Topic
Agricultural
Commodities Indian Government Limits Sugar Dealers to 400 Tonnes Stock Until November to Curb Hoarding
The Indian government has ordered sugar dealers to hold a maximum stock of 400 tonnes until November 30, requiring liquidation of excess by August 1. The move aims to curb hoarding and speculative trading amid a recent 15% rise in ex-factory prices. The government also banned sugar exports until September 30, while industry bodies project adequate supply.
Commodities India’s cotton sowing crosses 100 lakh hectares as monsoon picks up, area expands in key states
India’s cotton sowing area has crossed 100 lakh hectares as the monsoon gathers pace across key producing states. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have recorded increases compared to last year. Stakeholders report good crop condition and expect the area to surpass last year’s levels, with sowing window extended to August 25.
Commodities Lower maize acreage and sugar stock uncertainty shift focus to rice for ethanol in India
With maize acreage in top five producing states falling over 13% and sugar stocks expected very low at season end, India's ethanol blending programme is likely to depend more on rice. The government's target of 20% ethanol blending requires about 1,100 crore litres, and reduced broken-rice share in official stocks could boost feedstock availability. Fresh kharif arrivals are expected to strengthen supply.
Commodities Turmeric Prices Surge to Record Highs on Tight Supplies and Deficient Monsoon Rain Fears
Turmeric prices have surged to record highs, with the August NCDEX contract trading at ₹20,518 per quintal, as tight carry-forward stocks and fears of deficient monsoon rain due to El Nino drive bullish sentiment. Industry stakeholders report a hand-to-mouth supply situation and declining inventories, while exports show mixed signals.
Commodities Women Account for 60% of Indian Agricultural Workforce in 2025, Government Data Shows
Women constitute 59.8% of the agricultural workforce in India as of 2025, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey. The government reports that 21.8 million women farmers received PM-KISAN benefits under the 23rd instalment. Additionally, tobacco exports have increased 53% in quantity and 166.5% in value over the past decade, with Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco farmers seeing an 86.8% rise in average price.
Commodities Indian Tobacco Board Slashes Crop Size by 43% as Glut Forces Farmers to Seek Alternative Crops
The Indian Tobacco Board has cut the FCV tobacco crop size for 2026-27 by 43% to 81 million kg for Andhra Pradesh and 44% to 51 million kg for Karnataka, responding to a market glut exacerbated by competition from Brazil and African countries. Farmers, while understanding the rationale, are scrambling for alternative crops and demanding action against unlicensed growers who distort prices.
Commodities India's 2026-27 pulses crop hinges on August-September rains, says IPGA chairman
India's 2026-27 kharif pulses crop size will depend on August-September rainfall rather than area sown, according to IPGA chairman Bimal Kothari. Sowing has picked up but overall acreage trails last year, with tur (pigeon pea) area down. Below-normal rains forecast could affect crop maturity, but current supply is abundant and prices are below MSP. Kothari warns that deficient rains could impact the rabi crop in 2027.
Commodities India's Kharif Sowing Deficit Narrows to Under 5% as 71% of Normal Area Covered
Indian farmers have narrowed the Kharif sowing deficit to less than 5% by July 24, covering 787.38 lakh hectares (71% of normal). While paddy, pulses, and oilseeds still trail last year's pace, the deficit has reduced sharply from 21% in early July. Agriculture scientists remain cautiously optimistic, though rainfall patterns in the next two months will be critical.
Commodities Shriram Farm Solutions signs MoU with IIVR to access breeder seeds for five vegetable crops
Shriram Farm Solutions, a division of DCM Shriram Ltd, has signed an MoU with ICAR-IIVR for transfer of breeder seeds for five vegetable crops: radish, spinach, pea, cowpea, and okra. The partnership aims to strengthen the company's vegetable seed development programme and introduce improved varieties focused on quality, productivity, and resilience.
Commodities Monsoon Revival Defies July Fade-Out Forecast as Deep Depression Strengthens in Bay of Bengal
The Indian monsoon is staging a strong revival in late July, defying forecasts of a fade-out, as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal drives widespread rainfall. National rainfall deficit improved to -15%, with Central India near normal at -3%. However, the resurgence has caused severe floods in Assam, with 68 casualties and over 6.5 lakh affected, alongside agricultural damage.
Commodities Punjab Farmers Embrace Sustainable Rice Cultivation to Combat Groundwater Crisis
Punjab farmers are shifting to sustainable rice cultivation methods like Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Seeding of Rice on Beds (SRB) to address a severe groundwater crisis. The area under these methods has increased by 36% to 4 lakh acres this kharif, offering water savings of up to 60% while maintaining productivity.
Commodities Treated water, soil health, smart inputs: The real gains for Indian farmers
The article argues that water quality is the foundational issue for Indian agriculture, and that treated water, combined with nano-nutrients and biological soil treatments, can significantly improve yields and input efficiency. The author, Sunil Nanda, emphasizes that farmers adopt what works and that solutions must be affordable and proven at field scale.
Commodities India's Potato Seed Ecosystem: The Foundation for Future Farming Prosperity
India, the world's second-largest potato producer, suffers from a productivity gap with average yields of 28-30 tonnes per hectare, half of global leaders. A fragmented seed ecosystem and low Seed Replacement Rate (25-30%) are primary causes. Transitioning to an organized seed marketing system with digital intelligence can boost yields, reduce crop failure risks, and align with growing demand from frozen food and QSR sectors.
Commodities Beyond traditional crops: Why high-value nut farming could be the next growth opportunity for hill States
Indian hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are poised to expand high-value nut farming, leveraging climate advantages and policy support. With domestic demand for nuts rising and a significant share met by imports, locally grown almonds and walnuts could capture market share. Recent budget announcements and sapling imports signal a shift toward scalable production, though infrastructure gaps remain.
Commodities Urad Acreage in North India Rises 8% on Recent Rains, Sowing Accelerates
Urad (black matpe) acreage in India has increased 8% year-on-year to 18.67 lakh hectares as of July 24, 2026, driven by recent rains in northern states. While Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan saw gains, Maharashtra and Karnataka recorded sharp declines due to delayed monsoon. Trade sources expect higher northern output to offset southern shortfalls.
Commodities 10% Monsoon Deficit Hits Kharif Output: Government Warns of Production Decline Risks
The Indian government stated that kharif foodgrain production declines when the all-India monsoon rainfall deficiency exceeds about 10%, citing major drought/El Niño years. Meanwhile, cotton production has fallen due to diversification, while spices parks processed over 52,000 tonnes and e-NAM interstate trade surged.
Commodities India’s open market rice sale norms will likely help meet 20% ethanol blending target
The Indian government revised its standard operating procedure for sale of rice to ethanol distilleries for the 2026-27 supply year, allocating 7.2 million tonnes from FCI stocks and fixing prices at ₹2,320 per quintal till October 31 and ₹2,390 after. Trade experts say the move will help meet the 20% ethanol blending target while utilizing aged stocks, though large diversion may affect non-basmati rice exports.
Commodities India Imports Over 32 Lakh Tonnes of Fertiliser in Q1, Secures Long-Term Overseas Supply Deals
India imported over 32 lakh tonnes of key fertilisers in the first quarter of the current financial year, supplementing domestic production of 115.72 lakh tonnes. The government is diversifying import sources through long-term agreements with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other nations to mitigate supply chain risks.
Commodities Standardised pack sizes for edible oils to enhance transparency, says Gokul Agro
The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified nine standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework, with a three-month transition period. Gokul Agro Resources Ltd welcomes the reform as a consumer-first move that enhances transparency and simplifies price comparison. The company also reported its strongest-ever financial performance in fiscal 2025-26, with revenue crossing ₹24,000 crore and profit after tax up 50% year-on-year.
Commodities Quality Tea Prices Rise in Kochi Auctions as Blenders, Exporters Drive Demand
Quality teas in Kochi auctions saw higher prices from blenders and exporters in both dust and leaf categories. CTC dust prices rose by ₹2/kg to ₹153.88, with blenders absorbing 72% of sold quantity. Orthodox leaf demand from CIS countries supported the market while West Asia demand was subdued.
Commodities IISR and Spices Board Partner to Boost Spice Startups and Exports via Incubation
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has partnered with the Spices Board through its Agventure Technology Business Incubator (TBI) to support spice startups and export-oriented enterprises. The MoU establishes Agventure TBI as an incubation centre under the ASPIRE scheme, offering research commercialization, technology transfer, and market access.
Commodities Indian rice export prices hit near 10-month high on tight paddy supplies and monsoon concerns
Indian rice export prices rose to a near 10-month high this week, driven by tight paddy supplies and concerns over the new-season crop after patchy monsoon rainfall, according to Reuters. The 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $356-$361 per ton, up from $352-$357 last week. Adverse weather also affected crops in Bangladesh, while Vietnam saw lower prices due to building supplies from the summer-autumn harvest.
Commodities ITC Agri Business Becomes India's Largest Private-Sector Agri Enterprise, Revenue Doubles to ₹20,300 Crore
ITC's agri business has become India's largest private-sector agri enterprise, with revenue doubling to nearly ₹20,300 crore in just over five years, as announced by Chairman Sanjiv Puri at the 115th AGM. Key drivers include the ITCMAARS phygital ecosystem, which has onboarded over 2.6 million farmers, and a value-added agriculture portfolio growing at a 33% CAGR. The company plans to expand hybrid farming clusters and reach 10 million farmers by 2030.
Commodities Indian egg prices crack new record as heat wave and feed costs squeeze supply
Egg prices in India's largest producing hub, Namakkal, have hit an all-time high of ₹6.80 per egg (farm-gate) as a prolonged summer reduces bird productivity and feed costs for maize and soybean meal surge. The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) raised procurement prices, and industry warns of sustained tight supplies.
Commodities India Panel Proposes GST Link to Pulp Content to Boost Totapuri Mango Demand
An Indian government panel has proposed reserving a concessional 5% GST rate for mango-based beverages containing 22-25% genuine Totapuri pulp, aiming to boost demand after a price crash. The committee also recommended establishing a price stabilization body and reviving ageing orchards through grafting.
Commodities Maize gains ground in Madhya Pradesh, may offset decline in Karnataka and Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh has reported a 23% jump in maize acreage this kharif season, partly offsetting declines in key producing states like Karnataka and Maharashtra where delayed monsoon and rainfall deficit have hurt sowing. Overall maize acreage is down about 5% at 67.89 lakh hectares as of July 17, compared with 71.5 lakh hectares a year ago, according to Agriculture Ministry data.
Commodities Lower area under arhar in India’s Karnataka unlikely to be offset elsewhere
India's kharif arhar (pigeon pea) sowing area fell 18% year-on-year as of July 17, driven by a 42% decline in Karnataka. While Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh reported increases, experts said the overall area may still fall short of the government's 50 lakh hectare target needed for 4 million tonnes production in 2026.
Commodities Ladakh's Organic Push Faces First Big Test After Chemical Fertiliser Ban
The Ladakh administration has banned chemical fertilisers as part of its goal to become India's first fully organic Union Territory. However, farmers warn that the success hinges on the availability of organic manure, which has declined due to reduced livestock and modern sanitation. The ₹500-crore MODI initiative aims to support the transition, but immediate supply concerns persist.
Commodities India’s edible oil import bill surges 20% in first eight months of oil year 2025-26
India’s edible oil import bill increased by 20.20% in the first eight months of oil year 2025-26, reaching ₹1.19 lakh crore. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) projects the full-year bill to touch ₹1.75 lakh crore, driven by a weaker rupee, monsoon delays, global palm oil diversion to biodiesel, and higher freight costs. SEA President Sanjeev Asthana called for domestic production boost and crop diversification.
Commodities India's Edible Oil Import Bill Estimated to Rise 9% to ₹1.75 Lakh Crore in 2025-26 Market Year: SEA
India's edible oil import bill is projected to rise 9% to ₹1.75 lakh crore in the 2025-26 marketing year (November-October) due to higher import volumes and rupee depreciation, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA). Import volumes rose 7% in the first eight months, while weaker monsoon and delayed kharif sowing raise domestic production concerns.
Commodities Bayer Launches Trance Insecticide to Help Indian Cotton Farmers Combat Sucking Pests
Bayer has launched Trance, an innovative insecticide for cotton farmers to manage sucking pests like aphids, jassids, and whitefly nymphs. The product combines two modes of action and will be available in major cotton-growing states from July 2026.
Commodities India spends 40% of annual fertiliser subsidy in first 3.5 months, signalling higher bill
India has spent Rs 70,709 crore, nearly 40% of the fertiliser subsidy allocated for 2026-27, in the first three-and-a-half months of the fiscal year. The elevated global urea prices of $572/tonne, up 45% year-on-year, are driving the higher subsidy outgo. The government is diversifying import sources and ramping up domestic urea production to manage supply.
Commodities India’s moong sowing dips 11% on lower rainfall, likely to gather pace
India’s moong sowing has dropped 11% from the previous year due to lower rainfall in key states, according to government data. However, recent rains are expected to help acreage recover to at least last year’s level. Farmers continue to grow moong despite prices averaging 26% below the minimum support price.
Commodities Soybean Crop Outlook Favourable for Kharif 2026, Says SOPA; Sowing Exceeds 111 Lakh Hectares
The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has termed the overall soybean crop outlook for the kharif 2026 season as favourable, with sowing covering over 111 lakh hectares. The crop is in good condition across major growing states, though localised germination issues were noted in parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Commodities India Uses 3.9M Tonnes FCI Rice, 6.8M Tonnes Maize for Ethanol Till June 2026
India has used 3.9 million tonnes of surplus FCI rice and 6.8 million tonnes of maize for ethanol production till June 2026 in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY 2025-26). Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that the 20% ethanol blending target has not affected food crop availability or food security, and only surplus foodgrains are diverted. The government also reported that PSU oil marketing companies procured 705.43 crore litres of ethanol for ₹49,577.36 crore in the same period.
Commodities Expert panel suggests rejuvenating old Totapuri mango orchards in Andhra Pradesh after price crash
A high-level expert panel has recommended rejuvenation of old Totapuri mango orchards in Andhra Pradesh, following a price decline to ₹4–6 per kg from ₹18–20 per kg. The government approved ₹1,747 per quintal assistance under a market intervention scheme. Separately, Alphonso exports face heatwave damage and logistical disruptions due to West Asia tensions.
Commodities NOAA Predicts 97% Chance Strong El Niño Will Persist Through March 2027
The US Climate Prediction Center (CPC) of NOAA has released an ENSO update forecasting a 97% chance that the current strong El Niño will continue into early spring 2027. The report details ocean temperature anomalies, atmospheric circulation shifts, and probability breakdowns, critical for agricultural and energy commodity traders.
Commodities Natural rubber prices rule firm at ₹282 as Kerala government hikes support price
The Kerala government raised the support price of natural rubber to ₹250 per kg from ₹200, effective from July 3, 2026. Market prices for RSS IV grade remain firm at around ₹282 per kg, supported by adequate rainfall in key growing regions. However, the sector faces challenges including a shortage of rubber tappers and uneven rainfall distribution across districts.
Commodities West Asia crisis hits orthodox tea shipments from Coonoor auctions, prices decline
The West Asia crisis has disrupted orthodox tea exports from the Coonoor auctions, leading to price declines of Rs3-4 per kg for whole leaf grades. Increased arrivals during the peak crop season helped maintain stable volumes, with Sale No. 29 recording 92% sales in the leaf category and 85% in dust. CTC and orthodox dust grades also saw varying price movements, according to Global Tea Auctioneers.
Commodities Gujarat Records 33% Rainfall Deficit Yet Kharif Sowing Crosses 50 Lakh Hectares
Gujarat has recorded a 33% rainfall deficit, yet kharif sowing has reached 50.83 lakh hectares, about 60% of the three-year average. The deficit has caused lower acreage for water-intensive crops like cotton (-4.3%), groundnut (-15%), and paddy (-34%), while soybean and pulses have seen increases. Eight districts face large deficient rainfall, and 14 others report deficits.
Commodities Kharif Sowing Gap Narrows Despite Widening Rainfall Deficit, Dolat Capital Report Shows
India's kharif sowing gap with last year narrowed sharply even as the cumulative rainfall deficit widened from 15% on July 8 to 23.8% on July 19, according to a Dolat Capital report. Total kharif acreage reached 658.19 lakh ha as of July 17, with rice nearly catching up to last year's pace, while pulses, coarse cereals, oilseeds, and cotton also reduced their shortfalls. Sugarcane remained ahead of last year.
Commodities Rallis India Q1 Net Profit Surges 31% to ₹125 Crore on Higher Revenues
Rallis India posted a 31% jump in Q1 net profit to ₹125 crore on 7% higher revenue of ₹1,022 crore. The Crop Care and Seeds businesses drove growth, with new product launches across herbicides, insecticides, and crop hybrids.
Commodities Godrej Agrovet Unveils India’s First Integrated Oil Palm Complex in Telangana with ₹300 Crore Investment
Godrej Agrovet has inaugurated India's first Integrated Oil Palm Complex in Khammam, Telangana, with a ₹300 crore investment. The complex brings together seed garden, nursery, R&D centre, and mill under one roof, with mill capacity of 30 tonnes per hour expandable to 60 tonnes per hour. The facility aims to boost India's edible oil security and support Telangana's oil palm mission.
Sugar Trade Body AISTA Dismisses Shortage Concerns Amid 15% Price Surge in Less Than a Month
The All-India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) dismissed reports of sugar shortages in India, attributing a 15% rise in ex-factory prices over the past month to unwarranted panic. The trade body cited adequate stocks as confirmed by ISMA and NFCSF, urged members to maintain supply pipelines, and noted expectations of favourable weather for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Commodities Kharif Sowing Acreage Down 6% as Sowing Completes in 60% of Normal Area, Says Agriculture Ministry
India's kharif sowing acreage reached 531.25 lakh hectares as of July 17, down 6% from 632.69 lh a year ago, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The deficit narrowed from 21% in early July due to surplus monsoon rains. Paddy coverage is nearly on par, while pulses and oilseeds still lag. The government targets a foodgrain production of 176.16 mt for the season.
Commodities Weather Shocks, Structural Weaknesses Fuel Volatility in Coffee, Cocoa, Tea Prices, Says FAO
A new FAO report highlights that weather-related shocks remain the primary driver of price volatility in coffee, cocoa, and tea markets. Supply concentration and growing consumption create fertile ground for swings. Price changes are not transmitted evenly, with producers bearing the brunt.
Commodities Kerala Hikes Natural Rubber Support Price by ₹50/kg to ₹250 Under Incentive Scheme
The Kerala government has raised the support price of natural rubber to ₹250 per kg under the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme, fulfilling a budget promise. The ₹50 increase, effective from July 3, 2026, aims to support farmers facing rising cultivation costs.
Commodities CropLife India Expands Sustainable Farming Initiatives for Tea and Spices Amid Global Residue Standards
CropLife India is intensifying efforts to promote sustainable cultivation in India's tea and spice sectors to comply with stringent global pesticide residue standards, especially in the EU. Initiatives include awareness programs for small tea growers, a consolidated list of approved crop protection products for key spices, and advocacy for a crop grouping framework to expedite MRL establishment.
Commodities TNAU Forecasts Small Onion Prices at ₹30-35/kg for Upcoming Harvest Season
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's DEMIC has forecast farm-gate prices of ₹30-35 per kg for good-quality small onions during the upcoming harvest season. The forecast is based on 15 years of price data from the Dindigul market and a market survey. Production details, key growing districts, and robust export demand are also highlighted.
Commodities Godrej Agrovet inaugurates ₹300-cr integrated oil palm complex in Telangana's Khammam
Godrej Agrovet Ltd on July 20, 2026, inaugurated an integrated oil palm complex in Khammam, Telangana, with a total investment of ₹300 crore. The complex includes a mill with 30 tonnes per hour capacity, expandable to 60 tonnes, and aims to support the company's plan to increase its oil palm plantation area in Telangana to 30,000 hectares by 2030 from the current 10,000 hectares.
Commodities Lovely Professional University Students Launch Mushroom Startup, Harvest 118 Kg
A group of Lovely Professional University students has launched a mushroom startup, harvesting 62 kg of button mushrooms and 56 kg of oyster mushrooms. The venture includes value-added products like mushroom-based face oil and soap, and repurposed spent substrate for eco-friendly items. The students earned ₹42,000 from sales and plan to expand into premium varieties like enoki, lion's mane, and Ganoderma.
Commodities India ring-fences 72 lakh tonnes of FCI rice for ethanol production in 2026-27
India's food ministry has allocated 72 lakh tonnes of rice from FCI stocks for ethanol production in the 2026-27 supply year at ₹2,390/quintal, up from 52 lt in 2025-26. An additional 55 lt of broken rice will be sold via e-auction. The move supports higher blending targets and reduces fossil fuel imports.
Commodities Emami Agrotech targets ₹22,000 crore turnover in FY27 amid robust edible oil demand
Emami Agrotech, the edible oil and foods arm of Emami Group, targets a turnover of ₹22,000 crore in FY27, driven by 10% revenue growth. CEO Sudhakar Rao Desai cites robust demand ahead of the festive season and stable commodity prices, but remains cautious on geopolitical tensions and El Nino weather risks. The company is expanding its foods portfolio and focusing on brand building.
Commodities India's Sugar Mills Prepare for 2026-27 Crushing Season with FRP Hike and Ethanol Strategy Shift
India's sugar industry is preparing for the 2026-27 crushing season with the FRP set at ₹365/quintal, a 2.81% increase. Mills face a strategic shift as ethanol blending surpasses 20%, with grain-based sources now dominating 70% of supply. The article highlights the need for feedstock flexibility, treasury planning, and maintenance readiness to navigate the season.
Commodities Why global agricultural macroeconomic frameworks fail without ‘farmer health capital’
An article by Parashram Patil in The Hindu Business Line argues that global agricultural macroeconomic frameworks fail because they ignore the concept of Farmer Health Capital (FHC). For over 500 million smallholder families, economic shocks from volatile markets and climate events remain statistically invisible, leading to ineffective policies. Integrating FHC into models can transform rural healthcare from a social cost into a productive agricultural investment, while carbon markets can link smallholders to global climate finance.
Commodities El Niño Warning: Why India Must Regenerate Its Agriculture Now
El Niño, caused by warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, weakens the Indian monsoon, leading to below-normal rainfall and dry spells. Indian agriculture has lost resilience due to synthetic inputs, monocropping, and soil degradation. Regenerative agriculture—restoring soil health, biodiversity, water management, and community institutions—is key to climate-proofing farms.
Commodities Why water efficiency is central to climate-smart agriculture in rural India's farming future
The article examines the critical role of water efficiency in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in rural India, highlighting challenges such as groundwater depletion and erratic monsoons. It covers solutions including micro-irrigation, traditional water harvesting, drought-resistant crops, and technology adoption, with a focus on community-led and policy-backed initiatives.
Commodities Sugar Price Surge Unjustified as Stocks Comfortable, Say ISMA and NFCSF After Government Meeting
India's two main sugar bodies, ISMA and NFCSF, have declared the recent surge in domestic sugar prices to ₹44-45 per kg as unjustified, citing comfortable stock levels and ample availability. After meeting with the government, the industry agreed to start crushing earlier in the upcoming 2026-27 season to further boost supplies and curb speculation.
Commodities Urad Prices Surge 20% on Tight Supplies and Rising Rates in Myanmar and Brazil
Urad (black matpe) prices have surged about 20% over the past month, driven by tight supplies, a rebound in demand, and higher rates in Myanmar and Brazil. India's urad output fell in 2025-26, and imports from Myanmar and Brazil dropped sharply. Sowing of kharif urad was 6% lower year-on-year as of July 17, adding to supply fears.
Commodities Up to 83% Rainfall Deficit in Kashmir Valley Threatens Apple Orchards and Paddy Fields
A severe rainfall deficit across several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with Shopian recording an 83% shortfall, is harming apple orchards and paddy fields. Horticulture experts warn of fruit cracking and lenticel blotch, while farmers report drying fields and hardened soil, raising the risk of substantial crop loss. Widespread rains are expected from July 19.