CROP
ISMA urges Centre to allow 2 million tonnes sugar exports as production seen rising 16% on bumper Maharashtra, Karnataka output
The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers' Association (ISMA) has urged the government to permit the export of two million tonnes of sugar in 2025-26. This request follows projections of a 16% year-on-year increase in gross sugar production, driven by favorable weather and increased sugarcane cultivation in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
For risk-takers with slightly long-term perspective: 7 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with an upside potential of up to 45%
While it is at the index level, there are indications that mid-caps are making a serious attempt at a comeback. There is, however, a mix of head and tailwinds. As an investor, what should you do in such a scenario? We say it is time to increase your risk-quotient. Why? Because you need to make a distinction between tariff-related politics and macro-economic reform. The direct impact of politics will pass, but the impact of macro reforms lasts much longer. So be bullish. But exercise caution.
Delhi air damaging your brain? Study shows it’s not just your lungs at risk, your brain may be suffering irreversible damage
Toxic air in Delhi is harming more than just lungs. New research shows long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, PM2.5, significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This microscopic pollution enters the bloodstream and brain, causing inflammation and accelerating brain degeneration.
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.
India's bioeconomy sector to reach USD 300 bn by 2030: NITI Aayog report
India's bioeconomy is set to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. Agricultural transformation is key to India becoming a developed nation by 2047. Frontier technologies like climate-resilient seeds and AI will boost productivity and sustainability. Solutions will be tailored for different farmer types. This approach aims for agricultural resilience, rural prosperity, and global competitiveness in agri-tech.
Kshema General Insurance raises $20 mn from Green Climate Fund
Kshema General Insurance secured $20 million from the Green Climate Fund for its 'Harnessing Insurance for Climate Resilience in Indian Agriculture' project. This initiative aims to expand microinsurance coverage for smallholder farmers facing climate-induced losses and enhance the company's underwriting capacity. The investment will also bolster Kshema's proprietary technology platform for customized insurance solutions and advisory services.
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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.
Relief package soon for farmers affected by unseasonal rains: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel
Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is stepping up to aid the farming community following devastating unseasonal rains that have left many crops in ruin across various districts. A substantial relief package is on the horizon, aimed at fostering recovery and resilience among impacted farmers.
Tourists return to Vietnam's Hoi An as cleanup efforts progress after floods
Hoi An, Vietnam's ancient town, welcomes tourists again. Residents are busy cleaning mud and debris after devastating floods. Businesses are preparing for a full reopening. The town's economy heavily relies on tourism. Nearby Thua Thien Hue has also reopened its citadel. Authorities warn of continued rain and potential new floods.
Tea production falls 5.9% in September 2025
India's tea production saw a dip in September 2025. Output fell by 5.9 percent to 159.92 million kilogrammes. Assam production remained steady. West Bengal experienced a notable decline. North India's output decreased. South India also recorded a marginal drop in tea production during the period.
Trump calls 'G2 meeting' with Chinese President Xi Jinping 'great one'
President Trump declared his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping a "great one," anticipating lasting peace and success. A landmark one-year trade pact was reached, reducing US tariffs on Chinese imports from 57% to 47%, partly due to China's commitment to strong action on fentanyl. China also agreed to immediately purchase "tremendous amounts" of US soybeans and farm products.
Bihar Polls: This election for future of Bihar, 'jungle raj' will return if RJD comes back to power, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah warned Bihar voters about the return of 'jungle raj' if the RJD wins. He cited past incidents involving Sadhu Yadav to illustrate the point. Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's development efforts. The NDA government promises support for farmers and women.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann hands appointment letters to 858 recruits, emphasises transparent job creation
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday handed out appointment letters to 858 newly recruited individuals across various government departments, including 73 Medical Officers and 50 Female Health Workers.
Escorts Kubota sales rise 3.8 pc to 18,798 units in October
Escorts Kubota Ltd reported a 3.8% rise in total tractor sales to 18,798 units in October 2025. Domestic sales increased by 3.3% to 18,423 units, while exports surged by 38.4% to 375 units. The company attributed the positive momentum to the preponed festive season, government support, and favorable agricultural conditions.
What's missing from your favourite chocolate bar? It may be chocolate.
Rising cocoa prices, driven by climate change and other factors, have led candy companies to reformulate their products. This involves replacing expensive cocoa butter with other fats, resulting in products no longer meeting the U.S. definition of milk chocolate and thus being relabeled as "chocolate candy."
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.
ITC Q2 Results: Net profit rises 4% YoY to Rs 5,187 crore, revenue declines 1%
ITC Q2 Results: Diversified conglomerate ITC Ltd reported 3% year-on-year (YoY) growth in its net profit at Rs 5126 crore in the second quarter. Revenues declined 1% YoY to Rs 21,256 crore.
US push for agri exports driven by politics, surplus and competitiveness: Sunil Subramaniam
America seeks to increase farm exports to India and China. This push stems from its efficient, mechanized farming, leading to competitive prices. China's reduced soybean imports from the US have created a surplus, prompting a search for new markets. India faces challenges with genetically modified crops, which could impact its European exports.
Cyclone Montha: Two dead in Andhra, crops suffer damage, CM Naidu says state minimised loss
In the wake of Cyclone Montha, Andhra Pradesh faced tragedy with three lives lost and crops devastated. Thankfully, proactive precautions mitigated the potential for greater loss. Meanwhile, neighboring Telangana battled its own heavy rainfall. The Chief Minister took action, surveying the fallout and coordinating relief efforts.
Punjab: 283 farm fires mark highest single-day spike
A dramatic rise in stubble burning was observed in Punjab on Wednesday, with 283 new incidents reported -- a staggering total of 1,216 fires since mid-September. The districts of Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Sangrur, and Ferozepur are at the center of this environmental crisis.
Power lines down, transport hit in Andhra even as Cyclone Montha weakens: Atchannaidu
Cyclone Montha's intensity has reduced, but power and transportation disruptions persist in several Andhra Pradesh districts. Over 300 electric poles were uprooted in Konaseema, with 80% restoration complete. Over 10,000 people were sheltered, and financial assistance has been announced for affected families. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed.
China’s soybean feud with Trump leaves US farmers with huge crops and few buyers
This trade war tactic by Beijing squeezes American agriculture, a key Trump constituency. Farmers, feeling like collateral damage, worry about long-term market shifts and urge leaders to negotiate a fair trade deal to restore demand and certainty.
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.
The beauty in the burn: How altM wants to transform crop residue into sustainable cosmetics
Each winter, North India’s skies turn grey with the smoke of burning crop residue—a persistent environmental crisis. For altM founders, Apoorv Garg and Yugal Raj Jain, it also revealed an opportunity.
Pakistan central bank holds interest rate at 11% for fourth time in a row
Pakistan's central bank has maintained its key interest rate at 11 percent. This marks the fourth consecutive hold. Recent floods had a less severe impact on crops and inflation than anticipated. Economic growth and foreign exchange reserves are showing improvement. The central bank expects inflation to ease within its target range next fiscal year.
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