Topic
agriculture
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.
Technology Keralam deploys ANNAM.AI smart weather stations for climate-smart farming
The Kerala government, in partnership with IIT Ropar, is deploying ANNAM.AI smart weather stations across the state. The hyper-local weather intelligence system aims to help farmers make timely decisions on sowing, irrigation, and harvesting, reducing crop losses and improving productivity.
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.
Technology Why Indian Agritech’s Next Opportunity Lies in the ‘Agricultural Middle Stream’
Indian agritech has raised over $2 billion in venture capital without producing a pure-play unicorn. The author argues that the most durable opportunity lies not in direct-to-farmer apps but in the 'agricultural middle stream' — procurement platforms, cold chains, grading technology, and logistics infrastructure that connect farms to markets through existing intermediaries.
Supply Chain Harrisons Malayalam Pilots Drone-Based Green Leaf Transport at Lockhart Estate Near Munnar
Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) has successfully trialled a payload drone for transporting freshly harvested green leaf from tea fields at its Lockhart Estate, in collaboration with drone technology partner Tropoworks. The initiative aims to improve field logistics, enhance productivity, reduce manual handling, and ensure faster movement of green leaf to the factory. HML plans to be among the first tea plantation companies to deploy payload drones for routine transport.
Commodities How sustainability is becoming the fertiliser industry’s defining growth strategy
India's fertiliser industry, producing nearly 52 million metric tonne in 2025-26, is integrating sustainability into its core strategy. Advances in energy efficiency (36% improvement), water conservation (60% reduction), and circular economy practices are reshaping the sector, which relies heavily on imported raw materials. The industry aligns with UN SDGs while leveraging AI and ML for process optimisation.
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 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 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.
Logistics Uttar Pradesh Mangoes Make First Commercial Sea Voyage to Dubai, Cutting Logistics Costs
A 12.5-tonne shipment of Dashehari and Langra mangoes from Uttar Pradesh reached Dubai via sea freight after a 25-day journey, with nearly 90% remaining market-ready. Developed by ICAR-CISH and APEDA, the post-harvest protocol uses METWASH technology and continuous cold chain, offering a cheaper alternative to air freight and boosting farmer incomes by Rs 15–20 per kg.
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.
Logistics Fertiliser Vessels Stranded at Indian Ports as Peak Kharif Sowing Season Faces Disruption
Port congestion at Kandla, Mundra, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) and Chennai has stranded multiple fertiliser-carrying vessels, delaying unloading and distribution during the critical kharif sowing season. The delays are exacerbated by rerouting due to geopolitical tensions, monsoon disruptions, and inland logistics bottlenecks. One vessel carrying 60,000 tonnes of DAP/NPK and another with 7,000 tonnes of urea have been awaiting berthing at Kandla since July 14.
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.
Logistics Fertiliser Vessels Stuck at Indian Ports Raise Supply Fears for Peak Kharif Sowing
Two fertiliser vessels carrying DAP and urea have been waiting for berth at Kandla Port since July 14, delaying distribution ahead of India's kharif sowing season. Port congestion, limited railway rakes, and supply chain disruptions from the West Asia crisis are blamed. While urea supplies remain comfortable, DAP availability is tight due to constrained global ammonia and sulphur supplies.
Trade Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods Retaliating for US Farmer Treatment
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on a wide range of Canadian imports, citing unequal treatment of US farmers, cars, dairy, and alcohol. The White House confirmed the duties will take effect in 30 days, marking a major escalation in trade tensions.
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.
Technology Hyderabad Researchers Develop AI-Powered Plant Leaf Disease Detection System with 96% Accuracy
A team led by Vijaya Saraswathi at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Hyderabad has patented an AI-powered leaf disease detection system that uses a convolutional neural network trained on over 20,000 images to identify diseases in tomato, potato, and pepper crops with 96% accuracy. The system also recommends pesticides and is planned for mobile app deployment.
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.
Manufacturing Tractor Industry Growth to Moderate to 1-4% in FY27 on Weak Monsoon Outlook: ICRA
According to ICRA, the tractor industry's volume growth is expected to moderate to 1-4% in FY27, down from 23.5% in FY26, due to a high base and a below-normal monsoon forecast. The Indian Meteorological Department projects below-normal rainfall due to El Nino, posing risks to kharif production and farm incomes. Despite this, margins and credit profiles of OEMs remain healthy.
Commodities Insecticides India Launches GRANUVIA Insecticide for Brown Plant Hopper Control in Paddy
Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) announced the launch of GRANUVIA, a next-generation insecticide for brown plant hopper (BPH) control in paddy in Karnataka. Developed by Corteva Agriscience, GRANUVIA provides up to 60 days of BPH control and also targets stem borer. The product addresses major pest threats that can cause 20-60% yield losses from BPH and 10-30% from stem borer.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.