The Economic Times

India's corn exports are soaring to a three-year peak, driven by record production and competitive pricing. Lower domestic prices, coupled with increased freight costs for global competitors, have boosted shipments to Asian nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh. This surge in demand is now helping to stabilize Indian corn prices, with further growth anticipated from October.

Soybean sowing has significantly surpassed official estimates, with the Soybean Processors Association of India reporting 28.923 lakh hectares covered, far exceeding the government's 6.920 lakh hectares. Despite a delayed start due to monsoon patterns, sowing is progressing rapidly in Madhya Pradesh.

Malda district in West Bengal has successfully exported 10 tonnes of premium mangoes to West Asia and Italy in the past week, with expectations to surpass 100 tonnes this season. Varieties like 'Amrapali', 'Vrindawani', 'Fazli', and 'Aswina' are being shipped, thanks to scientific orchard management and adherence to international quality standards. This initiative is boosting growers' income and expanding market access for these prized fruits.

July brings a worrying forecast for India as monsoon rains are predicted to be below normal, falling short of 94% of the long-term average. This situation could adversely affect the kharif sowing season critical for crops such as paddy and pulses.

As delayed soybean sowing unfolds in key Indian states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, concerns are rising over a potential shortage of domestic edible oil. The situation is further complicated by possible El Nio disruptions that could impact global production.

Consumers are encountering rising costs once more as tomato, onion, and potato prices escalate, heightening worries about food inflation. The surge in tomato prices, particularly in northern regions, can be attributed to extreme heat affecting both production and transportation.

Paddy (rice), the main kharif crop, saw a decline of 25.17% to 2.57 million hectares. Despite the government's push to plant legumes and oilseeds, pulses sowing was down 30.48% to 1.49 million hectares, while oilseed acreage plunged 53.34% to 1.69 million hectares till June 25, according to the data.

Prepare at least 2 lakh saplings of famous Tezpur litchi for distribution next year- Assams Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika

India's organized dairy sector is poised for accelerated revenue growth of 200-400 basis points this fiscal, driven by consistent volume increases and strategic price adjustments. Despite challenges like El Nio impacting milk supply and raising costs, companies are expected to pass these on, particularly for value-added products. This growth, coupled with healthy cash flows, will support continued investment and stable credit profiles for dairy players.

Indian seed companies are holding substantial surplus stock for the upcoming kharif season, aiming to mitigate potential losses from a weak and delayed monsoon due to El Nino. Despite robust production, timely distribution to rain-deficient regions remains a critical challenge. Farmers in vulnerable areas are urged to consider short-duration, climate-resilient seeds as planting windows narrow.

Indian mango sales are soaring in the US, hitting record highs this summer. Innovative packaging, targeted promotions, and direct-to-neighborhood deliveries are bringing the beloved 'king of fruits' closer to the diaspora. This surge, driven by nostalgia and a desire for familiar tastes, is even reaching new consumers through major retailers, signaling a significant boost in exports.

India might need to boost rice-based ethanol production for E20 fuel blending by 2026-27. El Nino's impact on sugarcane and maize crops could reduce their availability for ethanol. With tight sugar supplies expected, the government may prioritize domestic demand, limiting sugar diversion. This scenario could necessitate a significant increase in rice used for ethanol to meet blending targets.

Sharing his experience in a post on X, Chouhan noted that before the main paddy transplantation, dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) was grown in the field and later incorporated into the soil to enhance fertility and act as green manure.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh will benefit from an extended wheat, gram, and lentil procurement period until July 8. Additionally, over 6.18 lakh rural homes have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana's new phase. These key decisions were announced by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a review with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing support for farmers and rural housing development.

India has successfully shipped premium Banganapalle mangoes to Singapore via sea freight, a first for commercial exports. This initiative by APEDA aims to boost cost-effective and sustainable horticultural exports. The consignment, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, met Singapore's stringent quality standards, fetching nearly double the domestic price for farmers. This marks a significant step in leveraging sea transport for fresh produce, enhancing India's global competitiveness.

Draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill aims to shift to a per-person entitlement of 7 kg, while maintaining the 35 kg household cap.

India's crucial monsoon rains are delayed, disrupting the nation's $300 billion farm economy just as planting season begins. This agricultural setback, exacerbated by a developing El Nio, threatens staple crops like rice, cotton, and soybeans, impacting prices and potentially fueling inflation. While India's food system shows resilience, worsening climate conditions pose a growing challenge to this vital agricultural lifeline.

India faces a significant 42% rainfall deficit this monsoon, exacerbated by El Nino. The government is implementing contingency plans across 315 vulnerable districts, focusing on water conservation and crop diversification. While sowing is slightly ahead of last year, soybean planting lags. District-specific strategies are being deployed to mitigate potential impacts on farm output and ensure food security.

India is implementing contingency plans for over 300 vulnerable districts facing a potentially weak monsoon. With rains currently 43% below average and a forecast for continued weakness, the government is urging farmers to adopt short-duration, water-efficient crops. Preparations include repairing water-harvesting structures to mitigate the impact on crucial summer-sown crops and rural incomes.

Delayed monsoon and deficient rainfall, with 315 districts potentially affected, are raising concerns for the upcoming kharif crop sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that 111 districts, particularly 20 in Maharashtra, are highly vulnerable due to limited irrigation. Despite a weaker monsoon forecast, current kharif coverage is slightly ahead of last year.

After the interim (US-Iran) peace deal was announced, exporters started buying basmati rice in good quantities for shipment to the Middle East and prices surged 15-20%. But this sudden announcement will bring down prices, said Dev Garg, vice-president, Indian Rice Exporters Federation.

At the onset of the Iran war, eight urea, four diammonium phosphate (DAP), one ammonia and three sulphur vessels bound for India were stranded in the strait.

India's monsoon has begun with a significant rainfall deficit, impacting kharif sowing, particularly for pulses and cotton. While reservoir levels offer a buffer, a prolonged dry spell could raise food prices and strain rural economies. Experts emphasize close monitoring, as the July-August period will be crucial for crop prospects and overall economic recovery.

This initiative marks a significant stride towards India's circular bioeconomy, reducing reliance on food-based feedstocks and bolstering energy security through indigenous innovation.

Farmers in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are shifting to water-saving rice farming techniques. Facing potential El Nino impacts, cultivators are embracing Direct Seeded Rice and Alternate Wetting and Drying. These methods significantly reduce water usage and labor costs. The Dr Reddy's Foundation is actively promoting these changes, alongside soil health improvements, to ensure sustainable agriculture in the region.

Forecasters anticipate a strong El Nino developing later this year, likely boosting global temperatures and disrupting rainfall patterns. This poses significant risks to soft commodities like cocoa, coffee, and sugar, particularly those grown in tropical regions. Past El Nino events have historically led to reduced yields and price surges for these crops.