How global geopolitical conflicts are reshaping the Basmati rice trade
Basmati rice exports, a pillar of Indian agri-export, are increasingly subject to uncertainty with growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran, Israel, and Palestine. Iran, India’s largest Basmati importer, also serves as the prime driver for global demand and price dynamics. When Iran is stable and actively imports Basmati, prices increase; […]
Illegal herbicide tolerant cottonseeds flood the market again, crippling seed industry
Illegal herbicide-tolerant (HT) cottonseeds have hit the seed companies hard. Even before the regular seed companies placed their seeds through the retail channels, illegal players have already sold huge quantities of HT seed into the market, leaving the seed companies in disarray. (HT seeds, a third-generation Bt technology, are not permitted yet by regulators in […]
Ethical integration of AI into early warning systems still a challenge, says UN-ESCAP
The ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into early warning systems remains a challenge despite many advancements in related realms. AI needs to be deployed here responsibly, says Sanjay Srivastava, Chief, Disaster Risk Reduction, UN-ESCAP. AI tools must uphold rigorous standards for data governance, bias mitigation, cybersecurity, and ethical integrity, Srivastava told business line. “Transparency in […]
Low prices force Gujarat govt to declare ₹124 crore aid for onion farmers
Gujarat government announced a ₹124 crore financial aid to onion-growing farmers in the state who sold their rabi crop between April-May 2025 at low prices to Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). The aid is expected to benefit 90,000 farmers who grow both red and white varieties of onion. In order to counter the low onion […]
Farmers body pleads to Modi to not allow GM crops, US dairy products into India
The Alliance for a Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) Kisan Swaraj, an alliance of farmers’ associations and agricultural scientists promoting sustainable agriculture, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to allow the import of genetically modified (GM) crops and US milk and dairy products into India. “We write to you with grave concern over […]
Indian govt to hike prices of broken rice for manufacturing ethanol from Oct 1
The Indian government has decided to raise the reserve price for wheat and rice, including brokens, to be sold under the open market sale scheme (OMSS). This includes broken rice to produce ethanol by distilleries. The Committee of Secretaries (CoS), at its meeting on June 26, also fixed a reserve price for coarse grains to […]
Soil in India is losing its life: Organic carbon levels drop alarmingly
India’s agricultural foundation is under growing pressure, with the very soil that feeds the nation losing its strength and vitality. According to the FAO’s 2024 report, nearly 32 per cent of India’s total land is now degraded, and 25 per cent faces desertification. At the same time, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) which is essential for […]
Farmers seek single window system for delivery of all agri services
Based on farmers’ responses, the Centre has identified some solutions such as developing a single window system for delivery of all agri services, inputs, schemes, and grievance redressal for Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. As many as 18.5 lakh farmers from these states and UT had given their responses to the Centre […]
Indian Institute of Spices Research develops bio-pesticide for cardamom thrips
Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, has developed an eco-friendly bio-pesticide to combat cardamom thrips, a destructive pest responsible for significant crop losses. Cardamom, cultivated on over 70,000 hectares in India, is highly susceptible to thrips attacks, which damage 30-90 per cent of the capsules and can reduce yields by up to 45-48 per […]
India plans to roll out new scheme of Krishi Clinics at village level for farmers
The Union government is considering setting up Krishi Clinics at the village level, following farmers’ suggestions for a mechanism to tackle crop pests and diseases, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said after a review meeting on the recently concluded Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA). Briefing the media, Chouhan said several suggestions have been received from […]