Centre relaxes monthly sugar sales quota for March on subdued demand
The Centre has relaxed monthly dispatch norms for sugar mills for March 2026, citing weak demand during the current month. In an official communication, the government said that lower sugar sales will not be treated as a violation of quota conditions for March. Under existing guidelines issued on March 28, 2025, sugar mills are required […]
Ethanol producers urge government to increase blending
The All India Distillers Association (AIDA), the apex body for ethanol, bio-energy and potable alcohol, has urged the government to enhance ethanol blending from 20 per cent to 30 per cent and promote its wider adoption across transport, including flex-fuel vehicles as well as domestic and industrial cooking applications. In a representation to the Union […]
Fertiliser imports at risk ahead of sowing season, 26% sourced from current hotspot West Asia: CareEdge Report
India’s fertiliser supply is facing growing risks ahead of the sowing season as the ongoing conflict in West Asia disrupts key trade routes, with around 26 per cent of fertiliser imports coming from the region, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. The report highlighted that India sources over a quarter of its fertiliser imports […]
Subsidies or science? India’s farm future hinges on scaling up R&D
India’s farm policy debate is often reduced to a choice between subsidies and reforms. Subsidies are, and likely will remain, necessary, especially as climate change makes farming more volatile. But, say experts, they are not a substitute for robust, science-driven agricultural research. Over the past decade India’s gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) has […]
India’s corn exports may gain due to Iran war, other factors
India will likely export 6.5 lakh tonnes of corn (maize) during the current marketing year to September due to a slew of factors and the Iran war. According to the US Department of Agriculture, projections of corn exports have been raised from 3.5 lakh tonnes in view of competitive pricing, strong regional demand, higher production […]
India’s oilmeal exports to China surge over 20-fold amid competitive pricing
India’s oilmeal exports to China surged over 20-fold to 7.79 lakh tonnes in the first eleven months of this fiscal, following higher demand due to lower prices compared to competitors, according to industry body SEA data. Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), however, said the exports could face a challenge going forward. India exported 7,79,016 […]
India plans ₹600 crore war chest to boost LNG supply for fertiliser units
The government is building a war chest exceeding ₹600 crore to immediately augment gas supplies to fertiliser plants from spot markets, sources indicated. This comes when many gas-based urea units have advanced the dates of closure for annual maintenance in view of the shortage in liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sources said the need for more […]
ICAR to build national gender platform linking 900 institutions to boost women’s role in farming
Agricultural research body ICAR on Sunday said it is developing a national gender platform connecting more than 900 institutions to strengthen women’s role in farming, as an international conference adopted a declaration for a global alliance to boost their leadership across agri-food systems. Addressing the closing session of the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food […]
Clean energy for agriculture: Why solar is the smartest investment for farmers today
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s rural economy, employing nearly half of the country’s workforce and supporting food security for over 1.4 billion people. Yet farmers continue to face rising input costs, erratic electricity supply, and increasing climate risks. In this context, solar energy, particularly solar-powered irrigation, has emerged as one of the most practical […]
Technology adoption and improved seed varieties boost India’s wheat & rice production
India’s wheat and rice production has increased over the last five years due to the adoption of various production and protection technologies to address the challenges of various biotic and abiotic stresses. These include development of high-yielding climate-resilient varieties, cost-effective and efficient pre and post-harvest technologies, according to Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for […]