News

From the RSS:

• Agri minister Chouhan unveils first genome-edited rice varieties, yield to rise up to 30%

  Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by ICAR. These varieties promise to boost rice yields by 20-30%, conserve water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recommended for major rice-growing states, they offer drought tolerance, high nitrogen-use efficiency, and earlier harvests, addressing climate change and enhancing food security.

• Govt to review restoration of PDS wheat supply after procurement ends

  The Centre plans to review the restoration of wheat entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS) after the procurement drive concludes, encouraged by projections of a record 115 million tonnes of wheat production. As of April 30, 256.31 lakh tonnes of wheat have been procured, a 24.78% increase from last year, benefiting over 21 lakh farmers.

• Sugarcane fair price hiked to Rs 355 a quintal

  The cabinet has increased the sugarcane purchase price for sugar mills by 4.41% to ₹355 per quintal for the season starting in October. This decision aims to benefit 50 million sugarcane farmers and 500,000 sugar mill workers. The new price is based on a 10.25% recovery rate, with adjustments for variations in sugar extraction.

• Credit growth to farm sector slows to 10.4% in March: RBI data

  Reserve Bank of India data reveals a slowdown in bank credit growth to agriculture. The growth stood at 10.4 percent. Credit advances to the industry remained steady at 8 percent. Loans to the services sector saw an increase of 13.4 percent. Personal loans also experienced growth, registering 14 percent. Overall, non-food bank credit grew by 12 percent.

• Monsoon prediction augurs well for farm sector growth, to boost consumption: Ind-Ra

  India Ratings and Research anticipates a boost in farm sector growth due to IMD's prediction of a slightly above-normal monsoon in 2025. This, coupled with potential monetary easing, could help India mitigate the negative effects of reciprocal tariffs. A favorable monsoon season is expected to contribute to reasonable agriculture GVA growth and support consumption in the economy.

• Punjab hybrid rice ban to cost farmers up to Rs 10,000 per acre, says industry body FSII

  The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) is urging central intervention against Punjab's ban on hybrid paddy seeds, warning of substantial income losses for farmers. FSII argues the ban, citing water depletion and milling recovery issues, contradicts the Seed Act and threatens farmers relying on these high-yield, adaptable varieties.

• Agrinnovate India declares maiden dividend of Rs 1.42 crore

  Agrinnovate India Limited (AGIN), the commercial wing of ICAR, has announced its inaugural dividend of Rs 1.42 crore for fiscal year 2023-24, since its establishment in 2011. This milestone was marked by a formal presentation to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, highlighting AGIN's role in bridging agricultural research with practical application.

• Biologicals "at forefront" of agricultural shift, says Syngenta India chief

  Syngenta India's head Susheel Kumar highlighted the transformative potential of biologicals in ensuring food security at the BioAg World Congress. He emphasised the necessity of partnerships to expedite solutions for farmers facing challenges like resistance and climate change. Kumar noted that biologicals, including biostimulants and biocontrols, offer farmers more sustainable options.

• Guwahati Tea Auction centre sets new record, sells tea with Rs 3,850 crore in FY 25

  The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) achieved a record turnover of Rs 3850 crore in FY 2024-25, selling 169.13 million kg of tea. This represents an Rs 800 crore increase compared to the previous year. The average price rose to Rs 227.70 per kg, benefiting Assam's small tea growers.

• Punjab govt to provide 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds

  The Punjab government is set to provide a 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds recommended by PAU, Ludhiana, allocating ₹20 crore for the initiative. This move aims to alleviate financial strain on cotton farmers, discourage non-recommended hybrids, and expand cotton cultivation to 1.25 lakh hectares, promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices.

• Govt procures 3,40,000 tonnes of tur under price support scheme

  Under the Price Support Scheme, the government has procured 3,40,000 tonnes of tur as of April 13, with Karnataka leading the procurement. While chana procurement remains slow due to higher domestic prices, masur and moong procurement have reached 28,700 and 3,000 tonnes, respectively.

• Sugar output down 18 pc to 25.49 mn tons so far in 2024-25

  India's sugar production has decreased by 18% to 25.49 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, according to ISMA. This decline is primarily due to reduced output in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, the country's leading sugar-producing states. Approximately 3.5 million tonnes of sugar are expected to be diverted for ethanol production this year.

• India's tea exports touch 254.67 million kg in 2024: Tea Board

  India's tea exports surged to 254.67 million kg in 2024, elevating the nation to the third-largest tea exporter globally. This performance generated Rs 7,111.43 crore in revenue, marking a significant increase from the previous year. North India spearheaded the exports with 154.81 million kg, contributing Rs 4,833.12 crore to the total value.

• India's wheat stocks highest in 3 years, rice hits record

  India's wheat reserves have increased significantly. Government warehouses now hold a three-year high in wheat stocks. This eases concerns about domestic supply. Higher reserves may help control price increases. The Food Corporation of India aims to purchase 31 million tons of wheat in 2025. Rice reserves are also high, potentially boosting exports.

• India harvests 38% of wheat area so far in 2025–26 season, says agriculture minister Chouhan

  India has harvested 38% of its estimated 32 million hectares of wheat for the 2025-26 marketing season, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Harvesting conditions are reportedly favorable across key wheat-producing states. The government has set a procurement target of 31 million metric tons of wheat for this season.

• Cabinet gives Rs 1,600 cr for sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

  The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2025-26. The scheme aims to improve water use efficiency among farmers by modernizing irrigation water supply infrastructure, creating robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation systems, and leveraging SCADA systems and IoT technologies for real-time water accounting and management.

• India may not lose much in agriculture due to Trump's tariffs: Economist Ashok Gulati

  India's agricultural exports might not suffer significantly from the new tariffs imposed by the US, according to agricultural economist Ashok Gulati. He suggests that smart negotiation during bilateral trade talks could enable India to gain an advantage, depending on how tariffs are set for competing countries.

• Govt expands Oil Palm Scheme to Assam’s tea estates, say planters

  The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will extend the NMEO-OP scheme to Assam's tea estates for oil palm cultivation. This decision follows NETA's appeal due to land classification issues. The initiative will support growing oil palm on five percent of tea garden land, aiding economic challenges in the tea industry.

• India's farm exports may withstand US tariffs as competitors face steeper duties, says economist

  Despite the newly imposed 26% tariff by the U.S. on Indian goods, agricultural economist Ashok Gulati believes India may maintain or even expand its agricultural exports to the U.S. compared to regional competitors facing higher tariffs. With countries like China (34%), Vietnam (46%), and Thailand (36%) facing steeper duties, India holds a relative tariff advantage, especially in seafood and rice exports.

• Peace clause invoked 6th time to offer rice subsidies

  India has invoked the peace clause at the WTO for the sixth time after exceeding the 10% subsidy ceiling for its rice farmers, reaching around 12% with $6.81 billion in subsidies. The country explained that the support is aimed at ensuring food security for its poor and vulnerable population.

• Absenteeism, migration pose serious challenges to tea estates in Assam: Chairman of Barak Valley Branch, Tea Association of India

  Sushil Singh, chairman of the Barak Valley Branch of the Tea Association of India (TAI), highlights critical challenges in tea estates due to unauthorized absenteeism and manpower shortages. Financial constraints and declining productivity further strain the industry, despite Assam celebrating 200 years of tea production. Mechanization and government support are suggested as potential solutions to sustain and revitalize the sector.

• 60% wheat area sown under climate-resilient varieties: Govt in Rajya Sabha

  More than 60 per cent of wheat area planted during the rabi season is under climate-resilient varieties, according to the government. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed 114 varieties suited for varying weather conditions, increasing yield despite rising temperatures.

• Cabinet approves Rs 37,216 cr subsidy on phosphatic, potassic fertilisers

  The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 37,216 crore subsidy on phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Kharif season 2025. This will ensure that farmers receive soil nutrients at affordable prices. The subsidy is aimed at maintaining current retail prices of fertilisers like DAP. This move supports nutrient availability based on international price trends.

• Govt approves procurement of 37.39 lakh tons of gram, lentils for 2025 rabi season

  The government has approved the procurement of 37.39 lakh tonnes of gram, lentils, and 28.28 lakh tonnes of mustard for the 2025 rabi season, through Nafed and NCCF under the Price Support Scheme. Major growing states include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

• Wheat stock limit expires on March 31; weekly stock disclosure begins from April 1

  The government has mandated the wheat industry and trade to declare weekly stock positions on a portal starting April 1 to manage food security and prevent speculation. Current stock limits expire on March 31, with new measures ensuring traders transparently disclose stock details regularly to control prices and availability.

• India top milk producer in the world: Animal Husbandry Minister

  India, as the world's top milk producer, targets increasing milk production to 300 MMT in the next five years under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Since the launch of the mission in 2014, milk production has surged by 63.5%, with significant involvement of women in the sector.

• Removal of 20pc export duty on onion to boost farmers' income: Agriculture Minister

  The government's decision to remove the 20 per cent customs duty on onion exports starting April 1 aims to enhance farmers' income by allowing them better access to global markets. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that this step is part of the Narendra Modi government's commitment to ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and protecting them from falling onion prices.

• India's agri growth rate to be 20% in 2 years, says Nitin Gadkari; flags high logistics cost

  India's agricultural growth rate is projected to rise to 20% over the next two years, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. He emphasized making agriculture economically viable and job-generating, with 65% of the rural population contributing only 12% to growth. Gadkari highlighted initiatives like green highways, port connectivity, and reducing logistics costs to boost the economy.

• Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges quick transfer of farm tech from labs to fields

  Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the swift transfer of farm technologies from labs to fields, highlighting the importance of smart farming and advanced digital technologies. At the Indian Agricultural Research Institute's convocation, he underscored the need for sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and boosting income for small farmers through research, innovation, and startups.

• Bill Gates tries his hand at pesticide sprayer made by startup to ease farmers' woes

  Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates tested a new pesticide sprayer at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. Developed by engineer Yogesh Gawande, the innovative device helps farmers spray chemicals over multiple crop rows efficiently. Successful in India and gaining traction in Africa, the sprayer reduces the burden of carrying heavy tanks and adjusts for different plant heights.

• Cabinet approves revised national program for dairy development

  The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Revised National Program for Dairy Development with a budget increase to Rs 2790 crore for 2021-2026. Aimed at modernizing and expanding dairy infrastructure, the program targets better market access and higher incomes for farmers, alongside generating employment.

• Onion and soyabean farmers demand measures to boost exports

  As onion and soyabean prices decline in India, industry and farmer groups urge the government for support measures such as reducing onion export duty and providing incentives for exporting soybean meal. Despite earlier import duty hikes on cooking oils, soyabean prices remain below the minimum support levels, impacting farmers' profitability. Onion exports also witnessed a 52% drop this year.

• Tamil Nadu announces special package for paddy growers, international exposure visit for farmers

  Tamil Nadu government will implement a Rs 102 crore package to boost paddy area and food grain production across non-Cauvery Delta districts, and allocate Rs 58 crore for similar efforts in the Delta districts. The package includes subsidies for machine planting, quality seeds distribution, and farmer exposure visits to Japan, China, and Vietnam.

• Tur procurement under Price Support Scheme reaches 1.31 lakh tons: Agriculture Ministry

  The Centre has procured 1.31 lakh tonnes of tur under the Price Support Scheme for the 2024-25 Kharif season, benefiting over 89,000 farmers across five states. Procurement will commence soon in other regions, with approvals for masur and urad as well. This initiative aims for self-sufficiency in pulses by 2029.

• Tur procurement begins in major states; Govt to procure 100% of Tur, Urad and Masur

  Tur (Arhar) dal procurement has commenced in major producing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with 1.31 LMT already procured by March 11, 2025. This benefits 89,219 farmers. The government plans to expand procurement efforts to other states soon under the PM-AASHA Scheme.

• Murugappa group's Coromandel International buys controlling stake in Nagarjuna Agrichem

  Coromandel International has acquired a controlling 53% stake in Nagarjuna Agrichem for ₹820 crore. The deal, which includes an open offer for an additional 26% stake, aims to enhance Coromandel's agricultural nutrients and crop protection business through synergies with NACL's manufacturing capabilities and global clientele.

• Indian mills sign contracts to export 600,000 metric tons of sugar

  Indian sugar mills are currently exporting sugar but are hesitant to sign new contracts due to rising domestic sugar prices. India allowed sugar exports this year to help mills clear surplus stocks. Despite current slow exports, Indian mills are expected to fulfill the 1 million tons export quota by September.

• Indian sugar output to fall below consumption, says trade body

  India's sugar output for the 2024/25 marketing year is projected to fall short of consumption for the first time in eight years due to reduced sugarcane supplies in key states. Production is expected to drop to 25.8 million metric tons, while consumption is estimated at 29 million tons.

• Govt ready to include farmers in PM Kisan Samman Nidhi who are not part of it yet: Agri minister

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the government is prepared to offer Rs 6,000 annual cash benefit under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to all eligible farmers not yet included. State governments are urged to help identify these farmers and ensure they receive the benefit without delay.

• Government extends free import policy for yellow peas for 3 months and urad for 1 year

  The Indian government has extended the free import policy for yellow peas and urad, making it easier for traders to import these pulses until May 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026, respectively. This move aims to stabilize prices and ensure adequate supply in the domestic market, benefiting food processing industries and maintaining food security.

• Assam: Industry bodies, tea companies hail state budget 2025-26

  The Assam Budget 2025-26 has been praised for its focus on the tea industry and women's empowerment. Key initiatives include a tax holiday on agricultural income, infrastructure improvements, and financial support for tea workers. For women, the budget includes increased assistance, interest-free loans, and improved healthcare.

• Wheat production likely to rise 2 pc to all-time high 1,154.3 lakh tn: Govt data

  Wheat production is projected to rise by 2% to a record 1,154.30 lakh tonnes for the 2024-25 rabi season, driven by higher acreage. The Agriculture Ministry's Second Advance Estimates also forecast increases in kharif and rabi rice production, as well as notable rises in the output of groundnut, soyabean, rapeseed & mustard, cotton, and sugarcane.

• India produced record rice, wheat, maize in 2024-25, estimates Centre

  India achieved record rice, wheat, and maize production in the 2024-25 kharif season, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare's second advance estimates. Kharif foodgrains production reached 1,663.91 lakh tonnes, while rabi foodgrains amounted to 1,645.27 lakh tonnes. These estimates provide significant insights into the country's agricultural output for major crops.

• SOPA urges govt to safeguard Indian soybean industry amidst bilateral trade with the US

  SOPA has requested the government to protect the interests of the Indian soybean industry amid ongoing India-USA trade negotiations. They suggest maintaining current import duties on soybean products and exploring concessional duty arrangements for value-added soy products. Additionally, they emphasized on prioritizing negotiations to reduce the countervailing duty imposed by the US on Indian organic soybean meal.

• Govt levies 10 pc duty on mosur dal; extends duty-free import of yellow peas till May 31

  The Indian government has imposed a 10 per cent import duty on lentils, effective from March 8, to boost domestic supply. Additionally, the duty-free import of yellow peas has been extended until May 31. Previously, India allowed duty-free import of lentils and imported 30 lakh tonnes of yellow peas in 2024.

• Taxman smells a scam in dubious agricultural income declaration

  A nationwide probe by the income tax department is investigating entities declaring agricultural income of ₹50 lakh or more without owning any land. Cases of unrealistic farm income per acre are also being scrutinized for tax evasion, with potential penalties for wrongful claims.

• Cabinet okays supply of generic veterinary medicines at affordable rates under Livestock Health program

  The Cabinet has approved modifications to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, allocating Rs 75 crore for distributing affordable, high-quality generic veterinary medicines under the new Pashu Aushadhi component. These medicines will be distributed through PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras and cooperatives, aiming to support farmers. Traditional veterinary medicine knowledge will also be documented and revived.

• Wheat crop likely to be hit as harsh summer predicted

  India's wheat crop is likely to be adversely affected by anticipated above-normal temperatures from March through May 2025, according to the IMD. The upcoming heat waves during a critical grain formation stage could lead to lower yields, impacting inflation and diminishing government wheat stocks, which could exacerbate food inflation concerns.

• Above normal temperature forecast may hit India’s wheat crop

  India is expected to face negative impacts on wheat production due to anticipated above normal temperatures from March to May 2025. The heat waves forecasted for March will adversely affect grain formation, leading to reduced yields. This follows four years of declining wheat stocks and rising inflation in wheat prices.

• Andhra Pradesh's Araku Coffee earns organic certification, secures buyers from Europe, Tata group

  GCC has achieved organic certification for Araku coffee, facilitating entry into European markets and collaboration with Tata Consumer Products for marketing and sales. The certification process, ongoing since 2019, now involves 2,600 tribal farmers, ensuring increased and fair pricing for their organic produce.