The Economic Times

The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.

Pistachio have been the game spoiler this year. The prices of pistachio from all origins including Iran, Afghanistan and California have increased, said Ravindra Mehta, member of central governing council at Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC-I). The current pistachio crop in California is expected to be only about 40% of last year, which has led to an increase of 50% in pista prices in the wholesale markets and even more in retail, he added.

India may reimpose restrictions on exports of 100% broken rice as international prices cross $360 per tonne and domestic demand from ethanol manufacturers and poultry-feed producers increases, the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) has warned. No fresh curbs have been announced so far.

The Indian government is engaging with agricultural companies to address regulatory challenges that affect the sector. Consultations focus on updating the Seeds Act, 1966, to align with modern agricultural technology. Industry representatives have pointed out delays in approvals and licensing processes that hinder market access.

The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.

Farmers in North Karnataka are intensifying their protest over the procurement price of sugarcane and other related issues. They staged blockades and sit-ins across several locations including Belagavi and Dharwad. The farmers are demanding a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and other reforms. Local administrations have imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further protests on highways.

Wheat sowing in India has reached 11,000 hectares as of October 23, against 27,000 hectares a year earlier, as a deficient southwest monsoon raises concerns over soil moisture and irrigation availability. Punjab and Rajasthan face particular risks, while overall rabi crop coverage has also fallen, Agriculture Ministry data showed.

The impact of El Nino weather conditions could further hurt domestic production, expected to fall by 3.4% to a new low in the 2026-27 crop year ended September. Cotton imports hit a record high in 2025-26 to an estimated 7.1 million bales of 170 kilograms compared to last year's imports of 5.74 million bales. Prices have also risen more than 7% in the past month.

A farmer in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district has cultivated large cardamom for 20 years, producing 2-3 quintals annually on about one bigha of land. Priced at around Rs 1.8 lakh per quintal, the crop offers an alternative income source for farmers with reliable irrigation, according to the agriculture department.

The Indian government has successfully created 11 crore unique Farmer IDs under the AgriStack framework. This achievement was completed ahead of the scheduled deadline, enhancing transparency and efficiency for farmers. Farmers will only need their unique ID to access various government schemes and benefits. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the significance of this milestone for Indian agriculture.

Chana, India's most consumed pulse, which is central to making everything from salty snacks to nutritious meals, needs adequate soil moisture and cool weather for a good crop. Sowing has started in some regions, but the progress is slow. State advisories to conserve water and shift to less water-intensive crops have added to concerns over winter sowing.

Drought conditions have caused a significant decrease in maize supply, leading to competition among industries for access. Poultry producers, starch manufacturers, and ethanol plants are all vying for limited maize resources, exacerbating the situation. As maize prices continue to rise, the poultry industry has expressed concerns about potential feed shortages. Industry bodies have urged the government to prioritize maize for food production over fuel use.

Tomato farmers in Nashik are facing a double blow as drought conditions and a supply glut drive down prices at Pimpalgaon APMC. Wholesale rates have fallen nearly 65% in a week to Rs 111 per 20-kg crate, while retail prices have dropped 50% to Rs 20 per kg.

Southern India is currently grappling with challenges in spice production, primarily due to uneven monsoon patterns and parched soil, which are adversely affecting harvest yields. Despite expanding cultivation areas, turmeric yields are predicted to plummet owing to unfavorable weather. Additionally, delays in red chilli sowing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could lead to surging market prices.

Asian rice export prices have risen as Indian rates reach a one-year high amid supply concerns. Vietnamese prices are also increasing, expected to meet strong demand from the Philippines in November. Thailand's rice prices are climbing due to flooding delays and heightened purchasing activities before the season ends. In Bangladesh, rising paddy prices have led to increased costs for consumers struggling with high living expenses.

Around 11,000 metric tons of Niger-origin soybeans bound for India were diverted to other Asian markets and sold at steep discounts as a widening customs probe into suspected import tax evasion deterred Indian buyers, four trade sources said on Thursday.

High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.

Farmers are likely to decrease rabi sowing due to inadequate rainfall and reduced soil moisture levels. This situation could lead to lower yields of critical crops such as wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. Many reservoirs are under pressure, with over half storing less than last year. State and central governments are encouraging farmers to choose crops based on water availability, especially in water-scarce regions.

A quarter of Maharashtra's sugar mills will begin operations this week to alleviate sugar shortages before Diwali. Sugar prices have increased by approximately 4% recently due to dwindling supplies and farmer protests. Millers anticipate new sugar reaching markets after October 20, following crushing activities. Farmers are encouraging quicker harvesting of sugarcane due to crop conditions, leading to lower sugar content.

Maharashtra's government has declared drought in over 305 talukas due to a severe rainfall deficit. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Rs 5,000 will be deposited in farmers' accounts before Diwali. Efforts are being made to prevent coercive loan recoveries from farmers facing hardships. A zero-tolerance approach is being enforced against unauthorized water extraction to ensure drinking supplies.

Bihar has imposed restrictions on the sale of non-subsidised fertilisers to control access for farmers. These restrictions could limit the availability of advanced crop nutrition products through existing distribution networks. Industry executives warn that this move may lead to significant losses and hinder investment in new technologies. Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on soil health and crop productivity.

Bayer brings together its capabilities in Seeds & Traits, Crop Protection, Digital Farming Solutions and agronomy with tailored mechanization and digital advisory to support farmers through the transition.

Farmers in India are likely to reduce wheat planting this winter due to water scarcity and low minimum support prices. Regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh may see the most significant impact from these conditions. The state governments are encouraging farmers to consider crops that require less water, which may lead to a shift in crop choices.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi held detailed discussions at the Pusa campus with a delegation of farmers from the two major sugarcane-growing states. About 80-90 farmers from different organisations attended, along with state ministers.

The Supreme Court was on Monday urged to urgently hear contempt petitions alleging that the Centre violated its 2024 judgment on genetically modified (GM) crops, following the alleged approval of herbicide-tolerant GM basmati rice for cultivation.

India is experiencing agricultural risks attributed to monsoon conditions, which could impact food processors and poultry producers. Procurement costs and inventory needs are likely to rise significantly due to these agricultural challenges. Rice and wheat stocks provide immediate buffers against potential food-supply issues, but maize faces direct risks from production shortfalls. Affected states include Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which contribute significantly to overall foodgrain output.

Indias large black cardamom industry is battling declining plantation health, crop diseases and climate change, threatening farmers livelihoods in Sikkim. Once the worlds largest producer, India has lost ground to Nepal, which now dominates global production. The Sikkim government is backing scientific research, improved planting material and disease-resistant varieties to revive the states valuable black gold crop.

India's food industry is alerting to a potential supply shock projected for the year 2027. Experts indicate that a Super El Nino may disrupt crop production and elevate food inflation. Growing concerns arise over the impact on sugar and oilseed production, particularly in states with severe drought conditions. The livestock sector is also preparing for increased feed costs due to these challenges.

In September, the demand for work under the VB-G RAM G scheme increased by 25.2% compared to August. Approximately 15.6 million households sought work under the program, significantly rising from 12.5 million in August. The number of people seeking employment also grew to 18.8 million from 15.4 million in August. This scheme was launched in July, providing guaranteed annual employment of 125 days.

Farmers in the Midwest United States face surging diesel and fertiliser costs which are outpacing their incomes. The sector has seen diesel prices climb by 67 percent while fertiliser prices, at times, have seen steep price jumps. This comes amid trade along the Strait of Hormuz being disrupted by the US' war with Iran and trade wars with China and Canada crashing crop prices and disrupting potash supply, raising doubts over their continued support for the Republican Party.

The USDA has slashed its expectations for Indian sugar production in the 2026/27 season to 29.5 million metric tons due to a forecasted rainfall shortfall. This predicted deficit is set to impact sugarcane's sucrose level and decrease the area available for effective harvesting. Moreover, looming drought conditions are likely to disrupt milling operations by early 2027.

In response to rising production costs, the government is launching a sub-committee to assess fixed-cost payments for urea producers. This initiative may lead to changes in the payment framework, directly impacting government subsidy allocations. The current fixed-cost formula has been stagnant since the financial year 2002-03, prompting industry advocates to request that heightened costs be factored into forthcoming reviews.

The government has implemented a strategy to use e-way bill data to monitor subsidised fertiliser movement. Concerns over fertiliser supply due to the Iran war have prompted the Finance Ministry's analysis of trucking routes. Reports of route deviations and illegal unloading emphasize the significance of tracking fertiliser distribution. Increased enforcement has resulted in thousands of raids and notices against violators across India.

Farmers' organizations in Maharashtra and Karnataka are resisting the government's early sugarcane crushing proposal. They demand compensation for low recovery and higher prices for sugar and ethanol. A meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has been scheduled to discuss these concerns. Crushing immature sugarcane may lead to substantial financial losses for both farmers and sugar mills.

Farmers in Latur district are facing a severe fodder crisis due to a lack of rainfall. Many are forced to harvest sugarcane crops to feed their livestock amidst deteriorating conditions. As a result, milk production has significantly decreased, impacting farmers' incomes. The Maharashtra government has declared a drought in majority of its talukas and announced relief measures. Local farmers are appealing for official fodder camps to be established urgently.

In 2026, the Southwest monsoon recorded rainfall at 87 percent of the long-period average, the lowest since 2015. ICRA has lowered its agriculture growth forecast for FY27 to approximately 1 percent from 1.3 percent due to inadequate rains. Kharif sowing has decreased by 1.2 percent compared to last year, with rice and cotton crops showing notable reductions. Reservoir storage levels have significantly declined, raising concerns for the upcoming rabi season.

Ladakh has launched a pilot to grow high-value saffron on restored barren land in Leh, planting about 90,000 Iranian saffron corms across 4,000 square metres at Spituk Pharka. If successful, the project could diversify cold-desert agriculture and create a new income source for local farmers, youth and self-help groups.

Asian Games 2026 Medal Tally: India climbed to seventh place in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally after winning its 11th gold medal on Friday. The Indian womens recurve archery team made history by defeating South Korea in the final to secure a maiden gold in the event. Indias tally now stands at 67 medals, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.

India's rice production is expected to decrease, while global demand is projected to rise significantly. The country possesses sufficient surplus stocks to address international market needs. Other major rice-producing nations are under pressure, which presents opportunities for Indian exporters. Challenges such as rising fuel and fertilizer costs continue to impact the global rice market. This situation could enhance India's status as a key player in the international rice trade.

At present, imports of chana attract a 10% duty, while yellow peas are subject to a 30% duty. Tur and urad imports are allowed duty-free until March 31, 2027. The proposed reduction in duties on chana and yellow peas would be to improve domestic availability and contain prices. Prices of chana, moong, matar and tur have risen by up to 10% over the past month, with a 3-5% spike in the past week, as concerns over crop prospects combine with higher festive demand.

Argentine Ambassador Mariano Caucino highlighted the growing economic relationship between Argentina and India during a summit in Mumbai. Agriculture, particularly edible oils, serves as a core area of cooperation between the two countries. Argentina is experiencing record supplies of edible oils, significantly contributing to India's food security. In 2025, exports of soybean oil and sunflower products to India are expected to increase substantially.

Introducing the conference, Manju Dixit, All India Women Convener of BKS, called for a change in the traditional perception of women farmers.

El Nino conditions have strengthened further, raising concerns over India's monsoon rainfall, even as a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may partly offset its impact, according to an ICICI Bank report.

The impact is showing in commodity markets: prices of several pulses are up amid crop concerns and festive demand. Maharashtra has declared drought across large parts, and Karnataka is facing similar conditions.

Of the overall target, 177.72 mt is expected to come from the rabi season, agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said at the National Agriculture Conference-Rabi Campaign 2026 Tuesday.

India has announced a reduced foodgrain production target of 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year. The decision comes amidst concerns over El Nio weather patterns impacting agricultural conditions across the country. Sowing operations for kharif crops have been completed, while rabi crop planting will start in October.

Thousands of women farmer workers from all states across the country will participate.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Prices of key pulses including chana, moong, tur and matar have risen sharply over the past month, with wholesale rates increasing up to 11%, according to IPGA data. Industry executives attributed the surge to growing concerns over crop deficits, moisture stress, lower Australian supplies and stronger festive demand.