Topic
crops
Commodities India's soyabean acreage recovers as July rains boost Kharif sowing
India's soyabean acreage for Kharif 2026 reached 117.68 lakh ha by July 31, down 0.70% from a year earlier, according to Agriculture Ministry data. July rains boosted sowing in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, while SOPA pegged the crop area at 117.13 lakh ha. Crop condition is normal to good, with flowering underway.
Commodities Uneven spread of Indian monsoon raises concern over kharif crop prospects
As of July 31, India's South-West monsoon was 13% deficient despite above-normal July rain, and the India Meteorological Department has predicted below-normal rainfall in August. Sixteen states reported deficient rain, kharif acreage lagged year-ago levels by 5%, and Maharashtra farmers are considering short-duration nutri-cereal crops.
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 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 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 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.
Commodities Rabi harvest blues: Key crops sell 3-8% below MSP as maize plummets 24%
Key rabi crops — wheat, chana, barley — sold 3-8% below MSP during April-June harvesting. Maize was worst hit at 24% below MSP, while mustard outperformed at 8% above. Current prices show slight recovery except for wheat, which fell further in July.
Commodities Reservoirs, sowing trend, next ‘low’ may disprove worst monsoon fears in India
Despite uneven June rainfall, India's reservoir storage in 166 major reservoirs stands close to normal at 47.72 billion cubic metres (bcm) as of July 2, against the normal of 48.40 bcm. A fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal within 5-6 days, potentially reviving widespread rainfall. Former IMD chief KJ Ramesh stresses that assessing monsoon health via reservoir storage and sowing acreages offers a truer picture than rainfall departures alone.
Commodities Delayed Monsoon Cuts Marathwada Sowing Area by Nearly 18 Lakh Hectares
The sowing area across eight districts of Maharashtra's Marathwada region has shrunk by 17.87 lakh hectares compared to the same period last year, due to a delayed monsoon. Overall sowing is at just 58% of normal, with rainfall 13% below the expected average of 176 mm. The agriculture department advised farmers against sowing until adequate rainfall is received.
Commodities India’s kharif acreage down 23% as deficient monsoon threatens crop output
India’s kharif sowing area has fallen 23% to 182.72 lakh hectares as of June 25, compared to 236.46 lakh hectares a year ago, driven by a 42% monsoon deficit. Sugarcane is the only major crop showing an increase, while paddy, cotton, soybean, and pulses report significant declines. The India Meteorological Department expects monsoon to advance into more regions in the coming days, but July rains will be critical for recovery.
Commodities Indian govt identifies 111 districts most vulnerable to monsoon deficit, threatening kharif crops
The Indian government has identified 111 districts as highly vulnerable to crop damage due to low irrigation and high risks of rain shortages from a potential super El Nino. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan warned that weak monsoon conditions could impact kharif crops and advised states to promote alternative, drought-tolerant crops.
Commodities Central India faces critical two-week sowing window as monsoon revival offers brief relief
Satellite imagery shows monsoon revival along India's west coast, offering a two-week window (June 22-July 6) for sowing in rain-deficient Central India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) project rainfall weakening significantly after July 6, with deficits exceeding 60% in parts of the region. Farmers face uncertainty as the best sowing opportunity narrows.
Commodities India’s Kharif Sowing Tops 120 Lakh Hectares, Monsoon Deficiency Not Yet Impacting Acreage
India’s kharif sowing area reached 119.90 lakh hectares as of June 19, up 1.7% from a year ago, despite a 43% monsoon rainfall deficit. Cotton, soybean and urad acreage are lower, while paddy, pulses and coarse cereals show higher coverage. The India Meteorological Department forecasts monsoon advance into new regions by June 24.
Commodities No fertiliser shortage for kharif, rabi crops; govt prepared for El Nino, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
India's agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that there will be no fertiliser shortage for the upcoming kharif and rabi crop seasons. The government has also prepared for potential El Nino conditions. The announcement provides reassurance to the agricultural sector and related trade stakeholders.
Commodities MP Urges Action on Areca Plantation Diseases in Karnataka
Captain Brijesh Chowta, MP from Dakshina Kannada, has urged the Indian government to address leaf spot and yellow leaf diseases affecting areca plantations. These diseases threaten the livelihoods of farmers in Karnataka, with financial constraints hindering effective management.
Commodities Gujarat Kharif Sowing Boosted by Early Narmada Water Release
Gujarat's Kharif sowing season begins as the state government releases Narmada irrigation water early to aid farmers. With over 1.73 lakh hectares already sown, the move supports critical early crop growth.
Commodities Monsoon Delays Impact Kerala's Agricultural Markets
The delayed monsoon onset in Kerala is affecting agricultural commodity markets, with potential impacts on crop yields and prices. Traders are closely monitoring weather forecasts and market reactions.
Commodities India Prepares for El Niño Impact on Kharif Season Amid Monsoon Concerns
India's Agriculture Minister announced contingency plans to mitigate El Niño's potential impact on the Kharif season. With monsoon rains predicted to be below normal, the government is ensuring seed availability for alternative cropping strategies.
Commodities India's Monsoon Forecast: Below Normal at 90% LPA in 2026
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a below-normal monsoon for 2026, with rainfall at 90% of the long period average. This could significantly impact agricultural output in key regions.