Page 4 - 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

Govt looks to increase pulses production by 40% till 2030-31 crop year

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the government has set a target to increase pulses production by 40 per cent to 350 lakh tonne by 2030-31 crop year. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a six-year central scheme aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore. The 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' will be for the period from 2025-26 to 2030-31. Addressing a press conference here, the minister said the pulses production would be increased over the next six years by increasing the area under coverages as well as raising the crop productivity. He exuded the confidence that the target would be met. He also assured that the government would take appropriate decisions related to import duties of pulses for safeguarding the interests of farmers. Chouhan said the government has identified 100 blocks where the productivity is very low compared with the national average. "We are not self-sufficient

Looking to raise output of pulses 40% by 2030-31 crop year: Chouhan

The six-year Rs 11,440-crore pulses mission aims to raise output to 35 million tonnes and boost productivity through assured MSP procurement and acreage expansion

Complex fertiliser volumes likely to grow 2-4% amid geopolitical risks

Volume growth of complex fertilisers is expected to slow down to 2-4 per cent in this financial year from 9 per cent last year amid import constraints, geopolitical headwinds and a high-base effect, a report said on Thursday. Crisil Ratings in the report stated that supply disruptions have also led to a rise in raw material prices, which in turn may increase the subsidy requirement. However, credit profiles are seen stable because of steady profitability, expected additional subsidy allocation and its timely disbursement, said the report. "Volume growth of complex fertilisers is seen slowing to 2-4 per cent this fiscal after a strong 9 per cent print last fiscal because of availability issues with imported fertilisers, ongoing geopolitical disruptions and high-base effect," the report said. Complex fertilisers account for a third of the overall domestic fertiliser consumption of which nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) grades comprise 55 per cent and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) ..

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

Cabinet raises wheat MSP by ₹160 to ₹2,585 per quintal for 2026-27

The government on Wednesday announced a 6.59 per cent increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat to Rs 2,585 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing year, up from Rs 2,425 per quintal last year. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Briefing the media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Cabinet had approved the MSP for six rabi crops for 2026-27 based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). In absolute terms, the highest increase has been announced for safflower at Rs 600 per quintal, followed by lentil (masur) at Rs 300 per quintal. For rapeseed and mustard, the increase is Rs 250 per quintal; gram Rs 225 per quintal; barley Rs 170 per quintal; and wheat Rs 160 per quintal. The MSP for barley has been increased to Rs 2,150 per quintal from Rs 1,980 per quintal. Among key rabi pulses, the support price for gram has been fixed at Rs 5,875 per quintal, up from

Centre transfers over ₹540 cr to 2.7 mn farmers in three flood-hit states

The government on Friday released over Rs 540 crore under the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme to more than 27 lakh farmers of three food-affected states - Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal instalments into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. According to an official statement, "the release of the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was declared by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, through video conferencing." This instalment has been specially prioritised for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand which have been severely affected by recent floods and landslides. "A total of more than Rs 540 crore has be

India's sugar sector sees sweet days ahead despite some bitter notes

The sugar season for 2025-26 promises to be bountiful, with a projected surplus of almost 12 million tonnes to be produced this season, raising hopes for both exports and ethanol

La Nina, October rain: What it means for kharif harvest, early rabi sowing

While the monsoons have helped the kharif crop, any extra rains through September and October could adversely impact the standing crop, while a harsh winter due to La Nina could affect perishables

WFI 2025: Taste the future with innovation, investment and opportunity

The remarkable success of PMFME micro-entrepreneurs demonstrates WFI's impact. Free stalls place them at the heart of the event, enabling connections with domestic as well as global giants

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

MFIs see funding fall over 50% in FY25 to Rs 58K crore, seek support line

The industry's fund crunch comes over lenders' fears of asset quality, repayment, and over-leverage, which ties in to the Reserve Bank of India's push for responsible lending

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

Monsoon shift: Agriculture must adjust to changing weather patterns

Rain at a wrong time, particularly during harvest, can damage standing crops, reduce quality, and spoil perishables such as fruit and vegetables

Rajasthan govt surpasses initial target for cooperative millet stores

Along with Confed and District Cooperative Consumer Stores, millet outlets are also being opened at the level of purchasing-selling cooperative societies and village service cooperative societies

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