Fertiliser industry seeks hike in subsidy rate for Kharif season due to rising raw material cost
The Fertiliser Association of India seeks higher subsidy rates for the upcoming Kharif season. Raw material prices have significantly increased, impacting domestic fertiliser production viability. Industry leaders met to review the Middle East crisis's effect on key input costs. Existing subsidy rates have not kept pace with the changed cost environment. Maintaining uninterrupted domestic production is critical for ensuring adequate stock buildup.
Bharat atta, rice set for market return ahead of festive season
The government plans to resume selling subsidized Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice soon. This initiative aims to provide staples at lower prices before the festival season. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has allocated significant quantities of wheat and rice for this purpose. Bharat Rice will be priced at 35 per kg initially, with a slight increase later.
Madhya Pradesh hikes moong procurement cap to 60% as farmers protest
The decision comes as nearly 2,000 farmers, who breached police barricades to reach the State capital, set up camp near Chief Minister Mohan Yadavs residence
Up to 12 pc of non-agri jobs at risk of substitution due to Gen AI: Report
In a special report, Wall Street brokerage Goldman Sachs said the labour market impacts of gen-AI are expected to be uneven and it looks gen-AI as a medium-term positive for India's growth outlook.
Livelihood initiative launched for Nagaland prisoners
The Phek district police hope to change the lives of the district jail inmates with Project Revive
Tracking pulses: Low kharif sowing sparks supply concerns; how big is the risk?
Experts say the next few weeks of monsoon will decide if the acreage shortfall stays manageable or turns into a bigger supply and price risk for pulses.
The study identified climatic conditions that support beneficial microbial activity and enzyme functions. Findings established soil microbial communities as sensitive indicators of environmental change and sustainable tea production. This work will support climate-resilient tea production by improving soil health monitoring.
Govt cracks down on sugar hoarding, imposes 30-day stock limit from Aug 1 till Nov 30
The Centre has imposed stock holding limits on sugar dealers nationwide from August 1 to November 30. This measure aims to curb hoarding and speculative trading, ensuring adequate domestic availability. The government will closely monitor market activities and take further steps if needed. Sugar prices have climbed to record highs recently, prompting government intervention. Genuine trade and distribution activities will continue without disruption during this period.
India's January to June rice exports climb 5% as non-basmati shipments rise, sources say
India's rice exports grew five percent in early 2026, driven by non-basmati shipments. Higher demand from African nations boosted non-basmati rice exports significantly. Basmati rice exports saw a decline due to trade disruptions with Gulf markets. Corn exports surged four hundred percent, and wheat exports also increased substantially. These export trends ensure affordable supplies for many global buyers.
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.
Crop prices hit three-year high as heat, war stoke supply fears
Scorching temperatures across Europe also raise concerns over potential crop losses. This situation could lift costs for staples like bread and cooking oil.
A study finds conservation agriculture with drip irrigation can boost wheat protein content by up to 12% while improving yield and resource efficiency.
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.
TVK governments first Budget to be presented on August 5 in Tamil Nadu
Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Vinoth will present the States Agriculture Budget on August 6, 2026
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
El Nino fear pushes farmers in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram towards water-saving paddy methods
Farmers in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are shifting to water-saving rice farming techniques. Facing potential El Nino impacts, cultivators are embracing Direct Seeded Rice and Alternate Wetting and Drying. These methods significantly reduce water usage and labor costs. The Dr Reddy's Foundation is actively promoting these changes, alongside soil health improvements, to ensure sustainable agriculture in the region.
