FPOs hold promise for smallholders, but face structural constraints: Study
Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) are key to integrating smallholders in India, but they are constrained by scale, market access, finance, and governance gaps, says a recent policy paper.
Rajasthan may serve as living lab for farm tech companies: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma
He said technology had an immense potential to transform agriculture sector in the State on a large scale
FPOs struggling, policy paper recommends government aid
The paper noted that several factors, such as inadequate management skills, limited access to credit, weak market linkages, and insufficient technical support for the struggles of FPOs
Flour millers' body calls for greater policy stability, stronger industry-government coordination
Navneet Chitlangia highlighted the need for stock transparency, predictable OMSS policies, export flexibility, and liquidity support to ensure fair returns and affordable prices.
Climate-resilient farming in the age of extremes
As extreme weather events become more frequent and less predictable, the future of Indian agriculture will depend on how effectively it combines traditional wisdom with technological innovation.
New laws for seeds and pesticides are nearing completion. These laws aim to curb fake farm inputs with stricter penalties. The government is also focusing on region-specific agricultural planning. Priorities include food security, higher farm incomes, and better nutrition. Farmers will benefit from improved access to quality seeds and credit. Planning will also consider potential water shortages.
Forecast for strong El Nino fans worries about global crops as Iran war bites
A strong El Nino is expected in the second half of 2026. This will bring hotter, drier weather to Asia. Crops and food supplies will be affected. Farmers face fertiliser shortages and high fuel costs. India anticipates below-average monsoon rains. Southeast Asia's palm oil and rice production may decline. China could see increased flooding risk.
Maharashtra agri input dealers call for a strike on April 27
Agri-input dealers across Maharashtra are set to strike on April 27. Associations like MAFDA and AIDA are protesting a new government resolution. They claim 23 new inspectors will create excessive oversight and hinder business. Dealers are demanding a focus on lab strengthening and digital traceability instead of physical inspections. This action aims to protect agri-entrepreneurs and ensure industry stability.
Govt overhauls six-decade-old sugarcane law; seeks comments on draft by May 20
The Centre is proposing a new Sugarcane (Control) Order 2026, replacing the 1966 version to integrate ethanol production, digital compliance, and factory approvals. This framework maintains core elements like FRR and payment deadlines while introducing a conversion formula for ethanol and a formal approval process for new factories.
Tea bodies urge PM Modi to allow producers freedom to choose mode of sale
Four tea organisations from Assam and West Bengal say mandatory auction rules raise costs and threaten viability of tea producers
Tapping fisheries in reservoirs
The rise in the countrys fish production has been made possible by the application of cage culture technology
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.
