Government hikes paddy MSP by 72 to 2,441/qtl; sunflower seed sees steepest rise at 622
Briefing reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the MSPs have been fixed to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and are at least 50% above the cost of production across all 14 crops
MSP hike for Kharif crops: Cabinet raises support prices for 14 crops for marketing season 2026-27
Bayer strengthens its phygital connect with Indian farmers as FarmRise app reaches 5 million users
The initiative also includes digital marketplaces, satellite-based insights for risk protection, and AI-powered advisory, aiming to enhance farmer decision-making and sustainability.
India books phosphate fertilizer at 40% above pre-war prices
India has contracted diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer at prices nearly 40% higher than pre-war levels as the Middle East conflict disrupts supplies and lifts global prices. Indian Potash Ltd. agreed to buy about 1.35 million tons of DAP for delivery on the west and east coasts at around $930-$935 per ton, exceeding the 1.2 million tons sought in last weeks tender.
Kharif reset: Farmers may ditch paddy and maize for soybean, pulses amid monsoon fears
As the kharif season approaches, farmers are leaning towards cultivating oilseeds like soybean and pulses such as urad and masur, primarily due to worries about erratic monsoon patterns and looming fertilizer shortages. Following a recent surge, maize planting is forecasted to decline, as farmers shift towards crops that are less fertilizer-dependent and lower in risk amid unpredictable weather conditions.
In India's drought-hit Anantapur district, farmer Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy transformed 180 acres into a high-income, water-efficient agricultural model. He adopted drip irrigation, fertigation, and diversified into high-value horticultural crops like grapes and exotic fruits, demonstrating that challenging landscapes can be highly productive with innovation.
Maize emerges as Indias top ethanol feedstock as supplies surpass 515 crore litres
India's cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 515 crore litres in the first half of ESY 2025-26, with maize emerging as the largest feedstock.
The e-Vikas fertiliser system has so far benefitted 1.3 million farmers, reduced queues, and triggered a behavioural shift toward need-based usage, says Nishant Warwade, Agriculture Secretary, Madhya Pradesh.
Balrampur Chini raises Rs 450 cr equity fund for poly lactic acid, lactogypsum plants in UP
Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd has secured Rs 450 crore to fund its expansion plans. This capital will establish a lactogypsum processing plant and boost its poly lactic acid (PLA) facility in Uttar Pradesh. The company is venturing into bio-plastics with a new PLA plant set to become operational this year.
Mumbais Koli women are rewriting the seafood business one WhatsApp order at a time
Mumbai's Koli women are transforming their traditional fish trade into a modern seafood enterprise by embracing branding, packaging, and logistics. Daryavardi Producer Company Limited (DPCL), a women-led organization, aims to corporatize this community trade, preserving cultural identity while expanding into new markets and reclaiming social standing.
IBA seeks 10% compulsory fermented organic manure blending target by 2030
India's soil health is set to improve with a new proposal for Fermented Organic Manure (FOM). The Indian Biogas Association suggests a phased mandate to blend FOM with chemical fertilizers.
Centre to send expert group to study litchi crisis in Bihar
The task force, which should submit a report to the Union Agriculture Minister in a week, will also recommend necessary advisories and extension activities for farmers, besides suggesting interventions required at both the State and Central levels
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan shows pruning technology to revive old mango trees in Lucknow
Government's foodgrain stocks hit 604 lakh tonnes, nearly three times buffer requirement
India's food reserves are robust. Wheat and rice stocks in FCI godowns are nearly three times the mandatory buffer. This ensures ample supply for welfare schemes. Procurement for the next season is underway. Harvests are progressing well, with most rabi commodities trading below minimum support prices. This situation provides food security for the nation.
The central government has approved the purchase of sunflower seed from Karnataka for the 2026 rabi season. This move ensures farmers receive a minimum support price. In Maharashtra, the procurement limit for gram has been significantly increased.
Minister launches desilting works to boost groundwater access for farmers
Janardhan Reddy operates an earthmover to remove silt from Hanumathu Gundam tank as part of Jaladhara-Jalaharathi programme in Kolimigundla mandal of Banaganapalle Assembly constituency
Indore to host meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers in June
Indore will host BRICS agriculture ministers from June 12 to 13. Officials will meet earlier from June 9 to 11. Discussions will focus on food security, smart agriculture, global trade, and farmer welfare.
Traders begin wheat exports after four-year hiatus on bumper crop
Consumer goods conglomerate ITC has started loading 22,000 metric tonnes of wheat at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates, sources said
India begins wheat exports after four-year hiatus on bumper crop
India has resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years, with ITC loading 22,000 metric tons for the UAE. A record harvest and higher global prices and freight rates are making Indian wheat competitive. This follows a ban imposed due to crop damage from extreme heat in previous years.
12.38 lakh tonnes paddy purchased from 1.54 lakh ryots so far, 1,129 crore paid
According to Commissioner of Civil Supplies M. Stephen Ravindra, the department is operating at full capacity across the State to handle the inflow of paddy
Urrak plantation hopping in Goa
Having sourced local urrak from neighbours and discreet taverns, the writers set out to see how its made at two South Goa plantations
India braces for a mixed May with wetter-than-usual conditions expected nationwide, as rainfall is likely to exceed normal levels. While many regions anticipate normal to below-normal maximum temperatures, some areas, including southern peninsular India, may experience hotter days. Night temperatures are generally predicted to be warmer. The IMD also flagged potential heatwave days in specific pockets.
Pilibhit in UP to get India's first integrated Basmati, organic training-cum-demo farm
India is set to boost its Basmati rice sector. APEDA will establish a new training and demonstration farm in Pilibhit. This facility will focus on both conventional and organic Basmati cultivation. It aims to enhance farmer training and research. An AI-based survey project for Basmati paddy is also launching. These initiatives will strengthen India's agricultural exports.
Indias marine fish catch up 3% in 2025; mackerel tops landings: CMFRI
The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.
Sugar output reaches 275.28 lakh tonnes, up 7% YoY as of April 30: ISMA
While overall production is up, the number of operational sugar mills has decreased substantially. Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown strong production figures.
Argentina emerges as India's main supplier of edible oils
Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.
Decoding govts wheat strategy: Can higher procurement push and export quota hike lift the sector?
Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.
