BIRC 2026 to Showcase 200 Rice Varieties, 50 Global Cuisines Across 9 Experience Zones
The Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will showcase 200 rice varieties and 50 global cuisines. This event will be held in New Delhi from October 23 to 25. Nine experience zones will highlight rice through culture, technology, and nutrition. The conference will trace rice cultivation, consumption, and trade across generations. It will also examine rice's role in shaping global trade networks.
India weighs sugar import duty cut to curb record local prices
In an effort to reign in soaring domestic sugar prices, India is thinking about lowering its sugar import duty. This response is geared toward boosting local supply ahead of the upcoming festival demand spike. Concerns regarding El Nio and subpar monsoon rains have cast shadows over sugarcane harvests. Ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra have hit record highs, pushing factories to begin sugarcane crushing ahead of schedule to ramp up availability.
Farmers outfits urge MPs, MLAs to speak out against trade deals; seek scrapping of all FTAs
SKM has urged peoples representatives to raise their voices against the proposed India-United States Free Trade Agreement
Farmers affiliated to milk societies under TRCMPU in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts have benefitted from the decision
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces fresh farm loan relief of up to INR 75,000 for cooperative borrowers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday announced additional relief for farmers by expanding the state
India set for record soyoil imports as Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower shipments
Soyoil imports in August are expected to reach 620,000 metric tons, nearly 46% above the current years average monthly imports of 424,549 tons
Honey production nearly doubles as government expands scientific beekeeping
India
India scales up oilseeds, pulses missions to cut imports by 2031
India has expanded its Oilseeds and Pulses Missions with free seed distribution, MSP procurement, 600+ value chain clusters and new seed hubs to boost domestic production and reduce edible oil and pulse imports by 2030-31.
India expands oil palm drive as government targets higher domestic edible oil production
The Government of India is expanding efforts to increase domestic edible oil production through the National Mission on Edible Oils
CLFMA to host national symposium on sustainable animal agriculture
CLFMA will host its 59th AGM and 67th National Symposium in Mumbai on September 11-12, focusing on sustainable animal agriculture, nutrition, AI and trade.
CropLife India launches campaign to combat illicit pesticides
CropLife India launches a digital campaign across 13 states to reach 2.5 million farmers and raise awareness about illicit pesticides and safe crop protection.
Vedanta Power uses 3.61 lakh tonnes of paddy straw for energy
Vedanta Power used 3.61 lakh tonnes of biomass at its Punjab thermal plant in FY26, creating a market for paddy straw and supporting stubble management.
Satyukt Analytics celebrates eight years of satellite-led farm intelligence
Satyukt Analytics marks eight years of satellite-based agricultural intelligence, serving 50+ countries with AI, remote sensing and precision farming solutions.
Sugar stock scrutiny on the rise as prices hit record high
The government is increasing scrutiny of sugar stocks due to surging prices. Large industrial buyers are now providing consumption data to the food ministry. Sugar mills must now detail sales of 500 metric tonnes or more annually. Physical stock checks are being conducted at mills across various states. This action follows observations of discrepancies in reported sugar stock data.
Sugar mills unlikely to advance crushing season despite promise to govt: Industry officials
Most sugar mills will not advance their crushing season by fifteen days. A significant shortage of migrant labor remains the primary obstacle for mills. This labor is typically available only around Diwali in November each year. Mechanized harvesting cannot adequately compensate for the missing workforce. Industry bodies had promised the government an earlier start to crushing operations.
Onion prices jump to Rs 27/kg at Lasalgaon amid delayed kharif crop arrival from South India
Wholesale onion prices have surged significantly in the past week. The government plans to sell buffer stock onions to control rising prices. A delayed kharif crop from southern India is expected to further increase costs. Onion quality has suffered globally due to erratic weather conditions. Future price trends will depend on September rainfall and new crop arrivals.
From freebie to luxury: Coriander prices spike after rain disrupts Nashik supply chain
Fresh coriander prices have significantly increased due to heavy rains. Supplies from key producing regions like Nashik were disrupted by flooding. Wholesale prices reached 175 per kg, while retail prices climbed higher. Limited arrivals from Karnataka offered some relief but with lower quality. Transport disruptions further contributed to the sharp price movements this week.
MCX launches crude sunflower oil futures contracts to strengthen edible oil price risk management
The Multi Commodity Exchange of India has launched crude sunflower oil futures contracts. This move aims to provide risk management options for India's edible oil sector. The new contract will help participants hedge against price volatility and improve efficiency. India relies heavily on imports for its edible oil requirements. MCX seeks to deepen the edible oil ecosystem and enhance price risk management tools.
The price of a successful report
Indian companies spend roughly Rs.35,000 crores on CSR each year. Government schemes spend far more. Yet evaluation often rewards a story of success over an honest account of what was learned, the struggles that were encountered and what people actually experienced, writes Padmini Ram.
Kandla Port's 40-day cargo delays put Indias rice exports at risk
Indian rice exporters face significant logistical challenges at Kandla port. Cargo clearance now extends to forty days, impacting perishable rice shipments. This congestion occurs while India holds substantial rice stocks and anticipates global demand. Container shortages further exacerbate issues for basmati and non-basmati rice exports. These disruptions are causing global non-basmati rice prices to increase.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a new scholarship initiative. Over six thousand agriculture students will receive monthly direct bank transfers. This National Scholarship Portal-Direct Benefit Transfer system aims for faster payments. The government seeks to ensure timely financial assistance for students' education. This move strengthens agricultural education and practical learning opportunities.
Rice use for ethanol may rise as maize, sugarcane acreage falls this Kharif season
India is set to ramp up rice utilization for ethanol production this year, amid reduced planting of maize and sugarcane, raising concerns about feedstock availability. Fortunately, the government maintains a healthy stock of rice, offering a safety net. With sugar prices soaring to unprecedented levels due to crop output fears, this strategy aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending ratio.
Protesting Maharashtra farmers demand 2 lakh incentive for regular loan repayment
Along with a waiver ofup to 2 lakh, farmers, who paid EMIs regularly were supposed to receive incentive of 50,000, which farmers believe is unfair
Tobacco Board partners with Constems AI for tobacco grading
Tobacco Board partners with Constems AI to introduce AI-powered FCV tobacco grading, improving transparency, consistency and efficiency at Andhra Pradesh auctions.
FAIFA backs tobacco farmer relief, seeks calibrated crop cuts
FAIFA welcomes government relief for tobacco farmers but seeks calibrated FCV crop cuts, export support and stronger action against illicit cultivation.
CLFMA to host 59th AGM, National Symposium in Mumbai
CLFMA will host its 59th AGM and 67th National Symposium in Mumbai on September 11
Delhi State Cooperative Bank to venture into financing farmers, artisans
Inaugurating the programme, Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the critical role of cooperative banks in financial inclusion and local economic development.
India considers curbing use of sugarcane for ethanol to tame record-high sugar market
India may limit sugarcane use for ethanol to increase sugar production with an aim to stabilise record-high sugar prices and ensure smooth domestic supply. Reduced rainfall in key states has raised concerns about next year's sugar output. The government might allow corn and rice for ethanol to maintain its blending program.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces historic hike in special incentives for paddy and sugarcane
He said paddy procurement would begin in September and the government would offer an incentive of 289 per quintal for fine varieties, in addition to the MSP
Over 1 million evacuated as Typhoon Dolphin hits eastern China
Indian rice export prices near 10-month high amid El Nino fears and rising domestic paddy costs
Indian rice export prices remain near a ten-month high this week. Thai prices have reached a one-month peak, supported by buyer demand. Vietnam's rice exports are experiencing quiet trading activity due to weak demand. Bangladesh faces elevated rice prices after recent crop damage from flooding. Governments are developing climate-resilient rice varieties to address agricultural challenges.
DMK seeks adjournment motion on Cauvery dispute, slams TVK governments Agriculture Budget
Udhayanidhi Stalin said the DMK would raise the Cauvery issue in detail during the Assembly proceedings and expressed hope that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would break his silence and respond to the Oppositions questions

