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.
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.
Indias policy on urea | Explained
National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026 is aimed at self reliance in urea production
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.
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.
Fertiliser vessels stuck at ports, raise supply fears for peak kharif sowing
Fertiliser vessels are stranded at Indian ports, hindering crop nutrient supplies. Sowing has accelerated after rainfall revival, increasing demand for timely distribution. Port congestion and supply chain issues are delaying crucial fertiliser dispatches. West Asia crisis and rerouting of vessels contribute to these significant delays. Industry executives express concerns over potential disruptions to the kharif sowing season.
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
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
Razors edge: On the progress of the southwest monsoon
High heat and low rainfall is threatening agricultural produce
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.
