Globally, there is an increasing concern for environmental sustainability and availability of safe and nutritious food. Organic agriculture is seen as a promising solution to address these concerns.
Budget 2017-18: No Relief for the Indian Farmer
India’s agriculture has hardly grown after 2011. If we consider the gross value added in agriculture, annual growth rates over the previous year were 1.5 per cent in 2012-13, 4.2 per cent in 2013-14, -0.2 per cent in 2014-15 and 1.2 per cent in 2015-16. Growth rates in agriculture were to revive in 2016-17, but there is deep uncertainty due to the disruptive consequences of demonetisation.
Pulse Consumption in India
India has a large population of undernourished people. They suffer from calorie, protein, and micronutrient deficiency. In 2014, 37 per cent of children under 5 were reported to be stunted and 34 per cent were underweight (National Family and Health Survey-4 for 17 major states).
A Note on Absolute Poverty in Kerala
The Human Development Index for Kerala was 0.911, a high value and similar to the performance of many advanced countries. These achievements are undeniably due to effective public action by the State.
What the Clean India Mission Needs to Do
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted a Rapid Survey on Swachhata (or “cleanliness”) Status along with the 72nd round (July 2014-June 2015). The purpose of this survey was to take stock of and assess the countrywide situation with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.
Migration and the Changing Structure of the Rural Economy of Bihar
Migration of workers from rural areas of Bihar to other parts of India has grown steadily. In a paper published in the Economic and Political Weekly (July 30, 2016), Amrita Datta argues that migration has played a key role in determining the economic and social structure of rural Bihar in recent times.