Forecast for strong El Nino fans worries about global crops as Iran war bites
A strong El Nino is expected in the second half of 2026. This will bring hotter, drier weather to Asia. Crops and food supplies will be affected. Farmers face fertiliser shortages and high fuel costs. India anticipates below-average monsoon rains. Southeast Asia's palm oil and rice production may decline. China could see increased flooding risk.
Maharashtra agri input dealers call for a strike on April 27
Agri-input dealers across Maharashtra are set to strike on April 27. Associations like MAFDA and AIDA are protesting a new government resolution. They claim 23 new inspectors will create excessive oversight and hinder business. Dealers are demanding a focus on lab strengthening and digital traceability instead of physical inspections. This action aims to protect agri-entrepreneurs and ensure industry stability.
Govt overhauls six-decade-old sugarcane law; seeks comments on draft by May 20
The Centre is proposing a new Sugarcane (Control) Order 2026, replacing the 1966 version to integrate ethanol production, digital compliance, and factory approvals. This framework maintains core elements like FRR and payment deadlines while introducing a conversion formula for ethanol and a formal approval process for new factories.
Tea bodies urge PM Modi to allow producers freedom to choose mode of sale
Four tea organisations from Assam and West Bengal say mandatory auction rules raise costs and threaten viability of tea producers
Tapping fisheries in reservoirs
The rise in the countrys fish production has been made possible by the application of cage culture technology
Advisory to states on crop bonus policy to encourage greater crop diversification: FinMin
In a statement, the finance ministry said the January 9, 2026, letter from the Department of Expenditure Secretary, Ministry of Finance, to chief secretaries of states was an advisory and not a directive, to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
