the prices even as sowing has started across Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar and Punjab. But the industry expects a growth of 25% in .....

3.   

UAE rice prices likely to rise 20% next year

Experts in consumer protection agree with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) that expects food prices to rise next year due to climate changes, which could reduce production of cereals, especially rice. Another reason for the likely rise in rice prices is the ban on rice export by Egypt. Experts said measures such as long-term contracts with foodstuff exporting countries are needed to curb rising food prices in the Arab World. Raising awareness of consumers to reduce .....

4.   

Strawberries to be late by a month or more

Those looking forward to fresh farm strawberries from the slopes of Mahabaleshwar to hit the markets anytime now, will have to wait longer this year — at least till November-end or even mid-December. Prolonged monsoon and high temperature led to delay in planting by almost a month, which, in turn, has reduced the overall produce by almost 20 per cent. The usual strawberry season begins with the mother saplings being imported from California in .....