Fertilizer import drops 18% in April-December FY25

Urea sales till December 31 in current fiscal recorded an increase of 6.4 per cent to 300.26 lakh tonnes (lt) from 282.08 lt year-ago, whereas sales of all fertilizers put together increased 7.3 per cent to 525.92 lt, mainly due to lower sales of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizers, according to latest official data. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/fertilizer-import-drops-18-in-april-december-fy25/article69124120.ece?cx_testId=23&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EXEPURFQAOW6&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendationsK2WYEEDC7UY111#cxrecs_s

Agri research needs big boost, has to be more focused, say experts

A few weeks back, agricultural scientist R S Paroda made an impassioned plea before a top official of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to increase the research budget for farming and allied activities in the country to meet the numerous challenges facing the sector. Paroda, founding chairman of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences, […]

Centre slashes FCI rice price by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 for states

The Centre on Friday reduced the reserve price of FCI rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 for states and ethanol producers to boost sales and support food security measures. According to a Food Ministry order, state governments and state-run corporations can purchase up to 12 […]

Centre procures record 1.37 mn tonnes of soybean under MSP scheme

The Centre has procured a record 1.373 million tonnes of soybean under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme so far in the current marketing season, a senior agriculture ministry official said on Thursday. The procurement, undertaken to protect farmers from falling prices, has surpassed all previous records, with the last highest procurement being 19,483 tonne […]

Price fluctuations, export standards key hurdles for turmeric mkt: Report

India, despite holding a commanding share of over 62 per cent of global turmeric trade, faces challenges that impede further growth. They range from rejection of spices in key export markets, price fluctuations leading to farmers withdrawing from cultivation and not meeting the desired curcumin levels required by companies, a report by Icrier, in association […]

Wheat sowing up 1.38% to 32 million hectare in 2024-25 rabi season

Wheat sowing increased by 1.38 per cent year-on-year to 320 lakh hectare so far in the ongoing 2024-25 rabi season, according to the agriculture ministry data released on Tuesday. Wheat, the main rabi (winter) crop, was sown in 315.63 lakh hectare in the year-ago period. Sowing of most rabi crops is nearing end. Harvesting will […]

How farmers become artisans: Leveraging technology and GI Tag revolution to overcome export barriers

The transformation highlights the immense potential of combining traditional wisdom with modern technology The story of rural farmers transforming into artisans and exporters is one of resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Traditionally limited by geographical, financial, and knowledge constraints, these farmers often lacked the means to reach global markets. However, the advent of technology, coupled with […]

We aim to boost organic product exports to Rs 20,000 cr in 3 years: Goyal 

India has the potential to increase exports of organic products up to Rs 20,000 crore in the next three years, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. He said this while releasing the eighth edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) with new regulations aimed at enhancing clarity and transparency in organic […]

Govt sets wheat procurement target at 30 MT for 2025-26 rabi season 

The government has set a conservative wheat procurement target of 30 million tonnes for the 2025-26 rabi marketing season, sources said. The lower procurement target comes despite the Agriculture Ministry aiming for a record wheat production of 115 million tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June). For the 2025-26 rabi marketing season starting April, the […]