Agricultural press review in India from April 17 to 23, 2021

A normal monsoon forecast; Mustard mission; Rising meal exports; An Italian mega food park in India; Protests against the new laws continue; Declining demand for sugar, basmati rice and palm oil Normal monsoon forecast The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a normal monsoon this year. Southwest monsoon precipitation (June to September) across the country is expected to reach 98% of the long-term average (LPA) of 89 centimeters. Private forecaster Skymet Weather also said it would be a "healthy monsoon" with 103% of the long-term average. India's agriculture ministry said food grain production for the next kharif (monsoon) season is expected to be good thanks to this normal monsoon forecast. Monsoon rains play a vital role in Indian agriculture, as around 60% of the country's arable land depends on rainfall. Mustard mission The government plans to devote around 9 million hectares of land to mustard cultivation and increase production to around 17 million tonnes ...