The Economic Times

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 government has increased the minimum price for sugarcane. Sugar mills will now pay Rs 365 per quintal to farmers for the 2026-27 season. This decision aims to benefit one crore farmers and support the sugar industry. The new price is higher than the previous season. Farmers supplying to mills with lower sugar recovery will also receive a set price.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.

While overall production is up, the number of operational sugar mills has decreased substantially. Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown strong production figures.

India has once again utilized the World Trade Organisation peace clause. This is the seventh time the country has invoked this provision. It allows India to exceed the 10% subsidy limit for rice farmers. The government informed the WTO about providing subsidies worth $7.6 billion. This represents about 11.85% of the total value of rice production.

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.

Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.