The Economic Times

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.

NABVENTURES aims to invest 30-70 crore per company in agriculture, rural financial services, and climate solutions. The venture capital arm plans to focus on technology-driven businesses and growth-stage companies with established traction. Larger initial checks will be adapted for follow-on funding in high-performing portfolio companies. The emphasis will be on sustainable scaling in large markets, improving productivity, and raising farmers' incomes.

India's soybean production forecast indicates a slight decline to 107.93 lakh tonnes during the ongoing Kharif season. Drought-like conditions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana are contributing to this reduction in output. However, increased production in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is expected to compensate for these losses. The area cultivated with soybean increased by approximately 5 lakh hectares compared to the previous season.

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.

The Union Department of Fisheries is leading the consultation process, with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) facilitating and coordinating the exercise.

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.

The rabi season in India is expected to encounter difficulties due to the El Nino weather pattern. Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra highlighted the challenges faced during the kharif season in rainfed regions. Crop diversification is needed for self-sufficiency despite research and income hurdles. Infrastructure modernization is crucial to prevent farm losses and ensure market access. A robust digital agriculture system is essential for accurate data utilization in crop production planning.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced immediate relief for drought-hit farmers, offering Rs 2,500 each. This initial aid aims to support 45-50 lakh farmers and will cost the state Rs 1,250 crore. Further assistance will depend on the Union government's response and assessments of the drought situation. While total drought losses in Karnataka are expected to exceed Rs 40,000 crore, additional relief measures will follow.

The first phase, from roughly 1967 to 1995, was dominated by the need to achieve food security, says the paper.

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

Landed sulphur prices in India have doubled since January to around $1,050-1,100 a tonne, according to industry estimates.

Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, emphasised that enhancing farmers access to Kisan Credit Cards remains a priority and called for coordinated efforts among government departments, banks, cooperatives and development institutions.

Due to erratic monsoon patterns, farmers in India are cutting back on their investments in pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds. The irregular rainfall is posing serious challenges to crop yields this year, compelling them to be cautious about their expenses. Agrochemical market players are witnessing a decline in demand for crop protection products, leading experts to advocate for consolidation in the congested farm input market to better manage these uncertainties.

The industry bodies said the correction reflected market dynamics as well as continued government efforts.