Agriculture

Centre to soon frame rules to integrate MGNREGA workers into VB-G RAM G

States will get a six-month transition window to notify and align with the new scheme once the Act is formally notified by the Centre

Rajasthan assures quick disposal of crop insurance claims after protests

According to reports, an amount of ₹950 crore remains unpaid by insurance companies in the state under the crop insurance scheme

Ahead of FY27 Budget, agri leaders seek tech push to drive growth

Industry voices say Budget 2026-27 presents a critical opportunity to reposition the sector as an engine of economic growth rather than just a welfare concern

Rabi acreage tops normal levels for most crops till January 9, shows data

Cold wave grips North India; temperature dips to 2.7 degrees in Gurugram

Chhattisgarh extends mandi fee exemption on rice exports for another year

The participation of global stakeholders would help Chhattisgarh gain wider recognition in the international rice trade, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai added

India's 2025 rice exports jump 19.4% to near record as curbs lifted

Exports rose to 21.55 million metric tons from 18.05 million in 2024, near the 2022 record of 22.3 million tons, the official said

India to host global conference on women in agriculture in March

Over 500 researchers, policymakers, women farmers, industry leaders and others will take part in the event, aimed at in-depth discussions and shaping a clear policy-backed roadmap for action

73% of India's fertiliser demand met via domestic production in 2025: Govt

This has happened as domestic production of fertilisers in 2025 reached an all-time record

Farmers' income has more than doubled during Modi years, shows new paper

Study by a NITI Aayog member reveals income jumped 126% between 2014-15 and 2023-24, surpassing the target set by the Modi government

New sugarcane variety 'Bismil' gets nod for cultivation in 4 more states

It is resistant to red rot disease, a major threat to sugarcane crops, and has an average yield potential of 86.35 tonnes per hectare with a sugar recovery (pol per cent in cane) of 13.97 per cent

Govt aims to present Seeds Bill in Parliament in February: Agri secy

Government plans to introduce the Seeds Bill 2025 in Parliament's Budget session, mandating registration and quality norms while protecting farmers' rights

Fall in nominal GVA also drags down real agriculture growth in FY26

The nominal growth rate of GVA of agriculture and allied activities is projected at a record low of just 0.8 per cent in FY26, down from 10.4 per cent in the last financial year

Govt issues new draft of Pesticides Management Bill to curb spurious sales

Industry says absence of regulatory data protection in new draft could hamper research; welcomes no pricing control

Tea companies seek talks with Assam govt over land rights to workers

CCPA member Tea Association of India (TAI) president Sandeep Singhania has also stressed on the discussion with the companies over the issues concerning the new law

Budget 2026: Rice exporters seek tax relief, credit and freight support

The Indian Rice Exporter's Federation has urged the Centre to provide a 4% interest subvention on export credit, 3% road and rail freight support, and ensure timely disbursal of duty remission schemes

Kerala govt to hand over paddy procurement to cooperative societies

The new model will be implemented through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies and will come into force from the upcoming season

Bayer, ADM extend Maharashtra soyabean farmer programme to 100K growers

The expanded programme will cover seven districts in Maharashtra, adding Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, and Solapur to the original areas of Latur, Dharashiv, and Beed

India becomes world's largest rice producer, surpasses China: Agri minister

The minister unveiled 184 improved varieties of 25 field crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at an event held in the national capital, according to an official statement

Centre to tackle fertiliser misuse, promote balanced use: JP Nadda

Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra said the government, PSUs and the private sector have all placed farmers at the centre of deliberations

Centre pushes states to speed up farm scheme spending, flags fund delays

Chouhan said states must ensure funds earmarked for various schemes are spent before March to avoid administrative bottlenecks that delay the effective implementation of programmes