News

From the RSS:

• Stock disclosure made mandatory for pulses millers amid price hikes

  In response to rising retail inflation, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has taken steps to address price hikes. Meetings were held with various stakeholders in the pulses industry to enforce stricter stock monitoring. The government expects good production of pulses, which should help stabilize prices. Authorities were instructed to conduct stock verifications to prevent hoarding and speculation.

• ICAR partners with Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, MSSRF and Bharat Krishak Samaj to document farmer-led innovations in natural farming

  The MoU, signed in New Delhi will facilitate a collaborative action-research study titled “Capturing Farmer Innovation in Natural Farming Transitions” under the National Mission on Natural Farming.

• Shift from higher yields to nutrient-efficient crops needed to cut fertiliser dependence: ICAR’s Jat

  Jat emphasised that soil biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are fundamental to sustainable agriculture

• NHC Foods reports 333% quarterly rise in total income to Rs 451.32 crore and over 16-fold jump in profit

  For the first half of FY27, NHC Foods posted total income of Rs 821.45 crore, an increase of 282 per cent from Rs 214.68 crore a year earlier. Profit rose nearly 13-fold to Rs 38.68 crore, compared with Rs 3.01 crore in the year-ago period.

• Stubble Burning: BKS seeks MSP for crop residue, withdrawal of fines against farmers

  The farmers' organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of fines imposed and FIRs registered against farmers over stubble burning

• Government approves Rs 62,370 cr fertiliser subsidy for Rabi 2026-27

  The Union Cabinet has approved a nutrient-based subsidy of Rs.62,370 crore for RABI season 2026-27. This subsidy amount is significantly higher than the previous season's budget of Rs.37,952.29 crore. Global shortages and price escalations of fertilizers were influenced by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The government aims to ensure affordable prices for fertilizers by rationalizing the subsidy on phosphatic and potassic fertilizers.

• Tea industry groups back panel's proposal for minimum sustainable price as costs outpace prices

  Five tea industry associations have welcomed the government committee's recommendation for a minimum sustainable price for tea. This recommendation aims to address rising production costs that are exceeding the prices received by producers. The proposed benchmark price is linked to wage movements and consumer price indices, which will be reviewed periodically. Producers believe this pricing mechanism will help absorb wage increases and support investment in tea production.

• Arunachal Pradesh inaugurates geothermal-powered drying unit to boost farmers' incomes

  Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul inaugurated a geothermal-powered drying unit in Dirang, West Kameng district, to promote renewable energy, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' incomes. Developed with support from India, Norway and Iceland, the facility will use natural geothermal heat to preserve local agricultural and livestock products. Pul also urged the Centre to expedite the Seismic Microzonation Project to strengthen earthquake preparedness in the state.

• mjunction facilitates sale of 3,200 tonnes of onions through NAFED, NCCF auctions

  mjunction Services has facilitated the sale of more than 3,200 metric tonnes of onions through digital auctions for government agencies NAFED and NCCF, as the government releases buffer stocks to improve market supplies and contain price increases.

• India's wheat plantings seen at record high but final output to depend on weather, FAO says

  India is poised for record wheat planting this season, supported by government incentives and soil moisture. The final wheat output will depend significantly on weather patterns influenced by El Nino in April and May. El Nino typically brings above-average rainfall to key wheat-growing areas but may also increase flooding risks. Adequate snow cover from expected precipitation could benefit both overwintering crops and reservoir replenishment.

• Rising maize diversion for ethanol production may fuel food inflation

  Oil marketing companies have increased maize demand for ethanol, which is raising concerns for animal feed costs and inflation. Maize prices have doubled compared to last year amid projections of declining kharif production. Ethanol manufacturing is experiencing high competition for maize due to reduced sugarcane availability. Experts warn that heightened maize prices will affect poultry farmers and ultimately consumers.

• India's sugar mills face margin squeeze as ethanol production restrictions and rising costs hit profitability: Crisil

  India’s sugar mills may see decreased operating margins due to factors like rising sugarcane prices and production restrictions. The shift to C-heavy molasses for ethanol is expected to affect profitability negatively. While sugar prices are firm, they may not fully offset the losses from reduced ethanol sales. Demand and realisations might support a modest growth in operating income for this fiscal year.

• Stubble burning cases cross 3,000 mark in Punjab; Tarn Taran tops list

  Punjab has recorded 3,144 incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and November 6, with Tarn Taran as the highest contributor. Fines totaling Rs 54.55 lakh have been imposed in over a thousand cases related to these incidents. Authorities have registered 795 FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita during this period as well. The practice of stubble burning is often linked to increased air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

• El Nino trigger: Rabi contingency plan drawn up for 225 districts amid rainfall deficit

  The govt has developed a rabi contingency plan in response to the southwest monsoon's rainfall deficit. With concerns over soil moisture and reservoir levels, the plan targets 225 districts facing crop planning challenges. Recent rains have improved some reservoir levels, prompting a reassessment of the original strategies. Additionally, rising food prices and rice stocks have led to new regulatory measures across several states.

• Sugar output jumps to nearly 13 lakh tonnes so far in 2026-27 market year: ISMA

  Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), in a statement on Friday, said the 184 sugar mills have commenced crushing operations across the country as of November 5, 2026, compared to 154 mills during the corresponding period of the preceding year.

• Centre allows five southern states to impose stock limits on rice, paddy; tightens vigil on holdings

  Five southern states can impose stock limits on rice and paddy until January 31, 2027, to control prices. Traders and retailers must now disclose their rice and paddy stocks weekly on the Food Stock Portal. The government has allocated extra quantities of Bharat Rice to NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar for better availability. The rice sale target under the Open Market Sale Scheme is now doubled for 2026-27.

• Sugar production rises to 12.85 lakh tonnes, 184 mills begin operations: ISMA

  Sugar production during the current season has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes, against 3.20 lakh tonnes produced by the corresponding date last year.

• AISTA seeks 35% hike in minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 42/kg , backs government cane FRP

  AISTA has urged the government to raise the minimum selling price of sugar amid ongoing protests by farmers. The association supports the current fair and remunerative price for sugarcane set for the 2026-27 season. Stakeholders had previously accepted this price, according to AISTA Chairman Praful Vithalani. Additionally, they have proposed a new payment system for farmers and seek loan relief for ethanol projects.

• Can India break China’s grip on specialty fertilisers?

• Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G

  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.

• Festive season: Pistachio prices nearly double, almonds up 20% on West Asia crisis and US crop shortfall

  "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 broken rice export restrictions as prices cross $360 per tonne: IREF

  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.

• Govt consults seed, fertiliser firms on easing regulatory hurdles

  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.

• Govt set to tweak MSP norms for periodic price hikes of minor forest products

  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.

• Kashmiri apple supplies fall short of Diwali demand amid fungal outbreak

  Supply of Kashmiri apples is currently inadequate due to a significant scab outbreak that has affected this year's crop. The primary concern is that a large percentage of apples arriving in markets are of lower grades. Growers are facing high production costs while receiving low returns on affected apples. Demand remains good ahead of Diwali, with higher-quality apples commanding good prices.

• Fuel, forex and farmers: Why India is betting big on maize

  A grain that once fed chickens now fuels cars and, soon, planes. The harder question is whether Indian farms can keep up with the demand it has created.

• Karnataka sugarcane growers stage demo to press for their demands, district officials impose restrictions

  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.

• PM releases Rs 3,000 crore PM-KISAN instalment to over 35.38 lakh Odisha farmers

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 24th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on Friday, transferring over Rs 18,690 crore to more than 9.34 crore farmers across India. In Odisha, 35.38 lakh beneficiaries received financial assistance as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the programme virtually from Bhubaneswar. Majhi also spoke about crop losses caused by recent floods and assured affected farmers of assistance.

• Escorts Kubota hikes tractor prices as Middle East war fuels cost pressures

  Escorts Kubota plans to implement price hikes on its tractor offerings in November 2026. The company cites inflation and geopolitical uncertainties as significant factors influencing this decision. Price adjustments will vary by model, variant, and geographical regions. These changes come after attempts to optimize costs and maintain operational efficiency. The increases aim to address the elevated expenses from manufacturing and logistics challenges.

• SC Agrotech net profit surges to Rs 10.21 cr in July-Sept quarter

  SC Agrotech has announced net profit for the quarter ending September 30, 2026, boasting a leap to Rs 10.21 crore from just Rs 21.21 lakh last year. The company’s revenue from operations also surged, hitting Rs 45.26 crore. Over the first half of the year, net profit reached Rs 19.77 crore, a notable increase from Rs 23.17 lakh in the preceding period.

• IIT Kharagpur and Absolute launch Smart Scout AI project for soybean farming

  Absolute and IIT Kharagpur are developing an early warning system for soybean farmers to minimize crop losses. The Smart Scout project aims to detect lodging risks, assess damage, and estimate yields using artificial intelligence. This initiative is part of the Quad-backed AI-ENGAGE program focusing on agricultural innovations. Pilot trials will be conducted across major soybean-growing states in India over the next three years.

• SKUAST VC proposes green cess for tourists and research cess for orchardists at Apple Conclave of CII in Kashmir

  In a bid to boost revenue in Jammu and Kashmir, Nazir Ahmad Ganai has proposed a green cess targeting tourists with the aim to fund horticulture research through a suggested research cess levied on orchardists. Leading experts gathered to explore ways to capitalise on Kashmiri apples, emphasising advancements in branding and cold-chain logistics.

• PM Modi to release Rs 18,680 crore under PM-Kisan scheme on October 30

  On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the 24th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme in Gujarat, aiming to support over 9.34 crore farmer families across the country with more than Rs 18,680 crore. In Gujarat alone, financial assistance surpassing Rs 1,051 crore will be granted to over 52.33 lakh farmer families.

• Uttar Pradesh turns to cattle to beef up rural incomes; ₹40,000 subsidy on offer per animal

  Under UP State Livestock Mission, farmers buying eligible indigenous cows will receive a subsidy of Rs 40,000 per animal. The government will also pay 85% of the livestock insurance premium, leaving owners to bear the remaining 15%.

• Sugar season 2026–27 begins on schedule, nearly 107 mills commence operations across India: ISMA

  In Maharashtra, the country’s largest sugar-producing state, close to 87 mills have commenced operations. More mills are expected to start in the coming week as cane harvesting gathers pace.

• Wheat sowing lags at 11,000 hectare so far amid deficient monsoon; rabi acreage down

  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.

• Cotton shortage set to worsen as new deals drive export demand

  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.

• ISMA says 107 sugar mills begin crushing operations so far, enough stock to meet domestic demand

  Nearly 110 sugar mills have begun operations for the 2026-27 sugar marketing year in several states. The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association stated that the industry is prepared for sugarcane crushing. This readiness helps meet the expected domestic sugar demand of 280-285 lakh tonne annually. The government has also extended duty-free import windows to maintain sugar availability during the festive period.

• India expected to extend duty-free cotton imports through December, sources say

  India is expected to extend the 11% customs duty exemption on cotton imports until the end of December to ease supply shortages, lower domestic prices and reduce costs for textile mills. Domestic cotton prices have remained firm amid lower crop prospects, with output estimated below 29 million bales in 2026-27 against demand exceeding 34 million bales.

• Cultivation of large cardamom emerges as a lucrative option for higher income from limited land

  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.

• Centre beats March 2027 target, issues 11 crore unique farmer IDs under AgriStack

  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.

• Mozambique eyes India partnership to boost agro-processing, expand rice trade across Southern Africa

  Mozambique is set to elevate its agricultural collaboration with India, tapping into mutual strengths in agro-processing. Secretary Antonio Do Rosario Grispos emphasized that India's rice imports are crucial for ensuring food security in Mozambique. This partnership aims to enhance trade routes via Mozambique's ports, fostering regional commerce and agricultural growth while strengthening historical ties with India as a strategic ally.

• India must shift from rice volume to value, says Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan

  India has progressed in rice production and is now focusing on value addition and food processing. Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan outlined the need for improved quality and sustainability in the rice value chain. The government aims to enhance rice exports while promoting innovation in processing technologies. Strengthening agricultural links to industry is essential for achieving rural prosperity and increasing farmer incomes.

• Chana sowing holds key to pulses inflation

  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.

• New policy in works to boost agrivoltaics in India; enhance farmers' income via energy generation

  India's government is formulating a policy to enhance the adoption of agrivoltaics across the country. This initiative aims to increase farmers' income by combining agricultural production with solar energy generation. States with significant agrivoltaic potential include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounting for nearly half of India's cropland suitable for this practice.

• India’s drought-hit maize crunch pits poultry, ethanol makers in ‘me first’ fight

  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 prices crash 65% in a week as drought-hit Nashik farmers face a double blow

  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.

• Uneven rains may keep price of spices elevated

  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 plans Rs 30-70 crore bets on growth-stage firms in Fund II

  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.

• Farmers face 15% loss as poultry feed costs surge

  Poultry farmers are currently experiencing losses of approximately 15% due to rising livestock feed costs. Key ingredients have seen price increases of up to 75%, affecting farmers' ability to cope. Dairy producers, particularly in drought-affected regions, struggle to source necessary fodder for their livestock. Feed manufacturers are also feeling the impact as higher prices reduce demand for their products.