From the RSS:

• Kharif reset: Farmers may ditch paddy and maize for soybean, pulses amid monsoon fears

  As the kharif season approaches, farmers are leaning towards cultivating oilseeds like soybean and pulses such as urad and masur, primarily due to worries about erratic monsoon patterns and looming fertilizer shortages. Following a recent surge, maize planting is forecasted to decline, as farmers shift towards crops that are less fertilizer-dependent and lower in risk amid unpredictable weather conditions.

• Conditions favourable for onset of southwest monsoon over South Bay of Bengal, Andaman: IMD

  The southwest monsoon is set to arrive over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Islands by the week's end. This marks a timely start to India's crucial rainfall season. However, the India Meteorological Department forecasts below-average rainfall for the country. The monsoon's arrival is vital for agriculture, impacting crops like paddy, pulses and oilseeds.

• From dry lands to thriving farms: How one farmer from Andhra transformed dry land into productive crops worth crores

  In India's drought-hit Anantapur district, farmer Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy transformed 180 acres into a high-income, water-efficient agricultural model. He adopted drip irrigation, fertigation, and diversified into high-value horticultural crops like grapes and exotic fruits, demonstrating that challenging landscapes can be highly productive with innovation.

• Fertilisers stock comfortable to meet requirement of Kharif sowing season: Govt

  India's fertilizer supply for the upcoming Kharif season is secure. The Centre confirmed comfortable stock levels, exceeding usual requirements. Maximum retail prices for major fertilizers remain stable. Domestic production and imports have bolstered availability. The government has secured significant quantities of NPK complexes, DAP, triple super phosphate, and ammonium sulfate.

• Rs 10 sugarcane FRP hike: Small raise, big questions for farmers and mills

  Farmers call the hike inadequate while industry warns of rising cane arrears

• Maize emerges as India’s top ethanol feedstock as supplies surpass 515 crore litres

  India's cumulative ethanol supplies reached approximately 515 crore litres in the first half of ESY 2025-26, with maize emerging as the largest feedstock.

• e-Vikas is driving behavioural shift towards need-based fertiliser use among farmers: Madhya Pradesh agri secy

  The e-Vikas fertiliser system has so far benefitted 1.3 million farmers, reduced queues, and triggered a behavioural shift toward need-based usage, says Nishant Warwade, Agriculture Secretary, Madhya Pradesh.

• India released nearly 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties during 2014-25: Govt

  India has released 2,996 climate-resilient crop varieties from 2014 to 2025. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research led this effort. Complementary farming practices were also developed. The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture program supports farmers. Vulnerability assessments identified 310 highly vulnerable districts. Climate Resilient Villages are being established for wider technology replication.

• Balrampur Chini raises Rs 450 cr equity fund for poly lactic acid, lactogypsum plants in UP

  Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd has secured Rs 450 crore to fund its expansion plans. This capital will establish a lactogypsum processing plant and boost its poly lactic acid (PLA) facility in Uttar Pradesh. The company is venturing into bio-plastics with a new PLA plant set to become operational this year.

• Mumbai’s Koli women are rewriting the seafood business one WhatsApp order at a time

  Mumbai's Koli women are transforming their traditional fish trade into a modern seafood enterprise by embracing branding, packaging and logistics. Daryavardi Producer Company Limited (DPCL), a women-led organisation, aims to corporatise this community trade, preserving cultural identity while expanding into new markets and reclaiming social standing.

• IBA seeks 10% compulsory fermented organic manure blending target by 2030

  India's soil health is set to improve with a new proposal for Fermented Organic Manure (FOM). The Indian Biogas Association suggests a phased mandate to blend FOM with chemical fertilizers.

• Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan shows pruning technology to revive old mango trees in Lucknow

• Government's foodgrain stocks hit 604 lakh tonnes, nearly three times buffer requirement

  India's food reserves are robust. Wheat and rice stocks in FCI godowns are nearly three times the mandatory buffer. This ensures ample supply for welfare schemes. Procurement for the next season is underway. Harvests are progressing well, with most rabi commodities trading below minimum support prices. This situation provides food security for the nation.

• Govt raises sugarcane FRP by Rs 10 to Rs 365/quintal for 2026-27 season

  The government has increased the minimum price for sugarcane. Sugar mills will now pay Rs 365 per quintal to farmers for the 2026-27 season. This decision aims to benefit one crore farmers and support the sugar industry. The new price is higher than the previous season. Farmers supplying to mills with lower sugar recovery will also receive a set price.

• Centre okays sunflower seed procurement in Karnataka, extends purchase window for gram in Maharashtra

  The central government has approved the purchase of sunflower seed from Karnataka for the 2026 rabi season. This move ensures farmers receive a minimum support price. In Maharashtra, the procurement limit for gram has been significantly increased.

• India's coffee exports jump 27% in Jan-Apr on strong robusta, instant coffee demand

  India's coffee exports surged by 26.6 percent in the January-April period of 2026. Shipments of robusta and instant coffee saw significant increases. This growth signals a dynamic shift in India's global coffee market presence. Record production estimates and rising export values indicate a promising future for the Indian coffee sector.

• Indore to host meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers in June

  Indore will host BRICS agriculture ministers from June 12 to 13. Officials will meet earlier from June 9 to 11. Discussions will focus on food security, smart agriculture, global trade, and farmer welfare.

• India resumes wheat exports after four years but high prices likely to limit demand

  India has resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years, with ITC loading 22,000 metric tons for the UAE. A record harvest and higher global prices and freight rates are making Indian wheat competitive. This follows a ban imposed due to crop damage from extreme heat in previous years.

• India's sugar exports to be 7.5-8 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 season on weak global prices: Official

  For the upcoming 2025-26 season, projections indicate that India's sugar exports may hover around a modest 7.5 to 8 lakh tonnes. This downturn is largely attributed to unfavorable global pricing dynamics, which are impeding broader shipping opportunities. Coupled with strict government-imposed quotas limiting exports, the situation has stabilized domestic consumption rates, resulting in a reduced surplus for foreign markets.

• IMD sees above-normal heatwave Maydays

  India's May forecast predicts above-normal heatwave days in many regions, despite an expected 10% increase in overall rainfall. Increased western disturbances and thunderstorm activity are anticipated, potentially moderating maximum temperatures. However, night temperatures are likely to remain higher than usual across most areas.

• Fertiliser output steady despite West Asia crisis; govt secures 37 lac ton urea imports for kharif

  India's fertilizer production remains robust. Domestic urea output in March-April reached 37.49 lakh tonnes, nearly matching last year's figures. The nation has secured 37 lakh tonnes of imported urea to ensure sufficient supply for the upcoming Kharif season.

• Pilibhit in UP to get India's first integrated Basmati, organic training-cum-demo farm

  India is set to boost its Basmati rice sector. APEDA will establish a new training and demonstration farm in Pilibhit. This facility will focus on both conventional and organic Basmati cultivation. It aims to enhance farmer training and research. An AI-based survey project for Basmati paddy is also launching. These initiatives will strengthen India's agricultural exports.

• India’s marine fish catch up 3% in 2025; mackerel tops landings: CMFRI

  The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.

• Sugar output rises 7% to 275 lakh tonnes: ISMA

  While overall production is up, the number of operational sugar mills has decreased substantially. Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown strong production figures.

• India invokes WTO peace clause for FY25 rice subsidies for farmers

  India has once again utilized the World Trade Organisation peace clause. This is the seventh time the country has invoked this provision. It allows India to exceed the 10% subsidy limit for rice farmers. The government informed the WTO about providing subsidies worth $7.6 billion. This represents about 11.85% of the total value of rice production.

• Argentina emerges as India's main supplier of edible oils

  Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.

• Decoding govt’s wheat strategy: Can higher procurement push and export quota hike lift the sector?

  Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.

• India's farm output hits record 357 million tonnes in 2024-25: J&K Lieutenant Governor

  India is leading the global fight against climate challenges. Agriculture production reached 357 million tonnes in 2024-25. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged scientists and stakeholders to build climate resilience. He emphasized bold, science-led, farmer-focused transformation and climate-resilient crops. Policies must champion climate-adapted varieties. Farms are the bedrock of civilization and economies.

• India allows 25 lakh tonnes additional wheat exports, total reaches 50 lakh tonnes

  India has made a strategic move by approving the export of an additional 25 lakh tonnes of wheat, marking a total of 50 lakh tonnes now permitted for international markets. Moreover, exports of wheat products have been expanded by 10 lakh tonnes.

• FPOs hold promise for smallholders, but face structural constraints: Study

  Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) are key to integrating smallholders in India, but they are constrained by scale, market access, finance, and governance gaps, says a recent policy paper.

• India's wheat production resilient despite setbacks: Agri ministry

  India's wheat output for the 2025-26 crop year is stable. The agriculture ministry assures resilience despite unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Increased acreage and better seed varieties are offsetting localized damage. Procurement data from key states shows healthy production. The overall scenario remains strong and steady.

• Flour millers' body calls for greater policy stability, stronger industry-government coordination

  Navneet Chitlangia highlighted the need for stock transparency, predictable OMSS policies, export flexibility, and liquidity support to ensure fair returns and affordable prices.

• Climate-resilient farming in the age of extremes

  As extreme weather events become more frequent and less predictable, the future of Indian agriculture will depend on how effectively it combines traditional wisdom with technological innovation.

• Government to bring new seed, pesticide laws next Parliament session, says Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  New laws for seeds and pesticides are nearing completion. These laws aim to curb fake farm inputs with stricter penalties. The government is also focusing on region-specific agricultural planning. Priorities include food security, higher farm incomes, and better nutrition. Farmers will benefit from improved access to quality seeds and credit. Planning will also consider potential water shortages.

• India's wheat output likely at 110-120 mn ton in 2025-26 amid weather damage, says Food Secy

  India's wheat output for the 2025-26 crop year is expected to be between 110 and 120 million tonnes. Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have impacted crops in key growing states. The government has increased its wheat procurement target to 34.5 million tonnes. Exports are permitted but facing slow shipments. A new open market sale scheme policy is planned soon.

• Forecast for strong El Nino fans worries about global crops as Iran war bites

  A strong El Nino is expected in the second half of 2026. This will bring hotter, drier weather to Asia. Crops and food supplies will be affected. Farmers face fertiliser shortages and high fuel costs. India anticipates below-average monsoon rains. Southeast Asia's palm oil and rice production may decline. China could see increased flooding risk.

• Maharashtra agri input dealers call for a strike on April 27

  Agri-input dealers across Maharashtra are set to strike on April 27. Associations like MAFDA and AIDA are protesting a new government resolution. They claim 23 new inspectors will create excessive oversight and hinder business. Dealers are demanding a focus on lab strengthening and digital traceability instead of physical inspections. This action aims to protect agri-entrepreneurs and ensure industry stability.

• Agriculture exports up 2.8 pc to USD 52.55 bn in 2025-26

  India's agriculture exports are set to reach USD 52.55 billion in 2025-26, a 2.8% increase. This growth is fueled by traditional strengths and new high-value products. Marine and plantation exports are showing strong momentum. Pulses, fresh fruits, and vegetable oils are key contributors. Processed food segments are also expanding, highlighting value addition's role in boosting exports.

• Govt overhauls six-decade-old sugarcane law; seeks comments on draft by May 20

  The Centre is proposing a new Sugarcane (Control) Order 2026, replacing the 1966 version to integrate ethanol production, digital compliance, and factory approvals. This framework maintains core elements like FRR and payment deadlines while introducing a conversion formula for ethanol and a formal approval process for new factories.

• Inside PepsiCo India’s farm-to-shelf overhaul amid shifting consumer demand

  PepsiCo India says India’s agri supply chains are layered, limiting farmers’ price visibility and direct linkages with organised buyers can improve transparency and stability.

• Amazon signs $30 million deal to buy carbon credits from Indian rice farmers

  Amazon has signed a $30 million (around ₹280 crore) agreement with the Good Rice Alliance, backed by Bayer, Temasek’s GenZero and Shell, to purchase carbon credits generated by Indian rice farmers, marking one of the largest agricultural carbon credit deals globally and the first of its scale in India.

• Andhra Pradesh mango pulp industry seeks central support

  Mango processors in Andhra Pradesh face export challenges. A significant quantity of mango pulp is stuck due to shipping lane disruptions. Processors are requesting government support. They seek equity capital and credit guarantees. Moratoriums on loan payments are also requested. Inclusion in export facilitation schemes is a priority.

• Kisan Credit Card alone is insufficient for modern, high-value agriculture: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

  Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the need for technology, stronger rural banking, and integrated farming to boost smallholder incomes.

• Global palm oil supply to tighten in FY27 amid biodiesel push and weather risks: SEA

  In fiscal year 2027, the outlook for palm oil production across the globe appears precarious. Major exporting nations are intensifying their biodiesel initiatives, stripping away palm oil for local energy applications. This trend, paired with the potential El Nino effects on Indian rainfall patterns and fluctuating global political tensions, is likely to limit the availability of exportable palm oil.

• Quality and branding: The twin pillars of India’s global horticulture push

  A coordinated push involving policy support, private investment, and technology adoption can help India shift from volume-driven to value-led horticulture by fixing productivity, post-harvest, and market gaps, say experts.

• UP allows wheat sale at MSP without online registration

  Uttar Pradesh farmers can now sell wheat at government procurement centers without prior online registration. This decision comes after many farmers faced difficulties registering and were forced to sell to middlemen. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered immediate implementation. Farmers can now sell their wheat as they did in previous years, ensuring fair prices for their produce.

• Govt clears UP potato buy at Rs 6,500/ton, hikes gram cap in Andhra Pradesh

  The government is stepping in to support farmers. Twenty lakh tonnes of potatoes will be bought in Uttar Pradesh. Gram procurement limits have been increased in Andhra Pradesh. Tur farmers in Karnataka will have more time to sell their produce. These measures aim to ensure farmers get fair prices and avoid distress sales.

• Centre relaxes wheat procurement norms for Punjab to counter rain damage

  The central government has eased wheat procurement rules for Punjab and Chandigarh for the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27. This decision follows untimely rains that damaged crops. Relaxations include increased tolerance for lustre loss and shrivelled grains. Punjab officials are ensuring smooth procurement and timely payments to farmers. Opposition parties had criticized the state government for delays in seeking these relaxations.

• Chirag Paswan flags spice export quality issues, says rejections are “disheartening and embarrassing”

  Union Minister Paswan highlighted spices’ historic role in India’s trade and their vast untapped potential beyond culinary use.

• AgriTech could add $90 billion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2033: Report

  While investments have seen a recent decline due to structural challenges, opportunities abound in digital value chains, AgriFinTech, deep technology, and sustainable food brands, with aquaculture also presenting a major growth area.