Monsoon revival boosts summer crop planting in India
A revival in monsoon rains has accelerated the sowing of key summer crops across India, helping farmers recover from an early-season slowdown caused by delayed and below-normal rainfall. The sowing gap has narrowed to less than 5%, with rice, soybean and cotton planting picking up after widespread July rains, although some regions continue to face significant rainfall deficits.
Erratic monsoon pushes farmers towards low-water crops, vegetables
Erratic rainfall is reshaping India's kharif sowing patterns this season. Farmers are shifting acreage from staples to hardy crops and vegetables. Sunflower acreage has jumped significantly, and other crops like sesamum have also risen. Seed companies report increased demand for short-duration vegetables and onion seeds. Sweet corn has also emerged as another preferred crop for farmers.
According to an official statement, the minister chaired a virtual review meeting to assess the utilisation of funds released under the RKVY and to consider the issuance of the Second Installment (Second Mother Sanction) to the Government of Maharashtra.
Steps likely to safeguard FCV tobacco farmers
The government is currently investigating ways to protect the interests of FCV tobacco farmers. On July 25, a ministry team traveled to Andhra Pradesh to review the ongoing market climate. Their discussions emphasized strategies to support growers while ensuring the industry's stability. Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav reassured farmers about ongoing oversight, underscoring the government's commitment to considering effective protective measures.
Need for balanced regulatory system to promote use of bio-tech in farm sector: ICAR DG
According to a statement by the Agriculture Ministry on Sunday, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), in collaboration with ICAR, and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), organised a high-level roundtable on Reforms in Regulations and Approval of Genetically Modified (GM) and Genome-Edited (GE) Crop Plants.
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Telangana farmers caught between a dry spell and despair
Delayed rains, falling groundwater levels and the looming impact of El Nio have left thousands of farmers across Telangana anxiously watching the skies. While the State has rolled out a contingency plan urging a shift to less water-intensive crops, many cultivators have stayed with their traditional choices, hoping the monsoon will revive. As reservoirs run low and crop stress mounts, they remain caught between official advisories and age-old cropping patterns, reportK. Shiva ShankerandP. Laxma Reddy
Pulses import bill shrinks as global prices fall, local production rises
India's import bill for key pulses significantly decreased in FY26 due to robust domestic production. Lower global prices and import curbs also contributed to this substantial reduction. Exports of certain pulses, like Kabuli chana, saw a notable increase during the same period. This shift reflects India's growing self-sufficiency and improved market position for these commodities. Domestic policies and strong harvests have bolstered India's pulse sector performance.
India needs income-centric agri policies, greater Centre-state coordination: EAC-PM chairman
India must transition agriculture towards income generation, emphasizing crop diversification and market reforms, said S Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
Lahiri stressed the need for greater adoption of science and technology, noting that productivity per acre for several Indian crops remains significantly below global benchmarks.
DST-STI Hub launched to empower SC/ST women in agriculture, livelihood
Inaugurating the hub, SPMVV Vice-Chancellor highlights the importance of science and technology in transforming rural livelihoods
India has achieved self-reliance in food; now it's time for value addition: Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan said India must now shift from food self-reliance to value addition through processing, infrastructure, innovation and better farmer market access.
Fertiliser vessels stuck at ports, raise supply fears for peak kharif sowing
Fertiliser vessels are stranded at Indian ports, hindering crop nutrient supplies. Sowing has accelerated after rainfall revival, increasing demand for timely distribution. Port congestion and supply chain issues are delaying crucial fertiliser dispatches. West Asia crisis and rerouting of vessels contribute to these significant delays. Industry executives express concerns over potential disruptions to the kharif sowing season.
India's Kharif sowing gap narrowed significantly last week. This progress occurred despite a widening cumulative rainfall deficit over recent weeks. Rice acreage has nearly matched last year's pace, leading the recovery. Other crops like pulses and oilseeds also saw their shortfalls decrease. Improved rainfall is forecast for East and Central India in the coming weeks.
Protein inflation surges as costlier fodder pushes up milk, chicken prices
Protein inflation was 4.6% in May and 2.6% in January, it showed. Inflation in vegetarian protein sources also gathered pace, rising to 3.5% in June from 2.7% in May, after remaining flat in January.
ICAR @98: Science, innovation and sustainability for Viksit Bharat 2047
Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 requires agriculture to move beyond production towards value addition, food processing, exports, bio-based industries, carbon markets, and rural entrepreneurship.
Dr Reddy's Foundation soil testing lab set to hit 1-lakh sample mark ahead of 2026 rabi season
Dr Reddy's Foundation is expanding its soil testing operations significantly. The Hyderabad lab aims to process one lakh samples before the next Rabi season. This initiative addresses concerns about depleting soil health and government scheme implementation gaps. The foundation also partners with a startup for biological soil amendments. Collaboration with ICAR-IISS will build a digital soil health repository and advanced advisories.
News in Frames: The weight of a nations food
From dawn until dusk, they lift, carry, stack and unload sacks of grain and agricultural commodities, keeping the flow of food moving from farms to markets
Monsoon revival lifts kharif hopes, but experts say El Nio threat is far from over
Indias southwest monsoon has bounced back after a weak June, cutting the rainfall deficit and boosting kharif prospects. Experts caution, however, that the El Nino risk isnt over.
Roadside vendors turned exporters: Meghalayas numbered farmers reap fruits of labour
A 433-member organic farmers producer company in Ri-Bhoi districts Jirang has become a model of successful farm collectivisation
Razors edge: On the progress of the southwest monsoon
High heat and low rainfall is threatening agricultural produce
