Dairy

farm workers call off protest in

Manapparai
Milk collection and supply, which remained crippled due to workers strike since Wednesday
in Manapparai, resumed on Thursday afternoon following assurance by officials that the
workers’ demand for wage hike will be placed before higher-ups for prompt action.
Manapparai and neighbouring villages account for about 4,805 dairy farmers with a daily
production of an average of 14,000 litres.
A total of 57 workers collect milk from the producers and distribute it to the members of the
public. While the daily sale in the local market is an average 9,000 litres, the balance 5,000
litres is sent to the chilling plant. The workers have been demanding better wage complaining
that their present monthly wage ranged between Rs.3, 200 and Rs.4, 500 depending on
seniority. They went on indefinite strike on Wednesday afternoon, pointing out that the
wages fixed 13 years ago in 2000 was not hiked despite repeated plea with the government.
Talks were held with the officials in the presence of Muthukrishnan, Deputy Registrar of
Cooperatives, and Chandrasekaran, MLA. The officials pointed out being a policy matter,
any decision on enhancing their wage could be taken only by the State government. However,
they assured the workers to place the matter before the higher authorities for prompt action.
Following the assurance, the distributors called off their strike and resumed milk supply in
the evening.
Workers call off protest following assurance of prompt action by officials

Foot‐and‐mouth disease: farmers seek

compensation
Farmers under the banner of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) formed a human
chain on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway on Thursday to urge the State government to
release compensation for those who lost their cattle owing to foot-and-mouth disease.
It was held near Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Circle. The protesters accused the Animal
Husbandry Department of not taking steps to save cattle.
KRRS leader Shambhuna Halli Suresh sought Rs. 50,000 as compensation for the loss of
each head of cattle. The farmers requested the department to set up dispensaries and supply
medicines to veterinary clinics across the State.
Cane price
They also urged the government to fix the procurement price for sugarcane at Rs. 3,500 a
tonne for the present crushing season.
The traffic on the busy highway was disrupted for a while following the protest. Among those
leaders present on the occasion were H. Nagaraju and Marilinge Gowda.
Arecanut prices skyrocket, but farmers
are unhappy

Mismatch between supply and demand has led to price rise

The decline in arecanut yield in the district owing to climatic changes and disease has
triggered a sharp increase in its price. The price of saraku variety of arecanut was around Rs.
18,000 per quintal last September and has doubled to Rs. 36,000 per quintal today. Similarly,
the price of bette, rashi idi and api varieties have also increased by around 70 per cent during
the same period.
The Union government’s announcement of increasing the minimum import price of arecanut
from Rs. 75 to Rs. 110 a kg in the second week of May triggered the northward climb in
prices. There was a 20 to 30 per cent increase in prices in a span of 15 days. Arecanut
growers had thought the State government’s May 31 ban on gutka would result in a slump in
arecanut prices. However, the price of api and rashi idi varieties that was around Rs. 18,000
per quintal prior to the ban went up to Rs. 21,000 by the first week of August.
The arecanut yield had declined by around 30 per cent in the district last year owing to poor
rainfall. Farmers sold last year’s produce by the end of June. The arecanut harvested this year
will enter the market from November second week. With an acute mismatch between supply
and actual demand in the past three months, prices have increased sharply.
D.B. Shankarappa, president of Shimoga Arecanut Growers’ Association, told The Hindu that
the price of arecanut is expected to escalate further. Owing to heavy rain that lashed the
district this year, arecanut trees have been infected with fruit rot disease (koleroga).
So, the arecanut production in the district is likely to drop. As the gap between demand and
supply widens in the coming months, there will be a further increase in price, he said.
The news of price rise has not brought cheer to the farmers of Hosanagar, Sagar, Tirthahalli
and Koppa taluks, who sell their produce in the Shimoga market.
They have suffered heavy losses due to koleroga. Naveen Kumar, an arecanut grower from
Golikoppa village in Koppa taluk, said he was not expecting much benefit from the increase
in prices. “More than 50 per cent of the produce in my five-acre plantation was damaged.
Though the arecanut price has escalated, farmers in Malnad region where koleroga has
caused extensive damage will not benefit much,” he said.
Only the farmers in Shimoga and Bhadravati taluks, where the loss due to koleroga was
comparatively less, are expecting some benefit from the price rise.
No change in paddy seed sale price
The State government has kept the sale rate of different varieties of paddy seeds unchanged at
Rs. 1,350 per quintal for Rabi crops.
As per State Seeds Pricing Committee meeting, the cost of per quintal paddy seed was
estimated at Rs. 2,424 after taking procurement price, transportation and other costs into
account.
“The Centre gives subsidy of Rs. 500 per quintal in 15 districts covered under the National
Food Security Mission programme. The balance requirement would be met through the State
plan to maintain the sale rate at Rs. 1,350 per quintal at the same level of kharif season,”
Agriculture Department sources said.
About 68,560 quintals of certified paddy seeds will be distributed during Rabi 2013-14 and
entire quantity of seeds will be available within the State. Odisha State Seed Corporation
(OSSC) would arrange 68,051 quintals while rest of the quantity will be made available by
departmental farms.
The committee has fixed the sale rate of groundnut seeds at Rs. 4,000 per quintal even though
per quintal procurement price including transportation cost of groundnut seed was estimated
at Rs. 6,353. Farmers will get both the State and the Central government subsidy to the tune
of Rs. 2,353.
During Rabi 2013-14, about 1.38 lakh quintals of groundnut seeds will be distributed to the
farmers. However, the expected groundnut seeds production inside the State is about 41,000
quintal including the OSSC production.
The committee instructed the OSSC to arrange groundnut seeds of 80,000 quintals from
outside after making reassessment of the seed requirement. Last year, unavailability of
groundnut seeds had caused widespread resentment in different parts of the State. Farmers
had no option, but to depend on substandard groundnut in the open market.
The pricing committee has also fixed sale rate of wheat, gram, field pea, mustard, moong dal
and til. The Agriculture Department has been asked to prepare seed rolling plan or long term
perspective seed plan mentioning the varieties and quantities to be produced to meet entire
seeds requirement of the State.
The cost of per quintal paddy seed is estimated at Rs. 2,424

Banned pesticides found in vegetables

The samples, collected from the State during Onam, were analysed for organochloro
pesticides
The accumulation of chlorinated pesticides in the human body can lead to serioushealth
hazards.— File Photo
Traces of pesticides banned from agriculture have been found in vegetable samples collected
from the State during Onam.
Traces of Benzene hexachloride, Dieldrin and Heptachlor were found in 15 samples of
vegetables that were analysed by the Council for Food Research and Development, Konni.
Though the traces of the chemicals were “within the permissible limit and one sample above
the permissible limit”, the study indicated that the pesticides not intended for agriculture had
reached the vegetables, said M.K. Mukundan, director of the council.
The vegetable samples, collected from different parts of the State during Onam, were
analysed for organochloro pesticides. The council analysed 43 vegetable samples in 20
categories. Of the 43 samples, 28 were found free of organochloro compounds. Carrot
samples collected from Kozhikode had the banned pesticides beyond the permissible levels
and the samples were classified as not satisfactory for human consumption, according to a
report prepared by A. Bhadran, senior analyst of the council.
Plantains, beans, cabbage, chillies, tomato, bitter gourd, ladies finger, brinjal and cluster
beans were among the vegetables that were assessed for pesticides.
According to Mr. Mukundan, there existed the possibility of farmers directly applying
chlorinated pesticides or plants absorbing those compounds from the soil. The accumulation
of chlorinated pesticides in the human body can lead to serious health hazards. The human
body cannot disintegrate or excrete chlorinated pesticides. Is accumulation beyond a
particular level would have disastrous health effects, said Mr. Mukundan.

Magic diet for vegetable crops

Precision farming yields rich dividends for farmers

Eating large meals three times a day is a health risk. Doctors advise eating small, nutritious
portions in short intervals. As with humans, so with plants.
The vegetable farmers in the Ozhalapathy grama panchayat limits in Chittur taluk follow a
diet plan — precision farming — for their plants.
They are a happy lot because of the good profit they make when farming in general is
considered a losing vocation.
Mohan Raj, who grows tomato, chilli, brinjal, okra and banana on an acre (0.4 hectare) of
land, is a practitioner of this farm practice. He made a profit of Rs.2 lakh from an investment
of Rs.70,000, of which Rs.39,434 is subsidy.
He produced 55 tonnes of tomato in one season and sold it at Rs. 5 a kg. Chilli went for Rs.
20 a kg.
He says 70 farmers of Ozhalapathy took up precision farming on one acre of land each. All of
them made good profits in the past two years.
Profits
High profits between Rs.75,000 and Rs.2 lakh an acre a year has made more farmers switch
over to high-tech precision farming.
Now 1,778 farmers in Chittur have taken it up on 980 acres and received a financial
assistance of Rs.2.5 crore, 50-90 per cent of it government subsidy.
The high-tech precision farming started in the district four years ago is getting popular as
more and more farmers from different parts of the State have shown interest in it because of
its high productivity and profit, K. Krishnankutty, a pioneer of precision farming in Palakkad,
says.
He says 2,000 farmers have together submitted a scheme for Rs. 4 crore to the government
for financial assistance to take up precision farming in Chittur.
Precision farming’s advantages are increased yield, early maturity, savings on water,
fertilizer, energy and labour, reduced weed growth and easy management of pests.
Mechanisation makes the work easy, and even young farmers are attracted to it as a “white-
collar farming method.”
The difference
Mr. Krishnankutty says that when tomato was cultivated in the usual way, the yield was
9,808 kg an acre. But with drip water of precision farming, the yield rose by 155.5 per cent to
25,050 kg with 47 per cent saving on water.
In the case of capsicum, the yield was 5,430 kg against 8,990 kg, a 66.6 per cent increase,
with 43.1 per cent saving on water. For brinjal, the figures were 5,044 kg against 8,569 kg, an
increase of 69.9 per cent, and 40 per cent water saving.
For beans, 2,255 kg against 4,100 kg, 81.8 per cent increase, and 36.9 per cent water saving,
Mr. Krishnankutty said.

Pesticide residues found in vegetables

Second lab report of College of Agriculture, Vellayani
A topping of grated carrot and freshly chopped coriander or mint leaves on your favourite
dish looks great and adds to the smell and taste, but it could also spell trouble. The vegetables
used for garnishing may be loaded with toxic pesticides, unless they are home-grown.
The second report of the Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory at the
College of Agriculture, Vellayani, has revealed dangerous levels of pesticide residue in 14
vegetables used by most households. While seven vegetables were found to be low in
pesticide content, 38 were listed as safe-to-eat.
The laboratory carried out tests on 260 samples of 59 vegetables collected from retail shops,
supermarkets and markets in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kasaragod during
the period from April 1 to June 30 this year.
Mint leaf, carrot, curry leaf, green chilly, coriander leaf, green capsicum, cucumber, celery,
ladies finger, amaranthus (red and green), eggplant, radish and drum stick were found to be
the most contaminated (exceeding the maximum residue limit set by the Food Safety and
Standard Authority of India), while tomato, yellow capsicum, red capsicum, ginger, cabbage
(violet), cauliflower and long beans were found to have less of pesticide residue.
The samples contained residues of several pesticides including Profenophos, a neurotoxic
pesticide banned in Kerala and restricted to tea and cotton in other States.
Interestingly, ivy gourd (kovakka), gooseberry, red onion, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage
(white and violet), long beans and capsicum (yellow and red) which were listed as
dangerously contaminated in the first report published in June, have made it to the safe- to eat
category in the current report, indicating that pesticide safety is becoming a priority for
farmers.
The laboratory has taken up periodic analysis of vegetable samples at under a project titled
‘Production and marketing of safe to eat vegetables for sale through government outlets.
Thomas Biju Mathew, Professor and principal investigator of the project, said the pesticide
residue level in the dangerously contaminated vegetables was found to be high in samples
collected from different outlets. This, he said, indicated that most of these products were
sourced from the same place, probably outside Kerala.
“The high-level of profenophos residue in carrot and mint, curry and coriander leaf is a
matter of grave concern. It shows that the pesticide is widely misused by vegetable farmers in
the neighbouring States.”
The report of the study has been put up on the website of the Public Relations Department,
Government of Kerala (www.prd.kerala.gov.in). It also contains information on methods to
remove pesticide residue from vegetables using vinegar, salt, water and tamarind paste.

Samples of 14 vegetables found contaminated

Banned pesticides being used in neighbouring States

Water resources dept. looks to

rejuvenate tanks
The Water Resources Department has sought details of encroachments in water bodies in
Tiruvallur from the district administration as part of its efforts to rejuvenate them.
There are nearly 340 tanks in the Tiruvallur district, several of which have been considerably
encroached on.
The department has sought the support of the Tiruvallur collectorate to survey the extent of
encroachments in the water bodies and collate data on them.
Sources in the WRD said that this would help the department to prepare an action plan for the
restoration of water bodies under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of
Encroachment Act, 2007.
“We want the district administration to survey the extent of encroached structures so that we
can demarcate the boundary of every tank across the district,” said an official.
The water bodies in urban and peri-urban areas are commonly encroached by residential
structures as in the case of Vellanur and Thandurai near Pattabiram.
In rural areas, several people encroach on the dry space of the lake area and cultivate crops.
For instance, the tank in Senji is heavily encroached. Nearly two-third of the lake area is used
to cultivate paddy.
V. Raman, a farmer in Thiruvalangadu, said farmers depended on the water bodies for
irrigation. “Several of them have been left neglected. The department concerned must desilt
and deepen the water bodies to increase their capacity to hold water,” he said.
Officials of the WRD said that the tanks that contribute to irrigation such as those in
Poorivakkam and Athikavanur, in the district would be given priority. Several supply
channels and surplus courses also suffer from similar issues.
About 130 tanks are being taken up for restoration under the Irrigated Agriculture
Modernisation and Water-Bodies Restoration and Management (IAMWARM) project.
However, several of them still are affected by encroachments. Once the data about the
encroachments are collated, the process to issue notices and evict them would begin.
The department has sought details of encroachments in water bodies in Tiruvallur

Water released for irrigation

Water was released through the Thanthai Periyar and PTR Channels from Periyar dam to
irrigate single crop in dry and wetlands in Theni and Uthamapalayam blocks on Friday.
A total of 5,146 acres – 830 acres in Uthamapalayam and 4,316 acres in Theni – will benefit.
Releasing the water at Uthamapalayam, Minister for Finance O. Paneerselvam said that 100
cusecs of water would be released for 120 days continuously for irrigation.
Farmers in Chinnamanur, Seepalakotti, and Veppampatti in Uthamapalayam block and
Seelayampatti Poomalaigundu, Dharmapuri, Thadicherry, Venkachalapuram, Koduvilarpatti,
Jangalpatti, Govindanagaram and Balakrishnapuram villages in Theni block would benefit.
A total of 468 acres of wetlands and 4,678 acres of dry lands under the ayacut of these
channels would be irrigated.
He appealed to the farmers to use water judiciously and raise short term crops for better
income.
The PWD officials informed that quantum of release in future would be purely on the basis of
the storage position in Periyar dam. If there were any slump in storage or failure of monsoon,
turn system would be introduced to maintain supply to protect standing crops.
As the combined credit in Vaigai and Periyar dams have crossed 6,000 mcft mark, the PWD
engineers released the water.

Water level
Water level in the Papanasam dam on Friday stood at 102.55 feet (maximum level is 143
feet). The dam had an inflow of 341.81 cusecs and 1,503.52 cusecs of water was discharged
from the dam.

The water level in Manimuthar dam stood at 55.30 feet (118 feet). The dam had an inflow of
44 cusecs and 325 cusecs was discharged.

Kanyakumari
The water level in Pechipparai dam stood at 23.35 feet, 61.35 feet in Perunchani, 9.38 feet in
Chittar I, 9.48 feet in Chittar II and 33.96 feet in Mambazathuraiyaru dam.
Weather

INSAT PICTURE AT 14.00 hrs. Observations recorded at 8.30 a.m. on October 04th.
Max Min R TR
New Delhi (Plm) 33 22 0 4
New Delhi (Sfd) 34 23 0 4
Chandigarh 33 23 2 7
Hissar 33 21 0 4
Bhuntar 31 17 4 4
Shimla 21 13 1 61
Jammu 31 22 60 110
Srinagar 29 13 0 0
Amritsar 33 22 8 8
Patiala 32 23 6 6
Jaipur 30 22 0 tr
Udaipur 31 21 0 1
Allahabad 29 25 10 20
Lucknow 25 21 8 14
Varanasi 32 25 tr 15
Dehradun 27 20 1 17
Agartala 34 24 4 61
Ahmedabad 34 26 0 24
Bangalore 29 19 0 tr
Bhubaneshwar 31 25 10 50
Bhopal 27 22 5 8
Chennai 34 24 5 17
Guwahati 33 23 87 88
Hyderabad 30 23 1 8
Kolkata 32 25 11 29
Mumbai 32 26 0 0
Nagpur 28 23 25 109
Patna 30 25 0 1
Pune 32 21 0 0
Thiruvananthapuram 32 24 0 14
Imphal 32 22 3 3
Shillong 24 16 3 8
The columns show maximum and minimum temperature in Celsius, rainfall during last 24
hours (tr-trace) and total rainfall in mm since 1st October.
MAINLY DRY WEATHER
South-west monsoon has been vigorous over west Uttar Pradesh and active over east Uttar
Pradesh. The withdrawal line of South-west monsoon continues to pass through Kalpa,
Hissar, Jodhpur and Nalia.
Rainfall: Rain/thundershowers have occurred at many places over Uttar Pradesh and at
isolated places over rest of the region. The chief amounts of rainfall in cm. are: (6 cm. and
above) PUNJAB: Madhopur and Phangota 6 each, EAST RAJASTHAN: Bari 14, Baseri and
Sapau 11 each, Roopwas 10 and Dholpur and Rajakhera 8 each, EAST UTTAR PRADESH:
Naraini 6 and WEST UTTAR PRADESH: Garotha 17, Agra IAF 14, Rath 13, Budaun and
Jasrana 9 each, Karhal 8, Bareilly CWC, Jalesar and Kasganj 7 each and Kirawali, Etah and
Mathura CWC 6 each.
MAXIMUM TEMPERTURE: The maximum temperature fell appreciably in west Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand, fell in east Uttar Pradesh and changed little over rest of the region.
They were above normal in Jammu and Kashmir, appreciably below normal in east
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and normal in rest of the region. The highest
maximum temperature in the region was 37.7ºC recorded at Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).
MINIMUM TEMPERTURE: The minimum temperature fell in west Uttar Pradesh and
changed little over rest of the region. They were markedly above normal in Punjab,
appreciably above normal in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand,
above normal in Himachal Pradesh and normal in rest of the region. The lowest minimum
temperature in the plains was 18.2ºC recorded at Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh).
FORECAST FOR REGION VALID UNTIL THE MORNING OF 06th OCTOBER
2013 :Rain/thundershowers may occur at many places over east-Uttar Pradesh.
Rain/thundershowers may occur at many places over southeast parts of west-Uttar Pradesh
during next 24 hours and decrease thereafter. Rain/thundershowers may occur at one or two
places over Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan and rest parts of west Uttar Pradesh.
Rain/thundershowers may occur at one or two places over Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh during next 48 hours and mainly dry weather thereafter. Mainly
dry weather over rest of the region.
HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING: Heavy rainfall may occur at one or two places over east
Uttar Pradesh during 48 hours and over southeast parts of west-Uttar Pradesh during next 24
hours.
FORECAST FOR DELHI AND NEIGHBOURHOOD VALID UNTIL THE
MORNING OF 06th OCTOBER 2013: Partly cloudy sky. Very light rain/thundershowers
could occur in some areas.

Weather
Chennai - INDIA
Today's Weather Tomorrow's Forecast
Saturday, Oct 5 Sunday, Oct 6
Max Min Max Min
Cloudy 36o | 27o Sunny 34o | 25o
Rain: 0 Sunrise: 05:58
Humidity: 89 Sunset: 05:57
Wind: normal Barometer: 1007.0

Extended Forecast for a week

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 10 Oct 11

34o | 26o 34o | 26o 31o | 26o 32o | 27o 32o | 27o
Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Overcast

India pushes for deal on farm support

NEW DELHI: Commerce & industry minister Anand Sharmais expected to make a strong
pitch for reaching a final deal on a revision of the domestic support cap for agriculture when
WTO's new director general Roberto Azevedo meets him on Monday to seek India's help for
a breakthrough at the Bali ministerial meeting in December.

After a year of negotiations, the WTO membership has agreed on an interim solution, which
will prevent countries from initiating action if the procurement from farmers breaches the
ceiling of 10% of the value of production. With international prices on the rise, and local
price fixed at 1986-88 levels, most developing countries with large populations are now
staring at the prospect of breaching the limit. Food sold through the public distribution
system also faces restrictions.
In case of India, the prospects appear stronger given that the food security law will increase
the procurement requirement and push up the subsidy level. China, Indonesia, Pakistan and
the Philippines are also in the same boat.
India is keen that before it agrees to demands for an agreement on trade facilitation — which
will speed up cargo clearance at ports — WTO members should agree to provide a legally
binding solution to the problem of food security. This arrangement has to continue till the
conclusion of the Doha Round, said a source familiar with the discussions.

India and other members of the G-33 coalition led by Indonesia have also proposed
modification in the rules on agriculture, saying that the calculations are flawed. But, their
main argument is that food procured for public stockholding, such as the one done by Food
Corporation of India, from poor farmers should not be included, while calculating domestic
support or the aggregate measure of support. The argument is now finding support from
economists and global agencies such as the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), which
are battling for livelihood support.

In a recent study, Franck Galtier from CIRAD, the French think tank on farm sector, has said
the current WTO rules overestimate the real subsidies to agriculture provided by public
stocks. "This discussion should be straightforward as it concerns a technical matter
(correcting errors in the AMS calculation) rather than a change in the scope or intent of the
rules," he said in a paper.

Oct rains highest in past 28 years

KANPUR: October rains broke the records of the past 28 years in the industrial city. The city
received 136.6 mm rainfall in past 76 hours which is highest after 1985. The met expert
predicted more rains by weekend.

After heavy showers on Wednesday and Thursday, the rains continued to lash the city on
Friday too. The total rainfall on Friday was 4.6 mm.

According to the weather bureau of Chandra Shekhar Azad University (CSA), more showers
are likely in the city for another couple of days. The met experts claimed October rains to be
highest in 28 years.

"The CSA has been maintaining weather data since 1971 and in the span of past 42 years,
October rains have crossed the mark of 100 mm only twice. The rains on October 03 is
highest in past 42 years as 129.6 mm rains on this date is a new record," said Anirudh Dubey,
the met expert of CSA.

The rains also brought a dip in the mercury level giving signs of early arrival of winters. The
minimum temperature recorded on Friday was 20.2 degrees while the maximum temperature
went down to 26.2 degrees. The humidity recorded for the day was 93% and 97%.

The retreating monsoons gave a tough time to the residents. Majority of roads in the city
remained waterlogged making it difficult to commute. Potholes and slippery roads added to
the troubles of people.
Majority of city-based Ramlila committees were forced to postpone the staging of Ramlila or
to cut-short the event.

The city people enjoyed the pleasant weather on Friday. Spots like Ganga Barrage, Mooti
Jheel, parks and Ganga Ghats witnessed heavy rush of people who visited these paces to
enjoy with their family and friends. Eatery joints too witnessed heavy rush of locals.

Jharkhand to promote state as eco‐

tourism destination
RANCHI: The state government, in its bid to promote Jharkhand as an eco-tourism
destination, is trying to utilize its existing infrastructure at popular forest spots.

The vast spread of forests in Dalma, Betla, Netarhat and Behragora in Hazaribag, with their
wide range of flora and fauna, are among popular tourist draws. The places, which saw a
waning inflow of tourist following extremist problems, have infrastructure which have so far
remained under-utilized.

"Dalma is a beautiful place, and the best forest area in Jharkhand where tourists can stay and
enjoy natural beauty. There is Pindrabeda guest house that has two double-bed rooms and a
dormitory with six beds. Also, there are bamboo cottages with modern facilities,"
saidSiddhartha Tripathy, director at the tourism department, who recently visited the forest
along with Sajal Chakravarty, the additional chief secretary at the department.

There are eco-resorts and cottages in Dalma forest which are set up by the forest department.
Such facilities are also there in other forest areas. However, these infrastructure remains
grossly unutilized due to the department's lack of promotion.

"The forest department does not have a tourist-friendly set up and has not been able to market
its natural resources to draw more tourists. There are many beautiful guest houses but they
are underutilized," said Tripathy.

The department will launch a toll-free number on October 5 at which people can directly
enquire about tourism in the state.

"Many eco resorts and cottages have been made by forest department in the area where
tourists can enjoy a comfortable stay. Also there are four elephants in the forest who seem to
have separated from their herd and are being taken care of by the forest officers.

Tripathy said Dalma forest authorities are looking after four elephants which have got
separated from a herd. "We are planning to use the elephants for safari after discussing about
it with forest department," he added.

"A meeting will be organized at secretary level for tourism and forest department to discuss
the ways to promote eco tourism. In the first phase we are planning to promote tourism in
Dalma, Betla, Netarhat, Behragora and Hazaribagh where forest department has already
constructed many guesthouses."

Tripathy said, "We are also planning to tag forest department in the helpline number so those
interested in forest tourism can directly contact on that number and get details."

Citrus fruit component may improve

kidney health

Component of grapefruit and other fruits can block the formation of kidney cysts, says Scientists

Scientists have found that a component of grapefruit and other citrus fruits can successfully
block the formation of kidney cysts.
Known as polycystic kidney disease, this is an inherited disorder which leads to the loss of
kidney function, high blood pressure and the need for dialysis. Few treatment options are
currently available.
The team of scientists from Royal Holloway University, St George's, University of London
and Kingston University London used a simple, single-celled amoeba to identify that the
component - naringenin - regulates the PKD2 protein responsible for polycystic kidney
disease and as a result, blocks formation of cysts.
"This discovery provides an important step forward in understanding how polycystic kidney
disease may be controlled," said Professor Robin Williams from the School of Biological
Sciences at Royal Holloway. "In the study, we have demonstrated how effective the amoeba
Dictyostelium is in the discovery of new treatments and their targets.
"Having previously applied the same method of testing in our work into epilepsy and bipolar
treatments, it is clear that this new approach could help us reduce reliance on animal testing
and provide major improvements," he said. To test how this discovery could apply in
treatments, the team used a mammalian kidney cell-line, and triggered the formation of cysts
in these cells.
They were then able to block the formation of the cysts by adding naringenin and saw that
when levels of the PKD2 protein were reduced in the kidney cells, so was the block in cyst
formation, confirming that the effect was connected.
"Further investigation is underway to understand the action of naringenin at the molecular
level. This work will entail looking at the function of the PKD2 protein as a cell growth
regulator," said Dr Mark Carew, from the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry at Kingston
University.
"Indeed, this study provides a good example of how chemicals identified in plants can help us
develop new drugs for the treatment of disease," added Professor Debbie Baines from St
George's, University of London. The study was published in British Journal of
Pharmacology.

Crude palm oil down 0.2% on sluggish

demand
Continued its losing streak for the fourth straight day, crude palm oilprices fell further by
0.29% to Rs 510.20 per 10 kg in futures trading today as speculators indulged in reducing
positions amid sluggish demand in the spot market.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude palm oil for delivery in October fell further by Rs
1.50, or 0.29% to Rs 510.20 per 10 kg in business turnover of 152 lots.

Similarly, the oil for delivery in November shed Rs 1.40, or 0.28% to Rs 503.70 per 10 kg in
16 lots.

Analysts attributed the continued fall in crude palm oil at futures trade to sluggish demand in
the spot market against sufficient supplies.

Cardamom up 0.3% on strong demand
Supported by strong demand in the spot market and restricted arrivals from producing
regions, cardamom prices rose further by Rs 2.40 to Rs 751 per kg in futures trade today.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, cardamom for delivery in November added Rs 2.40, or
0.32%, to Rs 751 per kg in business turnover of 388 lots.
Similarly, the spice for delivery in October edged up 60 paise, or 0.08%, to Rs 706.50 per kg
in 546 lots.

Market analysts said besides strong demand in the spot market, limited arrivals from
producing regions mainly influenced cardamom for the third day at futures trade.

Sugar up 0.3% on spot demand

Sugar prices rose by Rs 9 to Rs 2,873 per quintal in futures trade today as speculators
enlarged positions on expectations of a rise in demand during the festive season.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, sugar for delivery in October rose by
Rs 9, or 0.31%, to Rs 2,873 per quintal with an open interest of 5,810 lots.

Similarly, sugar for delivery in November gained Rs 8, or 0.28%, to Rs 2,901 per quintal in
28,110 lots.

Market analysts said fresh positions built up by speculators on expectations that the demand
for the sweetner will pick up during the festive season mainly attributed rise in sugar prices at
futures trade.

Jeera up 0.3% as demand picks up

Jeera prices rose by 0.38% to Rs 12,655 per quintal in futures trading today as speculators
engaged in creating fresh positions, driven by pick up in demand in the spot market.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, jeera for delivery in October month
rose by Rs 47.50, or 0.38% to Rs 12,655 per quintal with an open interest of 7,488 lots.

Similarly, jeera for delivery in November traded higher by Rs 20, or 0.16% to Rs 12,872.50
per quintal in 5,673 lots.

Market analysts said the rise in jeera prices at futures trade was mostly attributed to fresh
positions created by speculators supported by rising demand in the spot market.

Turmeric up 1.2% on rising demand

Turmeric prices rose by 1.20% to Rs 4,740 per quintal in futures trade today as speculators
enlarged positions amid rising demand in the spot market.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, turmeric for delivery in October
month rose by Rs 56, or 1.20%, to Rs 4740 per quintal with an open interest of 11,230 lots.

Similarly, the spice for delivery in November moved up by Rs 50, or 1.03%, to Rs 4,884 per
quintal in 9,650 lots.

Market analysts said rising demand in the spot markets mainly influenced turmeric prices at
futures trade.

After wheat, now rice procurement too

drops
FCI this year purchased around 34.1 MT of rice from farmers, while last year it had
purchased around 35 MT
After a almost 32% drop in wheat procurement, government’s ricepurchases in 2012-13 too
have fallen by around 3% primarily because of low procurement in main rice producing states
of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

However, experts said this is unlikely to have any impact on long-term prospects as stocks in
state-run including the ambitious National Food Security Bill warehouses.

According to government data, Food Corporation of India (FCI) this year purchased around
34.1 million tonnes of rice from farmers, while last year it had purchased around 35 million
tonnes.

The drop in procurement has been in Andhra Pradesh, where purchases fell from 9.6 million
tonnes to 6.45 million tonnes, while in Uttar Pradesh it fell from 3.35 million tonnes to 2.28
million tonnes. “Procurement has dropped because of increased purchases by private traders
and also low output,” a senior government official said.

“The drop in procurement of paddy is good for the country as government has ample stocks
and this is not reflective of any long-term trend,” eminent agriculture economist and
chairman of Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP), Ashok Gulati told
Business Standard.

As per FCI data, rice stocks in central pool was estimated to be around 21 million tonnes,
three times more than the required quantity of 7 million tonnes, while wheat stocks was
estimated to 38.3 million tonnes, as against the required quantity of 14 million tonnes.

In wheat, this year procurement fell by almost 34.1% to around 26 million tonnes from 38.1
million tonnes last year largely because of increased purchases by private traders and fall in
overall wheat production.

Meanwhile, on rice, the data showed that procurement in Punjab, Haryana and Chattisgarh
remained higher than the previous year.

The government's rice purchase from Punjab rose to 8.55 million tonnes in 2012-13 from
7.73 million tonnes in the previous year. Rice buys from Chhattisgarh grew to 4.8 million
tonnes from 4.11 million tonnes, while procurement from Haryana increased to 2.5 million
tonnes from 1.6 million tonnes in the review period, as per the FCI data.

FCI and state procurement agencies procured common variety paddy at Rs 1250 per quintal
and 'A' grade variety paddy at Rs 1280 last year. Procured paddy was later milled into rice.
The country had harvested 104.4 million tonnes of rice in the 2012-13 marketing year.

Potato up 0.9% on spot demand
Potato for delivery in April moved up by 0.88%
Potato prices recovered by 0.90% to Rs 838.50 per quintal in futures trade today as
speculators created fresh positions on hopes of a pick-up in demand at spot markets ahead of
"Navratras" festival.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, potato for delivery in March recovered by Rs 7.50, or
0.90% to Rs 838.50 per quintal in business turnover of 31 lots.

The potato for delivery in April also moved up by Rs 7, or 0.88% to Rs 802 per quintal in 7
lots.

Analysts said fresh positions created by speculators on expectations that the demand in the
spot markets might pick up for the 'navratras' festive beginning tomorrow, influenced potato
prices at futures trade.

Wheat export: MMTC,STC & PEC get

bids lower than floor price
In Aug, CCEA had approved 2 MT of wheat exports from FCI godowns for this fiscal
subject to a floor price of $300 per tonne

State-owned trading firms STC, MMTC and PEC have received 11 bids for their tenders to
export 1.6 lakh tonnes wheat from the FCIgodowns with highest quotation of $267 per tonne,
which is lower than the floor price fixed by the government.

In August, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had approved 2 million
tonnes of wheat exports from FCI godowns for this fiscal subject to a floor price of $300 per
tonne through STC, MMTC and PEC.

STC received highest bid of $267 a tonne, while maximum quotations by global bidders in
case of MMTC and PEC were $261 per tonne and 260.08 per tonne, respectively, a
government official said.
STC and MMTC had invited tenders for export of 60,000 tonnes each from Mundra and
Kakinada ports, respectively, while PEC had invited bids for export of 40,000 tonnes from
Kandla port.

Sources said that PEC received six bids, MMTC got two bids and PEC three bids. The
bidders included Cargill, Emmsons and Starcomm.

As bids are lower than the base price, the Empowered Committee headed by Commerce
Secretary may not approve export at such a lower rate.

In 2012-13 fiscal, the government had earned $1.4 billion from export of 4.2 million tonne
wheat by PSUs. Indian wheat had fetched an average price of $311.38 per tonne.

Efficient post harvest management can

avoid wastage of upto 25 mn tn:
Assocham
Loss of food grains assumes significance as quantity constitutes around 10% of India's
overall annual production
With increased focus on post harvest management, India can save over 25 million tonnes of
foodgrains from spoilage every year, a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (Assocham), said.

According to a similar study in the past, the country as a whole loses around 25% of annual
foodgrains production due to poor post harvest management of crops. Lack of farmers’
education coupled with poor infrastructure and handling for transportation result into
pilferage of foodgrains, an unrecoverable loss for the country.

While the loss accrued at the farm gate reduces farmers’ income, pilferage and other losses
results into an unnecessary price increase of foodgrains.

The loss assumes significance as the quantity constitutes around 10% of India’s overall
annual foodgrains production.

“India can save over 25 million tonnes of foodgrains annually from spoilage i.e. about 10%
of the total food grain production of over 250 mt from wastage and spillage provided the
farmers are educated about how to handle post-harvest cleaning, grading and switch to
standardised packaging of produce as per the domestic and export market requirement,”
Assocham study said.
Spot pepper up on short supply
Kochi, Oct. 4:
Spot pepper prices continued their uptrend on Friday on good buying support amid short
supply, while prices on the futures market fell on limited activities.
Day traders continued to be active, while exporters and investors did not take positions on the
futures market. Sellers were also not forthcoming, trade sources said.
Dealers from Bihar and Jharkhand were buying directly from the primary market dealers on
cash-and-carry basis. The trade here attributed the shift of these upcountry dealers, who were
hitherto covering low bulk density pepper from Karnataka to Kerala, to non-availability of
pepper in Karnataka.
Besides, Kerala’s inter-State dealers, who transport the material by rail, were also buying
from the primary markets in the plains.
In the international market, all the origins except Brazil – where harvesting is in the full
swing – were firm. Brazil was selling slightly lower.
However, Indian parity moved up further today and remained slightly above other origins,
market sources told Business Line.
October and November contracts on the NMCE fell by Rs 256 and Rs 423 respectively to Rs
43,050 and Rs 42,390 a quintal. Total turnover moved up by one tonne to 12 tonnes while
open interest declined by three tonnes to 19 tonnes.
On the IPSTA platform, turnover increased by 10 tonnes to 88 tonnes. October and
November contracts decreased by Rs 221 and Rs 210 respectively to Rs 43,179 and Rs
43,290 .
Spot prices on good buying support went up by Rs 200 to close at Rs 40,400 (ungarbled) and
Rs 42,400 (garbled) a quintal.

Copra rises as coconut output drops

Erode, Oct 4: With coconut production dropping, copra and coconut oil prices are surging
on demand from crushers.
At the Avalpoondurai market here, copra prices increased by Rs 300 a quintal on Friday.
“Prices increased sharply despite heavy arrivals. This was mainly since coconut oil was sold
at Rs 1,380 for 15 kg loose pack. Still, crushers are expecting prices to rise,” said R.M.
Palanisamy, a trader in Erode.
He said that palmolein and palm kernel oil prices ruled unchanged at Rs 64 a k but traders are
buying limited quantity of coconut oil.
Coconut oil crushers said that they have adequate stocks but the sales were low.
Production of coconut has started decreasing and so they are trying to stock copra. Farmers
expect the prices to increase next week.
At the Avalpoondurai market on Friday, 1,000 quintals of copra arrived for sale.
Many oil crushers from Kerala and local oil crushers participated in the auction and
purchased all the offerings, quoting a higher price. Even the price of second grade copra
increased by Rs 400 a quintal.
At Avalpoonduraithe first grade copra was sold at Rs 6,315-6,655 a quintal, second grade at
Rs 4,585-6,315; 1,000 quintals were sold.

Mixed trend in spot rubber

Kottayam,Oct. 4:
Physical rubber prices were mixed on Friday.
The under current was weak, as the absence of genuine buyers continued to influence the
overall market sentiments.
But RSS 4 managed to sustain at the prevailing levels following a better closing on the
National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE).
Sheet rubber closed steady at Rs 165.50 a kg, according to traders.
The grade was unchanged at Rs 166 at Kottayam and Kochi, according to the Rubber Board.
October futures improved to Rs 167.74 (Rs 166.47), November to Rs 167.04 (Rs 165.79),
December to Rs 168.72 (Rs 167.62) and January to Rs 171 (Rs 170.10) while February
dropped to Rs 172.97 (Rs 178.31) on the NMCE.
RSS 3 (spot) weakened to Rs 155.35 (Rs 156.37) at Bangkok.
October futures closed at ¥245.0 (Rs 155.47) on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange.
Spot rubber rates Rs/kg were: RSS-4: 165.50 (165.50); RSS-5: 160 (162); Ungraded: 155
(155); ISNR 20: 157 (158) and Latex 60%: 129 (131).

Record global tea output likely this year

Coonoor, Oct. 4:
With only the last quarter of the current calendar remaining, indications are that the global tea
production is heading for a new record in 2013.
With almost every country posting a higher crop than last year, global traders are predicting
the overall production of all teas to rise to 4.8 billion kg this year from last year’s 4.6 billion
kg.
It was only in 2010 that production crossed, for the first time, 4-billion-kg mark and the
expectation as of now is that 5-billion-kg mark would be reached as early as in 2014.
This means a growth of one billion kg in just five years.
Official production data for August is available for Sri Lanka, Malawi, Uganda and
Bangladesh while it is confined to July for India.
“According to our compilation, the global black tea production so far this year has increased
to 1,177 million kg (mkg) from 1,066 mkg”, Rajesh Gupta, publisher of annual Global Tea
Digest, told Business Line.
This marks a growth of 111 mkg or 10.41 per cent.
All countries except Malawi and Indonesia have posted an increase.
Even here, Malawi’s output has fallen just marginally by 0.53 mkg to total 33.67 mkg.
Indonesia’s output has drifted by just 1.20 mkg to reach 33.30 mkg.
The 0.63 mkg increase in August has helped Sri Lanka’s eight-month production to rise by
7.03 mkg to 222.13 mkg.
Unfavourable climate in August pulled down the month’s production in Uganda by 3.40 mkg
but helped by higher output in earlier months, the overall production in eight months rose by
0.33 mkg to reach 35.95 mkg.
Bangladesh’s output also slipped marginally by 0.10 mkg in August, but the eight month
cumulative production rose by 0.66 mkg to 33.31 mkg.

Bayer’s multi‐crop breeding station to

focus on hybrids
Hyderabad, Oct. 4:
Bayer CropScience India has launched a new multi-crop breeding station in Chandippa, some
46 km from Hyderabad.
The facility will focus on breeding and development of germplasm for high performing
hybrids in rice, cotton and millet, says a press release from the company.
“This is one of the most significant investments made by Bayer CropScience India over the
last three years. Chandippa will serve as a strategic site for product development activities in
India and Asia-Pacific markets” said Stephan Gerlich, Country Group Head, Bayer in India,
during the inauguration recently.
Over the last three years, Bayer CropScience India has invested nearly Rs 100 crore in
various projects.
These include capacity expansion at its existing seed processing plant in Toopran near
Hyderabad, a new mustard breeding station in Palwal, Haryana, and the multi-crop breeding
station in Chandippa.
Spread over 36 acres, the breeding station will be equipped with all aspects of R&D
infrastructure.
These include – labs, open fields for trials, screen houses and fully automated greenhouses,
which will be used to speed up breeding cycles.
The labs will support activities in resistance breeding, tissue culture and qualitative testing.
The new facility will also have a cultivable area of 25 acres for field experimentation.
The Chandippa breeding station will have approximately 80 employees. A key highlight will
be its rain water harvesting pond, which is a first of its kind facility in India and has been
imported from the Netherlands.
This fully automated system will harvest rain water, which will be filtered and utilised for
cooling in the greenhouses.
somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in
‘Better post‐harvest handling can help
save 25 mt foodgrains’

New Delhi, Oct. 4:

An estimated 25 million tonnes of foodgrains, accounting for about a tenth of country’s
output, could be saved from wastage if farmers are trained to adopt proper post-harvest
management practices, a study has revealed.
The study “Value Addition in Agricultural Products in India,” carried out by industry body
Assocham said if farmers are educated on how to handle post-harvest cleaning and grading, it
would help avoid significant spillage and wastage at various points from farm-to-market
yard.
Farmers sell their produce in market yards without cleaning and grading, which is done by
traders. As a result, farmers get a low price, it pointed out.
“There is a need to educate farmer community about traders’ needs in terms of quality, grades
and application of permissible preservatives for a longer shelf life,” said Assocham Secretary
General D.S. Rawat. Also, the present system of bulk procurement of wheat and rice by the
Government in various States is disincentivising the farmers to invest their time in cleaning
and grading, as any premium on better quality and grade is not commensurate with the
returns they fetch, the study said.
Farmers must be informed that higher grades would fetch them better price and they should
thus go for better varieties right from the time of sowing. Further, it pointed out that the
Government should also encourage system of farmer graded grain in procurement in
synchrony with the trade and export needs. “The government should encourage private sector
participation in grain trade with a pro-active export policy given the severe storage and
maintenance problems together with mounting subsidy on wheat and rice procurement,”
Rawat said.
The study said post-harvest infrastructure development is a pre-requisite for value addition in
agri-exports.
“India can also tap the great potential for exporting 20 mt rice, wheat, maize and other cereals
without disturbing the domestic equilibrium,” the study said.
vishwanath.kulkarni@thehindu.co.in

Govt to spend Rs 3,507 crore to boost
oilseeds output in 12 {+t} {+h} Plan

New Delhi, Oct 4:

The Centre proposes to spend Rs 3,507 crore during the 12 {+t} {+h} Plan to boost oilseeds
output and bring an additional area of 1.25 lakh hectares under oil palm.
“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the implementation of National
Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm with an allocation of Rs 3,507 crore,” a statement said.
fresh fruit bunches
Besides enhancing oilseeds output by 6.58 million tonnes, the Mission would also bring
additional area of 1.25 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation with increase in productivity
of fresh fruit bunches from 4,927 kg a hectare to 15,000 kg and increase in collection of tree-
borne oilseeds to 14 lakh tonnes. “The implementation of the proposed mission will enhance
production of vegetable oil sources by 2.48 mt from oilseeds (1.70 mt), oil palm (0.60 mt)
and tree borne oilseeds (0.18 mt) by the end of the 12th Plan period,” the statement said.
seed replacement ratio
The mission would lay stress on increasing the seed replacement ratio with focus on varietal
replacement; increasing irrigation coverage under oilseeds from 26 per cent to 38 per cent
and diversification of area from low yielding cereals crops to oilseeds crops. Under the
mission, the recommended varieties and proven technologies would be demonstrated in a
cluster approach to ensure participation of all categories of farmers, irrespective of the size of
their holdings, social status.
existing schemes
The national mission on oilseeds is built upon the achievements of the existing schemes of
Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds Oil Palm and Maize , Tree Borne Oilseeds Scheme and Oil
Palm Area Expansion programme during the 11th Plan period.
vishwanath.kulkarni@thehindu.co.in

Stockists’ demand drives up sugar

freight rates
Mumbai, Oct. 4:
Sugar prices on the Vashi wholesale market ruled flat on Friday on normal demand and
ample supply.
At the higher level, prices for S-grade dropped by Rs 10-20 a quintal.
Fine and bold varieties ruled unchanged. Naka rates were steady on routine activities.
Freight rates from producing centres were up Rs 4-5 a bag on higher demand from stockists
ahead of Dussehra.
Traders made new commitments to fulfil festival demand. The volume was higher with mills
compared with the last few days.
More than 75,000 bags were sold by producers on Thursday evening with fair quality S-grade
being sold Rs 10-20 lower. Bold variety prices were unchanged, said a Vashi-based trader.
Due to ample supply Vashi market carries more than 120-125 truckloads of stocks forcing
mills to sell at discount.
Upcountry buying is also lacking in Maharashtra and hope for exports is bleak at current
price.
Arrivals at Vashi market continued to be at 61-62 truckloads (100 bags each), while local
dispatches were 62-63 loads.
On Thursday, 16-18 mills sold about 75,000-80,000 bags at Rs 2,800-60 (Rs 2,810-80) for S-
grade and Rs 2,930-3,000 (Rs 2,930-3,000) for M-grade.
The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association's spot rates were: S-grade Rs 2,960-3,115 (Rs
2,960-3,115) and M-grade Rs 3,132-3,272 (Rs 3,131-3,272).
Naka delivery rates were: S-grade Rs 2,900-2,960 (Rs 2,900-2,960) and M-grade Rs 3,010-
3,100 (Rs 3,010-3,100).
Uttar Pradesh rates were: Muzzafarnagar Rs 3,240.

Cotton set to wilt on higher arrivals
next week

Rajkot, Oct. 4:
Cotton price remained unchanged on Friday as demand was limited. Also arrivals of the new
crop have begun to rise in Gujarat after the weather has cleared.
According to traders, cotton may rule at the current levels, as buyers are waiting for quality
cotton to arrive in the market.
Gujarat Sankar-6 cotton traded at Rs 47,000-48,000 a candy of 356 kg. About 4,000 bales of
170 kg new crop and 2,000 bales old cotton arrived in Gujarat. About 18,000 bales arrived
across the country. Price of raw cotton or kapasalso ruled steady. New kapas price quoted at
Rs 700-1,150 for a maund of 20 kg and old kapas at Rs 750-1,200. In some parts of
Saurashtra, kapas quoted up to Rs 1,300.
A broker said that ginning activity in Gujarat has not yet gathered momentum and buyers are
waiting for quality cotton which is likely to come at the month-end.
Price may decline marginally next week as arrivals are set to rise and demand is subdued.
Meanwhile, the All Gujarat Ginners’ Association has projected a crop of 375 lakh bales with
Gujarat seen contributing 140 lakh bales.

Pulses may rally on reports of crop

damage

Indore, Oct. 4:
With demand outstripping arrivals, both pulses and pulse seeds are ruling higher in Indore
mandis. Even as local mandis were closed on Friday on account of Amavasya, a majority of
pulse seeds ruled firm. Both moong and urad have been witnessing a bullish trend on slack
arrival and higher demand. Moong (new) is currently ruling at Rs 5,400-5,600 a quintal,
while moong (Maharashtra) ruled at Rs 5,600-5,800.
Amid report of damage to moong and urad crops, arrival of both the pulse seeds in mandis
here has declined sharply leading to steep rise in prices (Rs 700 a quintal) in the past two
weeks.
Rally in moong also perked up its dal with moong dal (medium) being quoted at Rs 6,200-
6,400 , moong dal (bold) at Rs 6,500-6,700, while moong mongar ruled at Rs 6,800-7,200 a
quintal.Urad (bold) was being quoted at Rs 4,100 , while urad (medium) ruled at Rs 3,500-
3,800. Amid report of damage to the crop, a rally in urad also appears imminent in the
coming days, said a trader Prakash Vora.
Urad dal (average) was at Rs 4,500-4,600, urad dal (bold) ruled at Rs 4,700-4,800, while urad
mongar is ruling at Rs 5,200-5,500.
Rise in demand and improved buying support from the millers have lifted masoor in Indore
mandis as well with masoor (bold) being quoted at Rs 4,200-25 , while masoor (medium)
ruled at Rs 3,800-4,200. Masoor dal (average) was being quoted at Rs 4,850-5,000, masoor
dal (medium) at Rs 5,050-5,200 a quintal.

Lack of N. India order grinds turmeric

Erode, Oct. 4: Turmeric exporters and traders are yet to receive any upcountry orders
despite Durga pujaand Diwali drawing near. Almost all exporters and traders are
disappointed as they have not received any fresh order so far.
“Usually by this time, they would have received good orders to facilitate the transportation of
the turmeric. Merchants in North India have turned to Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh for
their needs since turmeric is cheaper there,” said R.K.V. Ravishankar, President, Erode
Turmeric Merchants Association.
He said that over the past few months, quality turmeric has been available in Andhra Pradesh,
so North Indian buyers are have placed orders there. Prices are also slightly lower than Erode.
Now, only inferior variety turmeric is arriving for sale in all the four markets.
At the Erode Turmeric Merchants Association sales yard, the finger variety was sold at Rs
3,466-5,495 and the root variety Rs 3,336-4,811 a quintal.

Salem Hybrid Crop: The finger variety fetched Rs 4,608-5,911; the root variety Rs 4,489-
5,002. Of the 372 bags that arrived, only 89 were sold.
At the Regulated Market Committee, the finger variety was sold at Rs 4,689-5,799; the root
variety Rs 4,059-4,877. Of the 385 bags up for sale, 370 found takers.
At the Erode Cooperative Marketing Society, the finger variety quoted Rs 4,591-5,689 and
the root variety Rs 4,269-4,889. All the 369 bags on offer were traded.
At the Gobichettipalayam Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Society, the finger variety was
sold at Rs 4,769-5,842; the root variety Rs 4,002-5,057. All the 92 bags put up for sale were
picked up.

Bullish trend likely to continue in

wheat

Karnal, Oct. 4:
The bullish trend in the wheat market continue with prices of dara variety moving up further
by Rs 10 a quintal on Friday.
Radhey Sham, a trade expert, told Business Linethat domestic demand for flour is supporting
the market and may continue to rule around current levels for the next few days without much
fluctuation, he added.
In the physical market, dara wheat moved up by Rs 10 and quoted at Rs 1,530-40 a quintal.
Around 1,200 bags of wheat arrived and stocks were directly offloaded at the mills.
Mill delivery was at Rs 1,530 while delivery at the chakki was at Rs 1,540.
Wheat futures witnessed a fall on the NCDEX on Friday.
Wheat for October delivery lost Rs 12 at Rs 1,534 with an open interest of 4,260 lots.
The grain touched a high of Rs 1,546 earlier in the day.
October contracts have some support at Rs 1,530, while resistance is at Rs 1,565.
November contracts eased by Rs 7 to Rs 1,553.
Market may continue to witness a range-bound to weak movement in the coming days, said
market experts.
In the spot market, prices dropped by Rs 35.50 to Rs 1,564.50 a quintal.
Flour Prices
Following a continuous uptrend in wheat, flour too moved up by Rs 25 and quoted at Rs
1,775. On the other hand, Chokar ruled flat at Rs 1,290 a quintal.

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