Page 2 - Agriculture

Soybean production expected to fall by over 2 million tonnes: Industry body

The production of soybean, known as yellow gold' among farmers, is expected to decline in the country by about 20.5 lakh tonnes this year to 105.36 lakh tonnes, an industry association has said. The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) cited the decrease in soybean acreage and productivity as well as the impact of adverse weather on the crop as reasons for the estimated fall. SOPA on Thursday released its annual report at the International Soy Conclave 2025 in Indore in the presence of hundreds of representatives of the oilseeds industry. According to the report, soybean was sown on 114.56 lakh hectares during the current Kharif season, and its production was 105.36 million tonnes, with an average productivity of 920 kg per hectare. The industry body said that during the 2024 Kharif season, soybean was sown on 118.32 lakh hectares in the country, and the production was 125.82 lakh tonnes, with average productivity of 1,063 kg per hectare. This year, the soybean crop suff

AIC plans expanding parametric insurance products to livestock, people

Agriculture Insurance Company of India plans to scale up weather-linked parametric insurance to livestock and income protection for agricultural workers

Inside Bihar's silent agricultural revolution: What has changed, and how

In a state where nearly 75 per cent of the population depends on agriculture, Bihar has been steadily revolutionising its rural economy by improving yields, diversifying crops, and empowering women

Andhra extends deadline for Kharif 2025 E-Crop digital survey registrations

The Andhra Pradesh government has extended the deadline for land and crop registration under the E-Crop Digital Survey for Kharif 2025 till the end of October. Agriculture Director Dilli Rao said the extension was necessary as registrations had not progressed as expected due to several field-level challenges. Out of 290 lakh land parcels, only 88 lakh, accounting for 36 percent, have been registered so far. The deadline for land and crop registration under the E-Crop Digital Survey for Kharif 2025 has been extended till October-end, said Rao in a press release. The government is determined to achieve 100 percent coverage of land parcels under the E-Crop Digital Survey this season, he said. Rap noted that the last date for registration has now been fixed as October 25, while social audit, corrections, and modifications can be carried out till October 30. The final list will be displayed on October 31. According to him, factors such as rationalisation and transfers of Rythu Seva Ke

India, Brazil launch joint agritech programme to boost farm innovation

India and Brazil seek to strengthen their partnership in the agriculture sector with the launch of a programme that aims to promote technological innovation and exchanges of best practices. According to an official statement on Monday, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a second edition of the BrazilIndia Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech (Maitri 2.0) here. The event was graced by M L Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), and Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, along with senior officials and representatives from leading Brazilian research and innovation institutions. The ICAR DG noted that the programme is a two-way learning platform for co-creation between Indian and Brazilian innovators. "Bringing together innovators, startups, and institutions from both countries, the programme will help build resilient food systems and empower farmers. Maitri 2.0 aims to strengthen incubator linkages, exchange best practices, promote ...

BASAI seeks govt clarification on GST rates for biostimulants products

The Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI) on Monday said it has sought clarification from the government over GST applicable on biostimulants. Biostimulants, which aid plant growth, have been regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO) 1985 since 2021. As of August, the government has officially notified and fully approved 146 biostimulant products under the FCO. Addressing a media conference, BASAI President and Chairperson Sandeepa Kanitkar said biostimulants are the need of the hour amid climate change challenges. "The tool box of the farmer now has to be changed. If it is not changed, then we will end up having the same kind of productivity," Kanitkar said. Listing out challenges in the sector, BASAI CEO Vipin Saini said there is confusion over GST for biostimulants. "At some places, biostimulants are classified under 5 per cent GST category and in some places under 18 per cent. I believe it should be under 5 per cent category." There is misinterpreta

India can spark second Green Revolution with more agri R&D: CIMMYT chief

CIMMYT chief Bram Govaerts says India can drive a second Green Revolution by investing in agricultural research and global partnerships as the farm sector faces new challenges

Urea shortage: Supplies in Jun-July exceeded states' requirement, sales

Despite images of farmers standing in line for urea, data shows that supplies to most states were more than both their requests and sales; shortages grew out of sudden demand due to increase in sowing

Flood-hit India, Pakistan face rising basmati prices amid crop losses

India and Pakistan exclusively grow aromatic basmati rice, which sells for nearly twice the price of regular varieties and is primarily imported by Britain, the Middle East, and the United States

Centre approves 60,000 tonnes of urea for Chhattisgarh amid shortage

The state government has said it is addressing supply chain issues and promoting alternative fertilisers, due to the shortfall of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea

Farm sector GVA rises 3.7% in Q1 FY26, up from 1.5% a year earlier

Agriculture GVA grew 3.7% in Q1 FY26 from 1.5% a year ago, with surplus rains and higher kharif sowing expected to drive stronger growth in coming quarters

A fresh approach needed to manage demand and supply of fertilisers

India is the second-largest consumer of fertilisers in the world, but lacks the natural resources to manufacture them

No need for wheat open market sale as supplies comfortable: Food Secretary

Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra dismissed the need for wheat sales under the open market scheme, citing adequate supplies and stable prices. Wheat procurement season has ended, with stocks sufficient

House panel expresses concern over 30% staff gaps in Krishi Vigyan Kendras

KVKs are the frontline of agriculture extension and are run by a plethora of organisations, starting from state agriculture universities (SAUs) to even social organisations and state governments

Targeted intervention: Aiming at low-productivity districts to boost growth

Backed by performance-based monitoring through 117 indicators, the scheme signals a clear intent for systemic reform

Domestic DAP makers take a lesser hit than importers amid price surge

Price of raw materials used by local players has not spiked

Cabinet clears ₹24,000 cr for PM Dhan Dhaanya Yojana to boost farm output

The Rs 24,000 crore scheme will converge 36 programmes across 11 ministries and run for six years from FY26 with the goal to raise yields and farm credit access

Will talk to environment ministry on HtBt cotton issue, says Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the agriculture ministry will discuss the illegal cultivation of HtBt cotton with the environment ministry, addressing concerns raised by farmers

Google focuses on India's farms and languages in new AI initiatives

Google unveils open-source AI initiatives targeting India's agriculture and linguistic diversity, aiming to enhance farming productivity and cultural representation in AI models, boosting partnerships

Resilient supply chains needed for agri sector, says Piyush Goyal

While the minister did not refer to any country, the statement came at a time when China has reduced exports of a critical fertiliser - di-ammonium phosphate - creating a global supply squeeze