From the RSS:

• 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.

• India, Israel discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in agri sector

  Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, met Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi to discuss bolstering agricultural cooperation. They focused on Ministerial visits, the impact of Centers of Excellence across states, and the Prime Minister's vision for recycling sewage water for agriculture. Both sides emphasized commitment to strengthening Indo-Israel agricultural innovation, technologies, and the horticulture sector.

• Govt says achieved goal of setting up of 10,000 farmer producer organisations

  The government announced the achievement of establishing 10,000 farmer producer organisations (FPOs) under a central scheme, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and income. This milestone involves significant financial and handholding support, positively impacting millions of farmers, including a substantial proportion of women.

• Fall in wholesale prices of pulses yet to reach retail

  Prices of chana and tur have dropped by about 25% in two months, falling below the minimum support prices due to duty-free imports and increased local crop arrivals. While wholesale prices of pulses have decreased significantly, retail prices have not seen a proportional decline. Retail chana dal prices fell 4.3% and tur dal prices dropped 12%.

• Kisan Credit Card: Amount under Operative accounts crosses Rs 10 lakh crore

  The finance ministry announced that the amount under operative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts has more than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in March 2014 to ₹10.05 lakh crore in December 2024. This growth reflects increased credit access in agriculture and reduced reliance on non-institutional credit.

• Operative Kisan Credit Card amount crosses Rs 10 lakh crore benefiting 7.72 crore farmers

  The finance ministry announced that the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has provided over Rs 10 lakh crore in affordable loans to 7.72 crore farmers as of December 31, 2024, up from Rs 4.26 lakh crore in 2014. The government also offers interest subventions and plans to increase the loan limit to further benefit farmers.

• SOPA urges government to delay soybean sales until July 15 to protect farmers from price drop

  SOPA urges Agriculture Minister to delay soybean sale until after July 15 to prevent a further fall in prices, which could discourage farmers from sowing. They argue that good prices encourage farmers to grow more, citing the success with pulses.

• PM Modi releases 19th instalment of PM-KISAN scheme in Bihar, transfers Rs 22,000 cr to farmers

• PM Modi transfers Rs 22,000 cr to bank accounts of 9.8 cr farmers under 19th installment of PM Kisan scheme

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme from Bihar’s Bhagalpur, benefiting 9.8 crore farmers with ₹22,700 crore. With Bihar's assembly elections approaching, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed preparations and discussed the proposed "Makhana Board."

• Govt working out scheme to prevent distress sale of farmers' produce: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh

  Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted measures to prevent farmers from selling produce at low prices, emphasizing the importance of transferring new seed varieties and technologies to fields quickly. The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025 aims to showcase advancements and support farmers with live demonstrations and agro-advisories.

• Unusual temperatures deepen Indian farmers' rabi crop fears; rain patterns complicate matters further

  Unseasonal weather patterns, including an alarming 70% rainfall deficit and higher-than-normal temperatures, significantly threaten India's winter wheat crop. Key wheat-producing regions like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh face drastic reductions in yield, potentially impacting farmers' livelihoods and overall crop production.

• Govt tightens stock limit on wheat as prices rule firm ahead of harvest

  The government has revised stock limits on wheat to control prices and prevent hoarding, with wholesalers' limits reduced by 75% and retailers' by 20%. The stock limit order is valid until March 2025. This revision aims to ensure food security amidst concerns over the rabi harvest output.

• Poultry profitability is set to decline ~50 basis points next fiscal, says Crisil

  The Indian poultry industry's operating profitability is set to decline next fiscal due to rising feed costs of maize and soya, despite an 8-10% revenue growth driven by strong demand. Increased feed inventory and stable credit profiles are expected, but fluctuations in feed costs and bird flu outbreaks require attention.

• Price of parboiled rice increases by Rs 10 per kg

  Price of parboiled rice in India has increased by ₹10 per kg. Bangladesh traders are placing private orders due to import route issues. This demand surge has led to higher prices for fine parboiled rice. For example, Miniket rice now sells at up to ₹53 per kg. A shortage of Miniket paddy in India is also impacting the price.

• Sugar prices rise 6.5% in a month as production falls short

  Sugar prices in India have risen by 6.5% in a month due to lower domestic production caused by adverse weather and increased exports. The number of operational sugar mills has significantly decreased, leading to an anticipated decline in sugar production for the upcoming year.

• Sugar production falls 12% so far this marketing year ending September: ISMA

  India's sugar production has declined by 12 per cent to 197 lakh tonnes till mid-February in the 2024-25 marketing year, mainly due to lower output in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Sugar production in Uttar Pradesh also saw a decrease. Additionally, sugar diversion towards ethanol rose to approximately 14.1 lakh tonnes.

• Centre approves continuation of PM-AASHA scheme till 2025-26; tur procurement starts in many states

  The Centre has approved the continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme until 2025-26, aiming to provide remunerative prices to farmers and control price volatility. The procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur under the Price Support Scheme will be up to 100% of the state's production for the 2024-25 procurement year.

• Decline in castor seed production in India: 2024-25 survey insights

  Castor seed cultivation in India has decreased by 12% for 2024-25, with total area projected at 8.67 lakh hectares. Despite a 5% increase in yield due to favorable weather, overall production is estimated to decline by 8% to 18.22 lakh tonnes. Major producing state, Gujarat, also shows significant reductions in both acreage and production.

• NABARD pegs Odisha's credit potential for 2025-26 at Rs 2,52,000 cr

  NABARD has projected Odisha's credit potential for 2025-26 fiscal at Rs 2,52,000 crore. This projection is about 20 percent higher than the previous year's Rs 2,10,140 crore. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the need for increased bank credit for priority sectors and urged banks to support agriculture and innovative projects to enhance farmers' incomes.

• Lower yield to impact cotton production in 2024-25 season: CAI

  The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has projected a decrease in cotton output for the 2024-25 season to 301.75 lakh bales, attributing it to lower yields in Gujarat and the northern region. Despite the dip in yield, the quality of cotton remains high. Total cotton supply by January 2025 is estimated at 234.

• Namdhari Seeds acquires 100% stake in US-based Axia’s open-field vegetable seed business

  Namdhari Seeds has fully acquired Axia’s open-field vegetable seed business, focusing on crops like tomatoes, peppers, melons, and cucumbers. This acquisition includes brands like US Agriseeds, Catalyst Seeds, New World Seeds, and California Hybrids. This move aims to strengthen Namdhari’s presence in the global vegetable seed market while Axia will concentrate on the protected culture seed business.

• Cooking oil prices rise as rupee depreciates

  The depreciation of the rupee has led to a rise in cooking oil prices by around 5-6 per kg, impacting consumers. Additionally, the cost of imported exotic fruits and nuts is expected to increase as imports become more expensive. This trend is expected to continue if the rupee weakens further.

• Govt says 2.05 cr farmer IDs created under Digital Agriculture Mission

  Over 2.05 crore farmer IDs have been generated under India's Digital Agriculture Mission, covering various states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive digital agriculture ecosystem, providing innovative solutions and reliable crop data to farmers across the country.

• Tea trade bodies push for minimum sustainable price and 100% auction of teas

  Major tea trade bodies in India have decided to implement a minimum sustainable price for teas and mandate 100% auction of made teas. This decision aims to address the lack of bargaining power among small tea growers and ensure fair compensation that covers their production costs.

• Agri ministry revises guidelines of Market Intervention Scheme to encourage states for implementation

  The agriculture ministry has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), increasing the crop procurement limit from 20 to 25 percent. MIS helps farmers avoid distress sales by intervening when market prices fall by at least 10 percent.

• Govt to upgrade e-NAM platform to promote inter-state and inter-mandi trade: Chouhan in Rajya Sabha

  The Centre is upgrading the e-NAM platform to include logistic service providers for better inter-state and inter-mandi trade efficiency. This enhancement aims to reduce logistical challenges, increase trading speed, and improve farmer incomes. As of December 2024, 1,410 mandis and 1.78 lakh farmers are linked to e-NAM.

• 10 more commodities added to e-NAM platform for trading: Govt

  The Agriculture Ministry has approved an additional 10 commodities for trading on the e-NAM platform, bringing the total to 231. This move, following extensive stakeholder consultations, aims to offer farmers better prices through quality standards, particularly benefiting secondary trade products like chana sattu and asafoetida.

• Government pegs higher production of onion, tomato and potato for 2024-25 in first estimate

  India's onion production is expected to rise by 19% to 288.77 lakh tonnes in the crop year ending June 2025. Total horticulture production is estimated to reach about 362.09 million tonnes, showing a 2.07% increase from 2023-24, driven by higher outputs in vegetables and fruit crops.

• Indian rice offered at lowest price in Bangladesh tender for 50,000 tons

  In a recent tender by Bangladesh's state grains buyer for 50,000 metric tons of rice, the lowest offer was $434.77 per metric ton CIF, quoted by Indian trading house Agrocorp. Although offers are under consideration, no purchase has been finalized yet. Bangladesh typically takes time for decision-making in such tenders.

• Nabard approves 127 projects worth Rs 903.21 crore in Himachal

  The Himachal Pradesh government has received Nabard's approval for 127 projects worth Rs 903.21 crore, focusing on MLA-priority schemes and rural infrastructure. Initiatives include a dairy plant and electric bus charging stations. Efforts to boost tourism and tackle the drug mafia were also highlighted, while BJP MLAs criticized the government's bias towards Congress leaders.

• India's sugar production set to dip by 12 pc in 2025 season, forecast below 27 MMT

  Sugar production in India is expected to decline significantly in the 2025 season, dropping below 27 million metric tons due to increased ethanol production and reduced cane availability. Despite challenges, sugar prices remain strong, providing a boost to sector earnings in the fourth quarter of FY25 and FY26.

• Why should the salaried pay all the tax? A case for taxing India's richest 'anna daatas'

  Wealthy farmers in India, earning over Rs 15 lakh annually, represent 2.8% of rural households but are not taxed, unlike salaried professionals. Despite significant income and assets, they remain outside the tax net. Approximately 45% benefit from government schemes, raising questions about the fairness of the current taxation system for agriculture.

• Budget 2025: From pulses to cotton, govt focuses on growing, eating and exporting better

  The budget aims to boost productivity in pulses, vegetables, and fisheries, focusing on food production and achieving India's ambition to become a global food basket. It also addresses increasing cotton production and export, alongside enhancing agricultural growth in low productivity districts through new initiatives.