Weak monsoon may drag agri GDP into contraction
Indian agriculture is at a crossroads, facing significant hurdles in the coming years. Analysts project little to no growth for agricultural GDP in 2026-27, compounded by El Nino fears pushing farmers to adopt less water-reliant crops. While this could alleviate water scarcity, it risks diminishing farm income and curtailing rural consumer activity.
El Nino sets in, clouds kharif outlook
El Nino conditions have set in and may strengthen during the southwest monsoon, raising concerns for India's largest sowing window. The neutral Indian Ocean Dipole offers no offset, and the IMD has lowered its monsoon forecast to below-normal. This development threatens crop output, impacting inflation and the rural economy.
Govt hikes onion procurement rate to Rs 16.5 per kg from Saturday to help farmers
The government has increased the onion procurement price to Rs 16.50 per kg. This move aims to boost farmers' income through the buffer stock programme. Farmers in Maharashtra are seeking a higher rate of Rs 30 per kg. The government has set a procurement target of 2 lakh tonnes for the year.
Global rice production was 713 million tonnes per year during 2006-2015, saw growth: Study
Global rice production saw significant growth from the 1960s to the 2010s. This increase was primarily due to management decisions such as expanded irrigation and increased nutrient inputs. These strategies helped offset losses from climate change. China, India, and Thailand are the top producers. Future food security will depend on adapting rice production systems to changing conditions.
India's agriculture and water tech startups gain momentum, sustainability in focus: Nasscom
India's agri and water tech deeptech ecosystem is gaining momentum around commercialization as per a statement by Nasscom. These sectors stand at a crucial stage with many startups continuously facing challenges for moving towards scaled deployment. To strengthen these industries, Agri and Water Tech in New Delhi on Friday.
What's ailing India's fertiliser subsidy and ethanol policy? Ashok Gulati explains
T.N. CM Vijay announces Kuruvai Special Package for paddy cultivation at a cost of 134.83 crore
Due to the delay in Southwest monsoon, the Mettur dam was not opened on the customary date of June 12; a release stated the CM has announced the Kuruvai Special Package to protect farmers livelihoods and encourage paddy cultivation
Gearing up for El Nino: NCCF puts tenders to sell Tur Dal on hold
The central government has paused tenders for selling tur pulses. This decision follows a request from the All India Dal Millers Association. They want the government to wait for two months. This waiting period will allow for clarity on rainfall and sowing. The industry fears low production due to El Nino.
South Asia can generate millions of jobs through agriculture sector: World Bank Group
With agriculture sector employing around 43 per cent of the South Asian workforce, the region has strong potential to emerge as a global leader in food systems, said World Bank Group, as per a statement by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
India exports 1-tonne of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi to Dubai
The ministry is promoting exports of agri products from the North Eastern Region
BRICS+ agriculture beyond borders: Trade and resilience for a food-secure world
Leveraging shared knowledge and innovation, the group aims to boost farmer incomes and rural development.
El Nio clouds loom over kharif crops, farm pay
A developing El Nio event thousands of miles away poses a significant threat to India's agriculture. This weather phenomenon is linked to weaker monsoon rains and higher temperatures. Experts predict a potential decline in kharif crop production, impacting oilseeds and pulses. This could lead to rising inflation and reduced earnings for farmers across the country.
Science at scale: Indias journey from food security to global leadership
Driven by farmer hard work, scientific innovation, and visionary leadership, the nation has seen unprecedented investment and landmark reforms, strengthening farmers' welfare and competitiveness, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Union Agriculture Minister says BRICS meeting in Indore to focus on food security, farmer welfare
The discussions under Indias presidency will include a three-day agriculture working group meeting from June 9 and a two-day BRICS ministerial meeting from June 12
Cooperatives key to Indias agricultural growth: NAAS
Agricultural cooperatives offer vital solutions for small farmers facing market access and cost challenges, says a research paper.
West Asia crisis: Why India needs a fertiliser security strategy
Indias fertiliser security is deeply tied to global supply chains. The country imports 60% of its DAP requirement, remains fully dependent on imported potash, and even domestic urea production relies heavily on imported liquefied natural gas.
RBI monetary policy meeting: India's monsoon season is critical for farms and prices. A weak monsoon could impact crop yields and raise food costs. The Reserve Bank of India is watching weather closely. Inflation has already risen slightly. Experts warn of price pressures from rain, energy, and currency. Monsoon outcomes will shape India's economic path.
BRICS and the new geography of agri-trade
Indias BRICS chairship in 2026 comes as agricultural trade faces new challenges beyond tariffs, including climate shocks, food-price volatility, fertiliser supply disruptions, sustainability requirements and digital traceability standards. With BRICS now accounting for nearly half the worlds population, around 40% of global GDP and $1.17 trillion in intra-group trade, agriculture has become a strategic area for cooperation.
Wheat procurement surges 17% to 35 million tonne, exceeds target for 2026-27 season
State-wise, Punjab led procurement at 12.1 MT, Madhya Pradesh recorded a sharp jump to 10.4 MT from 7.8 MT, while Haryana rose to 8.1 MT from 7 MT
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre sets new benchmark for quality tea prices
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre achieved record prices for quality tea. Deckiajuli Tea Estate sold premium CTC leaf at Rs 1,103 per kg. Sotai Tea Estate tea also reached a new high of Rs 889 per kg. Over 65,000 kg of tea sold above Rs 400 per kg. The Assam Government offers subsidies for orthodox tea.
Assam, Meghalaya farmers resume farming in disputed border area after weeks of conflict
The Tapat-Lapangap area is one of six inter-State border sectors where a 54-year-old territorial dispute remains to be resolved
Chana prices climb over 9% in a month
Chana prices are rising despite a strong harvest and large buffer stocks. Government procurement is a key driver, absorbing a significant portion of the chana from the market. Lower imports of chana and yellow peas also contribute to the price increase. Traders anticipate prices will remain firm.
States asked to focus on sowing pulses, oilseeds
India's government is urging states to focus on pulses and oilseeds for the upcoming kharif sowing season. This directive comes amid predictions of below-normal monsoon rains and potential disruptions in fertilizer supplies. The aim is to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Efforts are underway to improve seed availability and farming techniques for these crucial crops.
States asked to focus on sowing pulses, oilseeds
India's government is urging states to focus on pulses and oilseeds for the upcoming kharif sowing season. This directive comes amid predictions of below-normal monsoon rains and potential disruptions in fertilizer supplies. The aim is to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Efforts are underway to improve seed availability and farming techniques for these crucial crops.
Onion farmers stage protest for third time, demand MSP of 3000
Farmers wore onion garlands and blocked the highway in the Ambegaon taluka of the Pune district. They demanded a guaranteed price of 3,000 per quintal and compensation for farmers who sold their produce at a lower rate.
Indian refiners shift to soyoil in May as palm oil loses price advantage
India's edible oil imports increased in May, driven by a surge in soyoil purchases. Palm oil imports saw a slight rise but remained below average. Refiners favored soyoil as its price advantage over palm oil narrowed. Cooking gas shortages also impacted palm oil demand from bulk consumers. Overall edible oil imports reached 1.3 million tons.
A 3 lakh crore rain check? Indias monsoon now comes with a Hormuz fine print
Indias fertiliser supply chain is under strain as the West Asia conflict disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for imports. The crisis comes just as India faces a below-normal monsoon forecast, with the IMD projecting rainfall at 90% of the long-term average and a 92% probability of El Nio conditions, raising concerns over crop output and food inflation.
Open MSP procurement, storage to private sector: StarAgri CEO
StarAgri CEO Amith Agarwal advocates a bigger private-sector role in MSP procurement and storage to boost efficiency, warehousing capacity, and agri supply chains.
Cotton prices down 3% on import duty suspension, may slide more
India has suspended its 11% import duty on cotton until October. This move has immediately reversed the recent rally in cotton prices, with both bales and yarn seeing a drop. Industry insiders expect further price decreases in the coming days. This decision aims to ease prices, prevent hoarding, and boost the competitiveness of Indian textile exports.
India trims fertiliser demand for kharif season as weak monsoon outlook triggers reassessment
In anticipation of the upcoming sowing season, India is making strategic changes by reducing its fertilizer requirements due to forecasts of insufficient monsoon rainfall. This adjustment means lower demand for urea and DAP, while farmers are encouraged to minimize their reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting better soil health.
CM Revanth Reddy for crop diversification, as below normal rainfall is forecast
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to educate farmers on the impacts of El Nio and the usage of less water-intensive crops, as below normal rainfall is forecast for monsoon
Weather swings, monsoon risks, and the growing threat to mango, apple crops
The agriculture industry has evolved historically through adaptation and resilience, and now it is time to speed up this transformation, empowering Indian fruit growers to be more enterprising to produce quality horticultural crops against mounting climatic aberrations.
Beyond rice, wheat: Why India must revive native orphan crops for protein security
India can boost nutrition security, cut import dependence, and build a global smart protein industry by scaling climate-resilient indigenous crops, say experts.
Onion farmers seek 10,000 crore revival package, stable export policy from Centre
Bharat Dighole, founder-president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Farmers Association, said that farmers have suffered huge losses over the years due to what he termed flawed export policies, spurious seeds, storage losses and other factors
Onion farmers seek Rs 10,000 crore revival package, stable export policy from Centre
Maharashtra onion farmers are facing a severe financial crisis. They are urging the central government for a special Rs 10,000 crore revival package. Farmers have suffered significant losses due to export bans, price crashes, and natural calamities. The association seeks direct financial assistance and policy changes to support growers and the rural economy.
Telangana procured 60 LMT paddy so far, 60% of Indias total procurement: Uttam
Telangana Civil Supplies Minister says while rice production in Telangana is growing, the quantity of rice being accepted by the Centre through FCI is being reduced
India becomes world's largest rice producer
Rice production is estimated at a record 154.02 mt in the 2025-26 crop year, up from 150.18 mt a year earlier, according to the third advance estimates released by the agriculture ministry.
Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra also said crop diversification, agricultural self-reliance, and sustainability have become the govt's core priorities, urging States to align their plans accordingly
Foodgrain output seen rising 5% to 376.5 MT
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan termed it the highest-ever foodgrain output in the country's history.
Can ethanol save sugar sector? ET Conversation with DG ISMA
Wheat output likely to rise by 2.29% to 120.65 mn tons for 2025-26
India's wheat output is set for a significant increase. Production is projected to reach 120.65 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop year. This rise is expected despite some localized damage from unseasonal weather. Overall foodgrain production is also forecast to grow. The agriculture ministry confirms stable and resilient wheat production.
Bayer CropScience Q4 net profit rises 13% on higher revenues
Bayer CropScience's profit surged 13% in the March quarter and 21% for the full fiscal year.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved sugarcane prices paid by cooperative societies to farmers. This decision benefits over two lakh farmers and cooperative societies by an estimated Rs. 1,500 crore. The move addresses past Income Tax demands. A Union Ministry of Cooperation amendment in 2023 enabled this State Government approval strengthening the cooperative sector and farmer interests.
AIADMK, BJP criticise Tamil Nadu government over crop loan waiver announcement
Mr. Palaniswami said the TVK, in its election manifesto, assured to completely waive off loans of farmers who held up to 5 acre of land. But now, instead of using land as the criterion, the government has considered money as the yardstick.
India's prized Alphonso mango crop ruined by weather
A sharp difference in day and nighttime temperatures in December and January hurt flowering and fruit setting, while hotter than usual weather in April and May, probably due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, then spoiled the fruits themselves, an official said.
