Sugar ex-mill prices down 18% to Rs 55/kg
The ex-mill price of sugar has declined by 18 per cent to Rs 55 per kg since the government's decision to allow imports and clamp down on speculation and hoarding of the sweetener, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said.Ex-mill prices of sugar had shot up to a record Rs 67 per kg last week - a spike Chopra attributed to mills jacking up rates.Ex-mill price of sugar, which were jacked up by mills, have started cooling down. They have declined to Rs 55 per kg and will further drop in the coming days, Chopra told PTI.The jump in prices, he said, was not rooted in fundamentals, as the country has ample sugar stocks despite production for the 2025-26 marketing year (October-September) falling to 306 lakh tonnes, down from earlier estimates of 343 lakh tonnes. Annual domestic demand stands at around 280-285 lakh tonnes.Last week, the government allowed import of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar, imposed stock limits on bulk consumers, and directed states to intensify inspections to check hoarding and speculation.National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare said no state in the country currently has ex-mill prices ruling above Rs 55 per kg.Flying squads have been deployed nationwide to check hoarding, and the Centre's intervention has helped arrest the price rise, he said, adding that ex-mill prices are expected to fall further.Naiknavare noted that there is typically a Rs 2-3 per kg gap between ex-mill and wholesale prices, and a Rs 7-8 per kg gap between ex-mill and retail prices.However, the decline in ex-mill prices is yet to filter down to wholesale and retail markets.The average all-India wholesale price of sugar continues to rule high at Rs 58.29 per kg, while the average retail price stood at Rs 63.05 per kg on August 24, according to data maintained by the Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Sowing area in Marathwada down by 7% amid rainfall deficit
Marathwada's cultivation area has shrunk by nearly 3.5 lakh hectares this year. Rainfall is 20.3 percent below average, impacting the region's agriculture significantly. Cotton and sugarcane acreage have dropped sharply, while farmers shift crops. Soybean, maize, and sunflower cultivation has seen an increase. This shift reflects adaptation to current weather conditions and market demands.
Government lifts ban on wheat exports, cites farmers interests amid depressed local prices
India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, had banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices
Onion prices up 59%, govt ramps up 'Kanda Express' supplies to cool market
The Centre has started moving bulk onion stocks through dedicated railway rakes the 'Kanda Express' from Nashik in Maharashtra to major consuming centres, as part of efforts to augment supplies and check the seasonal rise in prices, a Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Monday. Stocks currently being loaded onto these rakes are expected to reach the identified centres by Wednesday, she said. PRICES UP SHARPLY ------------------------- Data maintained by the ministry shows the all-India average retail price of onion rose 59 per cent year-on-year to Rs 43.53/kg on August 24, from Rs 27.37/kg a year ago. The average wholesale price was up 68 per cent at Rs 35.58/kg, against Rs 21.23/kg in the year-ago period. Among major cities, retail onion prices on Monday stood at Rs 60/kg in Chennai (Rs 33 a year ago), Rs 55/kg in Delhi (Rs 35) and Rs 53/kg in Kolkata. Initially, the onion will be supplied to five major consumption centres, namely Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam
Taiwan braces for Typhoon Saudel as torrential rains lash southern regions
Why is there a sudden increase in sugar prices | Explained
The Opposition blamed that the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production caused the increase in sugar prices
Mahindra OJA marks three years, targets India
Mahindra Tractors has completed three years of its OJA compact tractor platform, aimed at meeting the growing mechanisation needs of India
Sugar production hit by Red Rot disease, El Nino; govt taking measures: Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is taking measures to manage sugar availability and rising prices ahead of the festival season, including temporary imports of raw sugar. He attributed the fall in production to red rot disease and El Nino conditions.
YSRCP leader criticises governments response to El Nino crisis in Anantapur
Undivided Anantapur district is set to face an acute shortage of drinking water, irrigation water, and cattle fodder, while reduced crop cultivation during the previous Kharif season has already led to scarcity of fodder, claims Anantha Venkatarami Reddy
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab hit the most by sugar price hike
Closely monitoring the situation, says the Centre and promises steps to ease the burden; it says rise in prices cannot be attributed to ethanol
India tightens sugar stock limits to tame record prices
India has ordered dealers to hold sugar inventories for only fifteen days. This new rule takes effect from September first until November thirtieth. The government aims to bolster sugar supplies and rein in soaring prices. Festival demand and patchy rains have contributed to the current price surge. These measures are intended to stabilize the market through the busy festival season.
Indian agrochem firms seek time-bound data protection to bring newer crop protection solutions
Crystal Crop Protection, Rallis India, Dhanuka Agritech, PI Industries and Godrej Agrovet seek five-year regulatory data protection to boost innovation, manufacturing and agrochemical exports.
Improved texture, nutrition brings faba bean milk closer to market
Researchers at Adelaide University have developed a calcium-fortified faba bean milk prototype with improved texture, highlighting promising potential for future use in caf
Kharif sowing recovers after July rains
India's kharif planting has rebounded impressively following beneficial rainfall in July. Farmers are keen to recover from the setbacks of a parched June, showcasing an optimistic shift. The sowing of crucial crops like pulses and oilseeds is on track across the nation. Nevertheless, some crops still have acreage that is less than last year's. This revitalization raises expectations for alleviating food price concerns, provided the good rains continue.
BIRC 2026 to Showcase 200 Rice Varieties, 50 Global Cuisines Across 9 Experience Zones
The Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will showcase 200 rice varieties and 50 global cuisines. This event will be held in New Delhi from October 23 to 25. Nine experience zones will highlight rice through culture, technology, and nutrition. The conference will trace rice cultivation, consumption, and trade across generations. It will also examine rice's role in shaping global trade networks.
Farmers outfits urge MPs, MLAs to speak out against trade deals; seek scrapping of all FTAs
SKM has urged peoples representatives to raise their voices against the proposed India-United States Free Trade Agreement
Farmers affiliated to milk societies under TRCMPU in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts have benefitted from the decision
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces fresh farm loan relief of up to INR 75,000 for cooperative borrowers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday announced additional relief for farmers by expanding the state
India set for record soyoil imports as Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower shipments
Soyoil imports in August are expected to reach 620,000 metric tons, nearly 46% above the current years average monthly imports of 424,549 tons
India develops agro-climatic agricultural roadmaps to boost farm productivity, climate resilience
The Government of India is working with States and agricultural research institutions to develop agro-climatic agricultural roadmaps aimed at improving farm productivity, profitability, resource-use efficiency and climate resilience while tailoring agricultural development to local conditions.
Honey production nearly doubles as government expands scientific beekeeping
India
India scales up oilseeds, pulses missions to cut imports by 2031
India has expanded its Oilseeds and Pulses Missions with free seed distribution, MSP procurement, 600+ value chain clusters and new seed hubs to boost domestic production and reduce edible oil and pulse imports by 2030-31.
CLFMA to host national symposium on sustainable animal agriculture
CLFMA will host its 59th AGM and 67th National Symposium in Mumbai on September 11-12, focusing on sustainable animal agriculture, nutrition, AI and trade.
CropLife India launches campaign to combat illicit pesticides
CropLife India launches a digital campaign across 13 states to reach 2.5 million farmers and raise awareness about illicit pesticides and safe crop protection.
Vedanta Power uses 3.61 lakh tonnes of paddy straw for energy
Vedanta Power used 3.61 lakh tonnes of biomass at its Punjab thermal plant in FY26, creating a market for paddy straw and supporting stubble management.
Satyukt Analytics celebrates eight years of satellite-led farm intelligence
Satyukt Analytics marks eight years of satellite-based agricultural intelligence, serving 50+ countries with AI, remote sensing and precision farming solutions.
Indias cheap-urea model faces an expensive reckoning
India faces rising fertilizer costs, prompting a review of its subsidy system. Global supply chain issues and war have doubled procurement expenses for the nation. Farmers are urged to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use for soil health. A new distribution system is being tested to manage nutrient sales. This situation risks impacting food inflation both domestically and abroad.
Sugar mills unlikely to advance crushing season despite promise to govt: Industry officials
Most sugar mills will not advance their crushing season by fifteen days. A significant shortage of migrant labor remains the primary obstacle for mills. This labor is typically available only around Diwali in November each year. Mechanized harvesting cannot adequately compensate for the missing workforce. Industry bodies had promised the government an earlier start to crushing operations.
Onion prices jump to Rs 27/kg at Lasalgaon amid delayed kharif crop arrival from South India
Wholesale onion prices have surged significantly in the past week. The government plans to sell buffer stock onions to control rising prices. A delayed kharif crop from southern India is expected to further increase costs. Onion quality has suffered globally due to erratic weather conditions. Future price trends will depend on September rainfall and new crop arrivals.
From freebie to luxury: Coriander prices spike after rain disrupts Nashik supply chain
Fresh coriander prices have significantly increased due to heavy rains. Supplies from key producing regions like Nashik were disrupted by flooding. Wholesale prices reached 175 per kg, while retail prices climbed higher. Limited arrivals from Karnataka offered some relief but with lower quality. Transport disruptions further contributed to the sharp price movements this week.
The price of a successful report
Indian companies spend roughly Rs.35,000 crores on CSR each year. Government schemes spend far more. Yet evaluation often rewards a story of success over an honest account of what was learned, the struggles that were encountered and what people actually experienced, writes Padmini Ram.
Kandla Port's 40-day cargo delays put Indias rice exports at risk
Indian rice exporters face significant logistical challenges at Kandla port. Cargo clearance now extends to forty days, impacting perishable rice shipments. This congestion occurs while India holds substantial rice stocks and anticipates global demand. Container shortages further exacerbate issues for basmati and non-basmati rice exports. These disruptions are causing global non-basmati rice prices to increase.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a new scholarship initiative. Over six thousand agriculture students will receive monthly direct bank transfers. This National Scholarship Portal-Direct Benefit Transfer system aims for faster payments. The government seeks to ensure timely financial assistance for students' education. This move strengthens agricultural education and practical learning opportunities.
Rice use for ethanol may rise as maize, sugarcane acreage falls this Kharif season
India is set to ramp up rice utilization for ethanol production this year, amid reduced planting of maize and sugarcane, raising concerns about feedstock availability. Fortunately, the government maintains a healthy stock of rice, offering a safety net. With sugar prices soaring to unprecedented levels due to crop output fears, this strategy aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending ratio.
Kharif sowing near normal as rainfall deficit shrinks
By August 7, farmers have successfully planted Kharif crops at 87.7% of the expected seasonal average. While rainfall deficiencies have mitigated, the focus is now firmly on crop yields. The acreage for critical crops like rice and pulses trails behind last years figures. On a positive note, reservoir water levels have improved significantly following recent rainfall. Nevertheless, the IMD warns of below-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon weeks.
Protesting Maharashtra farmers demand 2 lakh incentive for regular loan repayment
Along with a waiver ofup to 2 lakh, farmers, who paid EMIs regularly were supposed to receive incentive of 50,000, which farmers believe is unfair
Tobacco Board partners with Constems AI for tobacco grading
Tobacco Board partners with Constems AI to introduce AI-powered FCV tobacco grading, improving transparency, consistency and efficiency at Andhra Pradesh auctions.
FAIFA backs tobacco farmer relief, seeks calibrated crop cuts
FAIFA welcomes government relief for tobacco farmers but seeks calibrated FCV crop cuts, export support and stronger action against illicit cultivation.
Delhi State Cooperative Bank to venture into financing farmers, artisans
Inaugurating the programme, Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the critical role of cooperative banks in financial inclusion and local economic development.
India considers curbing use of sugarcane for ethanol to tame record-high sugar market
India may limit sugarcane use for ethanol to increase sugar production with an aim to stabilise record-high sugar prices and ensure smooth domestic supply. Reduced rainfall in key states has raised concerns about next year's sugar output. The government might allow corn and rice for ethanol to maintain its blending program.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces historic hike in special incentives for paddy and sugarcane
He said paddy procurement would begin in September and the government would offer an incentive of 289 per quintal for fine varieties, in addition to the MSP
Over 1 million evacuated as Typhoon Dolphin hits eastern China
Sugar mills to advance cane crushing schedule
Indian rice export prices near 10-month high amid El Nino fears and rising domestic paddy costs
Indian rice export prices remain near a ten-month high this week. Thai prices have reached a one-month peak, supported by buyer demand. Vietnam's rice exports are experiencing quiet trading activity due to weak demand. Bangladesh faces elevated rice prices after recent crop damage from flooding. Governments are developing climate-resilient rice varieties to address agricultural challenges.
DMK seeks adjournment motion on Cauvery dispute, slams TVK governments Agriculture Budget
Udhayanidhi Stalin said the DMK would raise the Cauvery issue in detail during the Assembly proceedings and expressed hope that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would break his silence and respond to the Oppositions questions
