51.   The government predicts farmers will sharply boost their plantings of genetically engineered crops this year, despite lingering international resistance to biotech food.

52.   The short-term picture already has showers coming to prime growing regions this week, which boosts prospects for a record crop this year.

53.   The price of white sugar melted this week in the wake of huge sales by Brazil, which reaped a record crop this year.

54.   Monsoon floods are an annual feature in India, destroying property and crops every year and killing hundreds of people.

55.   The crop this year is set to be as good as last year and prices are expected to remain buoyant, said the John Keells Ltd. tea broking firm.