News

From the RSS:

• India extends free import of yellow peas till October

  India extends duty-free yellow peas import until October 2024. In April-February FY24, the import of yellow peas was $235.92 million as against $0.14 million in FY23.

• Centre asks states to exclude stubble burners from MSP benefits this year onwards

  Centre implements Supreme Court suggestion to exclude stubble burners from MSP. Punjab, Haryana to tighten enforcement as paddy cultivation areas rise. CoS directs 'red entry' to bar farmers from benefits, seeking exclusion from MSP operations in 2024-25.

• Why lifting of export ban won’t help increase exports or the local prices of onions

  Five months after implementing a restriction on onion exports due to anticipated shortages in the rabi harvest, India revoked the ban on Saturday. But this decision is unlikely to significantly impact either export volumes or the reduction of domestic onion prices. Industry sources suggest that the government became aware of growing discontent among farmers, which could potentially influence voting in seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra.

• How AI and data can bring another green revolution in India

  India faces environmental challenges in agriculture, but AI offers transformative solutions. Precision farming, empowered by AI and big data, optimizes resources and boosts yields sustainably. With satellite data and predictive analytics, farmers make informed decisions. AI aids resource management and environmental conservation, but widespread adoption requires collaboration. Farmers' active engagement with data transforms them from beneficiaries to contributors, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future driven by technology.

• India extends duty-free import of yellow peas by four months

  In early December, the central government allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 2024, later to be extended till April and then June. It was part of New Delhi's intervention to cool the prices of the overall pulse basket.

• Export ban lifted before voting in Maharashtra onion belt

  The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Saturday issued a notification permitting the export of onions with the Minimum Export Price (MEP) to $550 per tonne and 40% export duty. A ban on export was hurting the onion farmers in the Western Maharashtra and Marathwada, the area known as the onion belt of the country. These two regions alone produce 40% of the overall onion production of the country.

• Above-normal Southwest monsoon chances bring hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report

  Multiple meteorological organisations are predicting above-normal rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the total rainfall from June to September to be 106% of the long-period average. Last year's southwest monsoon ended with a 6% deficit due to El Nino, causing variations in rainfall distribution. Some regions experienced shortages while others, like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch, received ample rainfall. However, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall.

• Onion exports: India lifts ban on sending onions out of the country

  India has lifted the ban on onion exports after almost six months. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade set the Minimum Export Price at $550 per tonne. Onions have historically influenced India's political landscape during elections.

• Bad news for chai lovers! Heat wave worries reach North Bengal as tea biz suffers

  Tea industry shortage due to heat wave: Certain districts of North Bengal are experiencing high temperatures, adversely affecting the tea crop.

• With export of oranges squeezed, Nagpur region farmers pin their hope on pulp

  Trade tensions near Nagpur impact onion and cotton, affecting orange growers and cotton farmers in Vidarbha. Export policies and market fluctuations pose challenges, prompting farmers to seek alternative solutions like pulp factories amid the crisis.

• Digital crop survey on cards to fine-tune farm statistics

  A mobile application of the digital crop survey and relevant web applications will be used by nodal officials of states to gather data on crop sowing. The farm ministry aims to create a robust crop survey system that uses the latest technological advancements such as visual and advanced analytics, GIS-GPS technologies and AI/ML (machine learning) to lend accuracy to the sowing estimates.

• Govt buys 196 lakh tonne wheat so far, higher than annual demand of 186 lakh ton for welfare schemes

  Government exceeds wheat procurement target for welfare schemes, focusing on buffer stocks and open market intervention. Lower purchases in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Food Corporation of India strives for 310-320 lakh tonne procurement to stabilize prices.

• High temperatures help improve paddy quality

  However, the heatwave has posed challenges for the production of rice-bran oil, with manufacturers facing a shortage of labor. Rice-bran oil is extracted from the hard outer brown layer of rice, known as bran, within 24 hours of paddy harvesting. The reduced acreage under rabi paddy this year, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has not hindered the estimated production of 123.57 lakh metric tonnes of rabi rice.

• Food prices to ease post-June as above normal monsoon predicted in India

  The Indian government anticipates a decrease in food prices following forecasts of above-normal monsoon rains by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as stated in the finance ministry's recent monthly economic review. The report highlights expectations of increased crop production due to favorable rainfall.

• Diversion of B Heavy Molasses will release Rs 2300 crore for the distilleries; says NFCSF

  The decision of the central government to allow use of the 7 lakh tonnes of B Heavy Molasses for ethanol production will help the sugar industry get a revenue of Rs 2300 crores, said National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), which represents the cooperative sugar mills of the country.

• NFCSF hails govt decision to allow use of 7 lakh tonne of excess B-heavy molasses for ethanol making

  NFCSF welcomed govt's decision to allow 7 lakh tonne of B-heavy molasses for ethanol, aiding in ethanol production and improving sugar mills' finances. This move will release around Rs 700 crore from remaining stocks, impacting selling rate and distillation projects.

• Govt nudges 3 states to produce pulses, offers MSP with no bar

  The Indian government is collaborating with farmers in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh to sow kharif pulses like tur, urad, and moong before sowing for the season starts. The aim is to increase pulse cultivation and reduce import dependence. The government has not set a production target yet. The National Co-operative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) has been appointed as the chief nodal agency for the programme.

• Action plans for banana, mangoes exports among 20 agricultural products in works

  “We have identified 20 products. At present, India’s share is low in global exports. We are working on a detailed action for all these products,” said Rajesh Agarwal, additional secretary, department of commerce, adding that the action plan will be discussed with all the stakeholders including states for further action.

• Agri exports fall 9 pc to $43.7 bn during Apr-Feb 2024 due to global, domestic factors

  India's agriculture exports decreased by 8.8% to USD 43.7 billion in 2023-24 due to the Red Sea crisis, Russia-Ukraine war, and domestic restrictions. Basmati rice exports saw a 22% growth.

• Detailed action plans for 20 agri products likely in 3-4 months to boost exports

  Government plans to boost exports of 20 agri products, aiming to increase India's global share to 4-5%. Potential export markets include the US, Malaysia, and Canada. APEDA's sea route protocols help reduce logistics costs.

• India's sugar demand surges in heat wave and election season

  Higher consumption would lift local prices and boost margins of sugar producers such as Balrampur Chini, Shree Renuka Sugars, Bajaj Hindusthan, and Dwarikesh Sugar and help them in making cane payments on time to farmers.

• Not so sweet: Sugar prices up 4.5% in last 2 weeks

  Sugar prices rise 4.5% in 2 weeks amid soaring summer demand from ice cream and beverage companies. Government increases April sales quota to 2.5 million tonnes. Rising mercury and election campaigning fuel the surge.

• High demand, dip in production push millet prices up 17%

  High demand, social media trends, and production decline increase millet prices. Raginflation at 16.6% in March. Jowar inflation at 10%. Millets gaining popularity in healthy snacks, sweets. Government initiatives and rising demand may affect output and prices.

• Gujarat farmer's online donkey milk business rakes in Rs 3 lakh monthly

  Here's how Dhiren Solanki's innovative approach to selling donkey milk online for Rs 5,000 per litre has transformed his business, earning him a substantial income of Rs 3 lakh per month. Learn about the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to establish a successful online presence in the dairy industry.

• CNH Industrial looks to leverage India's tech skills, cost advantages for global requirements

  CNH Industrial harnesses Indian talent at the India Technology Centre for global technology development, emphasizing innovation and regional customization of products for specific needs like cotton plantations and orchards.

• Forecast of good monsoon brightens farm prospects

  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "above-normal" monsoon rains at 106% of the long-period average in 2024, raising hopes in the farm sector after erratic weather last year clipped the summer harvest.

• Spinning industry expects operating margins to improve by 150-200 basis points this fiscal after hitting decadal low

  CRISIL Ratings foresees improved operating margins for the cotton yarn spinning industry, driven by factors like revenue growth, stable cotton prices, and enhanced credit profiles. The industry's financial health is expected to strengthen further.

• India's pulses import almost doubled in 2023-24, it may rise further this year

  India's reliance on pulses imports has increased, nearly doubling in the 2023-24 fiscal year to USD 3.74 billion. The surge in imports, estimated to be over 45 lakh tonnes, is aimed at meeting domestic demand and controlling prices. To address this, the government is exploring new markets like Brazil and Argentina for long-term contracts. Despite various incentives, including duty-free imports and higher MSP, domestic pulses production has declined in recent years due to factors like erratic climate conditions. This has led to concerns about inflation, with pulses inflation at 17% in March.

• Area under kharif pulses may go up by 15% driven by higher prices

  India's pulse acreage is expected to increase in the kharif season due to record high prices and forecasted above-normal monsoon rains. Low domestic production of pulses has kept prices high in the country over the last two years, with consumers paying ₹180-200/kg of tur dal. In 2023, the acreage for pulses declined by 5.4% due to delayed and deficit rains during the crucial sowing season.

• Sugar output remains slightly lower at 31.09 million tonnes till Apr 15 of 2023-24 season: ISMA

  India is a major sugar producing country in the world. Sugar season runs from October to September. Currently, there are curbs on sugar exports for an indefinite period. Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has revised the net sugar production estimate for 2023-24 season to 32 million tonnes.

• No reports of impact of rains on wheat, other crops: Agriculture ministry officials

  Recent rains have not impacted wheat and other rabi crops, with harvesting progressing smoothly. The IMD predicts continued rain and hailstorms due to a fresh western disturbance. The agriculture ministry assures no damage to crops, with potential benefits for summer crops like rice. Wheat harvesting in Punjab and Haryana is underway, with productivity levels expected to result in a record wheat production for the year. Late-sown wheat crop is also expected to be ready for harvest soon.

• India won't be feeding sugar to the world this season

  Sugar export: The government has rejected sugar export possibility for the current season despite industry demand. Indian Sugar Mills Association seeks to export 10 lakh tonnes, citing healthy closing stock. Sugar production exceeded 30 million tonnes and ISMA has revised estimate to 32 million tonnes. Government may allow use of excess B-heavy molasses for ethanol production.

• Potato costlier by 10% as output falls

  The all-India retail price for potato was Rs 26 per kg on Saturday, up 10.18% month-on-month and 32% year-on-year, showed data from the Department of Consumer Affairs.

• Indian coffee growers cheer as robusta production drops globally, prices hit record high

  India's robusta coffee prices skyrocket to Rs 10,080 per 50 kg, a historic high. Growers face challenges, but the surge brings relief. Supply-demand dynamics and shifts in production contribute to this windfall, offering hope for the industry.

• Govt mulls allowing excess stock of B-heavy molasses for ethanol making

  The government is contemplating allowing sugar mills to produce ethanol using their surplus B-heavy molasses amid stable sugar prices and ample supply. With more than 8 lakh tonnes of excess B-heavy molasses in storage, the industry seeks to use it for ethanol production following a ban reversal. Discussions on the proposal are ongoing.

• Tur dal prices rise more than 10% despite open import policy

  In Pune, tur dal prices rose by over 10% in less than a month despite an open import policy. The industry cites raw material shortages and hoarding as reasons for the hike.

• Konkan Ratnagiri Bhoomi Agro Producer co launches Aamoré: A new D2C brand of Alphonso mangoes

  The initiative is focused on empowering local farmers by equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to produce export-ready fruit. This includes the establishment of state-of-the-art packhouse operations, sophisticated scanning technology for each mango, strategies to eliminate spongy tissue, and comprehensive traceability from farm to fork.

• Sugar mills paid Rs 78,000 cr to cane farmers in H1 of 2023-24 season

  Sugar mills in India have paid Rs 78,000 crore to sugarcane farmers in the first six months of the current marketing season, a food ministry official said. Mills have cleared 87% of the total cane payment of Rs 90,000 crore till March 31 of the 2023-24 season. They have produced over 300 lakh tonnes of sugar so far this season.

• Disclosure of pulses stock mandatory from April 15

  Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare will meet pulses traders, representatives of various government departments such as customs and state government representatives in separate meetings to discuss measures for bringing imported pulses, which are lying in customs warehouses, to the market. ET had reported that the government is planning to make it mandatory for pulses traders and retailers to disclose stocks of yellow peas (matar), tur (pigeon peas) and urad as prices in some markets show an increasing trend in its April 5 edition.

• India uses peace clause fifth time, for rice subsidies given in 2022

  India invoked the peace clause for exceeding the 10% support ceiling for rice farmers, breaching WTO subsidy ceilings with $52.8B rice production and $6.39B subsidies, surpassing the 10% de minimis limit.

• SC upholds NAFED tender for export of 35,000 tonne non-basmati white rice

  Supreme Court approves NAFED's 35,000-tonne rice export to Cote D'Ivoire, dismissing the Rice Exporters Association of India's appeal. Delhi High Court had earlier supported NAFED's tender. No conflict of interest found by the Supreme Court.

• India's 2024 wheat output seen at 105 mln tons, 6.25% below govt estimates

  India will likely produce 105 million metric tons of wheat this year, lower than the government's estimate. The country, a top wheat consumer and grower, banned exports in 2022 due to a crop shortage. The government aims to bolster stocks and control prices through bumper harvests and strategic reserves management.

• India's coffee exports rise 13.35 pc to 1.25 lakh tonnes in January-March

  India's coffee shipments surged 13.35% to 1,25,631 tonnes in January-March 2024, driven by robust demand for Robusta coffee. Arabica and Robusta are the two varieties grown in India, with Arabica having a smoother taste and Robusta being more bitter. Export of Robusta beans increased by 18%, while Arabica exports declined. Instant coffee exports and re-exports also saw growth. The total coffee export value during this period was Rs 3,644 crore, with major destinations including Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany, and Turkey.

• Private firm pegs wheat output at 105 MT against government’s 112 MT

  Agriwatch estimates India's wheat production at 105.6 million tonnes, lower than the government's forecast, urging wheat imports to stabilize supply. A supply crunch has depleted Food Corporation of India stocks, forcing the government to offer wheat to traders. Food inflation concerns rise amid lower production projections for 2023-24 due to poor monsoon

• India better prepared than Pakistan to handle climate shocks in wheat crop: Agri scientists

  One of the reasons behind Pakistan still being dependent on imports to meet domestic requirements is its failure to develop indigenous varieties of climate-resilient seeds.

• Rising prices: Traders may be asked to declare stocks of yellow peas, tur and urad dal regularly

  The Wholesale Price Index inflation in pulses was 18.48% in February, up from 16.06% in January. With the general election scheduled for April-May, the government has made several attempts to curb the price rise in food items, such as imposing export restrictions, limiting stock, offloading its own stocks, and removing import duties.

• Centre aims 7-fold jump in wheat procurement from UP, Rajasthan, Bihar this year

  "UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan have been contributing much less than they could have. We are targeting total wheat procurement of 310 lakh tonne this year. Of which, we are hoping to procure at least 50 lakh tonne from three non-traditional procurement states alone," he said.

• No proposal to resume sale of subsidised rice for ethanol production: Food secretary

  Government remains firm on not resuming subsidised rice sale for ethanol. Chopra encourages maize ethanol production and highlights the impact on distillery investments. Increased sugarcane FRP aims to boost cultivation for the upcoming season.

• No proposal to resume sale of subsidised rice for ethanol production: Food Secy

  The rice sale for ethanol makers was discontinued for various reasons, including apprehensions about domestic output and high retail prices, and economic unviability, he said. On the impact on investments on grain-based distilleries, Chopra said, "This is not a policy which is cast in stone. This policy will be renewed... Maize is being encouraged for ethanol production."

• Centre to increase wheat procurement from Bihar, Rajasthan UP drastically

  The Indian government plans to increase wheat procurement from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to 50 LMT in Rabi Marketing Season 2024-25, aiming to meet its procurement target of 310 LMT and restore wheat allocation in various food security programs. The government has identified 59 districts for procurement, increased the number of procurement centres from 10,366 to 12,253, and increased the number of registered farmers from 2.22 lakh to 3.58 lakhs in RMS 2024-25.