The Hindu Business Line : Tuesday, September 20, 2005

TN farmers want principal of loans waived
WHILE welcoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's announcement of waiver of more than Rs 600-crore interest on farmers' loans benefiting 7.24 lakh farmers, the Federation of Farmers Associations in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts ... More

CULTIVATION

Tapping plant power
WITH crude oil prices soaring and the movement for cleaner environment gathering pace, the world is looking at renewable sources of energy more seriously than ever before. Economies are now keen to secure energy independence by reducing carbon ... More

The growing interest
A WIDE range of companies, private and public sector, and NGOs are interested in biofuel related projects particularly, jatropha cultivation. Here is a sample list of some companies that have evinced interest in biofuels. D1 Mohan Bio ... More

COMMODITY COMMENTARY
Crop estimates have to be reviewed
THE first advance estimate of the kharif 2005 crops announced by the Ministry of Agriculture late last week makes interesting reading. It is understandable that the Government wants to play safe on crop production numbers. In rice, coarse ... More

Soyabean farmers pin hopes on last bout of rains
SOYABEAN farmers in the country are hoping for a last bout of rains towards the end of September to help them mitigate some of the earlier losses caused by delayed monsoon, prolonged dry spell and pest attacks. Soyabean crop may be marginally ... More

HORTICULTURE/FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Onion prices likely to decline
ONION prices are likely to decline, with the market in Nashik showing a downward trend and the Navratras season round the corner, said a senior Nafed (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) official. "The model rates ... More

PLANTATIONS

New thrust
A small farmer waiting for customers at Bamangachi market, 30 km from Kolkata. The locally-produced bamboos are sold between Rs 50 and Rs 60 each. Bamboo trade is gaining significance in the country with 14 million hectares under the tree ... More

RUBBER

Rubber exports may top 40,000-tonne target — Volatility in global market dissuading exporters
NATURAL rubber exports are likely to exceed the "incremental" target of 40,000 tonnes this fiscal despite the Centre phasing out financial incentives, according to the Rubber Board Chairman, Mr Sajen Peter. "Though exports have caught on, it ... More

Weak trend in rubber prices
RUBBER market showed a weak trend on Monday. The prices declined slightly on buyer resistance guided by favourable weather conditions which might boost the production in a short period. Sheet rubber RSS 4 closed marginally lower at Rs 59.75 ... More

TEA

2.12 lakh ha tea bushes identified for rejuvenation
THE Tea Board has identified around 2.12 lakh hectares for re-plantation and rejuvenation of tea bushes. This land falls under the vulnerable category of low yielding area, according to the board Chairman, Mr N.K. Das. He was speaking at the ... More

Heavy withdrawals at Coonoor auctions
SLUGGISH demand, heavy withdrawals and disruption to the e-sales marked the auctions of the Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) on Friday when 15.1 lakh kgs were offered. Consequently, some lines of leaf and dust grades continued to fetch Rs ... More