El Nio is set to further disrupt India's $300 billion farm supply chain
India's crucial monsoon rains are delayed, disrupting the nation's $300 billion farm economy just as planting season begins. This agricultural setback, exacerbated by a developing El Nio, threatens staple crops like rice, cotton, and soybeans, impacting prices and potentially fueling inflation. While India's food system shows resilience, worsening climate conditions pose a growing challenge to this vital agricultural lifeline.
Razors edge: On the progress of the southwest monsoon
High heat and low rainfall is threatening agricultural produce
From export bans to price crashes: Why onion farmers need more than buffer stock purchases
Recent hikes in procurement price have provided little relief, according to stakeholders, as onion farmers argue that prices are still below their cost of production.
Govt draws up contingency plans for 315 districts amid 42% rain deficit
India faces a significant 42% rainfall deficit this monsoon, exacerbated by El Nino. The government is implementing contingency plans across 315 vulnerable districts, focusing on water conservation and crop diversification. While sowing is slightly ahead of last year, soybean planting lags. District-specific strategies are being deployed to mitigate potential impacts on farm output and ensure food security.
India prepares contingency plans for 315 districts as monsoon falters
India is implementing contingency plans for over 300 vulnerable districts facing a potentially weak monsoon. With rains currently 43% below average and a forecast for continued weakness, the government is urging farmers to adopt short-duration, water-efficient crops. Preparations include repairing water-harvesting structures to mitigate the impact on crucial summer-sown crops and rural incomes.
Delayed rains likely to hit sowing of kharif crops, advance preparations underway: Chouhan
Delayed monsoon and deficient rainfall, with 315 districts potentially affected, are raising concerns for the upcoming kharif crop sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that 111 districts, particularly 20 in Maharashtra, are highly vulnerable due to limited irrigation. Despite a weaker monsoon forecast, current kharif coverage is slightly ahead of last year.
Bihar CM transfers over 200 crore to 3.96 lakh farmers hit by natural calamities in March
According to a statement issued by CMO, amount was transferred to the bank accounts of farmers affected by storms, unseasonal rainfall, and hailstorms that occurred during the third and fourth weeks of March in the 2025-26 rabi season
Basmati prices may fall 510% as Strait of Hormuz closure hits exports
After the interim (US-Iran) peace deal was announced, exporters started buying basmati rice in good quantities for shipment to the Middle East and prices surged 15-20%. But this sudden announcement will bring down prices, said Dev Garg, vice-president, Indian Rice Exporters Federation.
Nearly 12 ships carrying fertiliser cross Strait of Hormuz
At the onset of the Iran war, eight urea, four diammonium phosphate (DAP), one ammonia and three sulphur vessels bound for India were stranded in the strait.
Weak start to monsoon seen clouding Kharif season outlook: Report
India's monsoon has begun with a significant rainfall deficit, impacting kharif sowing, particularly for pulses and cotton. While reservoir levels offer a buffer, a prolonged dry spell could raise food prices and strain rural economies. Experts emphasize close monitoring, as the July-August period will be crucial for crop prospects and overall economic recovery.
Bengal free of shackles and on path to creating history, says PM Modi
The Prime Minister, who participated in an event to mark Paschim Banga Dibas in Hooghlys Tarakeswar, said that during partition attempts were made to include the whole of Bengal in Pakistan, and accused the Congress party of surrendering before those conspirators
PM participates in 'Paschimbanga Divas' celebration, releases PM-Kisan instalment worth 18,880 crore
PM Modi also released the 23rd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme worth 18,880 crore, benefiting over 9.44 crore farmers across the country
El Nino Impact: Milk prices likely to go up, again
Poor rainfall typically leads farmers to reduce cattle numbers because of shortages of fodder and water, lowering milk output and pushing up prices.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards India's circular bioeconomy, reducing reliance on food-based feedstocks and bolstering energy security through indigenous innovation.
Why a strong El Nio leaves tropical commodities acutely exposed
Forecasters anticipate a strong El Nino developing later this year, likely boosting global temperatures and disrupting rainfall patterns. This poses significant risks to soft commodities like cocoa, coffee, and sugar, particularly those grown in tropical regions. Past El Nino events have historically led to reduced yields and price surges for these crops.
The case for banning paraquat in India
There is no question that as a herbicide, paraquat is effective. What remains a question the country needs to decide on, is whether the human and public health costs associated with it outweigh its benefits as an affordable weed killer
