Agriculture
UP govt to give 1 pc recovery rebate on non-hybrid paddy; 15 lakh farmers to benefit
The government of Uttar Pradesh has introduced a 1% recovery rebate for non-hybrid paddy, reflecting the earlier support provided for hybrid varieties. This initiative is set to benefit approximately 1.5 million farmers, albeit adding an estimated burden of Rs 166 crore to the state’s finances.
Govt probes complaints of Re 1 crop damage claims; warns insurers against playing jokes with farmers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a probe into crop insurance claims as low as Re 1. He expressed strong disapproval of insurers providing such minimal amounts to farmers. The minister emphasized that such practices are unacceptable and likened them to jokes. He directed officials to ensure accurate crop damage assessments and expedite claim settlements.
NITI Aayog calls for a stable, future-ready policy environment for adoption of frontier technologies in agriculture
Recognising agriculture’s critical role in ensuring economic resilience, rural prosperity, and food security, frontier technologies such as seed technologies, verticalised farming, digital twins, precision agriculture and smart sensors, agentic AI, predictive analytics, and advanced mechanisation offer unprecedented possibilities to significantly enhance productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes,” it said in its report Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation, released on Monday.
Rice prices down by up to 36% post-festive season
Rice prices have dropped considerably after the festive season. This is due to a larger kharif crop harvest this year. Common non-basmati rice prices are down, and specialty varieties like Gobindobhog have seen a sharp fall. Basmati prices have also decreased. Exporters are exploring new markets like Japan and Indonesia. Ample supply is expected to keep prices stable for months.
Policy push tariff hike on peas may boost pulses sowing in Rabi
New import duties on yellow peas are expected to boost winter pulse sowing. This move aims to support Indian farmers and increase domestic production. Previously, low-cost imports had depressed local prices. The government is working towards self-sufficiency in pulses, a key step after facing shortages and high inflation.
Amid farmer stir, Maharashtra govt forms committee on farm loan waiver norms
Maharashtra government forms a committee under MITRA CEO Praveen Pardeshi to finalize farm loan waiver criteria and long-term debt solutions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured a waiver by June 30 next year, following the committee's report due in April 2026. This move comes amidst farmer protests and widespread crop damage due to natural calamities.
Agriculture must double to $1 trillion for India's $10-trillion dream: Experts
India's goal of reaching a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047 hinges on a robust agricultural sector that needs to expand its economic contribution to USD 1 trillion. To facilitate this, experts call for innovative policy reforms and a surge in private investment. A science-based approach to policy-making, supported by streamlined regulations, is essential.
Govt to introduce stringent seed law in Budget session, says Agriculture Minister
The government plans to introduce a new Seed Law during the upcoming budget session of Parliament in early 2026. This legislation will feature stringent provisions to regulate seed quality, ensuring farmers receive high-quality inputs and curbing the sale of substandard or counterfeit seeds. The move aims to improve farmer income and support the agricultural sector.
Centre imposes 10% import duty, 20% additional cess on yellow pea imports ahead of kharif season
The Centre has imposed a 30% total levy on yellow pea imports, comprising a 10% import duty and a 20% AIDC, effective November 1. This policy shift aims to support domestic pulse growers ahead of the kharif season, responding to farmer group concerns about cheap imports depressing local market prices.
At Rs 1.92 lakh crore, fertiliser subsidy bill for FY26 may be 15% more than BE
India's fertilizer subsidy bill is projected to reach ₹1.92 lakh crore this financial year. This increase stems from higher global prices for urea and diammonium phosphate, coupled with a dip in domestic production. The government aims to ensure farmers receive adequate fertilizer, shielding them from international price hikes.
Must Watch
India's soybean meal exports fall by 11% due to high prices
Indian soybean meal exports have experienced a notable decline, with international demand waning by 11 percent during the oil marketing year 2024-25. The primary contributor to this downturn is the elevated pricing compared to global rivals. Germany, France, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya led the charge in imports, showcasing shifting dynamics that could affect India's standing in the international market.
UP govt hikes sugarcane price for 2025-26 to ₹30/quintal ; ₹2.90 lakh cr paid to farmers in 8 yrs
Uttar Pradesh's Yogi Adityanath government has announced a significant hike of ₹30 per quintal in sugarcane prices for the 2025-26 season, setting rates at ₹400 for early and ₹390 for general varieties. This move is expected to inject an additional ₹3,000 crore directly to farmers, underscoring the government's commitment to their welfare and the revival of the sugar industry.
Government committed to farmers' welfare: PM Modi on non-urea fertiliser subsidy hike for Rabi season
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Cabinet's approval of nutrient-based subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilizers for the 2025-26 Rabi season. This decision, aimed at farmer welfare, includes increased subsidies for phosphorus and sulphur, ensuring affordable fertilizers and potentially boosting farmer incomes. Subsidy rates for nitrogen and potash remain unchanged.
Cabinet approves Rs 37,952 cr subsidy for P&K fertiliser for 2025 rabi season
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a substantial Rs 37,952 crore subsidy for phosphorous and potassic fertilisers. This financial support is designated for the upcoming 2025-26 rabi season. The approved rates aim to bolster agricultural productivity during the crucial winter cropping period.
Indian farmers’ bumper crop dreams end in heartbreak
After an initially hopeful monsoon, Indian farmers find themselves grappling with the fallout of unprecedented rains that have wreaked havoc on their crops. Once ambitious projections for cotton and soybean have fallen flat, casting a shadow over the agricultural sector and pushing farmers deeper into financial strain.
Centre approves procurement plan for pulses, oilseeds in 4 states at Rs 15,000 cr
The Central government has approved a significant procurement plan for pulses and oilseeds. Farmers in Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh will benefit from this initiative. Over Rs 15,000 crore will be spent to purchase crops for the Kharif 2025-26 season. This move aims to ensure better returns for farmers and boost agricultural production.