From the RSS:

• Onion prices soar to 5-year high amid supply woes, exports boost

  Onion prices in India have surged due to poor quality kharif crops and increased export demand. The price spike follows a supply shortage and the depletion of stored onions from the previous year's harvest. Traders anticipate a decline in prices as new crop arrivals increase in the coming days.

• Onion price hikes make wallets weep across India

  Onion prices in India have skyrocketed to Rs 70-80 per kilogram, impacting household budgets and causing distress among consumers. Vendors attribute the price hike to inflation and sourcing costs, while consumers express concerns about the affordability of this essential ingredient. Despite the surge, onions remain a staple, compelling people to purchase them despite the inflated prices.

• November inflation figures may bear imprint of rise in onion prices

  Onion prices in India have surged to a five-year high due to heavy rainfall damaging crops and delaying harvests. This price increase, along with rising costs for potatoes and cooking oil, is expected to impact inflation data for November.

• 840 tonne onions arrive in Guwahati via rail for distribution in northeast

  The Indian government transported 840 tonnes of onions to Guwahati. This initiative aimed to increase onion supply in northeastern states. The onions were distributed in Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura. This effort is part of a larger government program to stabilize onion prices. The government previously dispatched onions to Delhi and Chennai. These actions helped increase onion availability and decrease prices.

• FinMin asks PSBs to meet loan targets for agri-allied sectors

  The finance ministry has asked public sector banks (PSBs) to meet loan targets for the agri-allied sector during the current financial year. Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju in a meeting held on Tuesday reviewed the progress of credit disbursement to agri-allied activities like animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries with Public Sector Banks (PSBs), NABARD and State/ UT Level Bankers' Committee.

• Finance Ministry asks PSU banks to take steps to meet loan targets for agri-allied sector

  India's Finance Ministry has urged public sector banks to achieve their loan targets for the agri-allied sector this fiscal year. Secretary M Nagaraju emphasized the sector's importance in boosting agricultural growth and rural employment. He directed banks to conduct regional assessments to ensure credit reaches all areas with potential in allied activities.

• ISMA pegs India’s 2024-25 sugar production at 33.3MT, calls for 26% MSP hike and sugar exports

  India's sugar production is projected to decrease to 33.3 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers' Association (ISMA). The industry body attributes this decline to drought in Maharashtra and calls for an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar, citing rising production costs and declining market prices.

• Kharif output may be better than last year's

  India anticipates a bumper kharif harvest in 2024-25, with rice, pulses, and maize production projected to exceed last year's figures. This positive outlook is attributed to favorable monsoon conditions and an expansion in the cultivated area. While rice and tur production are set to increase, urad output is expected to decline.

• Paddy procurement on track in Haryana, Punjab despite late start; 112 lakh ton purchased so far

  Haryana and Punjab are progressing well towards their paddy procurement targets for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season, with 112 lakh tonnes already purchased. Despite a delayed start due to rains, procurement operations in both states are active, with payments to farmers being made swiftly via direct bank transfers.

• Government steps up onion supplies via rail transport to control prices; 840 tonne reaches Delhi

  The government reported that 840 tonnes of buffer onions have arrived in Delhi via rail to counter high prices. The onions will primarily be sold through Azadpur Mandi and retail at Rs 35 per kg. This rail transport method aims at timely delivery and has already reached several other destinations, stabilizing prices across key states.

• In a first, govt inks deal for contract farming of pulses

  The Indian government has initiated contract farming with farmers in Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gujarat to grow pulses on 1,500 hectares to curb inflation and become self-sufficient. In light of rising inflation and reduced crop production, this pilot aims to increase pulse production and procurement for buffer stocks.

• Centre procures 60.63 lakh tonnes of paddy so far in Punjab; Rs 1,22,00 cr paid to farmers till Oct 28

  The Centre announced that as of October 28, 2024, it has procured 60.63 lakh tonnes of paddy in Punjab, disbursing Rs 12,200 crore to farmers. With a target of 185 lakh tonnes for Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25, the procurement began on October 1, with 2,927 mandis operational across the state.

• Govt unveils guidelines for seaweed imports to boost coastal economy

  The Ministry of Fisheries announced new guidelines for seaweed imports to address seed shortages and boost coastal economies. The framework includes strict biosecurity measures and approval procedures, targeting 1.12 million tonnes of seaweed production by 2025. This move supports research, job creation in coastal areas, and exports, ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth.

• 40 lakh tonnes of rice on the move in Punjab: What's govt trying to fix?

  The Centre plans to move 40 lakh tonnes of rice from Punjab within the next three-four months and create space for 20 lakh tonnes more. This aims to alleviate the current storage crunch and ensure smooth paddy procurement in Punjab. FCI will handle the weekly rice movement to other states to manage storage better.

• Scientists suggest ways to Odisha paddy farmers for minimising loss due to cyclone Dana

  Agriculture scientists in Odisha suggest measures to minimise paddy crop damage due to cyclone Dana's heavy rain. Eight coastal districts likely to be affected. Farmers are advised to keep drainage channels open, properly stack and cover harvested rice, dry grains after rain, and use fumigation for storage pests.

• Govt exempts parboiled rice, husked brown rice from export duty

  The government has removed export duties on parboiled rice and husked brown rice, effective from October 22. Previously, duties were slashed from 20% to 10%. This change follows last month's exemption of non-basmati white rice from export duty, aiming to boost exports and enhance farmers' income. Elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra are next month.

• In SC, Punjab blames centre; Haryana lists rewards, fines to curb farm fires

  Punjab blames lax central laws for its inability to enforce strict measures against stubble burning, citing amendments that replaced penal provisions with monetary penalties. In contrast, Haryana showcases commitment through incentives, penalties, and legal actions against violators to curb farm fires.

• Retail inflation for farm, rural workers rises in Sept

  Retail inflation for farm and rural labourers rose to 6.36% and 6.39% in September from 5.96% and 6.08% in August, as per the labour ministry. The CPI-AL and CPI-RL indices climbed 7 points, reaching 1,304 and 1,316, reflecting increased costs compared to the previous year.

• India's cotton output to fall on lower area, excess rain

  India's cotton output is expected to drop by 7.4% to 30.2 million bales in 2024/25 due to reduced planting area and excessive rainfall damage. This may lead to increased imports, rising to 2.5 million bales from 1.75 million, and a decrease in exports to 1.8 million bales from 2.85 million.

• Gujarat to harvest a record crop of groundnut due to increase in area and yield, says SEA

  Groundnut production in Gujarat is projected to rise by 26% due to increased area and productivity, reaching 42.19 lakh tonnes. The average yield has improved to 2210 kg per hectare. However, scattered showers have affected early sown crops, causing market prices to fall below the MSP.

• Heavy rains, delay in harvest to keep onions pricey this Diwali

  Onion prices, currently at ₹60-80/kg, are expected to stay high through Diwali due to heavy rainfall damaging crops in Maharashtra and other states, causing supply delays. This has led to a surge in food inflation, with tomatoes and cooking oils also seeing price hikes. The government is releasing buffer stock to manage the situation.

• Relief on the way! Tomato prices in Delhi may drop as Maharashtra supply increases

  Tomato prices in Delhi-NCR have exceeded Rs 100 per kg due to supply disruptions from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The government is intervening through the NCCF to sell tomatoes at Rs 65 per kg and anticipates stabilization as supplies from Maharashtra increase.

• ‘Kanda Trains’ to help ease onion prices before Diwali

  The government plans to stabilize onion prices by releasing 91,960 tonnes from buffer stocks via rail to key consumption centers and e-commerce platforms, selling at Rs 35/kg. This intervention aims to address the spike in vegetable prices, with onion prices nearing Rs 100/kg in retail markets.

• 1,600 tonnes of onions coming to Delhi riding 'Kanda Express' for first time

  The government is set to transport 1,600 tonnes of onion buffer stock from Maharashtra to Delhi by rail to curb rising prices. This historic rail transport initiative, dubbed 'Kanda Express', aims to stabilize prices in Delhi-NCR. Additional plans include similar shipments to other states and increased retail interventions before Diwali.

• MSP raised for seven Rabi crops, mustard big gainer

  The government raises MSP by up to 5% for seven rabi crops for the 2025-26 season. Mustard and rapeseed see the highest increase, followed by lentils and chana. This move aims to provide remunerative prices and encourage crop diversification, especially for edible oil and pulses.

• Cabinet approves MSP for Rabi crops for marketing season 2025-26, mustard sees highest increase

• Cabinet raises MSP of rabi crops for 2025-26

  Rabi Cops MSP Increase: The Union Cabinet has approved new Minimum Support Prices for Rabi crops for the 2025-26 season. Wheat MSP is increased by Rs 150 per quintal, while mustard MSP is raised by Rs 300 per quintal. The chana MSP is increased by Rs 210 per quintal. These changes aim to provide better returns to farmers and encourage more cultivation.

• Cabinet approves MSP hike on Rabi crops, providing pre-Diwali relief to farmers

  In a significant boost for farmers ahead of Diwali, the Central Government has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key rabi crops. The decision was announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

• Soyabean production in country reaches 126 lakh tonnes: Trade body

  Soybean production in India has increased by about 6% to nearly 126 lakh tonnes due to favorable weather and improved farming methods. The productivity per hectare rose from 1,002 kg to 1,063 kg. India still imports about 60% of its edible oil needs, highlighting the need for increased domestic oilseed production.

• A variety of paddy has found centre-stage in Delhi NCR's pollution debate

  Punjab's short-duration paddy variety PR-126 is in the spotlight for saving costs and combating pollution despite lower yields. It offers solutions for Delhi-NCR's stubble burning. Pusa-2090, a high-yielding variety matching PR-126's growth duration, may address yield concerns but is yet to see widespread use.

• Punjab: Farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks to protest 'tardy' paddy purchase

  Punjab farmers blocked roads and railways protesting the slow procurement of paddy during the Kharif season. The agitation disrupted traffic in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and other towns. Farmer leaders criticised the state government's inefficiency. Rice millers and commission agents joined the protest, demanding better space management and commission rates.

• NABARD sanctions Rs 770 crore for two irrigation projects in Jharkhand

  NABARD has sanctioned Rs 770 crore for the construction of two irrigation projects in Jharkhand, enhancing agricultural activities. These projects, in Palamu and Giridih districts, will provide irrigation to over 21,000 hectares of land, significantly boosting rural infrastructure development.

• Rice prices surge by 10-15% in India as global demand rises

  Rice prices in India have surged by 10-15% due to a rise in global demand after the government lifted export curbs on non-basmati rice. The move follows a reduction in export duties and comes with the country's sufficient rice stock. Domestic prices are expected to stay firm until the new crop arrives.

• Government to sell tomatoes at Rs 65/kg

  The government has begun selling tomatoes at Rs 65 per kg through mobile vans and retail outlets to curb soaring prices due to unseasonal rains damaging crops in key areas. October saw a 39% price rise, affecting home-cooked meals. This intervention falls under the price stabilisation fund to manage market rates effectively.

• Indian farmers get just one-third of the price we pay for fruits and vegetables

  Indian farmers earn only about one-third of the final selling price for fruits and vegetables. Research suggests enhancing private markets, using e-NAM, and promoting farmer collectives to address this. Building cold storage and improving processing capacities are also advised. For dairy and poultry sectors, creating feed banks and promoting artificial insemination can boost productivity.

• Tomato prices hit Rs 100 again: Here's why prices have skyrocketed in just a week

  Tomato prices have surged to Rs100-120 per kg in Nagpur due to unseasonal rains and a virus attack in Nashik, reducing supply. Farmers cite reduced tomato cultivation area and crop damage. However, some are profiting from the high prices. The situation is expected to stabilize in a month with fresh supply from Western Nashik.

• Govt weighs herbicide-tolerant BT cotton, glyphosate use as industry pushes

  The government is evaluating complex policy decisions on Herbicide-tolerant BT cotton and the widespread application of glyphosate amidst industry pressures. An official committee is examining the implications, while an integrated weed management approach combining mechanisation, herbicides, and herbicide-tolerant varieties is being discussed.

• PM Modi to release 18th instalment of Rs 20,000 cr under PM-KISAN; Maha farmers to get additional Rs 2,000 cr

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release Rs 20,000 crore for the 18th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting over 9.4 crore farmers. The event in Washim, Maharashtra will also see the launch of new technologies in animal husbandry and the dedication of solar parks. Around 2.5 crore farmers will join this event through webcasts nationwide.

• 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.