Why timely, actionable advisory now matters more than ever for agriculture in India
India’s agricultural economy is often described as data-rich and reform-heavy. While India has invested in agricultural support systems for several decades through expanded irrigation networks, price support mechanisms and periodic risk-mitigation measures, the impact was often uneven and episodic. Over the past decade or so, however, the policy approach has shifted decisively towards building system-wide […]
India’s sugar output jumps 22% to 15.9 million tonnes by mid January: ISMA
New Delhi, India’s sugar production rose 22 per cent to 15.9 million tonnes by January 15 in the 2025-26 season from a year earlier, supported by higher cane supplies and better yields, industry body ISMA said on Tuesday. Output stood at 13 million tonnes in the same period last year, the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy […]
ICRISAT, ICAR launch path-breaking pearl millet hybrid
Farmers now have access to a novel pearl millet hybrid that offers high yields, drought tolerance, and superior fodder quality. Touted as the world’s first three-way hybrid, it was developed using three parental lines, enabling the integration of multiple traits. Unlike conventional pearl millet hybrids that involve two parents, a three-way hybrid combines three parental lines, […]
Shift from cereals to horticulture gains pace across Indian farms
acreage away from cereals towards high-value fruits and vegetables is one of the more notable ones. Data shows that from 2014-15 to 2024-25, the area under horticulture crops—largely fruits and vegetables—has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.66 per cent, while that under cereals has risen by 1.08 per cent. However, while the […]
Commerce Ministry formulates specific guidelines for missions abroad to boost exports
The government has formulated specific guidelines for Indian missions abroad as it steps up efforts to boost exports through market diversification amid global economic uncertainties, an official said. The official said trade promotion guidelines for Indian commercial missions abroad include management of non-tariff barriers, market engagement activities, planning and resource management, trade intelligence and market […]
India needs fertiliser pricing reforms to restore soil health: Paper
India needs to urgently restore the health of its soils to improve crop health and human nutrition through a combination of approaches, including policies for rationalising fertiliser pricing, a new paper said. It also called for the development of precise, customised and site-specific fertilisation solutions, complemented by appropriate agronomic practices. The paper, which forms part […]
Ethanol surplus looms over India’s Sugar mills as E20 milestone meets capacity glut
India has achieved a landmark by hitting 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol in November 2025, months ahead of the national target. Yet the ethanol segment of the sugar industry faces a brewing crisis: massive surplus production capacity, reduced sugar-based allocations, storage bottlenecks, and stagnant procurement prices amid surging sugarcane output. The country’s ethanol […]
Storage in India’s key reservoirs drops below 75% of capacity
The storage in India’s 166 major reservoirs dropped below 75 per cent this week, with the level in four of the regions dropping below 80 per cent of the capacity. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the level in the major reservoirs was 134.915 billion cubic metres (BCM) or 73.50 of the 183.565 BCM […]
Apeda resumes rice export registration to the Philippines, Senegal after import curbs lifted
After the Philippines and Senegal lifted curbs on rice imports, India’s agri export promotion body Apeda has resumed registering export contracts for non-Basmati rice to both countries with immediate effect. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) said in a notice on Wednesday that it has resumed the issuance of Registration-Cum-Allocation Certificates […]
Edible oil imports fall 11.6% as palm oil inflows decrease
Edible oil imports declined by 11.6 per cent during the first two months of the oil year 2025-26 (November-October) due to a decrease in palm oil shipments. Data compiled by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) showed that India imported 25.13 lakh tonnes (lt) of edible oil during November-December of the oil year 2025-26, […]