On September 8, various union government departments and agencies published several news releases linked to the environment, climate change, public health, and related social sectors that are important for the country’s present and future. The Plurals has collated the key information for you.
Rice production area has reduced compared to same time last year, says government report
Rice: About 421.82 lakh ha area coverage under rice has been reported as compared to 438.19 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year, showing a decrease of 16.37 lakh ha. The major decrease in area coverage has been reported in Karnataka (4.28 lakh ha), Telangana (3.61 lakh ha), Uttar Pradesh (1.84 lakh ha), Andhra Pradesh (1.91 lakh ha), Madhya Pradesh (1.75 lakh ha), Tamil Nadu (1.32 lakh ha), Jharkhand (1.38 lakh ha), Maharashtra (1.15 lakh ha), etc. Higher area coverage has been reported in Assam (0.52 lakh ha), Odisha (0.29 lakh ha), etc.. Overall, the decline in rice area coverage is mainly attributable to substantial reductions in Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Pulses: About 117.13 lakh ha area coverage under pulses has been reported as compared to 115.30 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 1.84 lakh ha. The major increase in area coverage has been reported in Uttar Pradesh (3.97 lakh ha), Jharkhand (0.98 lakh ha), Telangana (0.90 lakh ha), Rajasthan (0.57 lakh ha), Madhya Pradesh (0.38 lakh ha) etc. On the other hand, the major decrease in area coverage has been reported in Maharashtra (2.60 lakh ha), Karnataka (2.07 lakh ha), Odisha (0.61 lakh ha) etc. Overall, the increase in pulses area coverage is mainly attributable to substantial gains in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which more than offset the declines reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307791®=48&lang=1
India-Japan Joint Working Group on Forestry held in Bengaluru
The 7th Meeting of the India-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) on cooperation in the field of forests was held in Bengaluru, on 8th September 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Additional Director General (Forests), MoEFCC, Government of India, while the Japanese delegation was led by Mr. Shimizu Kotaro, Deputy Director General, Forestry Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Government of Japan.
The meeting deliberated on three key areas of cooperation. Under Tree Outside Forests (TOFs), both sides shared experiences on assessment, management and genetic improvement of tree resources outside forests. Forest Genetics was discussed with focus on genetic resource conservation, tree breeding, improved planting material and germplasm conservation. Under Forest Stack, the two sides exchanged views on forest inventory, forest stock assessment and geospatial and monitoring technologies.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307885®=48&lang=1
Industries response to coal gasification growing steadily
The Round 1 of the ₹37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects has closed to an overwhelming response from industry, with seven (7) applications received from some of India’s largest corporate houses and premier public sector undertakings, decisively vindicating the Ministry of Coal’s confidence in the scheme. The response underscores growing industry confidence in coal gasification as a key pillar of India’s energy security, import substitution and industrial development strategy.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307725®=48&lang=1