Agriculture Economy

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

Fertiliser inventories hit two-year high at start of 2026-27 rabi season

Fertiliser stocks are estimated at 17.01 million tonnes, up 38 per cent from last year, with urea inventories rising 54.26 per cent ahead of the rabi season

Govt sets foodgrain target at 374 million tonnes amid El Niño concerns

Chouhan says five states impacted due to drought conditions in 2026 kharif season

Rajasthan agri department looks at AI to boost farm productivity

Rajasthan Agriculture Department is exploring AI and data analytics to improve crop monitoring, weather advisories, pest detection, yield forecasting and farmer services

Centre, states must work together for farmers welfare: Shivraj Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the Centre would extend full cooperation to the states to improve farmers' welfare and increase their income

New digital fertiliser system draws Opposition's flak in Rajasthan

As the ruling party lauds its online fertiliser sales, the Opposition condemns the move, flagging issues farmers in the state face while accessing the online facility

Centre raps states for tardy progress in digital agriculture mission

The Centre has questioned states over delays in implementing the Digital Agriculture Mission, with 61 per cent of India's sown area linked to Farmer IDs

Give women farmers a fair field, reap ₹2 trillion more, says report

Study finds that unequal access to land, finance and technology is leaving India's farm potential untapped

Crop protection firms seek 5-year data protection in Pesticides Bil

Crop protection firms seek five-year data protection to spur new pesticide molecules, boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen exports