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From the RSS:

• Support farmers, promote biofuels, says Gadkari

  Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need to support farmers facing unfair prices due to global market influences, emphasizing that a significant portion of India's population relies on agriculture with a disproportionately low GDP contribution.

• Govt makes it mandatory to register non-basmati rice contracts with APEDA for shipments

  The government on Wednesday mandated that exports of non-basmati rice will be allowed only after registration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said the export policy has been amended to include this condition. India’s rice exports rose 6.4% to USD 4.7 billion in April-August FY26.

• India needs to raise agri sector's contribution in GDP to 26 pc to become self-reliant: Nitin Gadkari

  Nitin Gadkari emphasized increasing agriculture's GDP contribution to 26% for India's self-reliance, addressing the Crop Care Federation. He urged reducing production costs through electric tractors and affordable bio-pesticides, advocating for domestic raw material production to ensure agro-chemical quality. Gadkari highlighted agriculture's importance, aiming to boost farmers' income and curb rural migration by making the sector economically viable.

• Farm-to-freezer: How future of Indian farming may lie in frozen

  India's food supply chain is quietly transforming as frozen produce emerges to combat farm waste and price volatility, driven by urban demand for year-round availability. Despite being a small share of the retail market, frozen food sales are rapidly growing, accelerated by the pandemic.

• Govt needs to support farmers as crop prices determined by global factors, says Nitin Gadkari

  Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the necessity of government support for farmers, who struggle with globally determined prices for their produce, leading to poverty and unemployment in rural India. He highlighted the potential of bio-ethanol production from corn, which has significantly increased farmers' income.

• 25K prawn farmers, 62 seafood entrepreneurs in Odisha affected by US tariff hike: Minister

  A recent US tariff hike on Indian goods has significantly impacted Odisha's seafood industry, affecting 62 processing entrepreneurs and 25,000 prawn farmers. The additional tariffs, including penalties for purchasing Russian crude oil, have disrupted exports, with 24.5% of Odisha's marine products destined for the US.

• Food Ministry signs pact with FCI; sets target for procurement, better management of subsidy

  The Food Ministry and FCI have signed an agreement for fiscal year 2025-26, focusing on improving foodgrain management and subsidy optimization. This involves minimizing storage losses, enhancing quality control, and adopting IT innovations. The MoU includes measurable targets and capacity-building for FCI employees, supporting the distribution of foodgrains to over 80 crore people under the National Food Security Act.

• Centre approves procurement of major kharif pulses, oilseeds in UP, Gujarat

  Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved the procurement of Kharif pulses and oilseeds from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The central government will procure urad, tur, moong, sesame, and groundnut in Uttar Pradesh. In Gujarat, urad, moong, soyabean, and groundnut will be procured. The approved quantities may be revised later. Farmers will receive timely payments through a digital system.

• Kharif foodgrain 2025-26 output likely to exceed 171.39 MT target: Agri Commissioner

  India's kharif foodgrain production is set to exceed the government's goal. This is due to increased cultivation and favorable monsoon rains. Agriculture Commissioner P K Singh shared this optimistic outlook. While oilseed and pulse coverage is down, productivity is expected to rise. Crop damage from floods was minimal. The government will launch "Vikhist Krishi Abhiyan" to support farmers soon.

• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center shifts focus to gene editing for wheat resilience as GM varieties stall

  The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is focusing on gene editing to develop wheat varieties resistant to drought, floods, and diseases. Director General Bram Govaerts called it a “future” technology, noting traditional GM wheat has had limited commercial success. Gene editing accelerates breeding without introducing foreign genes.

• Parliament panel flags surge in cheap tea imports from Kenya, Nepal; seeks stricter labelling rules

  The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce is concerned about the surge in cheap tea imports from Kenya and Nepal. They've urged the Tea Board to enforce mandatory labeling and source declaration to protect India-origin tea's reputation. The committee also suggests reviewing the Indo-Nepal trade agreement and implementing strict measures to safeguard Darjeeling tea's GI tag from adulteration.

• As US funding dries up, global food research body CIMMYT calls on India to step up support

  With US funding declining, CIMMYT urges India and Mexico to lead in securing global food supplies. Director General Bram Govaerts emphasizes CIMMYT's role in India's Green Revolution, warning that critical crop disease surveillance could collapse without increased investment. He calls for new financing models and collaborative efforts, urging India to transition from beneficiary to leader in regional food security.

• India's rice stocks hit record, wheat at four-year high

  India's rice reserves have surged to a record high, exceeding targets significantly, while wheat inventories also reached a four-year peak due to increased procurement. The abundant rice stocks are poised to bolster exports, and the government can now manage wheat prices effectively through open market sales, especially during the upcoming festival season.

• Rice, edible oils to hurt less this festive season

  Rice and edible oil prices in India have fallen ahead of the festive season. Retail prices of common rice varieties like miniket, swarna, and sona masoori have dropped, with Gobindobhog falling from Rs 220 to Rs 160 per kg. Edible oils, including mustard, soybean, sunflower, and palm oil, are cheaper due to ample supply and weak international prices.

• Farm sector clocked world's highest growth at 3.7 pc in Q1: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  India's agriculture sector has achieved a remarkable 3.7% growth in the first quarter of 2025-26, the highest globally, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This rebound from last year's 1.5% growth underscores the success of farmer-friendly policies. Chouhan emphasized collaborative efforts under the 'One Nation, One Agriculture and One Team' initiative and warned against spurious inputs.

• Punjab govt launches five-day drive to revive flood-hit mandis before paddy procurement

  The Punjab government has launched a five-day drive to restore flood-hit grain markets ahead of the paddy procurement season starting September 16. Officials have been told to complete clean-up and repairs by September 19 to ensure smooth operations.

• Sugar industry has survived due to use of ethanol: Nitin Gadkari

  Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday that India’s sugar industry has sustained itself due to ethanol production and stressed the need for new farming technologies. At a Pune event, he linked farmer suicides in Vidarbha and Marathwada to water scarcity, praised Naam Foundation’s water conservation work, and defended ethanol policy amid political criticism over E20 fuel rollout.

• Over 120k opium licences to be issued starting Oct

  The government plans to issue 121,000 opium cultivation licenses for the 2025-26 crop year, a 23.5% increase from the previous year, aiming for self-reliance in alkaloid production. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh will be affected by the policy, which includes license suspensions for those not meeting minimum yield requirements.

• CAI estimates cotton output at 312.40 lakh bales in 2024-25 season

  Cotton output in India is projected to decline to 312.40 lakh bales in the 2024-25 season due to lower yields, according to the Cotton Association of India. Total supply is estimated at 392.59 lakh bales, including opening stock and imports. Domestic consumption is expected to remain at 314 lakh bales, while exports are projected at 18 lakh bales.

• Govt announces annual licensing policy for opium poppy cultivation for 2025-26 crop year

  The government has announced its licensing policy for opium poppy cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for the 2025-26 crop year, increasing the number of eligible farmers by 23.5% to approximately 1.21 lakh.

• AI will bring revolution in agriculture, make farmers' conditions better: Nitin Gadkari

  Nitin Gadkari believes artificial intelligence will revolutionize agriculture, improving farmers' conditions, citing innovative methods at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati. He highlighted the benefits of ethanol production, noting increased maize prices and farmer income. Gadkari also addressed challenges faced by soybean farmers, emphasizing the need for further study and resolution of technical hurdles.

• India poised to export sugar in new season due to ample stocks

  India, a major sugar producer, anticipates surplus sugar for export starting October 1. This move could impact global sugar prices. The government aims to support local prices and ensure fair payments to sugarcane farmers. Ashwini Srivastava mentioned a positive outlook for the upcoming season's output. Ethanol production from sugarcane is also expected to reach a record high.

• Apple growers in Kashmir face crippling losses from floods, road closures

  Kashmir's apple growers face potential losses of Rs 600-700 crore due to floods and highway closures disrupting the harvest season. Landslides have blocked the vital Jammu-Srinagar highway, causing truck delays and increased costs. Farmers are struggling with rotting produce and reduced prices, while the Indian Railways is offering a parcel service to Delhi as a temporary solution.

• NCEL, APEDA ink pact to boost cooperative-led agricultural exports

  NCEL and APEDA have partnered to boost India's cooperative-led agricultural exports. The MoU, signed in the presence of government officials, aims to enhance value realization for farmers and strengthen India's global market position. This collaboration will focus on capacity building, quality compliance, infrastructure support, and market intelligence to drive export readiness across the cooperative sector.

• Maharashtra govt disburses Rs 1,892.61 cr for 91.65 lakh farmers under Namo Shetkari Yojana

  The Maharashtra government has disbursed ₹1,892.61 crore to 91.65 lakh farmers under the Namo Shetkari Mahasamman Nidhi Yojana's seventh installment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis marked the occasion at Mantralaya, with other key officials present. This scheme, mirroring the PM-Kisan Yojana, provides an additional ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers, supplementing the Centre's ₹6,000, bringing the total benefit to ₹12,000.

• GST rate cuts to benefit 10 crore dairy farmers: Ministry of Cooperation

  The GST rate cuts on dairy products, farm inputs, and food processing items are set to positively impact over 10 crore dairy farmers and bolster the cooperative sector, according to the Ministry of Cooperation. This restructuring addresses inverted duties in fertilizer manufacturing, aiming to stabilize prices for farmers and ensure timely input availability.

• Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi drive coconut prices to new highs

  Across South India, coconut prices have surged from Rs 15-25 to Rs 80-100 due to pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, climate change impacts, and pest infestations. Neglect of plantations and reduced yields have exacerbated the shortage, impacting copra, oil, and fresh nut availability. Despite being the largest producer, India faces a global crisis affecting prices and supply.

• Niti Aayog recommends strategies to double India's pulses production by 2047 and self-sufficient by 2030

  Niti Aayog suggests ways for India to become self-reliant in pulses. The goal is to double pulse production by 2047. Production may reach 34.45 million tonnes by 2030. By 2047, it may further rise to 51.57 million tonnes. The plan includes better farming methods and technology. Focus is on high-quality seeds and climate-smart practices.

• Centre to evaluate Market Intervention Scheme & Price Deficit Payment Scheme to assess impact on farmers

  NITI Aayog's DMEO will evaluate the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) to assess their impact on farmers. Bids are invited from eligible institutes to study the schemes' success and recommend improvements. The evaluation will determine if farmers receive fair prices promptly and if subsidies are sufficient.

• NITI Aayog lays out a blueprint to make India self-sufficient in pulses

  NITI Aayog suggests a plan to boost pulse production in India. The goal is to reduce imports and achieve self-sufficiency. The strategy includes improving farming methods and reducing waste. The Pulse Mission aims to support farmers and promote better seeds. India can increase pulse production significantly. This will help meet the country's demand and improve food security.

• Govt says GST rate cut to make fisheries sector more competitive

  The government's GST rate cut for the fisheries sector aims to boost competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. Reduced rates on fish oils, preserved fish, aquaculture equipment, and essential chemicals will lower operational costs for fish farmers. This move is expected to benefit millions dependent on fishing and aquaculture, while also strengthening India's seafood exports and promoting domestic consumption.

• In order to keep prices in check, NCCF begins selling onions from vans in Mumbai at just Rs 24

  The National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India began selling onions at lower prices in Mumbai. Mobile vans are selling onions across the city's wards. This initiative aims to control retail inflation. The government is selling onions at Rs 24 per kg in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. This ensures onions are available at affordable rates.

• GST cuts on farm inputs, dairy products 'big Diwali gift' for farmers: Agri industry

  Industry leaders applaud the government's GST rate reduction on agricultural inputs and dairy products, anticipating significant relief for farmers facing rising costs and unpredictable weather. The move is expected to increase farmer incomes by lowering input costs and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies. Reduced GST on dairy products will improve affordability, boost consumption, and support dairy farming families.

• Centre launches subsidised onion sale at Rs 24/kg in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad

  The central government initiated subsidised onion sales in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad at Rs 24 per kg. Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi flagged off mobile vans for the sales. About 25 tonnes of onions from buffer stock will be sold through cooperative agencies. The subsidised sale will extend to Chennai, Guwahati, and Kolkata soon.

• Guwahati Tea Auction Centre records impressive growth in sales during April – August with 76.94 mn kgs of teas sold

  Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) experienced substantial tea sales growth from April to August 2025. Total tea sales reached 76.94 million kgs, with CTC and Dust varieties at 72.70 million kgs and Orthodox teas at 4.24 million kgs. While Orthodox teas showed strong price appreciation, CTC and Dust prices corrected slightly, remaining above 2023 levels, indicating a dynamic market.

• Textiles Minister assesses MSP operations for cotton procurement ahead of Kharif season

  Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh reviewed MSP operations for cotton procurement starting October 1, 2025, assuring seamless procurement via the 'Kapas-Kisaan' app for farmer registration and direct payments. The initiative aims for a digitally empowered cotton ecosystem with transparent, faceless processes and uniform procurement norms.

• Biofuel push fuels kitchen heat: Wheat prices rise as maize diverted to ethanol

  India's biofuel push, particularly E20 fuel, is impacting food prices. Wheat and its products have seen a 10% price increase due to maize diversion for ethanol production. The cheaper maize-based animal feed by-product is suppressing wheat bran prices, forcing millers to raise prices of staples like atta, maida and suji.

• Agriculture Ministry to create dedicated portal for farmers' complaints: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the creation of a dedicated portal to address farmers' grievances and ensure their prompt resolution. He instructed officials to prioritize resolving complaints related to substandard inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, emphasizing the need to protect farmers from exploitation.

• Procurement target of rice grown in Kharif at 463.5 lakh tonnes

  The Centre has set a rice procurement target of 463.50 lakh tonnes for the Kharif season. In a meeting chaired by Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, the Department of Food and Public Distribution discussed procurement arrangements with States/UTs and FCI for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26, also setting a target of 19.19 lakh tonnes for coarse grains/millets.

• Indian tea industry concerned over higher US tariff, exports likely to hit

  The Indian tea industry is worried about the US imposing higher tariffs, potentially hurting tea exports to America, a key market. In 2024, the US imported 17 million kilograms of tea from India. The new 50% tariff on Indian goods, due to the country's Russian oil purchases, could limit beverage exports.

• Agri, dairy concessions to US disruptive; IP, digital issues may fly under radar: NGOs, trade unions, others

  Farmers' associations and other groups are cautioning against trade concessions to the United States. They believe these concessions could harm Indian farmers and agro-biodiversity. Concerns include potential changes to intellectual property laws. These changes might impact the generic medicine industry. The groups urge government consultation with stakeholders. They want input on ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

• Giving concessions to US on agri, dairy sectors will have disruptive impacts: Forum for Trade Justice

  Forum for Trade Justice cautioned that granting concessions to the US in agriculture and dairy under a trade pact would severely impact Indian farmers and agro-biodiversity. The organization highlighted that US demands could force changes in India's policies, overriding its sovereignty.

• Harshil Agrotech board to consider bonus issue, expansion into spices business

  Harshil Agrotech is set to consider a bonus issue and expansion into the spices business at its board meeting on September 5. The company aims to diversify its product offerings and tap into new markets through spices processing and export. Additionally, the board will discuss an interim dividend to boost liquidity and shareholder confidence.

• Shrimp farmers eye 'Fresh' ways to boost local consumption

  India is intensifying efforts to bolster domestic shrimp consumption to mitigate the impact of rising US tariffs on its shrimp exports. A government committee, under the NFDB, is exploring strategies to cultivate a strong local market. Farmers propose innovative solutions like live shrimp transportation and consumer experience centers to boost demand and ensure fair prices.

• Food Secretary sees bright sugarcane prospects, urges sugar industry consensus on export quotas

  Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra anticipates a promising sugarcane crop and urges industry consensus on export quota allocation, favoring mills that export directly. While sugar production looks positive, the government has lifted restrictions on sugar diversion for ethanol, aiming to boost ethanol production using sugarcane and broken rice. Price revisions for ethanol from molasses remain unchanged.

• India issues first national guidelines for animal blood banks to save livestock

  India introduces its first comprehensive guidelines for veterinary blood transfusion services, addressing a critical need in animal healthcare. These guidelines establish a scientific framework for blood donation, storage, and transfusion, previously lacking national standards. The initiative aims to improve animal welfare, ensure biosafety, and integrate One Health principles, ultimately benefiting the country's vast livestock and companion animal population.

• UP government bans the use of 11 pesticides damaging India's rice quality

  India's basmati rice exports have received a major push with the Uttar Pradesh government enforcing a fresh ban on the use of eleven pesticides that damage the crop's quality and block its entry into key foreign markets.

• Onion growers allege financial loss due to non-transparent procurement

  Onion farmers in Maharashtra are protesting against NAFED, alleging non-transparent procurement practices that lead to financial losses. The State Onion Growers' Association demands fair prices and transparency in the procurement process. A farmer in Nashik even staged a protest with his bullocks, highlighting the plight of onion growers facing corruption and unfair pricing.

• Raw tea leaf prices crash 50% amid surging imports and weak export demand

  Raw tea leaf prices dropped nearly 50% year-on-year in August to ₹14/kg due to rising low-cost imports from Kenya and Nepal and export uncertainty. Retail tea prices also fell 10–15%. This has hurt 24 million small growers across India. Oversupply, weak exports, and softening auction prices suggest continued pressure on prices through 2025, say industry leaders.

• Heavy rains damage vegetable, pulses crops

  Heavy rains in central and south India are expected to cause losses for farmers due to widespread damage to key kharif crops like urad, tur, soyabean, and cotton. Vegetable prices in Mumbai have crashed due to buyers staying home, but are expected to rise soon. Ample availability of imported pulses should keep their prices stable.