From the RSS:

• Aquapulse raises ₹25 crore in Series A led by NABVENTURES to scale aquaculture tech platform

  Aquapulse, a pioneering aquaculture technology startup located in Bhubaneswar, has successfully raised an impressive Rs 25 crore in Series A funding, with NABVENTURES at the helm of this investment. This infusion of capital will enable Aquapulse to broaden its network of farmers and build an advanced processing facility, aiming to improve quality control and increase profits for farmers.

• India faces second year of sugar deficit as mills close early

  India's sugar output will fall short of demand for the second year. Lower cane yields are causing mills to close early. This will reduce domestic stockpiles and support local prices. Exports are also contributing to lower availability. The next season will begin with reduced opening stocks. This situation is expected to firm up sugar prices.

• India's sugar production rises 9% to 272.31 lakh tons till March 31: ISMA

  India's sugar production saw a 9 percent rise in the 2025-26 season. However, fewer sugar mills are operational this year. The industry is urging for an early increase in the Minimum Selling Price to manage rising costs. Accelerated ethanol blending is also proposed to boost energy security and support the sector. Disruptions in LPG supply have impacted sugar consumption.

• Sunflower oil consumption set to wilt by 10% amid geopolitical heat, says Crisil

  Indian refined sunflower oil demand is expected to fall about 10% in fiscal 2027 due to supply-chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict and higher prices, says Crisil. Consumers may switch to cheaper substitutes like rice bran and soybean oils, though overall revenues are likely to stay flat as higher prices offset the volume drop.

• Iran War: Fertiliser, agri-input stress emerges; Kharif outlook hinges on policy, farmer choices

  India relies heavily on fertiliser imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently facing disruptions.

• Centre pushes states on fertiliser black-marketing, MSP procurement; 9.25 crore farmer IDs created

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to achieve 100% farmer registration for schemes within six months, emphasizing the need to curb fertilizer hoarding and black-marketing. He also stressed mandatory Aadhaar-linked registration and biometric authentication for MSP procurement of pulses and oilseeds, with direct DBT payments to farmers.

• Centre pushes states on fertiliser black-marketing, MSP procurement; 9.25 cr farmer IDs created

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed farmer registration, fertilizer distribution, and pulse procurement with state ministers. He urged 100 percent farmer registration within six months and strict checks on fertilizer hoarding.

• India has adequate seed stock available amid the Israel-Iran war, says govt official

  India assures ample seed availability for the upcoming sowing season. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The nation boasts a self-reliant seed system. For the Kharif Season 2026, a surplus of 19.29 lakh quintals is reported. This ensures agricultural needs are met, providing stability for farmers.

• Vegetable prices crash up to 80% since January, deepening farm distress

  Vegetable prices have fallen sharply since January. Potatoes are down 40 percent, onions 50 percent, and tomatoes up to 80 percent. This is due to a supply glut and peak harvest arrivals. Staples like wheat and rice have also eased. Farmers face distress as prices are below cost. Consumers are getting relief from inflationary pressures.

• Israel, Iran war: ‘Situation very vulnerable,' Urea output impacted, India govt official says

  Israel, Iran war: India faces a vulnerable situation with domestic urea production impacted. The government is actively securing imports for April and May, crucial months for agricultural stocking. States are being informed to prevent panic. Authorities are vigilant against hoarding and black marketing. Promotion of alternative fertilizers like ammonium sulphate and triple super phosphate is also underway to manage urea demand.

• Adequate fertiliser stock available, farmers will not face shortage despite Israel-Iran war: IFFCO

  India's fertiliser supply remains steady despite the West Asia crisis. Production and distribution are proceeding without disruption. Senior officials confirm ample stock to meet farmers' needs for the upcoming season. The government is actively monitoring the situation and has contingency plans in place. Diversified raw material imports are also being secured to ensure continued availability.

• Govt eyes integrated farming to lift rural incomes: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  India's farm economy is set for a major transformation. The government is creating farmer IDs and using advanced technology to boost incomes. This integrated farming model aims to make India a developed nation by 2047. Farmers will diversify crops and take up allied activities like livestock and bee keeping. This will ensure financial stability and access to credit and insurance.

• India’s 2026 wheat output seen higher, but misses estimates after weather hit

  Indias wheat harvest in 2026 is projected to increase from the previous year. However, unseasonal rains and hailstorms have impacted the maturing crop. This has led to a downward revision of initial production estimates. Despite these challenges, the harvest is still expected to surpass last year's output. Quality concerns may arise in some northern regions.

• ICAR-IVRI ranked in QS World University Rankings 2026, placed in 51–100 band for veterinary science

  This global recognition highlights the institute's excellence in research, education, and animal health services.

• Sugar feels the heat as eateries cook less

  India's sugar sales are down this month. Restaurants and hotels are cooking less because of LPG supply issues. This means sugar mills are not meeting their government-set sales quotas. March usually sees lower sugar demand after the holiday season. Global sugar exports are also slow due to market issues and higher costs.

• ICAR–IARI makes historic debut in QS World Rankings 2026

  The debut highlights its sustained contributions to agri-food systems, human capital development, and sustainable goals, positioning it as a leader in science-led agriculture.

• West Asia crisis: Shivraj Singh Chouhan sets up cell to track seed, fertiliser availability

  The minister directed officials of a high-level committee with representatives of various government departments to safeguard the interests of the Indian agriculture sector and farmers amid current global volatility and to ensure strategic preparation for the upcoming kharif season.

• Sugar prices to stay firm amid tight inventories; ethanol earnings under strain, says ratings agency Ind-Ra

  Sugar prices in India are set to stay strong with limited stock. However, ethanol producers face challenges due to too much supply and no price increases. This impacts profitability for cane-based ethanol.

• India eyes end to popcorn imports by 2030, targets Rs 810 crore forex savings: ICAR’s Jat

  Domestic production has surged, driven by indigenous hybrid development and a strong public-private partnership, significantly reducing import dependence and saving foreign exchange.

• ‘India@100 Resurgent Bharat: Road Map for 2047’ book launch outlines path for agriculture, governance reforms

  The roadmap covers economic growth, agriculture, governance, sustainability, and inclusive development. It emphasizes collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.

• India's vegetable oil buyers step back, betting Iran war-driven rally will ease

  Indian vegetable oil refiners are reducing palm oil, soyoil, and sunflower oil purchases, anticipating an end to the Iran war-driven price surge. They believe global stocks will replenish post-conflict, potentially limiting gains in Malaysian palm oil and U.S. soyoil prices while supporting domestic oilseed growers.

• Farmers’ income doubled, Government driving agriculture push: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha that government initiatives have doubled farmers' income. Production has increased with measures like Minimum Support Price and fertiliser subsidies. The minister asserted that farmers' income has doubled, and in some cases, tripled or quadrupled. The government is also developing the cooperatives sector, disbursing Rs 5 lakh crore in five years.

• ICAR–IVRI achieves breakthrough in Sahiwal breeding using advanced reproductive technologies

  The technology involves ovum pick-up, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer. This opens new avenues for rapid genetic improvement of India's dairy breeds.

• West Asia conflict to push up pesticide input costs by 20-25%, warns industry body

  India's crop protection industry faces a 20-25 percent rise in input costs due to the West Asia conflict. This disruption threatens pesticide shortages during crucial farming seasons, potentially lowering crop yields and quality. The industry warns of cascading effects on earnings and employment, especially for MSMEs. Vigilance against counterfeit products is also urged.

• Agro insolvencies see surge in deal activity

  Investors are actively acquiring struggling agro businesses. These deals offer processing facilities, supply chains, and licenses at significant discounts. Companies in poultry, rice milling, and ethanol manufacturing are changing hands. Multiple bids signal strong interest in the agricultural sector. This trend highlights opportunities within India's food and agribusiness landscape.

• Cabinet nod to Rs 1,718 cr MSP funding to Cotton Corp

  The government has approved Rs 1,718.56 crore for Minimum Support Price funding to the Cotton Corporation of India for the 2023-24 cotton season. This initiative provides direct price support to cotton farmers nationwide. The Cotton Corporation of India procures cotton when market prices fall below MSP levels. This ensures farmers receive fair returns and prevents distress sales.

• CCEA approves Rs 1,718.56 crore funding to CCI for cotton procurement operations

  The government has approved Rs 1,718.56 crore for cotton procurement. This funding will support cotton farmers across India. The Cotton Corporation of India will undertake these operations. This move aims to strengthen farmer welfare and advance the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Cotton is a vital cash crop for millions of Indian farmers and supports many allied activities.

• Cabinet approves Rs 11,712 crore MSP support for cotton in 2023-24; 7.25 lakh farmers benefit

  The Union Cabinet has approved significant funding for cotton farmers. Rs 1,718.56 crore will support the Cotton Corporation of India for the 2023-24 season. This ensures farmers receive minimum support prices. It prevents distress sales and guarantees fair returns for cotton growers. This initiative supports millions of farmers and allied workers.

• Big bets, weak ground: Why AI in Indian agriculture needs stronger data, oversight

  Poor, fragmented data continues to limit AI’s impact on farming in India, say experts

• India’s horticulture production to increase marginally in 2025-26: First Advance Estimate

  India's horticulture production is set to remain steady in 2025-26. Vegetable output is expected to rise, driven by onions and potatoes. Fruit production will see a slight increase. Flower production may see a minor dip. Spice output is projected to grow significantly, with gains in cumin, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. This sector is crucial for boosting farmer incomes.

• Backward supply integration to trigger valuation re-rating post demerger: InGovern on UPL Global

  Proxy Firm InGovern notes that UPL's integrated crop protection platform - UPL Global emerges as among the largest listed global crop protection pure-plays by revenue, leveraging consolidated global and Indian scale in herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and biosolutions. It highlighted UPL Global's backend moat that assured supply from UPL Limited's Superform manufacturing, R&D integration, and specialty chemicals.

• India fast-tracks fertiliser imports to cushion kharif season from West Asia supply shock

  Iran war: India has brought forward a global tender for urea imports and ordered 13.5 lakh tonnes of fertiliser by mid-February. About 90 per cent of this order is expected to arrive by the end of March, the sources said.

• Global sugar prices slide on Brazil surplus, India outlook stable: ICRA

  Global sugar prices have plummeted due to surplus supply from Brazil, though India's domestic sugar sector remains stable. Despite international volatility, India's production is projected to rise, with comfortable stock levels and stable operating margins expected for integrated sugar mills. Ethanol blending progress and increased sugarcane prices are also noted.

• Pulsar International mulls foray into AI-based farm supply chain management solutions

  Pulsar International is exploring a strategic expansion into AI-led Internet of Things technologies for precision farming and advanced agricultural supply chain management. The company plans to scale AI-driven IoT solutions for farm-level applications and enhance agricultural logistics, traceability, and supply chain transparency.

• West Asia conflict could hurt agri input availability: UPL Executive

  Geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up agricultural input costs, with fertilizer prices already surging 50-80%. While shipping, insurance, and energy costs have climbed, immediate agrochemical availability for the upcoming kharif season remains stable due to pre-built inventories.

• India to host global meet on women in agri-food systems from 12-14 March

  India will host the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems from March 12-14, 2026, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

• Centre urges farmers to complete e-KYC before release of 22nd PM-KISAN instalment on March 13

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will digitally transfer the amount to 9.32 crore registered farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Guwahati, Assam.

• Congress flags data risk in Farmer ID rollout, seeks probe into role of private agencies

  Concerns arose in the Maharashtra assembly regarding private agencies generating farmer identification numbers. Congress questioned data security and transparent tender processes. The Agriculture Minister assured strict action against any private entity found selling Farmer ID cards. The state has generated over 1.31 crore Farmer IDs. Relief assistance worth Rs 15,817 crore was provided to farmers affected by crop losses.

• Govt set to launch new version of PM KUSUM scheme focusing on agri solar PV component

  The government is preparing to launch PM-KUSUM 2.0, a new version of the scheme aimed at boosting renewable energy in agriculture. This initiative will enable farmers to generate electricity while cultivating crops on the same land, with a dedicated 10 GW agri-PV component planned. The updated scheme is expected to feature higher targets and an increased outlay.

• India's wheat output pegged at record 120.21 million tonnes in 2025-26, up 2%: Ministry

  India anticipates a record wheat harvest of 120.21 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop year. This marks a significant increase from the previous year. Overall rabi crop production is also projected to rise. Pulses output is expected to grow substantially, helping to bridge the demand-supply gap. Oilseeds and other cereals also show positive production forecasts.

• India's farm exports seen to touch $55 billion in 2025, Piyush Goyal says

  India’s agricultural exports are expected to reach $55 billion in 2025, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He also said India will not allow tariff concessions on sugar imports under any trade deal.

• Smart agro-technologies workshop: CSIR showcases AI, IoT for soil and crop health in Kerala

  CSIR organized a national workshop in Kumarakom, Kerala, focusing on smart agro-technologies for soil and crop health. The event showcased AI, IoT, and remote sensing innovations aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for farmers.

• Women in Indian Agriculture: From participation to systemic leadership

  Women's roles in production, processing, and knowledge transmission are increasingly recognized, driving efforts to empower them as leaders and innovators. Strengthening women's access to resources and institutions is vital for resilient and inclusive agri-food systems.

• Government sets 30.3 million tonne wheat procurement target

  In a strategic move to bolster food security, the government has established an ambitious wheat procurement goal of 30.3 million tonnes for the upcoming 2026-27 Rabi Marketing Season. This decision emerged from a gathering of State Food Secretaries, reflecting a proactive approach towards higher wheat output, which is projected to surpass last year's impressive yield.

• Artificial intelligence in Indian agriculture: The bus India cannot afford to miss

  India is stepping into the future of farming with the integration of artificial intelligence. New initiatives such as AgriStack and Bharat VISTAAR are on the horizon, designed to offer customised guidance to farmers facing the challenges of unpredictable climates and variable market trends.

• Fertiliser stocks at record high, insulated from Middle East supply risks: Govt

  India's fertiliser stocks are at their highest before the kharif season. This assures farmers that domestic supplies are secure despite global tensions. Total reserves have increased significantly. Farmers can proceed with preparations without worry. The government is importing more fertilisers and has secured long-term supply agreements. Gas allocation to the fertiliser sector is a national priority.

• Agriculture a strategic pillar for India’s long-term growth: PM Narendra Modi

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised agriculture's crucial role in India's development. He detailed significant financial aid to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The government has also enhanced credit access and insurance coverage. Reforms in Minimum Support Price have boosted farmer incomes.

• AISTA trims India sugar output estimate to 28.3 mt on weather hit

  India's sugar production for the 2025-26 season is now projected at 28.3 million tonnes. This revision comes after adverse weather conditions affected yields in key producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. Despite the downward revision, output is still expected to surpass the previous season's production. Ethanol diversion will account for a portion of the gross production.

• From fertilisers to rice, pulses, tea and apples: Middle East conflict threatens India-Iran agri trade

  India faces a potential squeeze as the war in Iran threatens shipments of rice and other agricultural commodities.

• Is Neo Green Ventures a company worth watching

  Indian agriculture is undergoing a transformation, moving from monsoon dependency to managed business models. Companies like Neo Green Ventures are pioneering hydroponics, aquaculture, and moringa cultivation, attracting institutional investors. This shift emphasizes efficiency, scalability, and export potential, signaling a new era for the sector beyond traditional farming.