1. The arrival of the southwest monsoon two days early on May 30 this year led to an early start to the Kharhu sowing season. Despite some interruptions along the way, the monsoon continued to cover the country at a rapid pace, eventually covering the entire country six days ahead of schedule, according to our Delhi Bureau report.
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2. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall in July, with the northeast likely to experience below-normal rainfall, writes Prabhudatta Mishra.
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3. The monsoon has brought joy to farmers and the government. After 38 weeks, water levels in 150 major reservoirs have improved and water storage has increased in almost all regions. This change comes as the monsoon water deficit has reduced to 3% from 19% a week ago.
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4. A timely monsoon will provide some relief to housewives as the government aims to increase the area under onion cultivation by 27 percent during the Kharkh season. Availability of tomatoes and potatoes is also expected to improve.
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5. As part of efforts to boost organic farming in the country, the nodal agency, Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), has released a draft NPOP. The proposal contains some good initiatives but lacks substance when it comes to implementation.
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6. In an unfortunate development, New Zealand, like neighbouring Australia, has denied India a “trademark certificate” similar to the geographical indication tag for basmati rice. The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has argued that the fragrant rice is grown outside India and that growers have a legitimate right to use the name.
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