Top Farmer News | August 18, 2026
🏛️ Agriculture Policy, Government and Rural Economy
1. 🥛 New Dairy Plant in Rajasthan to Boost Farmers and Livestock Rearers
An important step has been taken in Alwar, Rajasthan, to strengthen the dairy and cooperative sectors. The foundation stone of a new dairy plant was laid at the Alwar Saras Dairy complex. Along with this, dairy processing plants and cattle feed plants of various milk cooperatives were also inaugurated through e-inauguration. During the programme, funds were transferred to farmers through DBT under the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Crop Insurance Scheme. Appointment letters for government jobs were also distributed to 10,580 youth. Development works worth ₹6,262 crore of the Rajasthan government were also inaugurated and their foundation stones were laid. During the programme, the cooperative and dairy sectors were described as important for the rural economy. Expansion of the dairy sector can increase opportunities for livestock rearers in milk production, processing and connecting with markets. The government also focused on strengthening employment and income opportunities for rural families, livestock rearers and youth.
2. 💧 ₹5,755 Crore Works Under Jal Jeevan Mission in Rajasthan
Several development works related to providing water to rural areas are being taken forward in Rajasthan. During a programme held in Chittorgarh, the works being carried out under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the basic development of the state were discussed. According to the information, 944 works costing ₹5,755 crore were inaugurated and their foundation stones were laid in 15 districts. During the programme, the government claimed that water had been provided to 11 lakh households in the first 70 years, while according to the present government, work has been done to provide water to around 64 lakh households in the last eight years. Providing tap water to homes is expected to reduce the effort required by rural families, especially women, to bring water. Along with water facilities, emphasis was also placed on strengthening investment, employment and basic infrastructure in Rajasthan. A safe and regular drinking water system is important for farming, livestock rearing and household needs in rural areas.
3. 🍛 100 Atal Canteens Started in Delhi, Food at ₹5
On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 25 new Atal Canteens were started in Delhi. After the inauguration of these new canteens, the total number of Atal Canteens in the capital has reached 100. According to the Delhi government, the purpose of these canteens is to provide food to needy people at a low price. The regular meal price here has been kept at ₹5. The government said that through 100 canteens, the target is to provide food to around one lakh people every day. Canteens were inaugurated at different locations, including areas around the University Metro Station and AIIMS. The Delhi government described this initiative as a tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that its purpose is to ensure that no person in the capital goes to sleep hungry. This low-cost food arrangement can be useful for workers, needy families and people with low incomes.
🌱 Natural Farming and Agriculture Business
4. 🟢 Peas Become a Source of Income for Farmers at an Altitude of 14,000 Feet
In the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, pea cultivation at an altitude of around 4,200 metres, or nearly 14,000 feet, is becoming an important source of income for farmers. The geographical conditions of Langza village are quite difficult for farming, yet local farmers are producing peas despite weather challenges. Traditionally, barley was mainly cultivated here, but now peas are emerging as a major crop. According to farmers mentioned in the report, chemical pesticides and herbicides are not used in pea cultivation here. According to government data, in 2024-25, around 43,641 metric tonnes of vegetables were produced in Lahaul-Spiti over an area of about 2,560 hectares. This includes peas and other vegetables. Peas from Spiti are supplied to different parts of the country. Despite the difficult weather and high altitude, this crop has created a special identity for itself in the rural economy of the region.
5. 🌍 Focus on Increasing Farmers’ Income Through Agricultural Exports
Agricultural exports have been presented in Vadodara, Gujarat, as a possible way to increase farmers’ income. Farmers said that there are good opportunities for Indian agricultural products in the international market. For this, farmers will have to adopt modern agricultural technology along with focusing on better packaging and necessary certifications. If farmers connect directly with export markets, dependence on middlemen can reduce and they may get an opportunity to receive better prices for their products. Emphasis was also placed on increasing the demand for food products, fruits and flowers. The programme also mentioned the increasing use of drone technology in agriculture and discussed income opportunities through women drone operators. To take agricultural products to global markets, it was said that it is important to understand production quality, packaging, certification and market requirements. Connecting farmers with international market opportunities along with domestic mandis was presented as an important opportunity.
6. 🍎 Apple Production Increasing in Bani, Jammu and Kashmir
Bani tehsil in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a new centre for apple production. Young farmer Sanjeet Kumar has developed an apple orchard here, and the orchard is producing a good quantity of apples. According to the report, the apples produced are being sent to different states of North India. An important point is that traders who buy fruits are reaching the orchards directly. This gives the farmer an opportunity to connect directly with the market for his produce. Apple cultivation is also becoming a new source of employment and income for local youth. Expansion of horticulture in areas such as Kathua can encourage farmers to take up fruit production along with traditional crops. The example of Sanjeet Kumar highlights the potential of horticulture in the region. The report said that apples produced from the orchard are being supplied to several states of North India. The direct arrival of traders at the orchard also shows the market demand for the produce.
💳 Government Schemes and Health Services
7. 🏥 Ayushman Bharat Scheme Implemented in West Bengal
The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme has been implemented in West Bengal. According to the state government, around 3 crore 39 lakh people will benefit from this scheme. Eligible families will receive cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh every year. A total of 10,930 hospitals have been included under the scheme. These include 10,303 private hospitals and 627 government hospitals. Beneficiaries will be able to receive treatment in hospitals through their Aadhaar cards. Eligible people who do not have an Ayushman card can get their eligibility checked and register at the hospital. Initially, the scheme will operate along with the Swasthya Sathi and proposed Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme. According to the report, after a three-month review, the Swasthya Sathi scheme will be gradually discontinued. Around ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme, with 60 percent to be borne by the central government and 40 percent by the state government.
8. 💊 Treatment Facility for 1,950 Diseases in West Bengal
Information has been given that treatment for 1,950 types of diseases will be available under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal. This also includes treatment facilities such as knee replacement. According to the report, around 1 crore 43 lakh families and nearly 6 crore people in the state may benefit from this scheme. Apart from this, the state government has also started the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, which is expected to benefit around 80 lakh people. Under both schemes, treatment facilities are available in 38,604 hospitals across the country, according to the information provided. The report also states that all people above 70 years of age will receive the benefit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The state government is planning to start Amrit Pharmacies in 10 government hospitals. Medicines at these pharmacies will be available at prices 50 to 80 percent lower. This arrangement can be important in reducing healthcare expenses for rural and farmer families.
🌧️ Weather, Rain and Floods
9. 🚨 Red Alert for Heavy Rain in Odisha, Flood Risk
Due to the low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, Odisha is experiencing the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts. Orange and yellow alerts have also been issued in several other districts. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue for the next three days. Due to continuous rain and floods, more than 5 lakh people have been affected in the state so far, and 947 villages have been reported to be waterlogged. The state government has alerted officials and increased the necessary administrative preparations. Teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force are working to provide assistance to affected people. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the government is continuously monitoring the flood situation. For farmers, it is important to prevent waterlogging in fields during continuous rainfall and follow weather warnings issued by the local administration.
10. 🛣️ Under-Construction National Highway Section Collapses Due to Rain in Odisha
Amid continuous rainfall in Odisha, around 100 metres of an under-construction section of National Highway-53 collapsed in Kendrapara district. After the road section collapsed, three trucks standing there fell into the pit. According to the report, the drivers and helpers of the trucks were not present at the time of the incident, so no injuries or deaths were reported. The incident occurred when several parts of the state were already facing heavy rainfall and flood conditions. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall for several districts of Odisha. Continuous rainfall has increased the risk of waterlogging on roads, agricultural fields and low-lying areas. The administration is monitoring the affected areas. During this weather, it is important for farmers and rural residents to maintain proper drainage from their fields. At the same time, caution is also necessary in waterlogged areas connected with roads or bridges.
🌧️ Weather, Rain and Floods
11. 🌧️ Heavy Rain Forecast in Several States
The Meteorological Department has predicted the possibility of heavy rain in several states of the country over the next few days. Apart from Odisha and West Bengal, rain is likely in Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh for the next two days. Heavy rain is also expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. During the next two to three days, rain with thunder and lightning may occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Rain is also forecast in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Vidarbha. Farmers have been advised to plan their farming activities according to local weather warnings. In case of continuous rain, waterlogging in fields can damage crops, so it is important to check and maintain proper drainage arrangements.
12. 🌊 Flood Situation Slowly Improving in Assam
The flood situation in Assam is slowly improving, but life has not yet become completely normal in many areas. According to the report, 235 villages in five districts of the state are still affected by floods and more than 62,000 people are affected. Many areas of Golaghat, Hojai, Nagaon, Sivasagar and Jorhat are still waterlogged. Around 4,954 hectares of agricultural land have been affected due to the floods. The report also mentions that 104 people have died so far in the state due to the floods. For affected people, 37 relief camps and relief distribution centres are being operated. Around 4,877 people are staying in these camps. Food, safe drinking water and medical facilities are being provided at the relief camps. Relief and rehabilitation work is continuing in the affected areas.
🥦 Crop, Sowing and Pest Management
13. 🌽 Farming Advice for Farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh have been advised to maintain proper drainage arrangements in maize, ragi, rajma and vegetable crops. Farmers in high and cold areas have been advised to provide support to cucumber and tomato plants. In the plains of Uttarakhand, farmers have been advised not to allow water to collect in sugarcane, maize, moong, groundnut and sesame fields. Farmers have also been advised to postpone the sowing of sesame, urad and moong for some time. In the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, pea sowing has been advised to be kept on hold for now considering the rain forecast. Farmers have been advised to transplant ready cabbage seedlings during clear weather. In areas receiving continuous rainfall, maintaining proper water drainage from fields should be a priority for farmers. Waterlogging can affect crop roots. Therefore, farmers have been advised to carry out sowing, transplanting and other farming activities according to the local weather forecast.
14. 🌾 Important Farming Advice for Farmers in Punjab and Haryana
Farmers in the western areas of Punjab have been advised to complete the sowing of Basmati paddy, cauliflower, brinjal and radish. Emphasis has been given to maintaining the proper water level in paddy fields. Farmers in hilly and uneven areas of Punjab have been advised to sow sesame. In the western areas of Haryana, special attention has been advised to ensure that water does not collect in fields of all crops and vegetables. During continuous rainfall, waterlogging can create problems for crops, so it is important to maintain proper drainage arrangements. Farmers should regularly monitor their fields according to the weather. It has been advised to maintain the required water level in paddy fields and remove excess water from other crops. Considering the current weather, farmers have been advised to carry out sowing and field management activities according to local rainfall and soil conditions.
15. 🌱 Special Farming Advice for Delhi Farmers During Rain
Farmers in Delhi have been advised to temporarily stop spraying pesticides on crops under the current weather conditions. At the same time, emphasis has been given to maintaining proper drainage arrangements in pulse and vegetable fields. Farmers have been advised to sow brinjal, tomato, chilli and cauliflower on field bunds or field strips. During this season, farmers can also sow guar, radish, beans, spinach, red leafy vegetables and okra. Water accumulation in fields due to rain can affect crop conditions, so farmers should pay special attention to removing water from low-lying areas and vegetable fields. It is important to check the weather before spraying pesticides because rain can affect the effectiveness of the spray. Farmers have been advised to carry out farming activities according to the weather and regularly monitor their fields.
16. 🌽 Baby Corn Farming Can Provide Additional Income in a Short Time
Baby corn is not a separate variety of maize. It is a stage of maize when the process of grain formation in the cob has started or the grains have not fully developed. It is used in food items such as salads, vegetables, payasam and halwa. Due to increasing demand in cities, its cultivation is mainly done around urban areas. Around 20 to 25 kg of seed is required for one hectare. The crop can generally be ready in 50 to 60 days. Information has been given that 15 to 19 quintals of baby corn can be obtained from one hectare. Morning is considered a suitable time for harvesting the cobs. The cobs are harvested after silk or tassel appears on the plant, and harvesting can be done at an interval of about three days. On average, seven to eight harvests are considered sufficient for one crop. After harvesting, the plants can also be used as green animal fodder.
🍎 Horticulture and Farmers’ Income
17. 🧑🌾 Horticulture Creating More Employment Opportunities for Local Youth
Apple cultivation in Bani tehsil of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir is creating new opportunities for the local agricultural economy. Young farmer Sanjeet Kumar has developed an apple orchard here, and the orchard is producing a good quantity of apples. According to the report, the apples produced in the orchard are being sent to different states of North India. Traders are directly reaching the orchard to buy fresh apples, giving the farmer an opportunity to connect directly with the market. Apple cultivation is becoming a source of employment and income for local youth in the area. This example shows that farmers in suitable areas can adopt horticulture and make fruit production a part of their income along with traditional farming. The direct arrival of traders at the orchard for buying apples shows the growing possibility of local market connections. The report describes Bani as an emerging new centre for apple production. This indicates the possibility of increasing horticulture-based economic activities in the region.
🥗 Farmers and Health
18. 🌧️ Special Attention to Food and Water Hygiene During Rain
Special attention has been advised towards food habits and cleanliness during the rainy season. The report has stressed taking fresh and balanced food and following health-related precautions. According to Ayurveda-based advice, an imbalance related to Vata, Pitta and Kapha has been mentioned during the rainy season. During this period, light and easily digestible food has been advised. The use of grains such as old rice, wheat and barley has been mentioned. Vegetable soups and hot drinks have been advised. It has been suggested to boil water, cool it and consume it within 24 hours. People have been advised to avoid continuously taking excessive liquid food. Emphasis has also been given to eating seasonal fruits and vegetables. Maintaining food and water hygiene during the rainy season has been described as especially important. Farmers and rural families should pay attention to the cleanliness of the water coming into their homes and prepare food in a clean manner.
🚆 Rural and National News
19. 🚰 Safe Drinking Water System at 20,000 Railway Locations
The Railways has started a major improvement campaign to provide safe drinking water to rail passengers. According to the report, tank-to-tap filtration systems will be installed at around 20,000 locations across the country. The purpose of this system is to provide better and safe drinking water to passengers. Water filtration facilities will be installed at railway stations and related locations. This initiative, which will be implemented on a large scale across the country, is expected to improve the drinking water system available to passengers. Safe water is especially important for passengers travelling long distances. A large number of passengers visit railway premises every day, so water quality and availability are important issues. The report states that new filtration systems will be installed at around 20,000 locations. This initiative has been started to improve the drinking water infrastructure of the Railways. Passengers travelling from farming and rural areas to cities may also benefit from this system.
20. 👩 ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women Under Annapurna Scheme in West Bengal
Information has emerged about the launch of the Annapurna Scheme in West Bengal. According to the report, eligible women between 25 and 60 years of age will receive financial assistance of ₹3,000 every month under this scheme. The purpose of the scheme is stated to be providing financial assistance to women who meet the specified eligibility conditions. This initiative has been presented as a monthly financial assistance scheme for women. The report provides information about the eligible age group and the amount of assistance under the scheme. However, detailed information about the application process, required documents and the final number of beneficiaries has not been provided. Information about such schemes can be useful for eligible families while planning their household finances. It will be necessary to check the official eligibility details to receive the benefits of the scheme. According to the available news, preparations have been made to start the scheme in the state, with an announcement to provide ₹3,000 every month to eligible women.
21. 🗳️ 67% Enumeration Forms Digitised Under SIR in Delhi
The work of digitising enumeration forms under the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of the voter list is continuing in Delhi. According to the report, around 67 percent of the enumeration forms had been digitised by Sunday evening. Out of around 1.45 crore voter enumeration forms, information was given that 67 percent had been digitised. The report also stated that based on this process, there is a possibility that the names of more than 45 lakh voters may not be included in the draft voter list. The purpose of the SIR process is to organise and revise records related to the voter list. The process of voter records will move forward after digitisation. It is important for voters to keep checking the status of their names and details. The report does not provide details about the final voter list and the complete next process. Therefore, based on the available information, the main fact at present is that around 67 percent of enumeration forms under SIR in Delhi had been digitised.
22. 🏔️ Manimahesh Yatra to Begin from 4th September
The famous Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to begin from September 4. According to the report, the yatra will continue from Shri Krishna Janmashtami to Radhashtami and will end on September 19. The Manimahesh Yatra is an important religious pilgrimage in the region, and a large number of devotees are expected to reach the area during this period. During the yatra, the movement of people in the Chamba region increases, which can also increase activities related to transport, food, accommodation and other services at the local level. For people living in rural areas, such large religious events can create opportunities in local trade and services. The report clearly mentions the starting and ending dates of the yatra. Details about administrative arrangements and local preparations related to the yatra have not been provided in this news. It is important for devotees and local people to know the yatra period in advance.
23. 🔥 Hotel Fire in Tarapith, Seven People Dead
A major accident took place after a fire broke out in a hotel at Tarapith, a famous religious place in Birbhum district of West Bengal. According to the report, seven devotees have died so far in the incident. The fire broke out at a hotel where devotees were staying. The incident resulted in loss of life and became a serious accident. Tarapith is an important religious place where a large number of devotees visit. Therefore, safety arrangements at hotels and other accommodation places are important in such locations. The available news confirms the death of seven people. Detailed information about the cause of the fire, the rescue operation and the full extent of property damage has not been provided in the report. Therefore, only the facts given in the news have been presented here. After the incident, safety and hotel arrangements at the local level become important issues, but no additional information about these matters has been provided in the available content.
24. ✈️ Air India Flights from Visakhapatnam Now Operating from Bhogapuram
Air India has changed the airport for its flights operating from the Visakhapatnam region. According to the report, from August 18, all Air India flights will operate from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport located at Bhogapuram instead of Visakhapatnam International Airport. This change is important for passengers travelling by air from Visakhapatnam. Passengers should check their flight information and the location of the new airport in advance so that they do not face problems during travel. Information has been given that all Air India flights will operate from the new airport. The report states that this change will be effective from August 18. Therefore, passengers travelling from this region need to pay special attention to the airport information. This change in airline operations is an important transport-related news for passengers in Visakhapatnam and nearby areas.
📰 Other Important News Today
25. 🏛️ Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy Remembered
Various programmes were organised in Rajasthan on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His statue was unveiled in Chittorgarh and his political and national contribution was remembered. During the programme, Union Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his contribution to the country. During his tenure, subjects such as India’s display of nuclear capability and the creation of a separate ministry for the development of tribal communities were linked to his vision. Several development projects were also inaugurated and their foundation stones were laid on the occasion. According to the report, a 21-feet-high statue of Atal Ji has been installed and more than ₹1.5 crore has been spent on the construction of the memorial. Issues related to water, tribal development, investment and basic facilities in Rajasthan were also discussed during the programme. The programmes held on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s death anniversary paid tribute to his political life and national contribution.
26. 🎓 Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Visit to Tamil Nadu
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is on a visit to Tamil Nadu. He attended the 11th convocation ceremony of Tamil Nadu Central University in Tiruvarur. During the programme, he guided the students. The university’s convocation was an important event related to higher education, focusing on the academic achievements of students and their future direction. During the Vice President’s visit, interaction and guidance with students at the university campus were among the main activities. The report does not provide all the detailed points of his speech. According to the available information, his main programme was to attend the 11th convocation ceremony of Tamil Nadu Central University. During the event held in Tiruvarur, guidance was given to university students regarding their further education and career. Such programmes at higher education institutions provide a platform to encourage students to move towards future opportunities after their academic achievements.
27. 🗣️ Political Debate Intensifies Over Mental Naxalism
The political debate over mental Naxalism has intensified. After the Prime Minister’s remarks related to mental Naxalism, Congress leader P. Chidambaram gave a response. Referring to being called a mental Naxalite, he said that he was proud of it. After this, the BJP responded to the Congress and questioned the party’s ideology regarding Naxalism. Statements from both political sides are continuing on this issue. The controversy has centred on the Prime Minister’s remarks and P. Chidambaram’s response to them. The BJP used his statement to question the thinking of the Congress. The issue has now become a subject of political debate. The report mentions the reactions of different political sides. The main subject of this news is political statements, with a clash of views between political parties regarding Naxalism. The available content does not provide information about any further political decisions or administrative action related to this controversy.
28. 🥛 Cooperatives and Dairy Presented as a Way to Increase Rural Income
At the dairy programme held in Alwar, Rajasthan, the cooperative and dairy sectors were presented as important ways to strengthen the rural economy. The foundation stone of a new dairy plant was laid at the Alwar Saras Dairy complex. Along with this, dairy processing plants and cattle feed plants of different milk cooperative societies were also inaugurated through e-inauguration. During the programme, DBT funds were transferred to farmers under the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Crop Insurance Scheme. Appointment letters for government jobs were also given to 10,580 youth, and development works worth ₹6,262 crore of the Rajasthan government were inaugurated and their foundation stones were laid. It was said during the programme that cooperative institutions and the dairy sector can play a role in increasing the income of livestock rearers and strengthening the rural economy. Emphasis was placed on strengthening the complete dairy chain, from milk production to processing and animal feed. The dairy sector was described as an important source of employment and income for rural livestock rearers.
🌾 Key Points for Farmers Today
🌧️ Rain and Flood: Heavy rain is forecast in Odisha, West Bengal and several other states.
🌱 Drainage: Farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have been advised not to allow water to collect in fields.
🌽 Baby Corn: Information has been given about a crop that can be ready in 50–60 days.
🟢 Peas: Pea cultivation is becoming an important source of income for farmers in high-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti.
🍎 Apple: Bani in Kathua is emerging as a new centre for apple production.
🏥 Health: The Ayushman Bharat scheme has been implemented in West Bengal, according to the information provided.
🌊 Assam Flood: More than 62,000 people are still reported to be affected.
🥛 Dairy: New dairy plant and cooperative-sector development works are being promoted in Rajasthan.
📚 References