Topic
farmers
Finance Maharashtra Extends PMFBY Crop Insurance Enrolment Deadline to August 10; 61.82 Lakh Farmers Registered
The Maharashtra government has extended the PMFBY enrolment deadline from July 31 to August 10, with 61.82 lakh farmers already registered. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane cited El Nino conditions and technical issues as reasons for the extension, urging remaining farmers to enrol before the new cut-off.
Commodities Madhya Pradesh raises moong procurement to 60%, farmers withdraw protest in Bhopal
The Madhya Pradesh government agreed to procure 60% of moong crop from eligible farmers, up from 25%, extended the procurement deadline to August 20, and suspended the e-token fertiliser system. Farmers under Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other organisations called off their protest in Bhopal. The Centre had already approved procurement of 454,580 metric tonnes of summer moong for the state under PM-AASHA.
Commodities Burgers cost more this summer but farmers say they're not cashing in on rising prices
UK consumers face higher burger and bread prices this summer, a trend dubbed 'burgerflation,' but farmers and bakers report declining farmgate prices. CPI data shows beef up 9% YoY in May while farmers received 8% less in April; wheat prices fell 0.3% YoY. Lincolnshire cattle farmer Heather Oldfield and York baker Phil Clayton say they are not profiting.
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 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.
Finance Climate Risk and El Niño Threaten Rural Credit: Rethinking Financial Resilience for Indian Farmers
As of early July, kharif sowing in India is 20% below last year's pace due to uneven monsoon and El Niño impacts. The all-India rainfall deficit narrowed to 18% but East and Northeast India face 37% deficit. LVLN Murty, CEO of Dvara KGFS, argues that rural credit must reflect local conditions, seasonal income patterns, and the need for savings and insurance to build financial resilience.
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.
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 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 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.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces How quick commerce is silently eliminating India’s middlemen and benefitting horticulture farmers
Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto are partnering with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to bypass middlemen, enabling farmers to receive ₹2-2.50/kg more than local mandi rates. The model relies on direct procurement, a 'no profit no loss' approach, and return-to-vendor clauses to maintain quality.
Commodities Andhra CM Naidu orders tobacco companies to resume buying as surplus piles up
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed tobacco companies to immediately resume purchases from farmers facing a massive surplus. With production at 142 million kg against indents of 95.5 million kg, the Chief Minister warned that prices must not fall below the state's Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹200 per kg and criticised slow procurement by major manufacturers ITC Ltd, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, and VST Industries.
Commodities Centre Approves Copra and Totapuri Mango Procurement for Tamil Nadu Farmers at MSP
The Indian government approved the procurement of 87,226 tonnes of copra and 96,879 tonnes of Totapuri mangoes in Tamil Nadu under the Price Support Scheme and Market Intervention Scheme respectively. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sanctioned the measures to protect farmers from distress sales.
Commodities Atomgrid to Launch Agro-Chemical Products for Indian Farmers in 3-4 Months
Bengaluru-based specialty chemicals R&D startup Atomgrid will launch its own brand of agro-chemical products for Indian farmers in the next 3-4 months. The company, which currently serves B2B customers globally, aims to capture the China-plus-one opportunity and target 3X growth this fiscal by entering new geographies.
Technology How AI is Empowering Indian Farmers with Smarter Supply Chains and Market Access
Indian agriculture is leveraging AI to address rising costs, pest spread, and market volatility. From the Government's Kisan e-Mitra chatbot to AI-driven crop diagnosis and precision farming, these tools help farmers make better decisions and improve supply chain efficiency. Enterprise applications include demand prediction, logistics optimization, and credit risk assessment.
Commodities Startups INERA and CropNXT Partner to Distribute Biological Agri-Inputs Across Five Indian States
Agri-startups INERA Crop Science and CropNXT Solutions have entered a multi-year strategic partnership to distribute biological crop inputs to smallholder farmers across five eastern Indian states. The deal targets 65 lakh farmers and 20 lakh acres through a network of over 5,000 retailers, with a projected business potential of ₹500 crore.
Commodities Gujarat Farmers Adopt Cow-Based Natural Farming to Cut Costs and Improve Soil Health
Farmers in Gujarat, particularly in Dahod district, are increasingly adopting cow-based natural farming to reduce cultivation costs and restore soil fertility. Supported by the ATMA Project, they use natural formulations from indigenous cow dung and urine, receiving training, model farms, and financial assistance. The practice is emerging as a sustainable model for enhancing farmer incomes.
Supply Chain Why addressing post-harvest loss as a farmer income problem reshapes cold chain supply chain strategy
India loses 74 million tonnes of food annually post-harvest. Framing this as a farmer income problem rather than just food security shifts focus from large cold chain infrastructure to localised solutions like micro cold storage and market information. For procurement and supply chain leaders, this highlights the need to design downstream resilience with the smallholder farmer in mind.
Commodities Adani Group Expands into Organic Fertilizers with 'Harit Amrit' Brand, Sales Double to 4,575 Tonnes in FY26
Adani Group, through its subsidiary Adani TotalEnergies Biomass Ltd (ATBL), has expanded into organic fertilizers with the 'Harit Amrit' brand, selling over 4,575 tonnes in FY26—more than double the previous year. The business is integrated with the company's compressed biogas (CBG) operations, processing agricultural waste and cattle dung. A major project in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, is being developed as India's largest agri-waste-based CBG facility.
Manufacturing Meghalaya inaugurates largest organic spice processing unit in Northeast India, capacity 10,000 tonnes/year
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated an organic spice processing unit in Bhoirymbong, Meghalaya, with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year. The ₹30 crore project, implemented by Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and partners, aims to support 5,500 farmers across 112 villages and boost incomes by up to 50%.
Commodities Kerala Budget Raises Natural Rubber Support Price to ₹250; Farmers Hail Move
The Kerala budget raised the support price for natural rubber to ₹250 per kg from ₹200, fulfilling a UDF election promise. Industry leaders say the move will encourage tapping and replanting, though immediate impact is limited as domestic prices are currently above the new floor.
Commodities High-density exotic cherry varieties transform Kashmir orchards, fetch premium prices
Kashmir's cherry growers in Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian are shifting to high-density exotic varieties such as Regina and Kordia, fetching ₹400-500 per kg—a premium over traditional varieties. Government initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and the Cherry Cluster Development Project support this transition, aiming to add 4,000 metric tonnes to annual production and benefit 4,000 growers.
Commodities Manipur government ensures timely fertiliser availability, promotes organic farming
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh stated the government has taken steps to ensure timely fertiliser availability for farmers, including distribution based on Aadhaar cards and farmer cards. The state is also promoting organic farming with subsidised organic fertiliser 'Oorja' at ₹250 per bag, and currently has around two lakh bags of urea in stock.
Commodities Tamil Nadu CM Announces ₹134.83 Crore Kuruvai Package for Paddy Cultivation
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the Kuruvai Special Package Scheme 2026, valued at ₹134.83 crore, to promote paddy cultivation in both delta and non-delta districts. The scheme covers an average annual paddy area of 52.72 lakh acres, with 20.65 lakh acres in the Cauvery Delta region alone. The package aims to increase production and productivity during the Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari seasons.
Finance Telangana Tenant Farmers Demand Loan Eligibility Cards
Tenant farmers in Telangana are urging the government to issue Loan Eligibility Cards to facilitate access to institutional credit and government schemes. The Tenant Farmers’ Recognition Struggle Committee highlights the challenges faced by tenant farmers, including high lease rates and lack of credit access.
Commodities Maharashtra's Expert Panel to Address Onion Price Decline
Maharashtra has established an expert panel to address the decline in onion prices, focusing on long-term solutions for the state's onion sector. The panel will assess factors affecting prices and recommend measures to improve the value chain.
Commodities Maharashtra Onion Farmers Demand Higher Procurement Prices
Maharashtra onion farmers are demanding a minimum procurement price of Rs 3,000 per quintal, citing current rates as insufficient to cover costs. Despite relaxed procurement norms, farmers face financial distress due to low prices.
Supply Chain Farmers' Health: A Strategic Asset for Food Security
The Farmers' health capital theory redefines farmer welfare as a strategic asset for national food security. By viewing farmers' health as economic capital, this approach addresses supply chain risks and market volatility.
Commodities Maize Farmers Shift to Cotton Amid El Niño Concerns
Indian maize farmers are shifting to cotton, soybean, paddy, and ragi due to anticipated below-normal rainfall from El Niño and market profitability. The shift varies by region, with Madhya Pradesh seeing increased cotton acreage.
Commodities El Niño Threatens Indian Agriculture: Urgent Call for Climate Resilience
The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) emphasizes the urgent need for climate resilience in Indian agriculture due to El Niño's impact. The report highlights the importance of ecological and technological transitions to safeguard food security and farmer livelihoods.
Supply Chain Dairy Pact Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in North-East India
The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) and Assam Rifles have signed a supply pact to enhance dairy product distribution to military units in north-east India. This agreement aims to generate ₹44 crore annually for cooperatives and improve supply chain resilience.
Business Maharashtra's Rs 2 Lakh Farm Loan Waiver: Impact on Agriculture
Maharashtra's cabinet has approved a Rs 2 lakh farm loan waiver scheme, benefiting 56 lakh farmers. This move aims to alleviate financial stress in the agricultural sector and incentivize timely loan repayments.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Handpickd Expands to 30 Micro-Markets, Strengthens Farmer Ties
Handpickd is set to expand into 30 new micro-markets, aiming to strengthen its direct sourcing relationships with farmers. This move is designed to improve produce quality and consistency while enhancing sustainability.
Trade Maharashtra Onion Farmers Demand ₹10,000 Crore Aid
Maharashtra's onion farmers are urging the Indian government for a ₹10,000 crore revival package and a stable export policy. They cite financial distress due to export bans and natural calamities.
Regulations & Compliance India withdraws Sugarcane Control Order
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Commodities HAS Invests in Nano-Agriculture for Indian Farmers
Germany-based HAS is investing €1 million in India's nano-agriculture sector to introduce advanced nanotechnology solutions. This initiative aims to reduce chemical dependency and improve crop yields for Indian farmers.
Commodities Paddy Prices Steady Amidst TNC's New Sustainability Initiative
Paddy prices on the CBOT remain steady as The Nature Conservancy launches a scheme to incentivize service providers to prevent stubble burning in India. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable farming practices and reduce carbon emissions.
Commodities Soybean Prices Surge Amid El Nino Concerns
Soybean prices on the CME have surged due to El Nino concerns impacting crop yields. Traders are closely monitoring weather forecasts as the USDA adjusts its projections.
Commodities Wheat Prices Surge Amid Global Supply Concerns
Wheat prices on the CBOT have surged to $7.50/bushel for the December contract, marking a 5% increase from last week and a 12% rise year-over-year. The price hike is driven by adverse weather conditions in key growing regions and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting exports.
Commodities Iran Conflict Spurs Fertilizer Alternatives Amid Price Surge
The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a significant increase in fertilizer prices, prompting farmers in Senegal and other regions to seek alternatives such as compost and manure. This shift is driven by supply disruptions in the Gulf region, which produces a substantial portion of the world's chemical fertilizers.