News

From the RSS:

• Replacing rice with other crops could help recover groundwater lost since 2000: Study

  Replacing 40% of rice cultivation with other crops in north India could recover significant groundwater lost since 2000, a study finds. Current rice-dominated cropping patterns may lead to further groundwater depletion under global warming. The study suggests crop switching for groundwater sustainability and increased farmers' profitability.

• Centre removes floor price for basmati rice exports

  The Indian government has eliminated the $950 per tonne minimum export price on basmati rice, as declared by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is tasked with implementing this change and will closely monitor basmati export prices to prevent unrealistic pricing.

• Centre lowers stocking limit for wheat to tame prices

  The central government has reduced the stock holding limit of wheat for retailers from 3000 MT to 2000 MT for traders and wholesalers. This move aims to increase market supply and control prices. All wheat stocking entities must register on the government portal and update their stock position weekly, especially with the festive season approaching.

• India cannot become developed nation with 'backward agriculture': Bayer South Asia Prez

  India's agriculture sector must modernize to achieve developed nation status by 2047, says Bayer South Asia head Simon Wiebusch. He commends government efforts to digitize and innovate in farming. Bayer is focusing on herbicides due to labor shortages and exploring new technologies for crops like corn and rice.

• Govt to buy soybeans to help farmers reeling from losses

  India will purchase soybeans from farmers in Madhya Pradesh at government-set support prices to assist those affected by falling domestic rates. This move follows similar agreements in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Soybeans are crucial for producing soyoil, reducing edible oil imports, and generating soymeal for animal feed and export.

• Centre approves MSP procurement of soyabean in Maharashtra

  The central government has approved the procurement of soybean at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Madhya Pradesh, in addition to Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. This decision comes as soybean prices in the open market have fallen below MSP, causing concern among farmers. The move aims to stabilize prices and support farmers facing low market rates due to excess supply in international markets.

• Average onion prices at Rs 58/kg in Delhi: Govt data

  Onion prices in New Delhi remain high at Rs 58 per kg due to tight supply. The government has started retail sales of onions at a subsidized rate of Rs 35 per kg in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The kharif sown area has increased, and about 38 lakh tonnes of onion are still in storage.

• Regional rainfall deficits threaten agriculture despite improved monsoon performance: CareEdge report

  CareEdge Ratings has highlighted that while the overall monsoon performance has improved from last year, the agriculture sector still faces risks due to uneven rainfall distribution. Key agrarian regions in Northern India and the Gangetic plains have significant rainfall deficits, affecting Kharif sowing, which is 97% complete.

• Apple prices crash by 50 pc as arrivals from Himachal Pradesh increase

  Apple prices have plummeted by nearly 50% in a month due to increased arrivals from Himachal Pradesh and the upcoming harvest in Kashmir. The duty-free import of apples from Afghanistan is also expected to impact prices further. Quality issues and cautious procurement by big corporations are contributing factors.

• Government to begin farmer registration for Aadhaar-style IDs from October; targets 5 crore by March

  The government will soon start registering farmers nationwide to provide them with a unique ID similar to Aadhaar. This initiative, part of the Rs 2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission, aims to register five crore farmers by March next year. The unique ID will streamline access to agricultural schemes and aid in policy planning.

• Agrochemicals exports may touch Rs 80,000 cr in 4 yrs: ACFI-EY report

  India's agrochemical exports could exceed Rs 80,000 crore in four years if the industry is supported with a conducive environment, according to a report by ACFI and EY. The report highlights the need for streamlined licensing norms, improved infrastructure, and reduced GST to achieve this growth.

• Govt promotes pulses production in tribal & Naxal-affected areas

  The government is promoting pulse cultivation in Naxal-affected and tribal areas of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to boost national production and increase farmers' income. The initiative, led by NCCF, involves distributing hybrid seeds and ensuring procurement at minimum support prices. This pilot project aims to reduce India's reliance on pulse imports.

• Onion prices recover after crashing by 10% following the launch of retail sale of onions by the central govt

  Onion prices have slightly recovered at the Lasalgaon market after a significant drop. The central government is selling onions from its buffer stock in Delhi and Mumbai to control retail prices. Farmers are concerned about further price drops, but the government plans a staggered release to stabilize prices.

• Suresh Prabhu nominated to World Agriculture Forum Board

  Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu has been nominated to the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) Board. WAF Chairman Rudy Rabbinge highlighted Prabhu's expertise as crucial for shaping the future of agriculture. The forum aims to address global food security, sustainable practices, and policy issues by bringing together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

• Need to adopt advanced tech to optimise agri operations: PK Mishra

  PK Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, emphasized the need for sustainable agricultural practices and advanced technologies for long-term productivity and environmental health. Speaking at Sardar Patel University, he highlighted Gujarat's transformation in agriculture over the past 25 years as a model for other states to follow.

• Syngenta CEO Jeff Rowe calls for faster regulatory approvals in India's agriculture sector

  Syngenta Group CEO Jeff Rowe has urged the Indian government to expedite regulatory approvals for innovative agricultural products to benefit farmers. Highlighting the impact of climate change on agriculture, Rowe emphasised the need for faster access to new solutions. Syngenta is investing heavily in digital technology and crop modelling to help farmers adapt, planning to launch 40 new crop protection products in the next few years.

• Ensure farmers get full benefit of govt schemes: Uttarakhand CM directs officials

  Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to enhance farmers' income through various schemes. He emphasized constructing polyhouses, promoting millet production, and increasing apple and kiwi yields. Efforts are also being made to link women with the Namo Drone Didi Yojana and provide organic farming training under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.

• AgriSURE fund launched by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Here's all you need to know about the initiative

  Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal in New Delhi on Tuesday. The initiative aims to support start-ups with innovative agriculture-boosting ideas. The government has invested Rs 7,000 crore so far, targeting high-risk, high-impact activities across the agriculture value chain to boost India's agricultural sector.

• Cabinet announces Rs 14,000 cr for seven farmers' welfare schemes

  The Union Cabinet, led by PM Narendra Modi, has launched the Digital Agriculture Mission with an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore to improve farmers' lives through technology. Key elements include an Agri Stack and Krishi Decision Support System. Additional funds have been allocated for crop science, agri education, and sustainable livestock and horticulture practices.

• Rains, cyclone threaten Gujarat's cotton and peanut crops ahead of harvest

  Heavy rains and strong winds are forecast for India's major cotton and peanut growing areas in Gujarat, potentially causing floods and damaging crops near harvest. A developing cyclone may intensify wind speeds, risking further agricultural and infrastructural impact.

• Govt proposes sale of raw sugar in domestic market

  The Centre has proposed a new regulation allowing the sale of raw sugar in the domestic market, replacing the six-decade-old rule that permitted only exports. The draft 'Sugar (Control) Order, 2024' aims to benefit the industry by taking advantage of technological advancements in production processes.

• 5 sugar mills linked to leaders of ruling parties to get Rs 487 cr funds from Maharashtra govt

  The Maharashtra cooperation department has revised its list of beneficiaries for margin funds, dropping five cooperative sugar mills linked to opposition leaders and replacing them with mills associated with BJP and NCP politicians. This decision, made after the Lok Sabha elections, allocates Rs 487 crore in funds to the new mills, including those in Latur, Sangli, Ahmednagar, and Solapur districts.

• In a boost to farmers, Cabinet approves expansion of Agri Infra Fund

  The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF). The initiative aims to bolster agricultural infrastructure, support viable community farming assets, include integrated processing projects, align with PM-KUSUM Component-A, and extend credit guarantee for FPOs through NABSanrakshan Trustee Company Pvt. Ltd.

• Govt floats plan to overhaul sugar output, pricing norms

  The Centre aimed to modernize the 1966 Sugar (Control) Order, introducing new regulations for sugar and by-product production. The draft emphasized the need for licensing and discussed controlling sugar's price considering production costs and by-product revenue. Stakeholders could comment on the proposal until September 2024.

• Potato, rice prices drop amid supply glut, market shifts

  Prices of two major food items, potato and rice, have decreased. Potato prices fell by 8% in 20 days due to an oversupply caused by West Bengal halting interstate movement briefly. Similarly, rice prices dropped as kharif crop expectations were good and global competition drove down export prices.

• Centre urges states to adopt new tech initiatives for better farm data

  Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi has encouraged states to adopt new technology-driven initiatives quickly to improve farm production estimates. Key initiatives include the Digital Crop Survey, DGCES, and revamped FASAL programme to enhance data accuracy. Collaborative efforts aim to provide real-time, reliable data for better agricultural statistics and policy-making.

• Indian flour mills urge govt to release wheat stocks as prices surge

  Indian wheat prices hit a nine-month high, and industry experts urged the government to release reserve stocks to manage the rising costs. The delay in releasing reserves, initially planned for July, has intensified the situation. Wheat stocks have dwindled, increasing concerns ahead of the upcoming festival season, including Dussehra and Diwali.

• Uneven rainfall disrupts pulses, horticulture, and rice production

  Rainfall during the ongoing southwest monsoon season covered up for the deficiency in the initial phase, reaching an excess of 7.3% as of August 19, according to data from the India Meteorological Department. While Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal are facing rainfall deficiency of 28%, 35%, 21%, 12%, 23% and 20% respectively, parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh saw more than normal rainfall.

• India facing acute shortage of natural rubber, prices soar

  India experienced an alarming shortfall in natural rubber for 2023-24, with domestic production unable to meet the growing demand. Rising import duties and global supply constraints, along with the highest prices recorded in 15 years, have impacted industries, particularly small and micro-enterprises in the non-tyre sector, which are struggling due to this cost spike.

• Government to launch 'Kisan Ki Baat' to bridge farm-Science gap

  The programme will feature agricultural scientists, department officials, and the minister himself, providing crucial information on best practices and scientific advancements.

• There is a need to transform agriculture sector: PM Modi

  Prime Minister Modi highlighted the necessity of transforming agriculture in India during his Independence Day speech. He mentioned government efforts to improve farmers' welfare, including promoting natural farming and offering loans for modern technology like drones. Modi asserted that these actions could make India a global leader in organic food production.

• Govt invites over 1,000 farmers to special prog on I-Day, to launch AI-powered pest mgmt system

  The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has invited over 1,000 farmers and their spouses to the National Capital for a two-day event coinciding with the 78th Independence Day celebrations. The beneficiaries of schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Fasal Bima Yojana will meet Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 15. During the event, Chouhan will launch the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital tool using AI and machine learning to provide pest management advisories. The NPSS aims to minimize crop losses and enhance productivity with real-time data and advanced analytics.

• Govt launches ASEAN-India Agri fellowship; 50 slots up for grabs

  Ten fellowships per year will be awarded for the next five years. It will cover master's degree programmes in agriculture and allied sectors, and August 27 is the deadline for the first batch. The initiative, funded by the ASEAN-India Fund, will cover admission fees, living expenses and incidentals for selected students.

• Newly-launched 'Pusa Gaurav' wheat variety suitable for making chapatis and pasta

  India's newly-launched Durum wheat variety, Pusa Gehun Gaurav, offers versatile benefits, from making soft chapatis to high-quality pasta. Developed by Dr. Jung Bahadur Singh at IARI’s Indore-based regional station, this climate-resilient and bio-fortified variety is designed to thrive under low irrigation and high temperatures. With a protein content of 12% and high levels of iron and zinc, Pusa Gaurav meets both desi and international culinary demands. Its introduction is part of a broader initiative, with 109 crop varieties recently dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• Paddy acreage rises 4.28 pc, cotton area lags in kharif season so far: Govt data

  Farmers have expanded paddy cultivation by 4.28% to 33.18 million hectares for the 2024-25 kharif season, driven by favorable monsoon forecasts from the India Meteorological Department. However, cotton acreage declined to 11.05 million hectares. While pulses and coarse cereals saw slight increases, oilseeds remained stable. The total kharif crop area rose to 97.99 million hectares, up from 96.64 million last year. The kharif sowing season, starting with June monsoons, has seen varied trends across different crops.

• PM Modi unveils 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties

  PM Narendra Modi launched 109 varieties of high-yielding, climate-resilient crops at the India Agricultural Research Institute. This included 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Modi discussed the importance of these varieties for improving agriculture and encouraged krishi vigyan kendras to inform farmers about the benefits of using these new seeds.

• PM Modi releases climate-resilient seed varieties to increase productivity, farmers income

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified seed varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to improve farming productivity and farmer income. He stressed natural and organic farming benefits, with farmers and scientists lauding government initiatives in sustainable agriculture. Modi also discussed the significance of millets and nutritious food.

• NAFED working with Assam Government to improve supply of potatoes, onion

  Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass met with the Potato Traders’ Association in Guwahati to address the restricted import of potatoes and onions into Assam. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota communicated with NAFED and West Bengal officials to ensure a steady supply. Wholesale rates are Rs 27/- per kilogram from West Bengal and Rs 32/- from Uttar Pradesh.

• India will have to import 80-100 lakh tn of pulses by 2030 if paddy subsidies continue: Expert

  Agri-economist Ashok Gulati warns that India will need to import 80-100 lakh tonnes of pulses by 2030 if current policies favoring paddy cultivation continue. He advocates for incentives to boost pulse and oilseed production, as these require less water and are more nutritious.

• Govt invites EoI for setting up multiproduct food irradiation units

  The last date for submission of EoI/ proposals is September 21, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries said in a statement.

• Niti Aayog prepares roadmap to boost seaweed cultivation

  The Niti Aayog has recommended extending PM-Kisan and PM Fasal Bima Yojana to seaweed farmers and introducing insurance schemes for the sector. The proposal includes bringing seaweed cultivation under the Ministry of Fisheries and forming national committees to improve production. The initiative aims to enhance seaweed farming's economic and ecological benefits in India.

• India exports $122.7 mn non-basmati white rice during Apr-May

  India exported non-basmati white rice valued at USD 122.7 million during April-May this fiscal year. Despite a present ban, exports continue to specific countries for food security. The government keeps a close watch on production and availability. Fisheries subsidies will remain unaffected by WTO fisheries subsidies agreement.

• Farmers pay Rs 32,440 crore premium under PMFBY; claims worth over Rs 1.64 lakh crore cleared

  Under the scheme, comprehensive risk coverage for crops against all non-preventable natural risks -- from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages of crops -- at a very reasonable premium for the farmers is being provided.

• Chana dal prices up 10% ahead of festive season

  Chana dal prices have risen by up to 10% over the past month because of higher demand before the festive season. Despite significant imports of yellow peas, chana prices stayed high due to lower substitution. Tur dal prices fell by 5%. Increasing imports from Africa and Australia by September should stabilize prices.

• Syngenta India launches two crop protection products

  Syngenta India introduced Miravis®️ Duo and Reflect®️ Top, two innovative fungicides. Miravis®️ Duo addresses fungal diseases in tomatoes, chili, groundnuts, and grapes, while Reflect®️ Top provides effective sheath blight protection for rice. These products are designed to enhance crop yield and support India's vital agriculture sector, particularly in exports.

• Agri-processing platform Agrizy raises Rs 82 crore in Series A funding

  India's $400 billion agri-processing market, even though growing by 9% annually, faces a bottleneck -- only 10% of farm produce gets processed today. This pales in comparison to global leaders like China (40%) and developed nations (70%).

• Agriculture a key focus area of development strategy in India: Niti member Ramesh Chand

  ​​Addressing the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), Chand said that according to the World Bank data, India achieved the highest growth rate in GDP agriculture in the world in the last 10 years.

• India is a food surplus country; we are working on solutions for global food security: PM Modi

  At the 32nd International Association of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's role in global food security. He highlighted India as a major producer of millets, termed "Shri Ann," which he described as a solution to global nutrition challenges due to its minimal water requirements and high productivity.

• Mizoram CM Lalduhoma discusses oil palm yield enhancement with DoNER Minister Scindia

  They met in New Delhi they discussed enhancing the yield of oil palm farmers per hectare by addressing their needs and establishing a Samadhan Centre in Mizoram. They also talked about setting up an oil palm refinery to support the existing mill's operations and improve its efficiency.

• Over 73 per cent of Agriculture Budget goes towards welfare measures, subsidies: ICRIER

  The report also pointed out that despite this significant investment of Rs. 6.2 trillion, the focus remains heavily skewed toward welfare measures and subsidies, such as food and fertilizer subsidies, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). All these account for Rs. 4.55 trillion, or over 73 per cent of the total agriculture budget expenditure.