Farmers demand more water from reservoir Take out massive rally urging the govt. to return to previous norm

Protest:Farmers from Thadapalli — Arakkankottai ayacut taking out a procession in on Monday demanding the release of more water from Bhavanisagar . —PHOTO: M. GOVARTHAN

Farmers from the Thadapalli — Arakkankottai ayacuts took out a massive rally in Gobichettipalayam on Monday demanding more water from the Bhavanisagar reservoir.

More than 10,000 farmers, including a large number of women, participated in the rally demanding the Central and State governments to provide water to the two old ayacuts of as per the old practice.

About 25,000 acres in these two ayacuts received water from the for a period of 10 months starting from April 15 every year. This was a practice followed for several years. But this had been reduced to 65 days a year based on the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. The quantum of water released to the two ayacuts was also reduced from 14 tmcft to 4.65 tmcft. Claiming that injustice had been meted out to the farmers in the two ayacuts, the agitators wanted the government to return to the previous norm of releasing water for 10 months. “The norm had been followed since the construction of the Kodiveri anaicut 500 years ago. We cannot accept the reduction of the number of days and the quantum of water to the two old ayacuts,” Thadapalli — Arakkankottai Farmers Association Subi. Thalapathi said.

The reduction of water to the two old ayacuts would affect the livelihood of thousands of farmers, he added.

Since the government could not get its share of Cauvery water, it was trying to draw more water from the Bhavani river and provide it to the delta districts. Instead of depriving the farmers in the western region of water, the government should try hard to get the due share of water from Karnataka, farmers demanded. Farmers threatened that they would resort to a series of agitations if the government continued to implement the tribunal’s order and reduce water to the two old ayacuts.

Kodiveri Anai Pasanatharargal Sangam President Thangam Palanisamy led the protest.

Existing price of turmeric not remunerative, say farmers

Though the turmeric crop size in Tamil Nadu has witnessed a sharp fall and the arrivals during the current season are quite thin compared with the last year, the prices of the yellow spice have not picked up as expected by the farming community.

Except the hybrid crop, the prices of many varieties continue to hover around Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 8,500 a tonne, which according to farmers was not remunerative. “The actual demand from market has not picked up. Only the stockists are buying the yellow spice as there is a general perception among them that there will be a significant rise in the prices in the future. The absence of demand keeps the prices low,” Ulavan Producers Company vice-chairman D. Venkateshwaran says.

‘Farmers’ Festival’ begins in Nellai

The ‘Farmers’ Festival’, which is being conducted for the second consecutive year to create awareness regarding the State Government’s welfare programmes for the agriculturists and to disseminate modern farming techniques through village-level campaigns, commenced in the district on Sunday.

Minister for Tourism P. Senthurpandian inaugurated the second- edition of the festival in the presence of Collector C. Samayamoorthy at Kottaakulam near Tenkasi.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Senthurpandian said the agrarian community should utilise the month-long awareness campaign and understand the modern farming practices being advocated during this special drive to increase the yield.

As monsoon had failed consecutively for the past four years, farmers were facing crop loss due to acute water scarcity.

Hence, the farmers should adopt techniques like System of Rice Intensification where they could get maximum yield by using less quantity of water.

“Almost all farmers in our district have suffered huge crop loss owing to drought-like situation and hence the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had deputed a high-level team to inspect the district and to interact with the farmers. The Chief Minister will certainly bail you out,” Mr. Senthurpandian said.

Mr. Samayamoorthy, in his address, said the awareness campaign would be conducted in all the 585 revenue villages in the district during which distribution of welfare schemes and farm implements would also be conducted.

Joint Director of Agriculture K. Soundararajan was present during the function.

Carry drinking water from reservoirs through pipelines, urge farmers’ body

The Federation of Tamil Nadu Agriculturists’ Associations has requested the Tamil Nadu Government not to directly release water from reservoirs into the rivers for drinking purposes but to convey water through pipelines along the bunds of the rivers so as to prevent the contamination of the water by the industrial effluents and municipal sewage discharged into the rivers.

A resolution to this effect was passed at a meeting of the federation held here recently.

The federation urged the government to lay pipelines along the rivers for releasing water for drinking purposes.

The pipelines carrying water from the drinking water headworks in the rivers should also be linked to these pipelines, the resolution stated.

By another resolution, the federation urged the Tamil Nadu Government to regulate the lift irrigation methods adopted by farmers along the rivers such as Cauvery, Bhavani and Amaravati and along the supply channels and protect the riparian rights of the farmers. The federation urged the government to expedite the payment of drought relief of Rs. 15,000 per acre in the delta districts and to ensure the payment of the assured compensation.

It also urged the government to provide drought relief to the affected farmers in the non-delta districts as well.

It appealed to the government to remove the encroachments on all water bodies in the delta districts which were encroached owing to neglect over the years in view of the farmers’ total dependence on the water released from the Mettur reservoir from 1934 onwards.

Desilting operation

The federation requested the government to undertake a mass desilting operation in all the reservoirs and other water bodies in the State as a drought-relief measure.

This is the opportune moment for undertaking the desilting operation, the resolution stated.

S. Nallasamy, Secretary of the federation presided.

Farmers get incentives

Ten farmers who took good care of milch animals and 15 others who took good care of sheep and goats given for free under a State scheme received an incentive of Rs. 19,000 and Rs. 19,500 respectively.

Workshop on farmers’ rights

A one-day workshop, organised by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai, on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 concluded at Sulthan Bathery recently. The workshop was organised in association with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA).

Z. Abraham, Principal Scientist, National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources (NBPGR), Thrissur, led classes on major functions of the Authority and benefits to the farmers under the Act.

M. Geetha Rani, senior scientist, MSSRF, Chennai, who is also the coordinator of the programme, briefed the gathering on how MSSRF was facilitating benefit sharing, recognition and suitable reward and registration of farmers. The organisation was planning to organise similar programmes for the farming community in Tamil Nadu and Orissa, she added.

Nearly 75 farmers participated in the programme.

Cost reduction technologies in focus at key farm meeting Farmers’ problems discussed at annual zonal meet

The annual zonal research and extension advisory council meeting for scarce rainfall zone comprising the Kurnool and Anantapur districts laid stress on cost reduction technologies while ensuring productivity so as to mitigate the effects of drought and lower yields in the two districts.

Agricultural scientists, officials of the Agriculture Department, progressive farmers and extension scientists participated in the meeting which was held at the Agriculture Research Station at Rekulakunta village here on Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, District Water Management Agency project director Dilli Rao urged the scientists to concentrate on new ways to ensure soil and water conservation.

He stressed that soil erosion in the districts was amongst the most severe in the country, which if unchecked could spell doom for agriculture in the long run.

Associate Director (Research) Dr. Padmalatha presented last year’s most notable research findings and other developments at the meeting. Amongst the developments were the Bengal gram harvester, planter cum herbicide sprayer besides the aqua planter, which also gives a certain amount of water while sowing the seeds to ensure germination, in spite of delayed rainfall.

The development of shorter duration variety of Korra (millets), Suryanandi variety, which matures in just 65 days, was hailed by the scientific community as an important development given that the reduced time could mean both faster yields as well as resistance to drought.

Use latest techniques and harness solar power, Kanna tells farmers

Agriculture Minister Kanna Lakhminarayana inaugurated a three- day exhibition featuring agricultural implements and other farm inputs at the market yard here on Monday.

It was organised by the Agriculture Department with the objective of exposing the farmers to latest technologies in their field. On the occasion, Mr. Lakshminarayana called upon the farmers to learn about the latest techniques of agriculture and be acquainted with the ways of achieving higher yields through mechanisation to which the government attached due priority. He asserted that the government was committed to welfare of farmers and has been implementing various schemes towards that goal.

Mr. Lakshminarayana called upon the farmers to make use of solar power in a substantial manner as it is a reliable source of energy and cost-efficient in the near term.

Joint Director of Agriculture V. Sridhar, market yard secretary Narahari and others participated.

Heavy showers kill one, damage standing crops

Sudden gales and showers lashed the district killing one person and causing untold damage to standing mango and other crops here on Monday.

Farmers, who came with their Chilly produce to Enumamula agricultural market, were shocked to witness the sudden showers. According to the market sources, as many as 8,000 bags of chilly stocked up in the open yards of the market were soaked in water due to sudden rains. And the farmers’ misery was unbound. Market committee secretary Srinivas Rao assured the farmers that the produce would be purchased at a proper rate, following which they calmed down.

At Panthini village in Wardhannapet mandal, a farmer named Uppunutala Yadagiri (54), died and four persons suffered injuries when a shed collapsed. The incident occurred when Yadagiri and others were taking shelter from the hailstorm. The injured were shifted to local government hospital for treatment. The standing crops such as mango, maize, watermelon and others in Rayaparthy, Wardhannapet, Dharmasagar and other mandals suffered heavy damage.

Poultry workers stage demonstration

Labourers of a large poultry unit and hatchery demonstrated in front of the district labour office in the city on Monday. They alleged that the authorities of the company were not allowing them to form a union although they had applied for it to the Labour Department.

Some of the labourers of the poultry unit were also being harassed because they had tried to form a union.

The officials of the Labour Department promised that an investigation would be taken up regarding their allegations.

Chinese media urge eating poultry despite bird flu

Chinese state media on Monday urged people to keep eating chicken and help revive the poultry industry, which lost 10 billion yuan in the week after the H7N9 bird flu virus began infecting humans.

Altogether 61 people have been confirmed as infected and 14 have died in the two weeks since Chinese authorities said they found the strain in humans for the first time.

"The public should somewhat restrain their anxieties to avoid this becoming a disaster for the whole poultry industry," the Global Times said in an editorial, adding that not eating poultry was "unfair to farmers". According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza viruses are inactivated by temperatures above 70C (158F) and it is therefore safe to eat well-cooked meat products.

The number of cases jumped from 40 over the weekend and spread for the first time beyond Shanghai and three nearby provinces, with two cases reported just west in Henan and one in Beijing.On Monday a boy in the capital, who had been put under observation because he was a close contact of an H7N9 patient, tested positive for the virus but was suffering no symptoms of illness, Beijing health officials said.AFP

Harvest begins on paddy field lying fallow for 13 years Vishu brings Chandy’s long cherished dream to fruition

This Vishu, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy fulfilled a long cherished dream.

For the past 13 years, the Eravinallore polder in Puthuppally, in which his family owns a piece of paddy field, had been lying fallow. Mr. Chandy’s efforts to bring it under cultivation had met with little success.

This season, however, he could prevail upon the local panchayat and Krishi Bhavan and succeeded in bringing 75 acres of the 130 acre polder under cultivation.

First, the fallow polder filled with wild grass was cleared. Nine tractors worked for nearly 1,000 hours before the field was readied for sowing. All together Rs.25 lakh was spent for bringing the polder under cultivation. Unfortunately, his family’s piece of land still remained uncultivated. It was among the 55 acres which was left uncultivated as the marshy nature of the area made it impossible for the tractors to work.

“We shall bring the remaining area under cultivation this season,” said local panchayat member Abraham Chacko.

The harvesting in the polder began as a kaineettom for this Vishu. The Chief Minister himself was present when the harvest was formally inaugurated. Two combined harvesters have been pressed in to service.

In addition a team of 10 workers have been kept ready. If it becomes hard for the combined harvesters to enter the area on account of the swampy nature of the soil, the workers will jump into action and harvest the produce manually.

The harvesting has been on for the past two days and the panchayat and Krishi Bhavan authorities are confident that they would be able to complete the work this week itself.

Wheat arrival picks up in Punjab, Haryana

Wheat arrival has steeply gone up in Punjab and Haryana this season as compared to the corresponding period of last season, Food Corporation of (FCI) said on Monday.

Punjab, which otherwise saw almost negligible arrival of crop till April 10, has seen a sudden jump in crop arrival as the State witnessed crop procurement of 90,097 tonnes so far as against arrival of 19,278 tonnes during corresponding period of last procurement season, an FCI official said. Traders bought 2,069 tonnes of wheat out of the total arrival in the State as against purchase of just 80 tonnes in the year ago period, the official informed.

“There has been a sudden crop arrival in grain markets of Punjab in last five days which went up from daily arrival of 500 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes per day,” the official said.

The neighbouring Haryana saw heavy arrival of winter crop as it has crossed 10 lakh tonnes (LT) mark so far, an official of Haryana Food and Supplies department said here. - PTI

Inflation slips to 3-year low Pressure is coming down gradually, says Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Softening vegetable prices pulled down inflation to over three-year low of 5.96 per cent in March, raising hopes of a rate cut next month by the Reserve Bank of India to boost economic growth.

This is the lowest level of Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation since December 2009 when it was 4.95 per cent.

Inflation based on the WPI stood at 6.84 per cent in February. In March 2012, it was 7.69 per cent.

Food inflation, which has 14.34 per cent share in the WPI basket, declined to 8.73 per cent in March from 11.38 per cent in February.

Easing of food inflation was on account of a sharp drop in prices of vegetables. Inflation in vegetables stood at (-) 0.95 per cent in March, against 12.11 per cent in the previous month.

Commenting on the inflation numbers, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said inflationary pressure was coming down gradually.

“Inflation behaviour is consistent with what government has been saying that it is slowly coming under control,” he said.

Experts said WPI had come down mainly on easing of fruits and vegetable prices, but retail inflation continued to be in double digit as food inflation remained structurally high.

Deflationary trends

“The easing has happened on account of a significant decline in global commodity prices in March and growing deflationary trends in manufacturing sector. I expect the RBI to reduce both the repo rate and CRR by 0.25 percentage points,” Bank of Baroda Chief Economist Rupa Rege Nitsure said.

Inflation for January, however, was revised upwards to 7.31 per cent, from 6.62 per cent provisionally. The decline in March inflation and a slowdown in industrial output growth to 0.6 per cent in February have raised expectations of rate cut by the RBI to boost growth. The RBI will announce its annual policy on May 3.

The 5.96 per cent March-end inflation is much lower than the Reserve Bank’s projection of 6.8 per cent.

“Near one percentage point drop in the inflation has come as a big relief to the industry and as a pointer to the RBI to reverse its hawkish policies and cut the interest rates rather aggressively,” said Rajkumar Dhoot, President of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

Inflation in the manufactured items category witnessed a marginal decline at 4.07 per cent in March. It was 4.51 per cent in February.

The rate of price rise of onions was 94.85 per cent, as against 154.33 per cent.

Inflation in rice prices eased to 17.90 per cent from 18.84 per cent.

To spur rate cuts, say analysts

The drop in headline inflation to a 40-month low of 5.96 per cent for March has increased the possibility of a rate cut by the RBI , analysts and rating agencies said on Monday.

India Ratings said the cooling off in core and general inflation readings, coupled with fiscal consolidation and reform measures undertaken by the government, would help RBI Governor D. Subbarao go in for a “cautious monetary easing”.

Interestingly, in the last policy review in March, when it had cut the repo rate by 0.25 percentage points to 7.5 per cent, the apex bank had virtually ruled out a rate cut in the near future, saying it had a limited room because of the high current account deficit. Citing the downward trend, Crisil said the average headline inflation for 2013-14 will go down to 6.3 per cent from 7.3 per cent in 2012-13.

“The probability of inflation surprising on the downside is high,” the rating agency said.

“We expect the central bank to cut the repo rate by clips of 0.25 percentage points in the next two policy meetings in May and June. We think RBI will support an easing monetary policy bias in the next few months,” Deutsche Bank said.

‘Green signal’

Foreign brokerage Credit Suisse said there was a “green signal” for a rate cut in the May monetary policy announcement and also discounted the only inhibiting factor of trade data for March, due to be released later this week.

Credit Suisse pointed out that the RBI’s preferred measure of core WPI inflation was also down to 3.5 per cent, the seventh consecutive drop and the lowest since February 2010.

However, Sonal Verma of Japanese financial firm Nomura sounded cautious, saying the downward trend was not sustainable due to the likely release of suppressed inflation on coal and electricity price hikes, a rise in food prices and an expected depreciation in the rupee in the second half of the year.

“Besides weak demand, the bulk of moderation in core WPI inflation is due to lower commodity prices,” she said. — PTI

Uniform tea auction system in the offing

New facility:M.G.V.K. Bhanu, Chairman, Tea Board, launching UCEL E- auction in Coonoor on Monday. —Photo: Special Arrangement

A new pan India tea auction system is on the anvil, said the Chairman, Tea Board, M.G.V.K. Bhanu at Coonoor on Monday.

Launching the UPASI Commodities Exchange Limited (UCEL) E- auction of The Golden Leaf India Awards (TGLIA) teas at the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI), he said that the proposed system was expected to be in place in about two months.

Stating that it would link all the existing auction centres in the country, he said that the objective was to create a uniform auction rule.

Adverting to the UCEL E-auction platform, Mr. Bhanu said that he was apprehensive about its future as earlier another organisation had obtained an E-auction licence but it did not survive.

Urging the UPASI to keep that in mind, he said that it should function responsibly and develop credibility to protect the rights of buyers and sellers. Questions like who will ensure payments should be addressed. However, the Tea Board will extend all possible support.

Referring to the scenario on the tea front, he said that the tea industry was doing very well and this year it was expected to do even better considering the global situation. Compared to last year, auction prices had gone up by about Rs. 25-a-kg.

Pointing out that South Indian orthodox teas would be in demand in Iran and CIS countries, he hoped that the manufacturers would take good care of their workers.

The Vice-Chairman, Tea Board, Koshy Baby, said that high priority should be accorded to tackling problems relating to adulteration. The adulterators should be booked under the Goondas Act and the permits of the erring manufacturers cancelled. Tea Board should be vested with the powers to prosecute the culprits.

The President, UPASI, G.J. Ancheril, said that the launch of the UCEL E-auction system was a welcome development.

The Chairman and Managing Director, Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited, S.K. Tripathi, said that e-commerce which was worth about Rs. 5000 crore now was expected to shoot up to Rs. one lakh crore.

The Executive Director, Tea Board, R. Ambalavanan, said that the Tea Board cracked down on adulterators. So far, 20 factories had been raided. If the practice of colouring tea was put an end to the revenue of the sector could go up by 25 per cent.

The Small Growers’ Directorate had started functioning in the Tea Board’s office in Coonoor.

Quality

The quality council initiative of UPASI will help improve the quality and image of the South Indian teas. The Chairman, UCEL, J.K. Thomas, welcomed the gathering.

The Convenor, TGLIA Southern Tea Competition Organising Committee, C. Shreedharan, proposed a vote of thanks.

Mr. Bhanu distributed certificates to winners of TGLIA 2012 and launched the UCEL portal www.UCEL.in.

Compared to last year, auction prices have gone up by about

Rs. 25-a-kg

Seafood to be costlier as fishing ban begins

livelihood on holdWith hundreds of mechanised boats staying moored on Monday, the Kasimedu fishing harbour lacked its usual bustle. Similar inactivity was reported in the other fishing districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry —Photo: S.S. Kumar

It is that time of the year when sea fish are in short supply and as a result, their prices shoot up. With the annual ban on deep-sea fishing coming into effect, fishermen along the east coast have stopped going out to sea in mechanised boats.

The 45-day curb, which began on April 15, is aimed at preventing fishing activity during what is considered fish breeding season in the Bay of Bengal.

With hundreds of mechanised boats staying moored on Monday, the Kasimedu fishing harbour lacked its usual bustle. Similar inactivity was reported in the other fishing districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry.

However, the full effect of the ban will show only in the days to come with a dramatic change in patterns of fish trade. Fish caught on the west coast are expected to break into markets here. Consumption pattern is also likely to register changes, with a spurt in demand for freshwater fish. According to experts, carp, catfish, murrell and tilapia will be among the popular choices.

As the ban is directed at fishermen with mechanised boats that put out 20 hp and above and promote the use of trawl nets, those relying on catamarans and low-powered fibre boats can be expected to make a killing. But the latter are far from upbeat. At Naiyanar Kuppam in Uthandi, a group of fishermen who operate fibre boats seems to be in no mood to cash in on the situation.

“As the fish catch is low during this period, the ban does not translate into any major gain for us,” said G. Babu. Besides catamarans, the fishermen in this hamlet use 50 fibre boats with capacities ranging from 7hp to 10 hp, and they don’t venture far into the sea. Like fishermen of their ilk operating elsewhere on the east coast, they bring in thavala, kanan kalathi, vavaal, sheela and sankara fish.

“For another 30 to 40 days, these fish will not be found in huge numbers,” said Kuzhendaivelu. But low catch is the least of their worries. In the Tamil month of Chithirai (April 15 to May 14), fishermen in these parts are gripped by the fear of recurrent storms.

“It is called Chithirai puyal. It strikes sometime during the month,” said M. Lakshmanan who has seen the storm keep its annual appointment since his grandfather’s time.

“Fearing the storm, many fishermen stay off the sea during Chithirai,” said Kuzhendaivelu. Fishermen at Nochi Kuppam also fear this storm. Vinod, a young fisherman, said, “When we see the storm brewing, we leave our nets and head back to the shore.”

During the 45-day period, fishermen across Tamil Nadu are paid a sum of Rs. 2,000 each as succour. Ravichandran, a fibre-boat fisherman of Nochi Kuppam, said, “This is a small amount and we have to go fishing. It does not matter that the catch will be low.”

Some experts, however, question the reasoning in labelling April 15 to May 29 as fish-breeding season in the Bay of Bengal. They believe breeding in the seawater along the east coast is more likely to happen during the northeast monsoon. They have called for a detailed study on this.

Andhra food festival

This summer, if you want to treat yourself with a range of non- vegetarian delicacies, Hotel Daspalla is hosting a food festival ‘Andhra Vantakaalu’ in the city.

One can savour Nellore chapala pulusu, natu kodi pulusu, vanjram kura, menthi kura kodi iguru and talakaya mamsam kura, among other dishes. Lip-smacking biryanis like royyala biryani, fish masala, natukodi dum and mutton kheema also form part of the weeklong a-la-carte menu. The festival is open for both lunch and dinner at the Dakshin restaurant, according to a release.

Weather

INSAT PICTURE AT 14.00 hrs. Observations recorded at 8.30 a.m. on April 15th. Max Min R TR New Delhi (Plm) 38 21 tr 26 New Delhi (Sfd) 36 20 0 22 Chandigarh 35 19 0 26 Hissar 36 16 0 40 Bhuntar 20 9 0 129 Shimla 20 11 0 108 Jammu 33 18 0 33 Srinagar 24 8 0 94 Amritsar 35 17 0 5 Patiala 36 19 1 23 Jaipur 37 23 tr 7 Udaipur 37 23 0 0 Allahabad 42 21 2 11 Lucknow 37 18 0 1 Varanasi 40 21 1 7 Dehradun 32 16 tr 18 Agartala 33 22 0 33 Ahmedabad 41 26 0 1 Bangalore 36 24 0 19 Bhubaneshwar 39 22 1 1 Bhopal 39 24 0 21 Chennai 35 27 0 32 Guwahati 34 20 13 35 Hyderabad 36 26 0 42 Kolkata 38 24 0 1 Mumbai 33 25 0 0 Nagpur 38 23 0 16 Patna 40 23 0 1 Pune 38 20 0 3 Thiruvananthapuram 35 25 13 105 Imphal 32 15 0 74 Shillong 28 15 1 22 The columns show maximum and minimum temperature in Celsius, rainfall during last 24 hours (tr-trace) and total rainfall in mm since 1st March. RAIN AT FEW PLACES

RAINFALL: Rain/thundershowers have occurred at a few places over Uttarakhand and at isolated places over Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, east Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Weather was mainly dry over rest of the region. The chief amounts of rainfall in cm are: HIMACHAL PRADESH: Jubbal and Kotkhai 1 each, JAMMU AND KASHMIR: Udhampur 1, PUNJAB: Mukerian 2, WEST UTTAR PRADESH: Aligarh 2 and Hamirpur 1 and UTTARAKHAND: Mukteshwar 3.

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES: The maximum temperatures fell in Himachal Pradesh and changed little elsewhere. They were appreciably below normal in Jammu and Kashmir, below normal in Himachal Pradesh and normal in rest of the region. The highest maximum temperature in the region was 42.0ºC recorded at Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh).

FORECAST VALID UNTIL THE MORNING OF 17th April 2013: Rain/thundershowers may occur at one or two places over Jammu and Kashmir and increase thereafter. Rain/thundershowers may occur at a few places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on 16th and one or two places on 17th. Rain/thundershowers could occur at one or two places over Punjab, Haryana and Delhi on 16th and mainly dry weather thereafter. Weather would be mainly dry over rest of the region. FORECAST FOR DELHI AND NEIGHBOURHOOD VALID UNTIL THE MORNING OF 17th April 2013: Mainly clear sky.

Water level

: Water level in dam was 112.60 feet with an inflow of 100 cusecs and discharge of 100 cusecs. The level in was 45.82 feet with an inflow of 63 cusecs and discharge of 60 cusecs. The combined Periyar credit was 2,059 mcft. Rainfall recorded in the region is as follows (in mm): Andipatti: 60, Shanmuganadhi: 6, Veerapandi: 1, Vaigai Dam: 4 and Kallanthiri recorded 6 mm rainfall.

Water level in the on Monday stood at 69.60 feet (maximum level is 143 feet). The dam had an inflow of 119.40 cusecs and 394.75 cusecs was discharged from the dam.

The water level in stood at 85.12 feet (118 feet). The dam had an inflow of 29 cusecs and 5 cusecs was discharged.

Kanyakumari

The water level in Pechipparai dam stood at 12.70 feet feet, 26.75 feet in Perunchani, 3.94 feet in Chittar I, 4.03feet in Chittar II and 1.80 feet in Poigai dam.

Weather Chennai - INDIA Today's Weather Tomorrow's Forecast Tuesday, Apr 16 Wednesday, Apr 17 Max Min Max Min o o Sunny 34 | 28 Partly Cloudy 35o | 28o

Rain: 0 Sunrise: 05:56 Humidity: 79 Sunset: 06:21 Wind: normal Barometer: 1007

Extended Forecast for a week Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 22

36o | 28o 35o | 28o 35o | 28o 34o | 28o 33o | 28o

Partly Cloudy Cloudy Overcast Overcast Overcast

China represents 68% of increase in global CO2 emissions, India represents 8%: Study NEW DELHI: India represented 8% of the increase in global energy-related CO2 emissionsbetween 2000 and 2010 according to a report by US based Climate Policy Initiative (CPI). In contrast, China represented a whopping 68% of the increase in global CO2 emissions.

The study released on Monday at The Brookings Institution in Washington DC, claims to have analysed the impact of three decades of implementation of various kinds of policies to curb climate change in - India, China, Brazil, the EU, and the US. It says that impact of these policies has accelerated despite an impasse in international climate negotiations.

In India and China, most new energy generation since 2000 came from conventional sources, even though the past decade saw "exponential growth" in renewable energy especially wind, which grew 1250% from 2000-2010 says the report.

From 2005-2010, Indian states began the renewables portfolio obligations for their electricity markets. In 2010, these statewide targets translated to an 5.5% nationwide target for renewable energy.

China saw a tripling of growth rates in industrial energy consumption after 2002 and electricity generation grew by 1.5 times. At the same time, closure of inefficient coal-fired power plants saved more than 100 million tonnes of coal equivalent. From 2005 to 2010, increased enforcement of energy building codes in China saved an estimated 60 million tonnes of coal equivalent per year states the report.

Ironically, the authors claim that in US, over the past seven years, CO2 emissions have fallen by 13%. "Yet, at the national level, the US is mired in political infighting while comprehensive climate policy is nowhere in sight. The apparent contradiction should give us all food for thought," he says. The report pats US back on reductions but fails to evaluate the fact that US continues to have a very heavy emissions burden on the world, next only to China.

Market pulse for agro commodities : Mangal Keshav

Spot rates of soya bean crop offered by planters were DOWN at '41-'41.5 per kg while rates across major mandis declined to '40-'40.5 per kg, as per local traders. Arrivals of chilli crop increased to more than 0.8lakh bags while trades too were up on strong demand among local buyers & exporters. Spot rates were up & quoted steady at '57-'61 per kg, based on crop quality.

Arrivals of jeera crop declined to about 30,000- 32,000 bags while trades too were down to ~28,000 bags at auctions held at Unjha market. Spot rates were quoted at '130-'132 per kg, as per local traders.

Spot rates of pepper garbled were unchanged '362 per kg and that of un- garbled was steady at '347 per kg while arrivals declined to 18 tons & trades were down at 20 tons at auctions held at Kochi market, as per IPSTA.'

Arrivals of turmeric crop increased at ~30,000 bags at Nizamabad, while supply at mandis of stood at 6,000-6,500 bags. Spot rates were up & quoted at '65-'68-70 per kg, as per local traders.

Average price of small cardamom declined to '574 per kg while maximum price offered was down at '792 per kg, as per spice board. Total inflow of small cardamom crop declined to 37.4 tons from which ~33.4 tons were sold at CPA auction held at Santhanpara.

Arrivals of Soya bean crop increased to more than 75,000-80,000 bags at MP market & increased to about 3,000 bag at Indore mandis while supply across mandis of Rajasthan stood ~20,000 & at mandis of Maharashtra ~25,000 bags, as per trade reports.

Spot rates of soya bean crop offered by planters were DOWN at '41-'41.5 per kg while rates across major mandis declined to '40-'40.5 per kg, as per local traders.

Guar seed arrivals declined to 25,380 quintals, while the average of the closing spot rates were down at '9,400.8 per quintal. Inflow of mustard seed crop increased to 374,002 quintals, while average of closing spot rates were down at '3,159.9 per quintal, as per agriculture marketing board of Rajasthan.

Mentha oil futures closed at lower circuit buy mid-session, while spot rates too were down by more than '30 per kg, pressured by poor demand, steadily supply & chart based selling on the exchange counter. Daily arrivals have declined to 100-120 drums.

Spreading fragrance

Multiple uses: Dried rose petals pictured at the Khari Baoli wholesale market in New Delhi. They are sold at Rs 175-200 a kg. Dried roses have many uses ranging from floral arrangements, decorative wreaths, wedding bouquets , decorate candy, salads, oils to wines and vinegars. — Kamal Narang

Lack of buyers saps spot rubber

Kottayam, April 15: Spot rubber declined on Monday. According to sources, there were no buyers on the commodity even during late trading hours but the prices managed to sustain at the prevailing levels on supply concerns. Sheet rubber weakened to Rs 163 (165) a kg, according to traders. The grade declined to Rs 163.50 (164.50) a kg at Kottayam and Kochi, according to Rubber Board.

April contracts dropped to Rs 158.99 (160.97), May to Rs 158.83 (161.70), June to Rs 157.52 (161.54), July to Rs 157.25 (160.98) and August to Rs 156.30 (160.22) a kg on the National Multi Commodity Exchange.

The April futures for RSS 3 nosedived to ¥248 (Rs 138.49) from ¥265 a kg during the day session but then recovered marginally to ¥248.6 (Rs 138.88) in the night session on Tokyo Commodity Exchange .

Spot rubber rates Rs/kg : RSS-4: 163 (165); RSS-5: 160 (161.50); Ungraded: 155 (157); ISNR 20: 151 (153) and Latex 60 per cent: 108 (109).

World pulses trade meet to look into demand-supply outlook

Singapore, April 15: With nearly 1,000 delegates streaming in from over 50 countries to discuss latest developments in the world pulses sector and crystal-gaze into the future, the atmosphere here at the annual meet of International Pulses Trade and Industry Confederation (CICILS-IPTIC) is one of heightened expectation. Producers, processors, industrial consumers, traders and related others are keen to know from specialists what the market holds for them in 2013-14. Experts are slated to discuss a wide range of topics over the next three days including global pulses demand and supply outlook, global food security from health and nutrition perspective, product innovation, emerging markets and global influences, and specific product-wise panel discussions.

A cross section of traders and millers Business Line spoke to said that the world market was adequately supplied this year and therefore, the opportunity for a bullish trend was rather limited. At the same time, supply stress can develop in case of specific crops such as lentils in the coming months.

CICILS-IPTIC is attempting to get 2016 declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. According to Hakan Bahceci, President of the confederation, pulses play a vital role in advancing the world’s food and nutrition security, and their role assumes greater importance for developing or poor countries that face pervasive malnutrition or under-nutrition.

India, the world’s largest producer, importer and consumer of a wide range of pulses, is obviously a focus of attention at such events, especially for exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, US and Myanmar.

India’s pulses production in 2012-13 is an estimated 17.7 million tonnes (mt), up from last year’s 17.1 mt.

India’s annual imports of pulses are estimated at about 30 lakh tonnes valued at over Rs 9,000 crore.

For 2013-14, the Government has fixed a production target of 19 mt, with specific measures including crop diversification and mixed cropping.

A steady increase in minimum support price in the last three years has provided some encouragement to growers.

Market participants are also wondering as to when India will start exporting pulses in an unrestricted policy environment. South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are all importers of pulses.

Teas fetch record prices at special sale

Coonoor, April 15: Record prices were fetched at the special auction of The Golden Leaf India Award (TGLIA) contest teas held on Monday. The auction was conducted at the UPASI Commodities Exchange Ltd (UCEL) portal which Tea Board Chairman M.G.V.K. Bhanu inaugurated at UPASI here. Avataa tea of Bluegate Beverages Billimalai, auctioned by Paramount Tea Marketing, fetched the highest price of Rs 1,750 a kg in all the TGLIA auctions held so far. “Golden Tips Tea Co, Kolkata bought this tea which is preferred for its silvery hair, prominent buds, shiny bloom, high-liquoring merit and cup characteristics”, Bluegate Director G. Udayakumar told Business Line.

“Our Red Dust tea, auctioned by Paramount Tea Marketing, topped the CTC market when JK Enterprises bought for Rs 504 a kg. This is the highest price to be fetched by any CTC grade in any auction so far in India. Our Broken Orange Pekoe Large (RS 190), Broken Orange Pekoe (Rs 250)) and Broken Pekoe Small (Rs 253) fetched the highest price in their respective grades,” Vigneshwar Estate Tea Factory Managing Partner Ramesh Bhojarajan said.

Pepper exports dive on production woes

Kochi, April 15: Indian pepper has lost its glory in the world market as the major supplier of the spice following continued decline in production due to various factors. Vietnam has taken over the top slot in the world production and supply for about a decade now. output, yield

Pepper production, which was at 64,000 tonnes from 2.16 lakh hectare in 2003 with an yield of 296.3 kg/hectare, has declined to 48,000 tonnes in 2011 from 1.84 lakh hectares and to 43,000 tonnes in 2012. In 1993, the country produced 50,760 tonnes from an area of 1,89,370 hectares with a productivity of 268 kg/hectare. dwindling exports

Fall in Indian exports of pepper could be attributed to the strong domestic demand estimated at somewhere between 40,000 and 45,000 tonnes a year and the resultant comparatively high domestic prices making the commodity often non-competitive in the world market, Kishor Shamji, a pioneer in the trade and former President, IPSTA, told Business Line. vietnam gains

Vietnam, which produced only 9,750 tonnes of pepper from 6,700 hectares in 1993, raised its area to 30,600 hectares and produced 89,180 tonnes with an yield of 2,914 kg/hectare in a decade in 2003. From there, it increased its production to 1,09,400 tonnes in 2011 from 45,100 hectares with a productivity of 2,425 kg/hectare.

In 2012, according to International Pepper Community (IPC) statistics, India was pushed down to third place in production. kerala's scenario

The continuous fall in area and production in Kerala, which used to be the leader in pepper production in the country, is attributed to the drop in national pepper production.

According to the latest Economic Review of the State Government, “in Kerala, the area under pepper is estimated at 0.85 lakh hectares and production at 0.38 lakh tonnes during 2011-12. It is noted that the production has declined by 16.1 per cent in the respective period caused by erratic weather condition in growing regions and also on account of structural issues. Insect pest problem of erythrina(standard),weather viability, absence of alternate standards, poor productivity, fluctuating prices, etc. compounded the declining production”.

global situation

The IPC has projected world pepper production for 2013 at 3,14,832 tonnes against 3,24,090 tonnes in 2012 and 3,17,750 tonnes in 2011.

According to this projection, India's position is at second slot in 2013. However, it would depend on the actual production in Indonesia.

Vietnam continues to hold the first position with 33.5 per cent share of world pepper production and where India contribute 16.1 per cent share with 2nd/3rd rank.

Potato prices in Bengal boil on demand

Tuber up nearly Rs 200/quintal within a fortnight

Hot potato: Farmers in Abhirampur village in Hooghly District growing the Atlanta variety of potato. This year there is hardly any stock left with farmers. This is despite the State producing nearly 12 per cent more potatoes at 98 lakh tonnes (lt). — Sushanta Patronobish

Kolkata, April 15: A steady demand from other States has pushed up potato prices in West Bengal by nearly Rs 200 a quintal in the last fortnight. With the current rise, potato prices in the State have inched up by over Rs 300 a quintal in the last one month. The wholesale price of the Jyoti variety is ruling around Rs 750-760 a quintal this currently, compared with Rs 550 during March-end and early April. The demand for Bengal potatoes in Odisha, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra is on the rise, said Patit Paban De, member of West Bengal Cold Storage Association.

No stock

According to De, usually around this time of the year farmers have a reasonable quantity of potatoes with them as stocks after storing the rest in cold storages.

However, this year there is hardly any stock left with them. This is despite the State producing nearly 12 per cent more potatoes at 98 lakh tonnes (lt) this year.

The 400-odd storage units in the State can hold up to 60 lt of potatoes.

Close to 8-10 per cent of potatoes usually remain with farmers post loading into cold storages. However, this year, farmers are left with nearly 12-15 per cent of the stock due to an increased production.

“There has been a good demand for Bengal potatoes in other States as the cost is lower compared with the UP potatoes,” De said.

With the stock with farmers almost on the verge of depletion and with prices increasing to Rs 750 a quintal, it would now be time for cold storages to start unloading their stock.

Stored Potatoes

Unloading from cold storages typically take place during the last week of April or early May.

“This year, in fact, we expected the unloading to begin in the second week of May due to excess production. However, steady demand is leading to depletion of stocks lying with farmers thereby necessitating an early unloading,” De said.

Rental Issue

Though the demand may force cold storages to start unloading their stock, however, it would be difficult for them to do so till the rental issue is resolved, De said.

Faced with almost 50 per cent rise in operation costs, cold storages in the State have been demanding a hike in rentals. The last hike in cold storage rentals took place in 2010.

“Unless there is some headway on the rental issue, it will be difficult for us to start unloading. If unloading does not happen on time then the lack of stock coupled with the high demand could push up prices further,” he pointed out. [email protected]

Tea prices slide in Kochi auction

Kochi, April 15: Tea prices at the Kochi auction continue to witness a declining trend for the last two consecutive weeks. In Sale No: 15, the quantity on offer in the dust category CTC grades was 7,54,500 kg.

The market opened at Rs 5 lower and the decline was to the tune of Rs 5-10 a kg as the sale progressed. However, the decline in prices is less for good liquoring teas, auctioneers Forbes, Ewart and Figgis said.

The quantity on offer in the dust category orthodox grades was 20,000 kg. The market was lower by Rs 3-5 and sometimes more with many withdrawals. Exporters and upcountry buyers were selective.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 115-130, RD grades ruled at Rs 125-150, SRD fetched prices at Rs 130-150, while SFD stood at Rs 135-156. The prices at the leaf sales also declined and the quantity on offer in the Orthodox grades was 1,08,000 kg. The market for select best Nilgiri Brokens and whole leaf was irregular and while others declined with lower margins of Rs 5-10 and sometimes more.

Corresponding fannings declined in value. Medium, well-made, clean black bolder brokens, whole leaf barely remained steady and tended to ease.The demand was less for CTC leaf grades and the quantity on offer was 55,000 kg. In the dust category, Chinnar SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 163 followed by Injipara (Prm) SRD at Rs 159. In the leaf grades, Chamraj Green FOP (S) fetched the best prices of Rs 365 followed by Pascoes Hyson Green Tea at Rs 322. [email protected]

Cotton wilts on slack offtake

Rajkot, April 15: Cotton prices fell on Monday as demand was slow from exporters and spinning mills. According to market sources, currently local mills are active in the market. Gujarat Sankar-6 cotton declined by Rs 200-300 to Rs 38,400- 38,500 for a candy of 356 kg.

Kalyan cotton was quoted at Rs 28,500-29,000.

Kapas or raw cotton decreased by Rs 10 to Rs 870-997 for a maund 20 kg in Saurashtra, while Kadi delivery kapas stood at Rs 910-1,005.

About 22,000-23,000 bales arrived in Gujarat and around 75,000 bales arrived in India.

Cotton ready delivery quoted at Rs 4,050-4,140 a quintal in Punjab, Rs 4,020-4,030 in Haryana and Rs 4,020-4,030 in Rajasthan.

A Rajkot-based cotton broker said that local spinners were active in the markets but they were reluctant to buy in large quantity. Exporters were out of the market due to lack of fresh export orders. Traders were also worried about the impending sale by the Cotton Corporation of India.

CCI is likely to release around 4,00,000-5,00,000 bales for local mills in the coming days.

In its recent report on cotton, the Cotton Association of India noted that cotton exports have virtually come to standstill, while average daily arrivals continue at a pace of over 1,00,000 bales (each of 170 kg).

This is expected to create huge surplus cotton available in the country for the year 2012-13.

Total arrivals as on March 31 stood at 29.4 million bales so far.

Traders keep away from bearish edible oils

Mumbai, April 15: Edible oils prices declined on Monday on thin activities. Bearish Malaysian palm oil and Chicago soyabean futures weighed on local markets. Sources said that the volume was thin in local market on ease in demand. Local refineries have decreased rates for palm oil. A meagre 150-200 tonnes palmolein were traded in resale at Rs 508- 510 for ready- nearby delivery.

For indigenous oils, new arrivals of seeds and improved selling kept buyers away from fresh bet.

Mustard seed arrivals were 6.50 lakh bags and quoted Rs 3350- 3,525 a quintal.

Soyabean arrivals were 95,000-98,000 bags at national level and quoted Rs 3,950-3,970 ex-mandi and Rs 4,000 plant delivery.

At the close of the day, Liberty quoted palmolein at Rs 511-514; super palmolein Rs 545 and sunflower refined oil Rs 780.

Ruchi quoted palmolein at Rs 515 Patalganga; soyabean refined oil Rs 680 and sunflower refined oil Rs 771.

Allana quoted super palmolein at Rs 545. In Saurashtra-Rajkot, groundnut oil dropped by Rs 10 to Rs 1,880 (Rs 1,890) for telia tin and Rs 1,220 (Rs 1,230) for loose 10 kg on higher selling.

On the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange, soyabean refined oil May futures declined by Rs 4.70 to Rs 703.85 (Rs 708.55); June dropped by Rs 6.25 to Rs 689.05 (Rs 695.30) and July closed lower by Rs 6.15 to Rs 681.30 (Rs 687.45).

In Malaysia BMD crude palm oil May futures settled lower at MYR 2,280 (MYR 2,327); June MYR 2,293 (MYR 2,345) and July was MYR 2,301 (MYR 2,357) a tonne.

The Bombay Commodity Exchange spot rates (Rs/10 kg): Groundnut oil 1,210 (1,210); soya refined oil 679 (680); sunflower exp. ref. 690 (690); sunflower ref. 775 (775); rapeseed ref. oil 710 (710); rapeseed expeller ref. 680 (680); cottonseed ref. oil 645 (643) and palmolein 510 (512).

Rice seen ruling firm on rising retail demand

Karnal, April 15: Domestic demand, coupled with fresh trade enquires, kept aromatic and non-basmati rice firm on Monday. Rice, which has rallied in the last one week, ruled firm at previous quoted levels as trade enquiries supported the market, said Amit Chandna, Proprietor of Hanuman Rice Trading Company.

Rising retail demand has turned the market sentiment positive and prices are likely to rule around current levels this week, he added.

Prices of aromatic varieties have increased by Rs 200-500 a quintal while the non-basmati varieties have gone up by Rs 70-400 over the last one week.

Traders expect that market may rule range-bound but within a positive territory, said market experts.

In the physical market, Pusa-1121 (steam) sold at Rs 8,200 while Pusa-1121 (sela) quoted at Rs 7,150.

Pure basmati (raw) quoted at Rs 9,000. Duplicate basmati (steam) traded at Rs 7,100.

For the brokens of Pusa-1121, Dubar quoted at Rs 4,100, Tibar sold at Rs 4,950 while Mongra was at Rs 3,100.

Similarly, non-basmati varieties remained unchanged. Sharbati (steam) quoted at Rs 5,400, while Sharbati (sela) was at Rs 5,050.

PR-11 (sela) sold at Rs 3,400-3,450 while PR-11 (raw) quoted at Rs 3,100-3,150.

Permal (raw) sold at Rs 2,500 while Permal (sela) went for Rs 2,400 . PR14 (steam) sold at Rs 3,200.

Profit-booking, global cues crush soya

Indore, April 15: Weak global cues and profit-booking at higher rates arrested the uptrend in soyabean and soya oil. In the last one week, soybean has declined by Rs 100 a quintal to Rs 3,850-3,950 a quintal amid arrival of 50,000 bags across mandis in Madhya Pradesh.

Arrival of soyabean in Indore mandis on Monday was recorded at 2,000 bags, while it was 7,000 bags in Dewas and 3,000 bags in Ujjain mandisrespectively.

Besides profit-booking by speculators and weak global cues, decline in buying support in soyameal in the domestic market has also contributed to fall in soyabean prices in the past one week.

Aided by strong buying in soyameal and and weak arrivals, soyabean prices in the localmandis till last week were on the boil with prices going as high as Rs 4,100 a quintal. With decline in buying support in soyameal, plant deliveries of soyabean have also declined by Rs 100 to Rs 3950-Rs 4000 a quintal in a week’s time. Weak global cues and favourable US Department of Agriculture report also arrested uptrend in soyabean futures with April and May contracts on the NCDEX closing at Rs 3,975 a quintal (down Rs 94) and Rs 3,825 a quintal (down Rs 117.50).

Soya oil prices declined on weak global cues and slack demand in physical market.

On Monday, soya refined declined to Rs 684-87 for 10 kg (Rs 690- 93), while soya solvent slipped to Rs 654-58 for 10 kg (Rs 660-84).

In the futures market, soya oil declined to Rs 725 (down Rs 2.50) and Rs 703.85 (down Rs 4.70).

Dip in demand for soyameal in the domestic market also dragged prices by Rs 2,000-2,500 a quintal in the domestic market in the past one week.

On Monday, soyameal in the domestic market was quoted at Rs 35,500-36,000 a quintal. Mixed trend in spot sugar; futures range-bound

Mumbai, April 15: Sugar prices on the Vashi wholesale market was mixed on Monday. In the spot market, S-grade declined by Rs 10 and M-grade ruled unchanged. Naka price for M-grade declined by Rs 20-30 on lack of demand while S-grade was steady.

Mill tender rates were flat on eased demand. Domestic futures prices were also range-bound on cautious mood. Jagdish Rawal, a wholesaler, said: “Sugar prices in other producing centres are ruling at a par with Maharashtra’s parity; hence, supply in local market is ample. “In absence of any positive cues, domestic futures prices were also steady. Currently, Vashi market carries about 120 truckloads (each of 100 bags) inventories, he said.

Arrivals were 64-65 truckloads (each 100 bags) and local dispatches were also at 61-62 loads.

On Saturday evening, only 10-12 mills offered tenders and sold 60,000-65,000 bags at Rs 2,950-3,030 (Rs 2,950-3,030) for S- grade and Rs 3,040-3,150 (Rs 3,040-3,150) for M-grade.

On the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange, sugar May futures were Rs 2,960 (Rs 2,956); June contracts were Rs 3,025 (Rs 3,022) and July was Rs 3,065 (Rs 3,068) till noon.

The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association’s spot rates were: S-grade Rs 3,122-3,221 (Rs 3,132-3,231) and M-grade Rs 3,200-3,401 (Rs 3,200-3,401).

Naka delivery rates: S-grade Rs 3,070-3,100 (Rs 3,070-3,100) and M-grade Rs 3,130-3,270 (Rs 3,150-3,300).

Turmeric stockists begin building inventories

Erode, April 15: Turmeric prices increased by Rs 500 a quintal on Monday as stockists began to build inventories. . “Very few local traders and exporters procured, some 500 bags, but stockists purchased over 1,800 bags, to build inventoroes on the speculation that turmeric price will touch Rs 20,000 by May-end.

“Actually, there was no such indication prevailing in the market”, said R.K.V. Ravishankar, President, Erode Turmeric Merchants Association.

He said that only 4,480 bags arrived for sale, of which and 2,000 from Andhra Pradesh, as the Nizamabad market is still closed for holidays. Due to the sudden rise of Rs 500 in Erode, the futures market also increased by 2.64 per cent.

Ravishankar said that 58 bags of fine variety arrived at the Erode Cooperative Marketing Society.

Buyers quoted the highest amount of Rs 9,011 and procured the entire stocks. Farmers expect the price to increase by another Rs 2,000 within a fortnight.

At the Erode Turmeric Merchants Association, the finger variety was sold at Rs 4,329-8,409, and the root variety Rs 3,829-7,484. Salem hybrid crop: The finger variety was sold at Rs 6,519- 9,885, the root variety Rs 6,369-7,785. Of total arrivals of 1,039 bags, 412 bags were sold.

At the Regulated Market Committee, the finger variety was sold at Rs 7,389-8,669, the root variety Rs 6,444-7,689. Of the 467 bags up for sale, 445 got sold.

At the Erode Cooperative Marketing Society, the finger variety was sold at Rs 7,809-9,011, the root variety Rs 7,209-7,719.

All the 313 bags put on sale were sold.

At the Gobichettipalayam Agricultural Cooperative Marketing society, the finger variety was sold at Rs 6,879-8,599, the root variety Rs 5,662-7,599.

All the 227 bags were sold.