Agriculture Economy

India's guava output jumps 40% in 7 years on more acreage, yields stay flat

The production increase is attributable to expanding acreage, even as yields have been stagnant at around 14.6-14.8 tonnes per hectare, prompting calls for better varieties and orchard management

Agri minister asks officials to draw up strategy on drought, cyclones

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asks officials to prepare a strategy to tackle drought, cyclones and erratic rainfall, and ensure timely relief for affected farmers.

AI, IoT can boost shrimp farm returns by over 80%, finds Icrier paper

An Icrier study finds that AIoT adoption can raise net returns from ₹5.63 lakh to ₹10.40 lakh per acre in shrimp farming, while cutting feed use, labour costs and energy consumption

Rajasthan records rainfall deficit of over 20%, worst in 16 years

Over 20% rainfall shortfall triggers drought-like conditions, threatens Kharif output and raises concerns over rural demand

Drought-hit crops, rising costs may drive up India's farm commodity imports

Drought-hit soybean and groundnut crops, concerns over mustard output and high feed costs could raise imports of edible oils, soybean meal, maize, sugar and other farm commodities

Centre poised to extend duty-free cotton imports as output may fall 12-18%

India's cotton production is projected to decline to around 29 million bales in 2026-27, prompting the Centre to consider extending duty-free imports until December to ease supply pressures.

Govt achieves 110 mn farmer ID target 5 months ahead of deadline: Chouhan

The target was reached on October 23, while integration with fertiliser sales systems has led to sharp reductions in sales in select border and pilot districts

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.

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

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

Agrichem majors face earnings cuts as weak demand, higher costs weigh

Brokerages expect weak Q2FY27 earnings for agrichem firms as deficient rainfall, subdued demand and elevated input costs squeeze margins, prompting earnings downgrades

GST Council suggests tax exemption on storage of seeds meant for sowing

The GST Council has proposed exempting storage and warehousing services for seeds meant for sowing, along with coffee-curing services provided by coffee curers to cultivators

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

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.

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

Cabinet raises wheat MSP by ₹25 to ₹2,610 per quintal for 2027-28

The MSPs of pulses and oilseeds were increased by higher amounts, ranging between ₹83 and ₹675 per quintal (between 1.41 per cent and 10.32 per cent)

Centre clears ₹5,547.99 crore pulses, oilseeds procurement under PSS

The Centre has approved procurement of pulses and oilseeds worth ₹5,547.99 crore at MSP in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana for Kharif 2026-27

Cabinet hikes MSP for all rabi crops; safflower gets ₹675 increase

The Cabinet has approved higher MSPs for all mandated rabi crops for 2027-28, with safflower getting the highest increase of ₹675 per quintal