Fuel shortages from Iran war threaten Asias biggest food staple
Iran War: Farmers across Southeast Asia face a crisis as missiles flew in th Middle East. Soaring fuel and fertilizer prices, driven by the Middle East conflict, are forcing many to abandon their rice fields. This situation threatens food supplies as planting for the next season becomes unaffordable.
Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in farm sector through agritech meet in Rajasthan
The GRAM-2026 will take place in Jaipur from May 23 to 25, aiming to unite farmers, scientists, investors, and policymakers to foster dialogue and help agriculturists access global expertise and modern technologies
Wholesale rice prices up 7% as West Asia ceasefire fuels export rush
Indian rice prices have seen a significant jump at the wholesale level. This surge follows a recent ceasefire between the US and Iran, leading to a rush of export orders. The impact is expected to be felt by consumers soon. Disruptions had previously caused prices to fall.
Israel-Iran war: India rapeseed sales shift to private traders as war lifts edible oil prices
Indian farmers are selling rapeseed to private traders. Market prices are higher than government rates. This is due to a rally in edible oil prices linked to the Iran war. Higher rapeseed oil supplies are limiting edible oil imports. This trend is easing reliance on costly palm oil, soy oil, and sunflower oil imports.
These Soil Sakhis in Maharashtras drought prone region are bringing about a quiet revolution
How empowered marginalised women are helping farmers increase their yield in this drought-prone region in Maharashtra. Scientists and farmers bodies validate their contribution for changing farmers lives
Supply shocks, export disruptions, and labour shortages caused by the Iran war are beginning to strain Indias agriculture despite ample foodgrain stocks.
ICAR is advancing conservation agriculture and climate-resilient wheat research, focusing on water-use efficiency, farmer incomes, and nutritional security through innovations like biofortification and BNI, says Jat.
Cabinet approves Rs 41,534 cr P&K fertilisers subsidy for kharif 2026 season
In a strategic move to enhance agricultural output, the government has rolled out a substantial subsidy of Rs 41,534 crore aimed at supporting Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers. Set for the 2025-26 kharif season, this investment represents a promising 12 percent increase from last year.
India raises gas supply for fertilizer firms as imports improve
India has boosted natural gas allocation to urea plants to 90% of average consumption, up from 70-75%, as supply improves following Middle East crisis disruptions. This decision, based on inventory and scheduled LNG arrivals, aims to support the upcoming monsoon planting season.
Key fertiliser buyer India issues tender as war hits supply
A shortage of LNG due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced some producers in South Asia to shut plants last month. Indian authorities are in talks with major producers and exporters of nitrogen-based and phosphatic fertilizers to secure direct supplies.
Tech advances yet to fix uneven mill performance, data gaps in sugar sector: Food Secretary
Despite technological advancements, sugar mills face challenges like recovery rate variability and energy inefficiencies. Industry leaders emphasise cost competitiveness and bio-energy diversification for future growth.
Unseasonal rain may dent wheat output, quality
While prices may stay stable for now, better-quality wheat is likely to command a premium, widening price gaps, according to industry executives and experts. Onion prices could also increase after July as rain-hit crops with poor shelf life reduce supply.
India seeks 2.5 million metric tons of urea amid Middle East supply disruptions
India is set to import 2.5 million metric tons of urea. This move aims to strengthen domestic fertilizer supplies. The state-run agency Indian Potash Ltd has issued a tender for the purchase. Shipments are expected by June 14. This is crucial for upcoming rice, corn, and soybean planting. India regularly imports fertilizers to meet its agricultural needs.
Edible oils, industry essentials drive growth outlook; FMCG recovery gradual, says report
A Nuvama report said the edible oils and agri-linked consumer staples sector outlook remains positive, driven by strong volume growth and improving demand across industrial segments. Overall volumes to grow ~13% YoY led by strong growth in Edible Oils and Industry Essentials segments, the report said, with edible oils such as soybean, mustard, rice bran and palm oil leading the upcycle.
Aquapulse raises 25 crore in Series A led by NABVENTURES to scale aquaculture tech platform
Aquapulse, a pioneering aquaculture technology startup located in Bhubaneswar, has successfully raised an impressive Rs 25 crore in Series A funding, with NABVENTURES at the helm of this investment. This infusion of capital will enable Aquapulse to broaden its network of farmers and build an advanced processing facility, aiming to improve quality control and increase profits for farmers.
India faces second year of sugar deficit as mills close early
India's sugar output will fall short of demand for the second year. Lower cane yields are causing mills to close early. This will reduce domestic stockpiles and support local prices. Exports are also contributing to lower availability. The next season will begin with reduced opening stocks. This situation is expected to firm up sugar prices.
Iran War: Fertiliser, agri-input stress emerges; Kharif outlook hinges on policy, farmer choices
India relies heavily on fertiliser imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently facing disruptions.
Centre pushes states on fertiliser black-marketing, MSP procurement; 9.25 crore farmer IDs created
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to achieve 100% farmer registration for schemes within six months, emphasizing the need to curb fertilizer hoarding and black-marketing. He also stressed mandatory Aadhaar-linked registration and biometric authentication for MSP procurement of pulses and oilseeds, with direct DBT payments to farmers.
How Ulloor Krishi Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram is handholding small scale farmers
Agricultural produce and value-added products are marketed under the brand name Ulloor Greens by Ulloor Krishi Bhavan. A retail outlet and online sale of products are already in place
House panel flags 32 times increase in sugarcane arrears, farmers to launch protests
Government blames excess sugar production for delay in payments to farmers
No need to panic on fertilizer stocks: Centre
Union Minister J. P. Nadda said he has spoken to State Agriculture Ministers and informed them about availability of fertilizers
India eyes end to popcorn imports by 2030, targets Rs 810 crore forex savings: ICARs Jat
Domestic production has surged, driven by indigenous hybrid development and a strong public-private partnership, significantly reducing import dependence and saving foreign exchange.
RDSS extends financial aid to families of 17 farmer suicide victims in Vijayawada
Each family given 50,000 to help rebuild their lives through small income-generating activities such as dairy farming, livestock rearing, or tailoring, says RDSS secretary
In Focus podcast | Why are farmers protesting against an India-US trade deal?
Dr. Ashok Dhawale speaks to us about why farmers are protesting the IndiaU.S. trade framework and what it means for agriculture in India.
Next instalment of Kisan Nidhi to reach farmers on March 13
In the 22nd instalment, over 2.15 crore women farmers will receive financial assistance, says Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Gender, agriculture and climate change
The society needs an ecosystem that focuses on instituting policy and institutional reforms that recognise women not only as caregivers but as farmers, entrepreneurs, and leaders
Rights, justice, action for Indias women farmers
As farming in India feminises, empowering women farmers can drive climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich and nutrition-sensitive agriculture
Essential Commodities Act: When and why did Centre invoke it last?
The Essential Commodities Act, 1955(ESA)has been a tool used by the government through the years to offset rising food prices,prevent hoardingandmaintainfood security
Over six lakh Maharashtra farmers yet to get 2017 loan waiver scheme benefit: Minister in assembly
Under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, 44.04 lakh farmers, out of the total 50.60 lakh eligible ones, have so far received benefits of the loan waiver scheme, while the process for the remaining 6.56 lakh farmers is underway
