Sugar stock limit halved from Sept 15
The government has reduced the sugar dealer stock limit to two thousand quintals. This measure aims to ensure adequate availability and stable prices during the festive season. Hoarding and speculative trading will be further curbed by this new regulation. An exemption has been granted to Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas. This reduction will facilitate orderly movement of sugar through the supply chain.
India seeks applications for remaining raw sugar import quota
India has opened up applications for its remaining raw sugar import quota, allowing eligible millers and refiners to apply for this lucrative duty-free allocation. This follows the initial notice for a million tons, of which over seven hundred thousand have been accounted for. Interested parties have until October thirty-first to seize this opportunity.
Onion prices rebound after last week's dip
Onion prices at Maharashtra's Lasalgaon market have rebounded after a recent fall. The average wholesale price reached 40 per kg, with retail prices remaining high. Farmers hope to recover losses after two years of subdued prices. Concerns about the kharif crop and stored onion quality are driving prices up. The government claims prices are cooling in other markets due to buffer stock sales.
Centre to release 2nd tranche of Rs 1,183 cr to five states under two agri schemes
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved Rs 1,183.11 crore funds for five states. These funds will enhance farmers' income and reduce cultivation costs. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will receive significant portions of the allocated money. The initiative aims to promote micro-irrigation and modern machinery for farmers. States are urged to expedite scheme implementation for timely farmer benefits.
Sugar dealers stock limit cut to 2,000 quintals from September 15
The government has reduced the sugar stock limit for dealers to 2,000 quintals. This new rule, effective September 15, aims to prevent hoarding and ensure market supply. Dealers can now hold sugar for a maximum of thirty days from receipt. The revised limit will remain in effect until November 30, 2026. Kolkata retains a higher 4,000-quintal limit due to regional supply needs.
War, weather push crop prices to biggest monthly gain Since 2012
Crop prices saw their largest monthly jump in over a decade. Wheat prices reached a three-year high as Black Sea shipments were impacted. Sugar and cocoa also increased substantially due to El Nio weather worries. These rising costs threaten everyday pantry staples like bread and dairy.
Indian rice draws global interest as 3,317 buyers from 138 countries register for BIRC 2026: IREF
Bangladesh leads the list as New Delhi rice meet looks to turn early interest into new export markets
Direct Karnataka to release backlog of 17.604 tmcft Cauvery water: T.N. to Supreme Court
Cauvery Delta farmers are severely affected as they are not getting their due share, T.N. tells court; says CWRC and CWMA failed to consider accumulated backlog; top court to hear Cauvery case on August 31
Govt tightens fertiliser tracking, links farmer purchases to land records
India's government is enhancing a digital platform for fertilizer tracking. This system will link farmer purchases to land records and monitor subsidies. New dashboards will provide officials with consolidated views of fertilizer movement. The platform aims to identify supply shortfalls and unusual trends earlier. Electronic processing of subsidy bills will begin by January 2026.
Himachal Pradesh apple growers face a difficult season with reduced production. Erratic weather severely impacted fruit setting, leading to lower yields this year. Premium apples fetch firm prices, but costs remain high for growers. Traders report weak demand and small fruit sizes affecting their margins. Pending government payments add to the financial strain on many farmers.
Maharashtra sugarcane farmers seek higher prices after sugar rally
Sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra are demanding higher prices for the 2025-26 season. This agitation follows a significant increase in sugar prices over recent months. Farmer organizations believe sugar mills should share increased profits with growers. Several farmer associations have submitted their demands to the state sugar commissionerate. Growers across the state seek better payment for sugarcane sold to mills.
Sugar supply likely to improve on switch to fortnightly quota
Under the fortnightly quota, sugar mills will be required to sell at least 40% of the allocation in the first week and the remaining quantity in the succeeding week. It was observed that in certain cases, sugar sold by mills at the beginning of the month was being dispatched or lifted by buyers only towards the end of the month, leading to artificial scarcity, the government said in a statement.
Govts onion buffer stock quality good, storage with CWC aids shelf life: Consumer affairs secretary
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare refuted reports claiming that 30 of the 1.21 lakh tonne onion buffer maintained by the government had rotten; Nothing of that kind has happened. Quality is good, she said
Govts onion buffer stock quality good, storage with CWC aids shelf life: Consumer affairs secretary
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare refuted reports claiming that 30 of the 1.21 lakh tonne onion buffer maintained by the government had rotten; Nothing of that kind has happened. Quality is good, she said
The reserve needs neither an unquestioned one-kilometer ring nor an undifferentiated ten-kilometer circle. It needs an ESZ that varies in width and follows ecological processes, writes Divya Soman.
Onion prices likely to stay firm till November despite Centres Rs 35/kg push
Onion prices will likely stay firm until November despite government sales. Inferior quality of stored onions and delayed fresh crop arrival are key factors. Global onion shortages are also supporting domestic price stability. The government's price control measures follow a significant wholesale price increase. The Kanda Express transports onions from Maharashtra to major cities.
Govt flags off NCCF, NAFED vans to sell onions at Rs 35 per kg
The government is also using rail and road networks to move buffer onions from producing regions to major consumption centres.
Centre starts onion sale in capital at Rs 35/kg, 44% below market price
The government has started selling onions from its buffer stock at Rs 35 per kg. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and control prices before the festive season. Adequate onion supplies are available to meet domestic demand during the upcoming months. The government is also transporting bulk consignments through dedicated railway rakes. Proactive market interventions will ensure sufficient availability and moderate price pressures.
India's summer onion buffer stock has suffered considerable setbacks due to unexpected rainfall, leading to roughly thirty percent of onions rotting or sprouting. This spoilage threatens to disrupt market supply and hike prices. To alleviate the situation, special trains are now delivering onions to key cities at subsidized costs. Additionally, delays in the kharif crop are likely to further heighten onion shortages in the upcoming months.
France heatwave: 10 Nile crocodiles hatch on their own for the first time
Despite 51% rainfall deficit, AP sustains kharif cultivation through advance planning: Atchannaidu
The Minister said Andhra Pradesh received only 192.8 mm of rainfall between the first week of June and August 25, against the normal 393.7 mm, recording a deficit of 51%. Despite the adverse conditions, kharif crops had been raised in 20.35 lakh hectares, he said.
Sugar shortage bites: Retailers cap purchases, prices surge 29% ahead of Raksha Bandhan
Major retailers are limiting sugar purchases to three kilograms per customer. Quick commerce platforms also restrict sugar sales to a few packs. This comes as sugar supplies tighten before the Raksha Bandhan festival. Government-approved raw sugar imports aim to ease the tight stock situation. Prices have risen significantly and are expected to continue increasing.
Bulk sugar users in a soup as Govt refuses to ease stock limit order
The government has rejected requests for more time to sell excess sugar stocks. Bulk sugar users must now liquidate any surplus by August 31. This action aims to suppress sugar prices and curb hoarding allegations. Some companies fear this move could increase market price volatility. Industry analysts expect additional sugar to enter the market after this deadline.
Sugar prices rise over Rs 1 per kg for second consecutive day to Rs 65 amid festive demand
Retail sugar prices increased for a second day due to higher festive demand. Ex-mill rates have fallen significantly after the government allowed raw sugar imports. Wholesale sugar prices also saw a marginal increase on Wednesday. The government has imposed stock limits and banned exports to control prices. Sugar supply remains adequate with sufficient domestic production and opening stocks.
Tea industry seeks Rs 113 crore annual package to revive Darjeeling sector
The Indian Tea Association seeks government aid for tea industry revival. Financial and regulatory reforms are proposed for Darjeeling and Dooars regions. The association requests support for production and modernization efforts. Measures aim to protect employment and rural livelihoods across North Bengal. Time-bound implementation of policies is crucial for sector sustainability.
Sugar prices rise by nearly Re 1 per kg to about Rs 64
Sugar prices rose by nearly Re 1 per kg to Rs 63.97 in the retail market on August 25, despite recent government steps to curb the surge. The average retail price has risen 31% in a month from Rs 48.81 per kg and is 38% higher than a year ago. Wholesale prices have also climbed to Rs 59.23 per kg from Rs 45.35 a month earlier.
Government lifts ban on wheat exports, cites farmers interests amid depressed local prices
India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, had banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices
Onion prices up 59%, govt ramps up 'Kanda Express' supplies to cool market
The Centre has started moving bulk onion stocks through dedicated railway rakes the 'Kanda Express' from Nashik in Maharashtra to major consuming centres, as part of efforts to augment supplies and check the seasonal rise in prices, a Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Monday. Stocks currently being loaded onto these rakes are expected to reach the identified centres by Wednesday, she said. PRICES UP SHARPLY ------------------------- Data maintained by the ministry shows the all-India average retail price of onion rose 59 per cent year-on-year to Rs 43.53/kg on August 24, from Rs 27.37/kg a year ago. The average wholesale price was up 68 per cent at Rs 35.58/kg, against Rs 21.23/kg in the year-ago period. Among major cities, retail onion prices on Monday stood at Rs 60/kg in Chennai (Rs 33 a year ago), Rs 55/kg in Delhi (Rs 35) and Rs 53/kg in Kolkata. Initially, the onion will be supplied to five major consumption centres, namely Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam
Taiwan braces for Typhoon Saudel as torrential rains lash southern regions
Coriander bull run on break Despite shortage: Futures will determine new direction
Coriander, which is considered an auspicious omen for auspicious deeds, is proving to be inauspicious for importers. Importers who had made import deals from Russia and Ukraine at low prices and paid advance money for two months are not getting delivery now, because the prices of coriander have increased.
Sugar production hit by Red Rot disease, El Nino; govt taking measures: Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is taking measures to manage sugar availability and rising prices ahead of the festival season, including temporary imports of raw sugar. He attributed the fall in production to red rot disease and El Nino conditions.
YSRCP leader criticises governments response to El Nino crisis in Anantapur
Undivided Anantapur district is set to face an acute shortage of drinking water, irrigation water, and cattle fodder, while reduced crop cultivation during the previous Kharif season has already led to scarcity of fodder, claims Anantha Venkatarami Reddy
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab hit the most by sugar price hike
Closely monitoring the situation, says the Centre and promises steps to ease the burden; it says rise in prices cannot be attributed to ethanol
India tightens sugar stock limits to tame record prices
India has ordered dealers to hold sugar inventories for only fifteen days. This new rule takes effect from September first until November thirtieth. The government aims to bolster sugar supplies and rein in soaring prices. Festival demand and patchy rains have contributed to the current price surge. These measures are intended to stabilize the market through the busy festival season.
Indian agrochem firms seek time-bound data protection to bring newer crop protection solutions
Crystal Crop Protection, Rallis India, Dhanuka Agritech, PI Industries and Godrej Agrovet seek five-year regulatory data protection to boost innovation, manufacturing and agrochemical exports.
Improved texture, nutrition brings faba bean milk closer to market
Researchers at Adelaide University have developed a calcium-fortified faba bean milk prototype with improved texture, highlighting promising potential for future use in caf
Kharif sowing recovers after July rains
India's kharif planting has rebounded impressively following beneficial rainfall in July. Farmers are keen to recover from the setbacks of a parched June, showcasing an optimistic shift. The sowing of crucial crops like pulses and oilseeds is on track across the nation. Nevertheless, some crops still have acreage that is less than last year's. This revitalization raises expectations for alleviating food price concerns, provided the good rains continue.
India's crop insurers seek data protection law to expedite farm innovation
Indian crop insurers are asking the government for regulatory data protection. This provision would encourage the introduction of newer, safer pesticide molecules. Companies seek a five-year exclusive access window for newly registered products. This change aims to boost farm output and agrochemical exports competitiveness. International comparisons show other nations offer similar data protection periods.
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
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
Indias cheap-urea model faces an expensive reckoning
India faces rising fertilizer costs, prompting a review of its subsidy system. Global supply chain issues and war have doubled procurement expenses for the nation. Farmers are urged to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use for soil health. A new distribution system is being tested to manage nutrient sales. This situation risks impacting food inflation both domestically and abroad.
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.
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.
Kharif sowing near normal as rainfall deficit shrinks
By August 7, farmers have successfully planted Kharif crops at 87.7% of the expected seasonal average. While rainfall deficiencies have mitigated, the focus is now firmly on crop yields. The acreage for critical crops like rice and pulses trails behind last years figures. On a positive note, reservoir water levels have improved significantly following recent rainfall. Nevertheless, the IMD warns of below-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon weeks.
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
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
Sugar mills to advance cane crushing schedule
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
