The Hindu Business Line : Wednesday, April 09, 2008

RICE
AP launching Rs 2/kg rice scheme today
Hyderabad, April 8 Reviving the populist Rs 2-a-kg rice, the Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh is launching the scheme beginning Wednesday. It is expected to cover 1.87 crore poor families, who hold a white (ration) card, touching nearly ... More

INSIGHT
Wheat Turmoil 2008 — Resurrection of the farmers’ movement
April 2, 2008 was an important date in the history of the farmers’ movement in India. On that day, the farmers near Sisauli village in the western Uttar Pradesh got together to fight a pitched battle with the State police, which had come ... More

RUBBER
Spot rubber under pressure
Kottayam, April 8 Spot rubber witnessed marginal selling from traders at higher levels on Tuesday. The market remained under pressure as Japanese indices were on a decline probably on profit booking after a firm start on early trades. RSS 3 ... More

TEA
Tea exporters earn Rs 22 cr less
Tea exporters have earned Rs 22 crore less in the first two months of 2008 over last year, an analysis of the latest data available with the Tea Board indicates. Exports which had taken a beating last year continue to slide in 2008. The ... More

Drop continues in tea exports; output up
Tea exports, which have been witnessing a decline since the second quarter of last year, continue to drop with the shipments down by 12 per cent during January-February this year compared with the same period a year ago.Data available ... More

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Nabard disbursals in Kerala at Rs 1,483 cr in 2007-08
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 The disbursals by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) in Kerala totalled Rs 1,483 crore during 2007-08.The disbursals comprised production credit loans of Rs 721 crore, investment ... More

SPICES & CONDIMENTS
Pepper futures market witnesses high volatility
Kochi, April 8 Pepper futures market continued to experience high volatility on buy and cell calls during the day and closed marginally higher on Tuesday. The market remained highly speculative and volatile and as a result, many small ... More

Short covering pushes up turmeric futures
Mumbai, April 8 Trading on the commodity futures exchanges continued to remain lacklustre on Tuesday. Barley hit the lower circuit of 3.71 per cent at Rs 1,096 per quintal due to increase in arrivals from rabi harvest. Maize fell 1.25 ... More

COMMODITY MARKETS
Steel producers suggest ban on forward trading
‘No scope for price cuts’ More

EVENTS
Farm programme in TN
The National Agricultural Development Programme is to be implemented in nine districts in the State, including Ramanthapuram, according to District Collector Mr R. Kirloshkumar. About Rs.185 crore has been allotted for the implementation of the ... More

OUTLOOK
Branded oils may record slower growth
Fallout of rise in edible oil prices and inflation More