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.
From Assam to Nilgiri: How regional teas are becoming premium brands
India's tea market is shifting towards premium products and regional diversity. Gen Z and millennials are driving this growth, seeking authenticity and unique flavors. Regional teas from Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are gaining new recognition. Changing lifestyles and modern retail are expanding tea consumption and accessibility. Innovation and heritage are key for the industry's future growth.
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.
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.
