India's agriculture sector may face a challenging year ahead amid concerns over weak monsoon, possible El Nino conditions, and fertiliser supply risks linked to the West Asia conflict, according to a report by ICRA.
India must cut fertiliser import dependence, leverage AI and precision tech: ICAR chief
India is seeking self-reliance in fertilizers. Experts propose a multi-pronged approach using artificial intelligence and precision nutrient management. This strategy aims to reduce import dependence and optimize fertilizer use. Initiatives like the Soil Health Card scheme will be strengthened. A mission mode program will promote organic manures to replace mineral fertilizers.
Baisakhi draws thousands in Ameerpet; temples across Hyderabad see steady crowds for Tamil New Year
Summer heat and weekday rush made little difference as devotees turned up in large numbers at gurudwaras and temples
Kharif season faces double whammy from El Nino risk and Gulf tensions: Experts
India's upcoming Kharif season faces a double challenge. A likely weak monsoon due to El Nino and ongoing Gulf tensions threaten farm output. Experts warn of rising food prices and reduced rural demand. While government measures may offer some relief, the situation remains uncertain. The monsoon's progress and easing of supply disruptions will be key.
T.N. election: Even as parties promise host of schemes, farmers worried about future of agriculture
Despite political promises, younger generations show little interest in agricultures future, say several farmers
India's global Ammonia tender likely ahead to secure fertilizer production
India plans a global tender for ammonia, a key fertilizer ingredient. This move aims to secure vital raw material for urea and other fertilizers. The country needs to import a significant portion of its annual ammonia requirements. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The tender will bolster fertilizer reserves ahead of the crucial June planting season.
Supreme Court seeks responses from Centre, others on on plea concerning MSP
The plea has sought direction to the authorities to ensure complete procurement of all notified crops under the MSP calculated on the basis of the exact cost of cultivation
Tapping fisheries in reservoirs
The rise in the countrys fish production has been made possible by the application of cage culture technology
FM counters Stalin, denies curbs on paddy incentives
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has dismissed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's allegations regarding incentives for paddy cultivation. Sitharaman stated that the Union government's communication was a suggestion to states to align bonus policies with national priorities. The aim was to encourage crop diversification. The decision on state bonuses remains with state governments.
Advisory to states on crop bonus policy to encourage greater crop diversification: FinMin
In a statement, the finance ministry said the January 9, 2026, letter from the Department of Expenditure Secretary, Ministry of Finance, to chief secretaries of states was an advisory and not a directive, to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
Lack of funds wont hamper growth of agriculture sector, says Rajnath Singh
Mr. Singh also said that the Defence Ministry has taken a decision under which, in the cantonment areas, vegetables and fruits are being bought only from the nearby farmers who practice organic farming
Microplastics in Indias agriculture: A growing problem demanding urgent action
A new roadmap by NAAS emphasises national monitoring, improved waste management, and biodegradable alternatives to combat the growing crisis due to microplastics.
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
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.
NITI Aayog lays out roadmap for horticulture transformation in J&K
Indias presence in global markets for apples, walnuts, almonds and saffron remains limited, with increasing import dependence and stagnant or declining exports, the Aayog said, in its report released on Wednesday. The Aayog said the mission project Operation Golden Greens should be launched and implemented in a phased manner to improve the productivity of these commodities and make India globally competitive.
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.
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.
Price crash drives Bengal potato farmers into distress
Three farmer deaths linked to falling prices; Opposition, ruling party trade charges
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
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.
The unique flavour of Dindigulcigar, a balm to Winston Churchill in times of war
During the Second World War, the British Prime Minister decided to have a regular supply of these cigars made by Spencer and Co.A permanent order was placed with the Government of Madras. Spencer and Co. shut the business in the 1950s. What is left of the Spencer Compound is a portion of the ground that has become an unkempt garden
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
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
