Page 2 - Agriculture

Deficient monsoon rains may hit Rajasthan's kharif crop output in 2026

Rajasthan's kharif crop output is expected to decline due to deficient monsoon rains, with bajra and guar production projected to fall, while groundnut output may rise.

Only 15 of 55 Maharashtra sugar mills begin crushing amid farmers' protest

The ongoing agitation has delayed the 2026-27 crushing season in two of India's top sugar-producing states, with a government committee set up to address farmers' grievances

Women expand footprint across farming, research and agri-tech ecosystem

Women now account for a significant share of work across crop, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and post-harvest value chains, while also expanding their role in research and agri-tech

Govt forms Ramesh Chand-led panel to examine sugarcane farmers' demands

The panel will review sugarcane farmers' returns, the minimum selling price of sugar, recovery testing and deductions in mechanically harvested cane

Centre asks 5 states to go on 'mission mode' against stubble burning

Ministers urged states to step up monitoring, repair idle machines and offer farmers affordable alternatives as stubble burning incidents rose sharply in MP and Rajasthan

FPOs formed after central scheme driven by target pressure: Report

FPOs formed before 2021 had a median paid-up capital of ₹5 lakh, compared with ₹1 lakh for newer entities, while seven in ten surveyed FPOs lacked institutional credit

A problem of plenty in Haryana, Punjab as paddy glut sparks farmer distress

A bumper paddy harvest has led to procurement delays, mandi congestion and storage pressures in Haryana, while Punjab faces similar challenges as its procurement season gathers pace.

India is the largest producer of milk: Why are whey protein imports rising?

Whey protein, obtained during cheese production, is used in protein supplements, powders and bars, sports drinks, and other similar products

Govt may review fixed cost for three urea units to bridge gap with peers

The Union Government is also considering reviewing the fixed cost for two state-run and one cooperative urea manufacturing units along with others to bring the former on par with the latter

Urea offers in India tender fall nearly 10%, offering relief to farmers

Urea import prices fall nearly 10% from August, offering relief to Indian farmers and potentially easing the government's fertiliser subsidy burden

Monsoon deficit threatens crop output, adds to food inflation risks

The southwest monsoon was both patchy and deficient. That has hurt key farm regions and raised concerns over food prices

Micro lenders must map climate risk in underwriting, says report

Bharat Microfinance Report 2026 flags rising climate risks to rural credit as NABARD warns of potential rabi crop stress following a deficient monsoon and urges better underwriting

India's rural economy decoupling from monsoon shocks, says RBI report

Rural incomes are becoming less dependent on monsoons as allied activities, irrigation and diversification cushion the impact of rainfall shortfalls.

Govt should allow HTBt cotton cultivation; farmers need tech: Seed bodies

The association also demanded changes in glyphosate label claims. The product is used for weed management in the cotton crop

Diammonium phosphate stockpile healthy ahead of rabi sowing season

DAP stocks are 17% higher year-on-year ahead of the rabi sowing season, but higher import and raw material costs could push India's fertiliser subsidy bill sharply higher

VB-G RAM G: Work demand from households rises 34% to 15.64 mn in September

Household demand reaches 15.64 mn amid monsoon deficit in south, west states, up 26% from August

ICAR ties up with FCI to trial alternative pest control in grain storage

The trials will test nitrogen, carbon dioxide and a combination of carbon dioxide and phosphine to address pest resistance, worker health risks and fumigation costs

Weak monsoon dents rural demand as tractor sales fall in September

Tractor sales at Mahindra & Mahindra fell 21 per cent, and Escorts Kubota's declined 16.7 per cent in September, while passenger vehicle demand remained strong ahead of the festive season

35 years of liberalisation: How the reforms bus bypassed India's farms

Three decades after economic liberalisation, India's farm sector still faces deep structural constraints, from weak markets and investment to subsidy dependence and resistance to reform

2026 monsoon ends with nearly 13% rain deficit, worst since 2015: IMD

IMD forecast says October rainfall is also likely to stay below normal, while El Niño is set to peak in November