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Good harvest, export limits set to keep onion prices stable

Onion prices are expected to remain stable in the months ahead on good kharif harvest in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka as well as the export restriction which has kept large stocks within the country. Last December, onion prices had touched a record, prompting government to ban exports. The minimum export prices which were clamped when the ban was .....

2.   

Global rice production - rising against the odds

Despite adverse weather conditions in many of the worlds leading rice producing countries, global rice production is forecasted to reach 720.7 million tons - the highest level ever. The "Rice Market Monitor" report for November issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has noted that both yield per hectare and total area under cultivation have witnessed significant improvements during CY11. Higher than expected production in Bangladesh, China and other Asian countries .....

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Export offtake to keep non-basmati rice steady

Pure basmati rice and paddy prices dropped to the season's lowest on Monday. Prices of aromatic rice decreased by Rs 50 to Rs 500 a quintal, while non-basmati varieties remained unchanged. Pure basmati is going through its worst phase at present, said Mr Tara Chand Sharma, proprietor of Tara Chand and Sons. There is hardly any demand for aromatic varieties and prices may continue to fall, he said. On Monday, pure basmati (raw) decreased by .....

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Himachal invites private investment in apple production

Himachal Pradesh has invited investments in the private sector to develop apple production, the mainstay of the state's fruit economy, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said Friday. "We would welcome investments in the private sector for developing apple nurseries to multiply imported rootstock to increase its yield," Dhumal told officials of Dev Bhumi Cold Chain Ltd. He said the government was also keen to associate .....