The Economic Times

A coordinated push involving policy support, private investment, and technology adoption can help India shift from volume-driven to value-led horticulture by fixing productivity, post-harvest, and market gaps, say experts.

Uttar Pradesh farmers can now sell wheat at government procurement centers without prior online registration. This decision comes after many farmers faced difficulties registering and were forced to sell to middlemen. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered immediate implementation. Farmers can now sell their wheat as they did in previous years, ensuring fair prices for their produce.

The government is stepping in to support farmers. Twenty lakh tonnes of potatoes will be bought in Uttar Pradesh. Gram procurement limits have been increased in Andhra Pradesh. Tur farmers in Karnataka will have more time to sell their produce. These measures aim to ensure farmers get fair prices and avoid distress sales.

Union Minister Paswan highlighted spices historic role in Indias trade and their vast untapped potential beyond culinary use.

While investments have seen a recent decline due to structural challenges, opportunities abound in digital value chains, AgriFinTech, deep technology, and sustainable food brands, with aquaculture also presenting a major growth area.

The turbulence in West Asia is starting to have a notable impact on India's seed industry, causing costs to soar. In response, companies are urging the government to consider more substantial tax breaks for research and development efforts. They also propose tapping into the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate energy shifts.

The monsoon outlook for India in 2026 paints a worrying picture, with an anticipated El Nio likely to disrupt normal rainfall patterns. This scenario threatens to diminish crop production and necessitate greater imports of essential commodities, such as edible oils. Moreover, diminished rainfall could strain the power sector, necessitating governmental response.

Uttar Pradesh has produced 89.26 lakh tons so far, against last year production of 91.10 lakh tons.

Wheat procurement is set to drop significantly in the 2026-27 marketing year. Unseasonal rains delayed grain arrivals and affected quality. This has led to a sharp decline in current procurement figures compared to last year. The government has approved some wheat and wheat product exports after assessing domestic supply and prices.

India's agriculture sector may face a challenging year ahead amid concerns over weak monsoon, possible El Nino conditions, and fertiliser supply risks linked to the West Asia conflict, according to a report by ICRA.

India is seeking self-reliance in fertilizers. Experts propose a multi-pronged approach using artificial intelligence and precision nutrient management. This strategy aims to reduce import dependence and optimize fertilizer use. Initiatives like the Soil Health Card scheme will be strengthened. A mission mode program will promote organic manures to replace mineral fertilizers.

India's upcoming Kharif season faces a double challenge. A likely weak monsoon due to El Nino and ongoing Gulf tensions threaten farm output. Experts warn of rising food prices and reduced rural demand. While government measures may offer some relief, the situation remains uncertain. The monsoon's progress and easing of supply disruptions will be key.

India plans a global tender for ammonia, a key fertilizer ingredient. This move aims to secure vital raw material for urea and other fertilizers. The country needs to import a significant portion of its annual ammonia requirements. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The tender will bolster fertilizer reserves ahead of the crucial June planting season.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing an appeal aimed at elevating the significance of state-led assessments of farming costs in the establishment of minimum support prices. As farmers struggle with financial difficultiesoften selling their produce for less than it costs to growthis examination has the potential to transform agricultural frameworks and improve livelihood conditions for farmers nationwide.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has dismissed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's allegations regarding incentives for paddy cultivation. Sitharaman stated that the Union government's communication was a suggestion to states to align bonus policies with national priorities. The aim was to encourage crop diversification. The decision on state bonuses remains with state governments.

In a statement, the finance ministry said the January 9, 2026, letter from the Department of Expenditure Secretary, Ministry of Finance, to chief secretaries of states was an advisory and not a directive, to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets.

A new roadmap by NAAS emphasises national monitoring, improved waste management, and biodegradable alternatives to combat the growing crisis due to microplastics.

Indian rice prices have seen a significant jump at the wholesale level. This surge follows a recent ceasefire between the US and Iran, leading to a rush of export orders. The impact is expected to be felt by consumers soon. Disruptions had previously caused prices to fall.

Indian farmers are selling rapeseed to private traders. Market prices are higher than government rates. This is due to a rally in edible oil prices linked to the Iran war. Higher rapeseed oil supplies are limiting edible oil imports. This trend is easing reliance on costly palm oil, soy oil, and sunflower oil imports.

Supply shocks, export disruptions, and labour shortages caused by the Iran war are beginning to strain Indias agriculture despite ample foodgrain stocks.

Indias presence in global markets for apples, walnuts, almonds and saffron remains limited, with increasing import dependence and stagnant or declining exports, the Aayog said, in its report released on Wednesday. The Aayog said the mission project Operation Golden Greens should be launched and implemented in a phased manner to improve the productivity of these commodities and make India globally competitive.

ICAR is advancing conservation agriculture and climate-resilient wheat research, focusing on water-use efficiency, farmer incomes, and nutritional security through innovations like biofortification and BNI, says Jat.

In a strategic move to enhance agricultural output, the government has rolled out a substantial subsidy of Rs 41,534 crore aimed at supporting Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers. Set for the 2025-26 kharif season, this investment represents a promising 12 percent increase from last year.

India has boosted natural gas allocation to urea plants to 90% of average consumption, up from 70-75%, as supply improves following Middle East crisis disruptions. This decision, based on inventory and scheduled LNG arrivals, aims to support the upcoming monsoon planting season.

A shortage of LNG due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced some producers in South Asia to shut plants last month. Indian authorities are in talks with major producers and exporters of nitrogen-based and phosphatic fertilizers to secure direct supplies.

Despite technological advancements, sugar mills face challenges like recovery rate variability and energy inefficiencies. Industry leaders emphasise cost competitiveness and bio-energy diversification for future growth.

India is set to import 2.5 million metric tons of urea. This move aims to strengthen domestic fertilizer supplies. The state-run agency Indian Potash Ltd has issued a tender for the purchase. Shipments are expected by June 14. This is crucial for upcoming rice, corn, and soybean planting. India regularly imports fertilizers to meet its agricultural needs.

A Nuvama report said the edible oils and agri-linked consumer staples sector outlook remains positive, driven by strong volume growth and improving demand across industrial segments. Overall volumes to grow ~13% YoY led by strong growth in Edible Oils and Industry Essentials segments, the report said, with edible oils such as soybean, mustard, rice bran and palm oil leading the upcycle.

Aquapulse, a pioneering aquaculture technology startup located in Bhubaneswar, has successfully raised an impressive Rs 25 crore in Series A funding, with NABVENTURES at the helm of this investment. This infusion of capital will enable Aquapulse to broaden its network of farmers and build an advanced processing facility, aiming to improve quality control and increase profits for farmers.

India's sugar output will fall short of demand for the second year. Lower cane yields are causing mills to close early. This will reduce domestic stockpiles and support local prices. Exports are also contributing to lower availability. The next season will begin with reduced opening stocks. This situation is expected to firm up sugar prices.

India relies heavily on fertiliser imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently facing disruptions.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to achieve 100% farmer registration for schemes within six months, emphasizing the need to curb fertilizer hoarding and black-marketing. He also stressed mandatory Aadhaar-linked registration and biometric authentication for MSP procurement of pulses and oilseeds, with direct DBT payments to farmers.

Domestic production has surged, driven by indigenous hybrid development and a strong public-private partnership, significantly reducing import dependence and saving foreign exchange.