News

From the RSS:

• RBI research says onion farmers get 36% of consumers' spend, pitches for futures trading, pvt mandis

  A Reserve Bank of India paper suggests reforms like increasing private mandis to help farmers get better prices for produce like tomato, onion, and potato. It highlights inefficiencies in the market and the need for leveraging e-NAM and promoting farmer produce organizations for better price discovery and risk management.

• Cabinet approves ₹1 lakh crore for PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana to boost food security and sustainable agriculture

  In a significant step toward enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Cabinet on Thursday approved the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY).

• Big news for agricultural economy: This year, India got highest monsoon rains since 2020

  India experienced a four-year high in Southwest monsoon rains, with 108% of the long period average. This above-normal rainfall boosted Kharif crop sowing and is anticipated to benefit Rabi crops as well. Central and South Peninsula saw the highest rainfall percentages.

• There're tougher seeds in India to counter tricks of rain and heat

  Climate change is causing unpredictable weather in Rayanpet, affecting traditional rice farming. Farmers are adopting climate-resilient rice varieties that offer better yields with less water and are disease-resistant. India's government promotes these seeds to safeguard food production, but logistical challenges remain in reaching and educating farmers.

• Fixing seemingly minor issues faced by farmers can raise their income by up to 20%: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized solving minor issues to boost farmers' income by up to 20%. Discussed were contaminated water, replacing burnt transformers, reducing crop costs, ensuring fair prices, managing pesticide use, and improving access to government schemes and quality resources.

• PM Kisan Yojana 18th Installment: How to check status, expected amount, eligibility, and eKYC process

  PM Kisan Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana on October 5, 2024. The scheme offers ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmers in India, divided into three installments of ₹2,000. Farmers must complete mandatory eKYC formalities to ensure direct benefit transfer into their bank accounts. This article provides detailed instructions on checking beneficiary status, completing eKYC, and understanding the scheme's eligibility criteria.

• India's monsoon rains hit four-year high in boost to crop output

  India experienced its highest monsoon rainfall since 2020, with above-average precipitation for three consecutive months, aiding recovery from last year's drought. The abundant rain, critical for agriculture, may damage some summer-sown crops but also enhance soil moisture for winter crops, potentially allowing relaxed trade restrictions.

• Your olive oil might be unfit for human consumption

  Olive oil: Extreme weather events are impacting grocery prices globally, with olive oil seeing a significant rise due to droughts in the Mediterranean. This has led to increased fraud cases, with low-quality oils being passed off as extra virgin. Other commodities like orange juice are also affected by climate-related issues.

• Govt mulls hike in sugar MSP, ethanol prices

  The government is considering raising ethanol prices, increasing the minimum selling price of sugar, and reviewing sugar exports for the 2024-25 season. Food Minister Pralhad Joshi mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the petroleum ministry regarding ethanol prices and a committee is evaluating the MSP of sugar, which has been unchanged since February 2019.

• Vegetable prices surge as rains damage crops and roadways

  Vegetable prices have surged due to excessive rainfall damaging crops and roadways in key producing states. Prices of essentials like onions and tomatoes have risen significantly. The government may intervene to stabilize prices by selling vegetables through mobile vans. Traders report delays in sowing and increased pest issues affecting supply.

• Govt may raise sugar and ethanol prices to boost local supplies: Food Minister

  In a bid to boost local supplies in the country, Food Minister on Thursday announced that India is considering raising domestic prices of ethanol and sugar.

• UP to set up radiation treatment plant near Jewar Airport to boost mango exports

  The Uttar Pradesh government plans to set up a radiation treatment plant near Jewar International Airport to aid mango growers in exporting to the US and Europe. This facility will reduce transportation costs and risks, enhancing fruit quality. The plant will operate on a public-private partnership model, streamlining the export process for local farmers.

• Govt pushes for scalable food security measures, local crop promotion

  India aims to integrate scalable food security measures into existing government programmes while promoting local crop varieties. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi flagged the need for a focused approach and suggested involving Farmer Producer Organizations. The United Nations World Food Programme's country strategic plan for India includes enhancing social protection systems, promoting diverse diets, empowering women, and building climate-resilient food systems.

• Foodgrain production in 2023-24 higher than previous year: Final estimates

  The country's foodgrain production for 2023-24 is estimated at a record 332.298 MT, surpassing the previous year's 329.687 MT. Despite drought-like conditions and erratic rainfall due to El Nino, rice and wheat production also reached new highs. The government restricted exports of several items to manage domestic supplies.

• India's foodgrain production hits record 332.22 mn tonne in 2023-24: Govt

  India's foodgrain production hit a record 332.22 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year, driven by bumper wheat and rice output. Wheat production reached 113.29 million tonnes, while rice production touched 137.82 million tonnes. However, pulses and oilseeds production declined due to drought-like conditions in southern states and prolonged dry spells.

• India Monsoon 2024, in facts & figures: Strong finish, good sowing

  Despite a slow start, rainfall picked up pace helping farmers with sowing. Overall farm productivity is expected to be higher, which should help tame the year-long rising trend in food inflation.

• From Peels to Fuel: Potatoes may soon quench thirst of your car

  The Central Potato Research Institute plans to establish a pilot plant to convert potato waste into ethanol. India, the world's second-largest potato producer, faces significant post-harvest losses. The plant will be set up in high-production regions like Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal, using potato waste and substandard potatoes for ethanol production.

• Indian refiners cancel 1,00,000 metric tons of palm oil purchases on duty hike, price rise

  Indian refiners have cancelled 1,00,000 metric tons of palm oil purchases for delivery between October and December. This move follows New Delhi's decision to raise import duties due to a surge in overseas prices. The cancellations may impact Malaysian palm oil prices and shift demand towards soyoil.

• India's monsoon begins to retreat after delivering surplus rains

  India's monsoon rains have started retreating from the northwest, nearly a week later than usual, according to the India Meteorological Department. The extended rains have replenished reservoirs but damaged some crops ready for harvest. Monsoon rains this season have been 5.5% above average, with further retreat expected in parts of West Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.

• Govt steps up buffer stock sale to control onion prices after export duty removal

  The government is taking steps to control onion prices by increasing the sale of buffer stock in wholesale markets. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced plans to sell onions at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg nationwide, especially in cities where prices are high. The government is optimistic about the upcoming kharif onion crop.

• TRA Tocklai comes up with first climate-smart tea seed stock -TSS 2

  The Tea Research Association (TRA) Tocklai has introduced the first climate-smart tea seed stock, TSS 2, which can withstand high temperatures and produce high-quality teas. At the annual general meeting, TRA also launched microbial formulations to reduce pesticide use and a rapid testing kit for unapproved pesticides in green leaf.

• Horticulture production falls slightly in 2023-24, fruit output rises

  India's horticulture production is projected to decline slightly by 0.65% to 353.19 million tonnes in 2023-24, according to the government's third advance estimate. While fruit production is expected to rise by 2.29%, driven by higher outputs of certain fruits, vegetable production is projected at 205.80 million tonnes with mixed results across different crops.

• India palm oil output to triple in 6 years as farmers plant more, says Agrovet exec

  India's palm oil production is set to triple by 2030-31 as the area under cultivation expands and plantations mature. This increase will reduce India's reliance on imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Government incentives since 2021 have boosted planting, with Godrej Agrovet expecting its production to double by the same period.

• 2.5 million farmers added to PM-KISAN: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  The government has introduced several farmer-friendly policies in its first 100 days, focusing on productivity, cost reduction, fair pricing, and technology use. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized collaboration with state governments and announced initiatives like 'Lab-to-land' to connect scientists and farmers. The PM-KISAN scheme has also disbursed ₹20,000 crore to farmers.

• Amit Shah launches 'White Revolution 2.0' to boost dairy sector

  Union Minister Amit Shah has launched 'White Revolution 2.0', an initiative to transform India's dairy cooperative sector. The programme aims to empower women farmers, enhance milk production, strengthen dairy infrastructure, and boost exports. It includes the rollout of RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and micro-ATMs for dairy farmers, along with computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies.

• Govt says report of MSP panel to be made public soon

  Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the upcoming release of the MSP committee report and introduced new initiatives to modernize agriculture. These include 'Adhunik Krishi Choupal' on Doordarshan and All India Radio, and weekly 'Kisan Samvad' interactions. The government is also focusing on climate-resilient crops, fertiliser subsidies, and crop insurance schemes.

• Revenue growth of basmati industry to moderate to 4% this fiscal from 20% seen last fiscal, says Crisil

  India's basmati industry is set to see a revenue growth of around 4% this fiscal, reaching nearly Rs 70,000 crore. This growth is driven by policy support, rising demand, and lower input costs. The removal of the minimum export price will boost exports, while domestic sales are expected to rise due to increased demand from the HoReCa segment.

• Govt expects higher kharif rice output despite rain damage: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  India's kharif rice production is set to exceed last year's levels, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Despite some crop damage from heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, overall yields are expected to be higher. Total rice acreage has increased, and there is optimism about the production of other kharif crops.

• Union Cabinet approves subsidy worth ₹24,475 crore on nutrient-based fertilizers

  The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹24,475 crore subsidy for phosphatic and potassic fertilizers to aid farmers during the rabi season. Effective from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, this move aims to provide fertilizers at reasonable prices amidst global market fluctuations. The subsidy will cover 28 grades of these fertilizers.

• India's wheat curbs insufficient; traders demand stock release

  India's recent measures to curb wheat stock limits for traders and processors have not been effective in reducing prices. With festival season approaching, industry officials urge the government to release wheat stocks to meet rising demand and stabilize prices. Wheat prices remain high, with further increases expected if government action is delayed.

• Government allocates ₹35,000 crore for PM-AASHA to support farmers and stabilize prices

  The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) with a ₹35,000 crore allocation for procuring agriculture commodities at minimum support prices. Additionally, ₹24,475 crore has been allocated to subsidise NPK fertilisers for the rabi season, ensuring affordable prices for farmers.

• Prices of major agri commodities to stay stable: Govt

  The government assures that prices of key agricultural commodities will remain stable during the festive season. Wheat distribution for PMGKAY will be restored, and easing restrictions on rice exports is under consideration. A credit guarantee scheme has been introduced to support farmers against distress sales and post-harvest losses.

• Cabinet approves Rs 24,475 cr subsidy on P&K fertilisers for rabi season

  The Indian government has approved a subsidy of Rs 24,474.53 crore on phosphatic and potassic fertilizers for the rabi season of 2024-25. This decision aims to ensure that farmers have access to affordable crop nutrients. The subsidy will be provided through the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme, effective since April 2010.

• Digital revolution in agri sector to help arrest exodus of youth from farming: FAIFA

  FAIFA has welcomed the government's digital initiatives in agriculture, stating that the Rs 14,000 crore schemes will help retain youth in farming. The Digital Agriculture Mission aims to create jobs and reduce urban migration by integrating technology and addressing agrarian distress caused by climate variations and market uncertainties.

• Global Inc comes shopping for farm fresh green cred

  Global companies like Microsoft, HSBC, JP Morgan, and Amazon are buying carbon credits from Indian farmers to offset their emissions. Agricultural firms such as Bayer and Grow Indigo are helping farmers adopt sustainable practices to generate these credits. India's carbon credit exports could reach $4-7 billion in the next five years, driven by increasing demand from multinational corporations.

• Drop in tea production this year leads to 13% price rise

  Tea production in Assam and West Bengal has dropped this year, leading to a 13% rise in prices. However, this increase does not offset the production loss. Export prices have also fallen by 4%. The industry faces financial challenges due to unpaid subsidies for developmental work from the Tea Board.

• Ahead of state elections, all the farm trade measures Centre has announced to placate farmers

  India has enacted policies to boost farm exports and restrict vegetable oil imports ahead of state elections. The government removed minimum export prices for basmati rice and onions, while raising tariffs on edible oils to assist farmers. These measures are designed to secure farmer votes in Maharashtra and Haryana.

• Replacing rice with other crops could help recover groundwater lost since 2000: Study

  Replacing 40% of rice cultivation with other crops in north India could recover significant groundwater lost since 2000, a study finds. Current rice-dominated cropping patterns may lead to further groundwater depletion under global warming. The study suggests crop switching for groundwater sustainability and increased farmers' profitability.

• Centre removes floor price for basmati rice exports

  The Indian government has eliminated the $950 per tonne minimum export price on basmati rice, as declared by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is tasked with implementing this change and will closely monitor basmati export prices to prevent unrealistic pricing.

• Centre lowers stocking limit for wheat to tame prices

  The central government has reduced the stock holding limit of wheat for retailers from 3000 MT to 2000 MT for traders and wholesalers. This move aims to increase market supply and control prices. All wheat stocking entities must register on the government portal and update their stock position weekly, especially with the festive season approaching.

• India cannot become developed nation with 'backward agriculture': Bayer South Asia Prez

  India's agriculture sector must modernize to achieve developed nation status by 2047, says Bayer South Asia head Simon Wiebusch. He commends government efforts to digitize and innovate in farming. Bayer is focusing on herbicides due to labor shortages and exploring new technologies for crops like corn and rice.

• Govt to buy soybeans to help farmers reeling from losses

  India will purchase soybeans from farmers in Madhya Pradesh at government-set support prices to assist those affected by falling domestic rates. This move follows similar agreements in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Soybeans are crucial for producing soyoil, reducing edible oil imports, and generating soymeal for animal feed and export.

• Centre approves MSP procurement of soyabean in Maharashtra

  The central government has approved the procurement of soybean at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Madhya Pradesh, in addition to Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. This decision comes as soybean prices in the open market have fallen below MSP, causing concern among farmers. The move aims to stabilize prices and support farmers facing low market rates due to excess supply in international markets.

• Average onion prices at Rs 58/kg in Delhi: Govt data

  Onion prices in New Delhi remain high at Rs 58 per kg due to tight supply. The government has started retail sales of onions at a subsidized rate of Rs 35 per kg in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The kharif sown area has increased, and about 38 lakh tonnes of onion are still in storage.

• Regional rainfall deficits threaten agriculture despite improved monsoon performance: CareEdge report

  CareEdge Ratings has highlighted that while the overall monsoon performance has improved from last year, the agriculture sector still faces risks due to uneven rainfall distribution. Key agrarian regions in Northern India and the Gangetic plains have significant rainfall deficits, affecting Kharif sowing, which is 97% complete.

• Apple prices crash by 50 pc as arrivals from Himachal Pradesh increase

  Apple prices have plummeted by nearly 50% in a month due to increased arrivals from Himachal Pradesh and the upcoming harvest in Kashmir. The duty-free import of apples from Afghanistan is also expected to impact prices further. Quality issues and cautious procurement by big corporations are contributing factors.

• Government to begin farmer registration for Aadhaar-style IDs from October; targets 5 crore by March

  The government will soon start registering farmers nationwide to provide them with a unique ID similar to Aadhaar. This initiative, part of the Rs 2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission, aims to register five crore farmers by March next year. The unique ID will streamline access to agricultural schemes and aid in policy planning.

• Agrochemicals exports may touch Rs 80,000 cr in 4 yrs: ACFI-EY report

  India's agrochemical exports could exceed Rs 80,000 crore in four years if the industry is supported with a conducive environment, according to a report by ACFI and EY. The report highlights the need for streamlined licensing norms, improved infrastructure, and reduced GST to achieve this growth.

• Govt promotes pulses production in tribal & Naxal-affected areas

  The government is promoting pulse cultivation in Naxal-affected and tribal areas of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to boost national production and increase farmers' income. The initiative, led by NCCF, involves distributing hybrid seeds and ensuring procurement at minimum support prices. This pilot project aims to reduce India's reliance on pulse imports.

• Onion prices recover after crashing by 10% following the launch of retail sale of onions by the central govt

  Onion prices have slightly recovered at the Lasalgaon market after a significant drop. The central government is selling onions from its buffer stock in Delhi and Mumbai to control retail prices. Farmers are concerned about further price drops, but the government plans a staggered release to stabilize prices.