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• West Bengal agriculture minister outlines impact on climate change on rice production

  West Bengal Agriculture Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay noted the state's significant rice production, accounting for 14% of India's total. Despite climate challenges, efforts to improve cultivation and diversify rice varieties, including stress-tolerant and hybrid types, have advanced, he said

• Govt provides Rs 37,000 cr fertiliser subsidy till July 22 this fiscal

  The government had provided nearly Rs 37,000 crore in fertiliser subsidies this fiscal to ensure affordable crop nutrients for farmers, Parliament was informed. Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, stated that the subsidy helped in the availability of affordable fertilisers through the DBT system. The total fertiliser subsidy up to July 2024 stood at Rs 36,993.39 crore, showing a decline from the previous fiscal. The highest subsidy was in 2022-23 at Rs 2,54,798.9 crore.

• Government to buy all masur, urad and tur dal produced by farmers: Agriculture minister

  The government decided to procure all tur, urad, and masur dal produced by farmers through the e-Samridhi platform, stated Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Rajya Sabha. Additionally, Chouhan highlighted that the Modi-led government had the highest MSP purchases compared to previous administrations and addressed demands for MSP for tea and coffee growers.

• Farmers paid premium of Rs 32,440 cr under PMFBY; over Rs 1.63 lakh cr worth claims cleared

  All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas are eligible for coverage under the scheme voluntarily," Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Under the scheme, a comprehensive risk coverage for crops of farmers against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages of the crops at a very reasonable premium for the farmers is being provided.

• After India Stack, why Sitharaman proposed another stack for economic boost

  The agriculture sector in India supports 42.3% of the population and contributes 18.2% to the GDP. Despite challenges, the Economic Survey 2023-24 advocates for leveraging technology and policy reforms, such as the Agri Stack initiative, to formalize the sector, boost productivity, increase farmer income, and drive economic growth. Agri Stack aims to address issues like poor land records, enhance credit access, improve data management, and facilitate better policy interventions, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the economy as a whole.

• Bengal: Potato dispatches from cold storages surge by 35 per cent a day after traders withdraw strike

  Following the end of a potato traders' strike in West Bengal, dispatch of tubers from cold storages surged by 30-35 per cent to meet demand. The Progressive Potato Traders' Association increased daily dispatches to 8 lakh packets from the usual 6 lakh. Traders aim to stabilize prices by adjusting supplies and refraining from exporting. The state government's involvement promises sufficient supply and lower prices, with a wholesale drop expected.

• Budget 2024: Increased outlay of Rs 10,000 cr win-win for farmers & consumers

  The Indian government has allocated a record budget of ₹10,000 crore for price stabilisation measures aimed at curbing food price volatility. This funding will be used by the Department of Consumer Affairs to enhance procurement of essential food items like pulses and onions.

• Budget's focus on agri-research may help reduce production shocks

  The budget listed productivity and resilience in agriculture as its top priority. The strategy includes transforming agriculture research and release of new varieties of seeds.

• Budget 2024: Centre takes big leap in digitising farmer details

  DPI will help the government organise and scrutinise the data of farmers regarding their land, crops grown and weather forecast, said the people. "The technology, besides digitising land records, will help to provide better estimates of crop production and ensure timely action," said RG Agarwal, chairman, Dhanuka Group, an agrochemical manufacturing firm.

• Farm sector hails 'forward looking budget', Tikait calls it 'empty-handed'

  The Union Budget 2024 has received mixed reactions from the agriculture sector. Industry experts commend its focus on research and self-sufficiency, while some farmer leaders are disappointed with the lack of key demands being met. The budget aims to boost productivity and resilience in the agriculture sector.

• Union Budget: Edible oil industry seeks higher customs duty to motivate farmers

  Industry experts advocate for higher customs duty on imported edible oils to enhance domestic oil seed production. The Union Budget's allocation towards agriculture and rural development receives positive feedback for promoting sustainability and innovation in the sector.

• Union Budget 2024: Shares of shrimp, seafood makers in heavy demand after allocation of budget

  Producers and exporters of seafood products saw a surge in stock prices following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of government support for the shrimp farming and marketing sector. The Union Budget for financial year 2024-25 revealed a reduction in basic customs duty on shrimp to 5%.

• Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman unveils new plan for major agriculture upgrade

  The Budget laid out 9 priorities for the year ahead, one of them being productivity & resilience in agriculture.

• 'Make agricultural exports ban an exception': Economic Survey

  The Economic Survey 2023-2024 suggests reevaluating export bans on agricultural products and market restrictions to balance consumer needs and farmer income. It emphasizes promoting high-value agriculture and improving market infrastructure for sector development.

• Economic Survey 23-24 | Incentivising allied agri activities, moving away from grains can make farming more profitable: CEA

• Economic Survey suggests use of digital system 'Agri Stack' for better targeting of fertiliser subsidy

  As per the interim Budget presented in February, the allocation for fertiliser subsidy is Rs 1.64 lakh crore for 2024-25 fiscal as against the revised estimates of Rs 1.89 lakh crore for the preceding financial year.

• Economic Survey 2023-24: Agricultural credit saw 1.5X jump in FY24

  The Survey highlighted the crucial role of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme in providing timely and hassle-free credit to farmers. By the end of 2023, there were over 7.4 crore operative KCC accounts. In April and May 2024, bank credit to agriculture and allied sectors grew by 19.7 per cent and 21.6 per cent year-on-year, respectively.

• Economic Survey marks out Indian agriculture's flaws, prescribes fixes

  The survey noted that despite its significance, the agriculture sector continues to face structural issues that have implications for India's economic growth.

• Economic Survey: The agri strategy for India that can turn problem areas into sources of strength

  The survey noted that untangling some of the policy issues will yield immense benefits, restoring faith in the state's ability to guide the nation toward a better future. Beyond socio-economic advantages, it will enhance the self-confidence and capabilities of the state, leading to more effective governance in the agricultural sector.

• Budget 2024: A bid to woo farmers, or a dry spell?

  Budget 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beginning his third term, prioritized the release of the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme, indicating his government's emphasis on agriculture. In its first cabinet session, the NDA government approved new Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, focusing particularly on increasing support for oilseeds and pulses to reduce imports.

• Farmers to get Rs 17,500/hectare for switching from paddy to other crops: Punjab Minister

  Punjab's Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced a Rs 17,500 per hectare incentive to shift from paddy. Covering up to five hectares, funded 60:40 by Centre and Punjab with Rs 289.87 crore for 2024-25. Payments post-verification and harvest via digital survey, Krishi Mapper app. KAP Sinha highlighted Kharif 2024 measures. Green revolution, groundwater depletion, critical blocks, online applications noted.

• Tomato prices soar to Rs 100 per kg in Delhi markets as rains hit supplies

  On July 20, tomato prices surged to Rs 100 per kg at retail outlets in Delhi, including Mother Dairy's Safal stores, due to adverse weather conditions disrupting supply. The Department of Consumer Affairs reports retail tomato prices in Delhi at Rs 93 per kg, while the all-India average is Rs 73.76 per kg. High prices are also noted for onions and potatoes, with onions at Rs 50 per kg and potatoes at Rs 40 per kg in the capital. Prices for other vegetables, such as sponge gourd and green capsicum, are also elevated.

• Kharif crop sown area soars to over 704 lakh hectares, pulses area increases, cotton declines

  The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare reported a rise in total sown area to 704 lakh hectares this kharif season, with paddy leading at 166.06 lakh hectares. Pulses, particularly arhar, show notable expansion to meet domestic demand. Oilseeds also see growth, while cotton cultivation decreases. These trends reflect changing farmer preferences and market conditions, suggesting a positive outlook for key crops. (50 words)

• Citing 'friendly ties', Malaysia urges India to relax curbs on food supplies

  Malaysian Minister for Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, emphasized the negative effects of India’s export restrictions on rice, sugar, and onions for Malaysia. Highlighting the “friendly ties” between the countries, Ghani, currently visiting India, expressed hope for an arrangement to secure Malaysia's supply of these essential commodities.

• Heatwave effect: Potato prices likely to remain hot despite monsoon progress

  Potato and vegetable prices remain high due to heatwave damage, causing a supply-demand mismatch despite monsoon progress. Vegetable inflation hit 29.3% in June 2024. West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh faced key production issues. Farmers are hoarding stocks, anticipating further price hikes. Aditi Nayar of ICRA and Crisil's Dipti Deshpande cite weather and last year's base as inflation drivers. Tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (TOP) prices are affected, with tomato prices down from last year's peaks but still contributing to 9.4% food inflation. Potato output is estimated at 58.99 million tonnes, decreasing from 60.14 million tonnes.

• Malaysia to increase cooperation in palm oil and other sectors

  India and Malaysia plan to enhance cooperation in oil palm and agriculture sectors. Discussions include the National Mission on Edible Oil, market access issues, institutionalization of agriculture cooperation, and digital technology in plantations.

• Poultry industry demands maize imports at zero duty under OGL

  India's poultry industry faces challenges with record-high maize prices due to ethanol production. Industry seeks zero duty imports and concessional rice supply. Import through state agencies delays and costly. Maize shortage impacting market. Poultry companies experiencing difficulty meeting demand.

• How Indian workers get trapped in modern slavery on Italian farms

  A recent incident in Italy brought attention to the issue of modern slavery involving Indian agricultural workers, with reports of exploitation, illegal immigration, and inhumane working conditions. The situation highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in the country, sparking calls for action to address the systemic problem.

• West Bengal: Cold storage body offers potatoes at Rs 26 per kg to government to stem prices

  The West Bengal Cold Storage Association proposes supplying potatoes to the state government at Rs 26 per kg, significantly lower than current retail prices of Rs 37-40 per kg. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee takes action to address the high vegetable prices, directing officials to monitor markets for hoarding. Despite efforts, prices remain elevated due to low production and poor quality, leading to concerns among consumers about the affordability of essential food items.

• Government asks retailers to pass on lower wholesale rates of pulses to consumers

  According to the department, prices of chana, tur and urad in major mandis had declined by up to 4% in the past one month, but retail prices have not seen a similar decline.

• Indian farmers rush to plant summer crops as monsoon revives

  Indian farmers have ramped up the planting of summer-sown crops like paddy, soybean, cotton, and corn due to above-average monsoon rainfall in July. After a deficit in June, the improved weather conditions have allowed for planting on 57.5 million hectares by July 12, a tenth higher than last year. This boost in planting is crucial for India's economy, heavily reliant on the monsoon for agricultural productivity.

• Indian farmers have a chance to make Rs 35,000 per hectare if they shift to...

  ICRIER economists and Ashok Gulati recommend Rs 35,000/ha to farmers shifting from paddy to pulses, oilseeds, aiming to prevent desertification in Punjab-Haryana. The funding is evenly split between state and Centre. Haryana offers Rs 17,500/ha; central ministers promise a five-year package. Proposals include Rs 30,000-40,000 incentives for 12-14 lakh hectares and addressing groundwater depletion during kharif season.

• No hike in MSP causing problems for sugar industry: Federation official

  The sugar industry in the country is experiencing difficulties due to the Centre not increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the past five years, according to a representative from a sugar units federation on Tuesday.

• As tomato prices soar over Rs 80/kg, ICAR's hybrids offer hope for market stability

  IIHR's Arka Rakshak and Arka Abedh hybrid tomatoes, with a three-week shelf life, could stabilize prices at Rs 80/kg despite heavy rainfall disruptions. Developed in 2012, Arka Rakshak and Arka Abedh serve distant markets. Cultivated in 7,000 hectares and licensed to 11 companies, these hybrids address supply chain issues, per ICAR Director General Pathak on Technology Day.

• Govt aims to cover 25pc of kharif paddy area with climate-resilient seeds

  The government aims to bring 25% of the kharif paddy area under climate-resilient seeds to combat climate change's impact. Currently, paddy is cultivated on over 410 lakh hectares. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak noted that while 75% of wheat uses resilient seeds, only 16% of paddy does. The goal is to increase this to 25% this season to protect rice production from erratic rainfall and climate change.

• Tomato prices may ease in coming weeks on supplies from Andhra, Karnataka

  Retail tomato prices in Delhi, which surged to Rs 75 per kg, are expected to decrease in the coming weeks as supply improves from southern states. A government official attributed the price rise to recent supply disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions. Prices for potatoes and onions are also anticipated to stabilize soon.

• Budget needs to think about farmers to help India get to developed economy goal

  Budget Expectations for agriculture: The share of agriculture in India's economy has declined to less than 15%, yet it remains crucial due to rural dependence and food security. Budget measures aim to improve productivity through fertilizer subsidy allocation, crop diversification, expedited crop loss claims, fair prices for farmers, boosting pulse production, R&D, labor challenges, and focusing on low-yield Eastern states.

• NABARD set to introduce Rs 750 crore agri fund for startups, rural enterprises

  The fund is being launched by NABVENTURES, a subsidiary of NABARD with an initial corpus of Rs750 crore with Rs 250 crore each from NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rs 250 crore from other institutions. This initiative aims to promote investment in innovative, technology-driven, high-risk, and high-impact activities in agriculture and allied areas.

• To ease shortage of pulses, government exempts stock limit on kabuli chana

  This move is expected to help importers bring in more Kabuli chana into India ahead of the festival season. Pulses, including kabuli chana, are widely used in snack making and consumed as a source of proteins.

• Assam based tea planters get into value chain of tea business

  Rujani Tea, the online brand of Aideobarie Tea Estate in Jorhat, is making waves in the tea industry with new CTC variants and a focus on sustainability. The company, founded in 1897, has expanded globally to Australia, Sweden, the USA, and more. Director Raj Barooah highlights the challenges faced by the tea industry but emphasizes the company's innovative approach. Assam and West Bengal are experiencing a decline in tea production due to weather conditions, raising concerns for the future of the industry.

• Will resume agitation on pending demands of legal guarantee to MSP, farm loan waiver: SKM

  The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020-21 farmers' protest, made the announcement a day after its general body met. "The general body has decided to resume the agitation demanding implementation of the agreement, dated December 9, 2021, that the Union government has with the SKM, signed by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Government of India, and other key demands affecting the livelihood of farmers," the SKM said.

• Budget 2024: Banks seek hike in interest subvention on farm loans

  Banks are urging the government to increase the interest subvention on short-term agriculture loans from the current 1.5% to 2%. This move is aimed at helping banks absorb higher costs of funds and boost credit flow to the agriculture sector in the short term. Discussions on this matter took place recently with senior finance ministry officials.

• India to sell wheat from state stocks to flour millers, biscuit makers

  India plans to sell wheat from state reserves to bulk consumers like flour millers and biscuit makers to control local prices by boosting supplies. The government has allowed the Food Corporation of India to offer wheat at a lower price, aiming to attract private players and potentially import wheat after a six-year gap.

• Jute manufacturers' margins to shrink amid wage hikes and weak export demand

  Jute manufacturers in India are expected to see operating margins shrink 50 basis points this fiscal due to wage hikes and subdued demand in export markets. This marks the second consecutive year of decline in profitability. However, their credit profiles will remain stable due to strong procurement by government agencies, healthy balance sheets, and negligible capital expenditure debt.

• Budget 2024: Agriculture players want Sitharaman to focus on climate-smart options & solar-based irrigation

  The agriculture sector is urging the upcoming budget to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, including innovations like solar-powered irrigation and rainwater harvesting. It seeks expanded storage capacities and improved transportation networks to reduce wastage and boost farmers' incomes. Increased investment in rural infrastructure, collaboration between the government and private sector, and emphasis on sustainability and urban farming are also highlighted.

• As state polls loom, Centre buys Maharashtra onions at 74% higher price

  The government in Maharashtra is procuring onions at a significantly higher price than last year in preparation for the upcoming assembly polls. With plans to spend ₹1,500 crore on onion purchases this fiscal year, efforts are being made to stabilize prices and maintain buffer stocks.

• Farm Factor: What stakeholders are expecting from Budget 2024

  Budget: Among other things, the agri industry wants better seeds for crops like cotton and oilseeds whose production is not increasing, and technological support to deal with climate change.

• Paddy sowing up 19 pc so far, arhar & urad acreage rises sharply

  In the 2024-25 kharif season, paddy increased by 19.35% to 59.99 lakh hectare. Pulses rose to 36.81 lakh hectare, notably arhar. Maize reached 41.09 lakh hectare, oilseeds 80.31 lakh hectare. Sugarcane and cotton increased; jute-mesta decreased. Coarse cereals, Shree Anna reduced. Harvesting begins in September. Early monsoon onset in June, IMD forecasts above-normal June-September rainfall.

• High prices of vegetables causing pain to consumers

  Kolkata markets are experiencing high retail prices for vegetables, eggs, and poultry meat, causing suffering for the common man. Tomato prices have risen by nearly 150 per cent to Rs 80-100 per kg, while Brinjal is selling for Rs 110-140 per kg. Other vegetables, such as bitter gourd, green chilli, and bottle gourd, have also increased by an average of 50%. Egg and poultry meat prices have risen by 20-30 per cent in local markets.

• India's tea prices soar as extreme weather slashes output

  India's tea prices are on the rise due to extreme weather events affecting production. Heatwaves and floods have led to a significant drop in output, supporting the struggling industry. Production in key regions like Assam has been severely impacted, with prices surging nearly 20%. Export demand remains strong despite the challenges.