Karnataka plans AI-based crop tracking from farm to plate
Karnataka plans AI-based crop tracking from farm to plate, while 27 agri-tech innovations are shortlisted to improve farm traceability and farmer support.
Govt absorbing up to Rs 2,700 per urea bag as global costs rise to Rs 3,000: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Centre absorbs a significant urea subsidy for farmers. This subsidy currently stands at approximately Rs 2,700 for each bag of urea. Sitharaman emphasised the government's commitment to providing essential farm inputs despite rising global prices. Additionally, her remarks highlighted ongoing efforts to support agricultural investment in Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives aim to ensure that farmers receive necessary resources and maintain economic stability.
Weakest monsoon since 2015 prompts ICRA to cut FY27 farm growth forecast
In 2026, the Southwest monsoon recorded rainfall at 87 percent of the long-period average, the lowest since 2015. ICRA has lowered its agriculture growth forecast for FY27 to approximately 1 percent from 1.3 percent due to inadequate rains. Kharif sowing has decreased by 1.2 percent compared to last year, with rice and cotton crops showing notable reductions. Reservoir storage levels have significantly declined, raising concerns for the upcoming rabi season.
From barren desert to red gold: Saffron cultivation debuts in Ladakh
Ladakh has launched a pilot to grow high-value saffron on restored barren land in Leh, planting about 90,000 Iranian saffron corms across 4,000 square metres at Spituk Pharka. If successful, the project could diversify cold-desert agriculture and create a new income source for local farmers, youth and self-help groups.
Asian Games 2026 Medal Tally: India climbed to seventh place in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally after winning its 11th gold medal on Friday. The Indian womens recurve archery team made history by defeating South Korea in the final to secure a maiden gold in the event. Indias tally now stands at 67 medals, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.
India can emerge as key rice supplier as global production falls 9% and demand rises 14%: IREF
India's rice production is expected to decrease, while global demand is projected to rise significantly. The country possesses sufficient surplus stocks to address international market needs. Other major rice-producing nations are under pressure, which presents opportunities for Indian exporters. Challenges such as rising fuel and fertilizer costs continue to impact the global rice market. This situation could enhance India's status as a key player in the international rice trade.
India cuts sugar stock holding period for dealers to 15 days to curb hoarding ahead of festivals
Starting from October 15, new regulations will limit sugar stock for dealers to 1,000 quintals nationwide. Dealers will only be allowed to hold stocks for a maximum of 15 days. Kolkata and Assam will have a higher limit of 2,000 quintals due to regional needs. The Government expects retail sugar prices to decline further as ex-mill prices stabilize.
The objective is not merely to prepare agriculture graduates as job seekers, but to equip them with the skills to solve problems, innovate and create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Pulses import duties may ease over poor rains
At present, imports of chana attract a 10% duty, while yellow peas are subject to a 30% duty. Tur and urad imports are allowed duty-free until March 31, 2027. The proposed reduction in duties on chana and yellow peas would be to improve domestic availability and contain prices. Prices of chana, moong, matar and tur have risen by up to 10% over the past month, with a 3-5% spike in the past week, as concerns over crop prospects combine with higher festive demand.
How to finance rural prosperity
India must now build robust mechanisms for financing every commercially viable activity that creates value between the farm and the final consumer
Agriculture sector binds India-Argentina partnership
Argentine Ambassador Mariano Caucino highlighted the growing economic relationship between Argentina and India during a summit in Mumbai. Agriculture, particularly edible oils, serves as a core area of cooperation between the two countries. Argentina is experiencing record supplies of edible oils, significantly contributing to India's food security. In 2025, exports of soybean oil and sunflower products to India are expected to increase substantially.
Women farmers role crucial for Indias agriculture, sustainable farming: BKS conference
Introducing the conference, Manju Dixit, All India Women Convener of BKS, called for a change in the traditional perception of women farmers.
Cabinet approves hike in Rabi minimum support prices for 2027-28 season
The MSP for safflower was increased the most, by 675 per quintal to 7,215 per quintal, an increase of 10.3% over its level in the previous year
Cabinet raises wheat MSP by 25 to 2,610 per quintal for 2027-28
Among pulses, the support price of gram has been increased by 83 to 5,958 per quintal from 5,875 per quintal, while masur MSP was hiked by 390 to 7,390 per quintal in the said period
Resistance to chemicals and formulations is an evolving challenge, particularly in crops where the same pest pressures persist over multiple seasons, said Rajesh Aggarwal, MD of Insecticides (India).
Tata Chemicals Mithapur launches Suraksha Gurukul Safety Centre
Tata Chemicals Mithapur launches Suraksha Gurukul, a safety training centre featuring VR modules, driving simulators and site-specific learning.
Wingsure launches platform to digitise coffee farming
Wingsure launches COFFEA, an AI-powered coffee intelligence platform using verified farm data to support sustainability, risk assessment and agricultural decision-making.
12% deficit: Rain report gives a dry reading
The impact is showing in commodity markets: prices of several pulses are up amid crop concerns and festive demand. Maharashtra has declared drought across large parts, and Karnataka is facing similar conditions.
Foodgrain output target cut over El Nino impact
Of the overall target, 177.72 mt is expected to come from the rabi season, agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said at the National Agriculture Conference-Rabi Campaign 2026 Tuesday.
El Nino fears: Govt cuts foodgrain target by 2.63 MT
India has announced a reduced foodgrain production target of 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year. The decision comes amidst concerns over El Nio weather patterns impacting agricultural conditions across the country. Sowing operations for kharif crops have been completed, while rabi crop planting will start in October.
Discussions covered areas of mutual interest across the Groups businesses, particularly oil palm innovation and the household insecticides sector.
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh to hold women farmers' conference on September 30
Thousands of women farmer workers from all states across the country will participate.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Pulses prices surge up to 11% in a month as festive demand, crop concerns bite
Prices of key pulses including chana, moong, tur and matar have risen sharply over the past month, with wholesale rates increasing up to 11%, according to IPGA data. Industry executives attributed the surge to growing concerns over crop deficits, moisture stress, lower Australian supplies and stronger festive demand.
Revisiting the farmer question
The task today is not to mechanically reproduce the NCF recommendations, but to update and complete their underlying vision for the agriculture sector and allow Indian farmers to participate in global markets from a position of strength
Rabi planning: Centre asks States to assess water availability, prioritise pulses, oilseeds
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges water budgeting in crop planning; Agricultural Secretary warns of climate-related production losses in Rabi season
Centre to send teams to assess drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
We will send a central team to Karnataka on October 3 to assess the drought situation. I have spoken with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is concerned as well, and we will send a central team there too. I, along with my team, will personally visit the States facing this crisis, Mr. Chouhan said
El Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may affect foodgrain output: Agri Secy
The rabi season in India is expected to encounter difficulties due to the El Nino weather pattern. Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra highlighted the challenges faced during the kharif season in rainfed regions. Crop diversification is needed for self-sufficiency despite research and income hurdles. Infrastructure modernization is crucial to prevent farm losses and ensure market access. A robust digital agriculture system is essential for accurate data utilization in crop production planning.
Kharif cultivation this season has fallen from last year, but exceeded the five-year average despite lower rainfall. The number coming above five-year average is noteworthy, because monsoon rainfall between June 1 and September 26 was 12% below normal.
Hotter seas, vanishing kelp, booming octopus: How Europe's marine life is changing
ASMS, Ampivo to expand digital agriculture across rural India
ASMS and Ampivo plan to expand Agri Kisan Setu across rural India, offering farmers digital market access, farm tools, schemes and advisory services.
KRIBHCO posts INR 825 Crore pre-tax profit in FY26
KRIBHCO reports INR 824.68 crore pre-tax profit for FY26, declares 20% dividend and records 21.34 lakh MT urea production.
Aquaculture overtakes oceans as aquatic food growth slows
Aquaculture now supplies more aquatic animals than capture fisheries, but WAF warns growth is slowing amid water, disease and investment constraints.
Amara Raja opens 2026 Rural Entrepreneur Award nominations
Amara Raja opens nominations for its 2026 Better Way Awards, offering rural and women entrepreneurs Rs 3 lakh and a year of mentoring.
As land availability becomes increasingly constrained, the future of sugarcane growth depends less on expansion of area and more on gains in productivity, said
Karnataka announces Rs 2,500 input subsidy for drought-hit farmers: Dy CM Parameshwara
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced immediate relief for drought-hit farmers, offering Rs 2,500 each. This initial aid aims to support 45-50 lakh farmers and will cost the state Rs 1,250 crore. Further assistance will depend on the Union government's response and assessments of the drought situation. While total drought losses in Karnataka are expected to exceed Rs 40,000 crore, additional relief measures will follow.
Centre permits sale of excess tobacco in Andhra Pradesh for 2025-26 crop season
Centres move aims to regulate surplus tobacco sales and stabilise markets by enabling auctions for both registered and unregistered growers in AP for 2025-26, under Tobacco Board oversight.
Sugar imports likely for second year
The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.
Balrampur Chini gets government grant for biopolymer R&D facility
Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd (BCML) has received 75 crore in grant assistance from the government to set up a pilot-scale research and development facility for polylactic acid (PLA) co-polymers. The facility will focus on developing specialised PLA grades and co-polymers for higher-value applications and generating the process know-how needed to move products from laboratory research to commercial-scale manufacturing. The site will be India's first integrated commercial PLA manufacturing facility, with a planned capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum.
Rising sulphur prices put fertiliser sector under pressure, threaten higher subsidy burden
Landed sulphur prices in India have doubled since January to around $1,050-1,100 a tonne, according to industry estimates.
Rubber Board to launch digital platform for rubber planters
CPI(M) urges government to declare Anantapur as drought hit
Protests will be held across the district on September 25 and 26 to highlight farmers distress, followed by a dharna in front of the Collectors office on September 28, says partys district committee
NABARD brings banks, government together to ease Kisan Credit Card access in Delhi
Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, emphasised that enhancing farmers access to Kisan Credit Cards remains a priority and called for coordinated efforts among government departments, banks, cooperatives and development institutions.
Indias farmers cut back on seeds, fertilisers as rains fail, Rallis India CEO says
Due to erratic monsoon patterns, farmers in India are cutting back on their investments in pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds. The irregular rainfall is posing serious challenges to crop yields this year, compelling them to be cautious about their expenses. Agrochemical market players are witnessing a decline in demand for crop protection products, leading experts to advocate for consolidation in the congested farm input market to better manage these uncertainties.
The industry bodies said the correction reflected market dynamics as well as continued government efforts.
Govt's subsidised supply fails to stop India's onion tears
Rates staying high despite the release of buffer stocks shows the challenge of bringing prices down across markets, particularly when retail rates differ substantially between locations and sellers, trade anaylists say.
Maharashtra drought: State records 18.8% rain deficit, 40-50% rain deficit across six districts
With the government set to conduct crop-damage surveys after October 5, farmers are demanding immediate drought declarations and relief funds, highlighting the urgent need for assistance as water scarcity exacerbates the crisis across Marathwada and Vidarbha regions
Groundwater crisis in Punjab is widening social and economic divide, finds study
At 76.47%, Punjab has highest percentage of over-exploited groundwater blocks among all States; the States heavy reliance on groundwater for cultivating water-intensive crops, including wheat and rice, leads to rising costs for deeper wells, as well as land subsidence and deteriorating water quality
Groundwater crisis in Punjab is widening social and economic divide, finds study
At 76.47%, Punjab has highest percentage of over-exploited groundwater blocks among all States; the States heavy reliance on groundwater for cultivating water-intensive crops, including wheat and rice, leads to rising costs for deeper wells, as well as land subsidence and deteriorating water quality
Corteva Agriscience creates awareness on pest control among farmers in Nellore
The farmers saw stronger crop stands, healthier tillers, improved grain filling and fields that remained protected during some of the crops most critical growth stages.
Absolute launches AI-driven biological agriculture platform INERA in Kenya
Indian biosolutions company Absolute has launched INERA in Kenya with six biological products, marking its entry into Africa and plans for wider global expansion.
Heartfulness distributes 80,000 grafted tomato seedlings to farmers at Telangana Kisan Mela
Heartfulness distributes 80,000 free grafted tomato seedlings to farmers at Ranga Reddy Kisan Mela as Telangana seeks to strengthen vegetable cultivation and farmer incomes.
Tata Chemicals wins India Gold MIKE Award 2026 for innovation, knowledge management
Tata Chemicals wins the India Gold MIKE Award 2026 for excellence in innovation and knowledge management, recognising its culture of learning, collaboration and value creation.
National Spice Conference 2026 focuses on farmer prosperity
National Spice Conference 2026 in Jaipur brings farmers, industry and policymakers together to strengthen farmer incomes, food safety, sustainability and India
Assam's revised ATISIS gives major boost to GTAC-linked CTC exports
Assam's updated tea incentive scheme introduces exciting export benefits designed to enhance the quality of CTC tea. The initiative promises a Rs 3 per kg bonus for single-origin Assam tea exports and significantly boosts subsidies for Orthodox and Specialty tea production. Additionally, improved working capital assistance is provided, with Matcha tea now part of the program, aiming to fortify Assam's tea exports and the Guwahati auction platform.
Not in favour of FIRs against farmers over stubble burning: Punjab CM Mann
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for increased air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. Due to the short window for the Rabi crop (wheat) after the paddy harvest in October and November, many farmers burn their fields to quickly clear the crop residue
Southern India drying fastest, most persistent drought hotspots along eastern coast: Study
Chouhan said states would have to deliver on commitments made during the conference, including deadlines for Farmer ID generation and other components of AgriStack.
Congress leaders seek drought-hit status for Mahararashtras Latur, urgent relief measures
Speaking at a review meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee, they said the prevailing drought-like situation warranted immediate government intervention and financial assistance to farmers.
Pulses, oilseed prices rise as rain deficit hits crops
Key pulse and oilseed prices have risen sharply compared to last year. Scanty rains are affecting the current kharif crop and raising rabi season output concerns. Tur and chana prices have increased significantly, while soyabean and groundnut have seen larger jumps. Forecasts of El Nino are also impacting chana prices for the upcoming rabi season. Despite output worries, industry veterans state the supply situation remains stable.
Lessons from Indias smallholder farmers
India is an important voice in the Global Souths rural development conversation
US seeks details of India's rice stocks used for Ethanol output
The United States has sought details from India on the use of rice for ethanol production. Washington has alleged that Indias rice stocks exceed food security requirements, affecting global trade. Indias price support policies have also been cited as contributing to higher domestic rice supplies. The World Trade Organization is expected to discuss these concerns later this month. Indias allocation of rice for ethanol production has reportedly increased significantly.
Average sugar retail price rules below Rs 60/kg for 4th day; festive demand keeps rates elevated
Average sugar prices stayed below Rs 60 per kg for four days. Government measures and imports helped ease prices after recent increases. Festive demand caused some regional price hikes, particularly in southern states. Major sugar-producing states like Maharashtra saw prices decline. The government maintains adequate stocks despite a lowered production estimate.
Farmers Start Dharna Outside Punjab Ministers Office in Hoshiarpur
He said the state government would be responsible for any inconvenience caused to the public if such action was taken.
Rice gets pricier in India as US-Iran war sends countries scrambling to secure food supplies
Rice is getting costlier in India as the US-Iran war drives countries to secure food supplies and boosts overseas demand. Basmati prices have risen 15-20% and non-basmati varieties 20-25%, with traders expecting little relief until the new crop arrives in October-November.
News in Frames: A village with no people
Gattumeedapalle was once a bustling hub of groundnut cultivation in Andhra Pradesh; however, repeated crop failure due to lack of water has forced families to move away to find alternative sources of livelihood
Uttar Pradesh pushes sugarcane transformation with digital reforms, modern governance
The number of sugarcane farmers associated with the sector has also shown a steady increase over the years, reaching 48,03,084 bonded farmers in 2024-25
Women take the controls as farms embrace new tech in Telangana
Drones are opening a new frontier for women in self-help groups, giving them a chance to enter technology-led agriculture and build independent businesses. From crop-spraying to farm services, the new skills are taking them beyond the traditional activities of SHGs
Sweet trouble: Sugar prices surge to 17-month high as govt warns mills against festival hoarding
Raw sugar futures have reached their highest level since March 2025. Strong Indian import demand and Brazilian supply disruptions are driving these gains. India has opened a tax-free import quota to meet domestic needs. The government warns mills against unjustified price increases during festivals. El Nio and oil prices also influence the global sugar market.
Govt asks sugar mills to ensure adequate supplies during festivals, keep prices 'reasonable'
Indian sugar mills are asked to ensure adequate supplies for the upcoming festival season. Domestic mills are seeking to import nearly 800,000 tons of duty-free raw sugar. The government directed mills to sell sugar at reasonable prices. Officials will continue monitoring prices and take corrective measures. This aims to keep sugar rates stable for consumers.
Palaniswami accuses TVK govt. of being negligent in paddy procurement
The AIADMK leader urged the government to take steps for the speedy procurement of paddy
Next phase of PM-KUSUM may be OKed soon: Pralhad Joshi
The upcoming PM KUSUM phase will feature a dedicated agrivoltaics component for farmers. This initiative will allow farmers to earn income from generated electricity. The focus will be on small farmers, cooperatives, and panchayats. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar power generation on the same land. More research is needed to optimize crop and solar configurations.
Deficient monsoon, weak September rainfall pose risks to rabi crops: Crisil
Renewed weakening of rainfall in August and expectations of a deficient September could pose risks to Indias upcoming rabi season, Crisil said. It flagged cotton, bajra, maize, tur, groundnut and soybean as particularly vulnerable. Rainfall deficiency has widened to 14%, while September rainfall is forecast below normal.
Rural job demand rises 23.8% in August under new VB-G RAM G scheme
Demand for jobs under the new rural employment scheme increased in August. Work sought by households rose significantly from the previous month. Millions of people sought employment opportunities across various Indian states. The new law provides more guaranteed employment days annually. It also sets a minimum daily wage for all workers.
Your sweet tooth craving may get a little more expensive
Rising sugar prices are pushing packaged food companies towards another round of price hikes or smaller pack sizes. Bikaji Foods is rolling out a 2% price increase across its sweets portfolio, while analysts at Anand Rathi expect 2-5% hikes or shrinkflation in packaged foods as sugar, tea and coffee prices rise.
From dialogue to delivery: Turning 3 decades of ASEAN-India agri-cooperation into farmers prosperity
As officials and ministers from India and the 11 ASEAN member states gather in New Delhi for a two-day meeting, the substance of this partnership lies less in the communiqu than in the research, training and field-level programmes it has steadily built since 1992
Govt mulls FDI liberalisation in plantation sector
India is considering liberalizing foreign direct investment norms for plantations. More commercial crops like bananas could be included under this policy. The government aims to boost exports of bananas significantly in coming years. This move seeks to enhance India's global market share in banana production. Stakeholder consultations are currently underway for this proposed policy change.
Nilgiris tea production hit by severe drought, El Nino conditions; green leaf supply drops sharply
Severe drought conditions in Nilgiris have drastically reduced green tea leaf supply. Tea factories are experiencing significant revenue losses and production declines. Small farmers face immense hardship due to crop failure and inadequate prices. Rainfall deficits have caused a substantial drop in tea productivity across the region. Government assistance is urgently needed for affected tea growers and workers.
Farmers union to mobilise one million swayamsevaks to fight trade deals
SKM leaders said delegations have met more than 100 Ministers, MPs, and MLAs across the country with a charter of demands that includes cancellation of all FTAs
Leaving farmers 'Bhagwan Bharose': The cost of MSP to ethanol gaps
Leaving farmers 'Bhagwan Bharose': The cost of MSP to ethanol gaps
India's soyoil imports hit record high in August and palm six-month peak, dealers say
Indian refiners sharply increased edible oil imports in August to build stocks ahead of the festive season. Palm oil imports rose 7% to 780,000 tonnes, while soyoil imports jumped 21% to a record 601,000 tonnes.
Tamil Nadu government to withdraw cases filed against farmers, teachers during DMK regime: CM Vijay
Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, he said the TVK government would respect the democratic rights of farmers and teachers who had protested peacefully
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.
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.
Milk procurement price in Tamil Nadu increased further to 44 per litre
Last week, CM Vijay had announced that the government had increased the procurement price by 3 per litre, raising the price from 38 to 41
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
