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india
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 TruAlt Bioenergy Q1 Net Zooms to ₹59.27 Crore on Higher Revenues, Capacity Expansion
TruAlt Bioenergy, India’s largest ethanol producer, posted a 12-fold jump in Q1 net profit to ₹59.27 crore as revenues surged 96% to ₹641.41 crore. Installed ethanol capacity grew 43% to 2,000 KLPD, with 65% now on dual-feed feedstock technology enabling year-round operations.
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.
Regulations & Compliance Delhi HC Issues Notice to Government on ISMA's Petition to Regulate Artificial Sugar Use
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the FSSAI and several ministries regarding a petition by the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) seeking stricter regulation of non-sugar sweeteners. The court directed the respondents to file counter affidavits within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for September 29. ISMA is calling for independent India-specific scientific studies, enhanced consumer warnings, and clearer labelling of products containing artificial sweeteners.
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.
India's Industrial Production Surges 7.3% in June, Led by Manufacturing and Power Sectors
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded 7.3% year-on-year in June 2026, accelerating from 5% in May, according to the National Statistics Office. Manufacturing output grew 7.8%, while electricity & gas supply surged 10.6%. Within manufacturing, 19 of 23 industry groups posted positive growth, led by electrical equipment (34%), motor vehicles (17.5%), and food products (10.8%). Chief Economist Aditi Nayar of ICRA Ltd noted broad-based acceleration and robust investment activity.
Trade gap seen as by-product of India's development stage, investment needs, energy dependence: Govt to Parliament
India's merchandise trade deficit is a natural by-product of its development stage, investment needs, and energy dependence, according to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. The statement to Parliament also highlighted shrimp export rejections totaling Rs 14 crore, rising FDI inflows, and progress under PLI schemes and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
Big manufacturing push: How India is aiming to future proof its supply chains from global conflicts
The Indian government is working on a broad manufacturing push to reduce import dependence and shield supply chains from geopolitical disruptions like the US-Iran conflict. Plans include identifying over 100 products for domestic production, cabinet-approved schemes for semiconductors and mobile phones worth Rs 1.9 lakh crore, and a taskforce led by Shaktikanta Das to map the import substitution roadmap. Consumer goods and electronics companies are also contingency planning ahead of the festive season.
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.
Government Clarifies: Using E20 Petrol Cannot Lead to Insurance Claim Rejection
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that using E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol cannot be a reason for insurance claim rejection. The government dismissed concerns about engine damage and fuel quality, stating the Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and has not caused widespread issues since its 2023 rollout.
Commodities India Plans to Source Up to Quarter of 2027 LPG Imports From United States, Sources Say
India plans to buy up to a quarter of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the United States in 2027, according to three sources. The move would reduce dependence on the Middle East and help secure a trade deal with Washington. State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum are expected to issue tenders within one to two months for US LPG supplies.
Technology Bombay High Court to Hear Gadkari's Suit Against Meta, X, Google Over Deepfakes on August 5
The Bombay High Court has scheduled August 5 for hearing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's civil suit against Meta, X Corp, Google LLC and unknown persons over defamatory deepfakes and AI-generated posts. Gadkari alleges the fake content falsely portrays him as personally responsible for the ethanol-blending programme and claims financial benefit to him and his family, causing irreparable harm to his reputation and personality rights.
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.
Manufacturing VST Tillers Tractors to set up ₹100-crore global tech centre in Hosur
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd (VTTL) has broken ground on a ₹100-crore Global Tech Centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The facility will serve as the company's primary hub for R&D in next-generation farm machinery, including tractors, tillers, and electric and intelligent equipment, strengthening testing and validation capabilities.
Nifty IT Surges Nearly 4% as Tech Stocks Lead Market Rally Amid Global Selloff
The Nifty IT index surged 3.75% as heavyweight tech stocks rallied, while Indian benchmark indices opened marginally lower ahead of the US Federal Reserve decision. In contrast, South Korea's Kospi tumbled more than 9% and Japan's Nikkei fell over 4%, driven by a global semiconductor selloff amid AI boom sustainability concerns.
Finance Poonawalla Vision Fund Invests ₹230 Crore in Lohum Cleantech for Critical Minerals
Poonawalla Vision Fund-1 (PVF1) and family offices have invested ₹230 crore in Lohum Cleantech, a leading sustainable critical minerals platform outside China. The fund, managed by Ambit, has deployed 60% of its ₹1,050 crore corpus within three months, tracking a ~40% IRR. The investment highlights the strategic focus on critical minerals for energy transition and supply chain resilience.
Rupee Surges 66 Paise on RBI Governor's Remarks; Sensex Jumps 776 Points
The Indian rupee strengthened sharply on Monday, closing at 95.91 against the US dollar, up 66 paise, after RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra signalled the currency is undervalued and highlighted robust foreign inflows. The central bank's intervention amplified gains, with Brent crude falling 10% to below $88 per barrel. The Sensex jumped 776 points to settle at 76,836, while the Nifty rose 229 points to 23,996.
Rs 100 Crore+ Income Club Sees Most Entries in 4 Years, Tax Base Widens
The Indian government reported 576 individuals with gross income over Rs 100 crore in FY2024-25, with 161 additions — the highest in four years. The data, disclosed in Parliament, also shows widening direct tax base and rising tax-to-GDP ratio.
Tata Sons profit jumps 22% as IPO windfall masks nearly ₹29,000 crore losses in new ventures
Tata Sons reported a 22% increase in net profit to ₹31,961 crore for FY26, lifted by a ₹6,531 crore gain from the Tata Capital IPO. However, losses from new ventures including Air India, Tata Digital, and Tata Electronics surged to nearly ₹29,000 crore. The board declared a dividend of ₹1.1 lakh per share, up 70%, as chairman N Chandrasekaran faces a crucial AGM on August 18 for his reappointment.
RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain Calls for Wider Bond Market Access to Meet India's 2047 Goals
RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain said bond markets need more depth, not just scale, so that a wider range of enterprises can access market-based finance. Speaking at the Financial Institutions Leadership Conference, he emphasised that India's goal to become a developed economy by 2047 requires financial markets to mobilise substantially more long-term capital and distribute risk efficiently.
Bank of Baroda Confirms Compromised Email Led to Data Leak; Core Systems Secure
Bank of Baroda reported a data leak from a cyberattack that compromised one employee's email account, exposing customer data. The bank assured that core banking systems remain secure and initiated a forensic investigation. Srikanth Lakshmanan of Cashless Consumer verified the leaked dataset included Aadhaar-linked details and internal documents.
India Approves 2 Billion Polymer Banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 for Field Trials
The Indian government has permitted the Reserve Bank of India to print 2 billion polymer banknotes – 1 billion each of Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations – for field trials. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Parliament that the notes will be tested before regular issue, and polymer will coexist with paper currency. The move follows RBI's tender for sourcing materials and aims to leverage the longer lifespan of polymer notes highlighted by international studies.
India Finance Ministry Imposes Five-Year Anti-Dumping Duty on Low Ash Met Coke
India's Finance Ministry has imposed an anti-dumping duty on low ash met coke imports, effective for five years from the date of provisional duty imposition. The duty, payable in Indian currency, follows a Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) investigation that found dumped exports causing injury to the domestic industry. The measure is expected to raise costs for steel producers who rely on this high-purity carbon fuel.
HDFC Bank Board Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Penalty Each on MD, CFO, Group Head in MSRDC Case
HDFC Bank's board imposed a Rs 1 lakh penalty each on its MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, CFO Srinivasan Vaidyanathan, and Group Head (Retail Assets) Arvind Vohra for divergence from RBI directions in the MSRDC matter. The bank also issued warning letters to other employees involved in mobilising large deposits between 2017 and 2021.
Rs 100 crore club gets bigger: Number of nine-figure income filers quadruples in five years
The Times of India reports that the number of income tax filers declaring income over Rs 100 crore has quadrupled over the past five years, signaling a rise in high-income earners in India.
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.
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.
Finance Hudco Q1 Net Profit Surges 35% to ₹851 Crore, Interest Income Rises Sharply
Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Hudco) posted a 35% jump in Q1 FY27 net profit to ₹851 crore, with total income rising to ₹3,737 crore. The company declared an interim dividend of ₹1.25 per share and reduced loan provisions significantly.
Technology India Gold Metaverse Raises ₹300 Crore to Build Digital Infrastructure for Gold Economy
India Gold Metaverse (IGM) has raised ₹300 crore in equity and secondary placement to develop the first integrated digital infrastructure for India's gold economy. The platform combines blockchain, AI, and financial market technologies through four interconnected products: Elanzia, RamMudra, GoldSense, and BullionX. The investment was led by marquee investors including Ashish Kacholia and family offices, with Pantomath Group facilitating the transaction.
RBI's Swap Scheme May Attract $80-85 Billion in Forex Inflows, Says SBI Report
The Reserve Bank of India's concessional swap facility could attract $80-85 billion in foreign currency inflows, led by FCNR(B) deposits, according to a report by SBI Research. By July 17, inflows reached nearly $20 billion, providing a positive reprieve for India's external sector. The report projects a balance of payments surplus of over $50 billion for FY27.
Stock market today: BSE Sensex rallies over 750 points, Nifty50 ends shy of 24,000 - top reasons for rise
Indian equity markets rallied strongly on July 27, 2026, with BSE Sensex closing up 776 points (1.02%) at 76,835.78 and Nifty50 ending at 23,995.95, up 228 points (0.96%), snapping a five-day losing streak. The rally was driven by easing Iran-US tensions, a sharp decline in crude oil prices, value buying after last week's correction, and falling US Treasury yields.
Oil Price Volatility and RBI's Steady Hand Stabilise Rupee Ahead of August MPC Meeting
The Indian rupee is entering a stable phase ahead of the RBI's August MPC meeting, with analysts ruling out sharp depreciation. Brent crude below $105 limits USD/INR below 97.50, while the RBI prioritises managing volatility over defending specific levels. Rising crude inflation may delay rate cuts.
Commodities India's average crude oil basket price plunges to $77.6/bbl in July from $114.5 in April
India's average crude oil basket price declined to $77.6 per barrel in July (up to July 22) from $114.5 per barrel in April 2026, according to the government. The drop, driven by easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, is expected to support India's external sector and mitigate current account deficit pressures. The RBI has projected GDP growth of 6.6% and CPI inflation of 5.1% for 2026-27.
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.
BSE Sensex Surges Over 800 Points, Nifty50 Tops 24,000 as Oil Drop and Geopolitical Easing Boost Sentiment
Indian benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty50 surged on July 27, 2026, with the Sensex gaining over 800 points to 76,859 and the Nifty crossing 24,000. The rally was fueled by a sharp decline in crude oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Meanwhile, Mangalam Worldwide Ltd reported an 18.7% rise in quarterly profit.
Regulations & Compliance India's WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement Ratification Sparks Concern Among Traditional Fishermen
India formally ratified the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement on July 20, 2026, becoming the 123rd member. Fisherfolk groups in Kerala, including KADAL and the Kerala Fishermen Coordination Committee, have raised strong objections, warning that implementation could threaten the livelihoods of millions of traditional fishermen who rely on government subsidies for survival. They argue that developed countries provide far larger subsidies per worker, and that India's fishing communities, 68% of whom live below the poverty line, need continued support.
Commodities Gold Prices Rise Across Major Indian Cities on July 27, 2026
Gold prices in India rose across all major cities on July 27, 2026. The price for 1 gram of 22-carat gold increased by ₹70–₹85 depending on the city, while 24-carat gold rose by ₹74–₹90 per gram. Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad all saw higher rates.
Commodities India's Power Demand Rises on Heatwaves; IEA Sees 7% Electricity Growth in 2026
India's electricity demand rose about 6% in H1 2026 led by heatwaves and strong industrial activity, according to the IEA. The agency forecasts 7% annual growth for 2026. Peak load hit a record 270.8 GW in May, but shortages more than doubled in Jan-May 2026 due to evening supply gaps.
FSSAI Suspends Westend Agro Products Licence for Altering Expiry Dates and Label Fraud
India's food safety regulator FSSAI suspended the licence of Westend Agro Products after an inspection revealed systematic alteration of manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and misleading label declarations including false organic claims. The regulator also seized printing machinery and materials used for forgery. The action follows a consumer complaint and is part of a broader crackdown on misleading labelling and sub-standard food across India.
IPO Buzz: Over a Dozen Companies Set to Raise Rs 25,000 Crore in August 2026
Over a dozen Indian companies, including Zepto, Truhome Finance, and Shiprocket, are set to launch IPOs in August 2026, collectively targeting over Rs 25,000 crore. The offerings include fresh equity and offer-for-sale components, reflecting improving investor sentiment and market stability, according to merchant bankers.
Finance FPIs Infuse Over ₹3,000 Crore in Indian Domestic Market Last Week, Data Shows
Foreign Portfolio Investors turned net buyers in July, infusing ₹3,049 crore into Indian stocks last week and ₹14,946 crore month-to-date. The debt market also saw strong inflows of ₹9,521 crore via the Fully Accessible Route and ₹27,391 crore via the general route, according to depository data.
July FPI Inflows Hit Rs 42,000 Crore, Topping February Record as Equity Buying Resumes
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) recorded total inflows of nearly Rs 41,796 crore in July, the strongest month in 2026, breaking a four-month equity selling streak. Equity inflows of $1.6 billion were aided by participation in the SBI Funds IPO, while debt markets attracted $9.5 billion year-to-date. Despite the recovery, year-to-date total FPI flows remain negative at $18.4 billion.
India Fuels Bitchat's Global Rise Despite Government Takedown Order
Bitchat, the internet-free messaging app founded by Jack Dorsey, has seen explosive growth in India despite a government order to remove its source code from GitHub. New data from Appfigures shows India accounted for 53% of the app's global downloads, with daily installs surging from 291 to over 28,000 in a week. The Internet Freedom Foundation has criticised the takedown order as unconstitutional.
Global wheat rally revives India's export prospects as government allows 5 million tonnes of exports
India has authorised the export of 5 million tonnes of wheat after a four-year ban, according to the Economic Times. The decision follows a global wheat rally and a domestic surplus of 57.8 million tonnes in the central pool. The government had previously allowed an additional 2.5 million tonnes in April 2026.
Russian Supply Disruption and Red Sea Threats Pose Fresh Risk to India's August Crude Imports
India's August crude oil imports face risk from Russian supply disruption after Ukrainian attacks on Novorossiysk port, as well as continued Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping. Russia, which supplies 50% of India's imports, saw July exports drop ~400,000 bpd MoM. Higher freight costs and shrinking discounts on Urals crude threaten to inflate India's import bill. Brent crude futures rose above $100/bbl on July 23.
India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Completes 1,200 km Trials, Saves 3,200 Litres Diesel
India's first hydrogen-powered train has completed over 1,200 km of trial runs between Jind and Sonipat, saving 3,200 litres of diesel. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting only water vapour. Indian Railways plans to begin trials on the Delhi route next.
Commodities India's Next Commodity Cycle May Be Driven by Scrap as Organised Metal Recycling Gains Momentum
India's metals industry is undergoing a structural shift from mining towards recycling, driven by organised non-ferrous metal recyclers. A report by Ashika Institutional Equities Research highlights that secondary metals offer significant energy, capital, and carbon savings, while regulatory frameworks like Battery Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility are accelerating formalisation. Lead offers strong earnings visibility, copper represents the largest long-term opportunity, and aluminium is a major decarbonisation play.
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.
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.
India and Australia Must Move Decisively to Build Resilient Energy Supply Chains, Experts Urge
A policy dialogue on the India-Australia Energy Security Corridor stressed that critical minerals must be at the heart of the partnership, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships. Experts cautioned against over-reliance on concentrated supply chains and highlighted complementary strengths in mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
India's Strategic Reserves Strategy: Crude Oil, LPG, and LNG for Energy Security
India is strengthening its energy security with strategic reserves for crude oil, LPG, and LNG. Current SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT (9.5 days of consumption), with plans to expand to 11.88 MMT. Experts advocate a three-tier policy: large physical crude reserves, distributed LPG reserves, and virtual LNG reserves to cover 90 days of consumption.
Commodities Grain-based ethanol gains momentum: What it means for India's blending programme
India's ethanol blending programme has crossed 717 crore litres cumulative supplies by June 2026, with grain-based ethanol contributing nearly 480 crore litres. The shift to maize and surplus grains provides resilience against crop failures, supports rural industry, and advances energy security.
Bank of Baroda, Bank of India target over $6 billion through forex mop-up schemes
Bank of Baroda and Bank of India are targeting over $6 billion in foreign capital through FCNR(B) deposits, medium-term notes, and foreign currency bonds. RBI has undertaken to cover forex risk via dollar swaps. Banks have collectively raised over $17 billion so far.
HCLTech to invest Rs 14,257 crore in AI data centre at Odisha Sovereign AI Park, partners with Sarvam
HCLTech announced a Rs 14,257 crore investment to build its first AI data centre at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park, in partnership with AI startup Sarvam and the Odisha government. The project includes financial assistance from the state and aims to strengthen India's sovereign AI ecosystem. Separately, HCLTech will set up a global technology centre in Bhubaneswar employing about 5,000 people, expected to begin operations by 2028.
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.
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.
US Imposes 10% Tariff on India Under Forced Labour Probe; Oil Prices Surge
The US Trade Representative has announced a permanent 10% additional tariff on India and 16 other countries under Section 301 for allowing imports of goods produced with forced labour. The levy, lower than the proposed 12.5%, replaces a temporary duty and is unlikely to have a major impact. Separately, Indian crude basket surged 11% to $103.33 per barrel amid supply disruptions.
Assocham: India's exports to UK may reach USD 115 billion by 2030 under trade pact
Assocham has projected that the India-UK trade agreement, effective July 15, 2026, could more than double India's exports to the UK from USD 58 billion in FY2025-26 to USD 115 billion by 2030, while creating 7-10 lakh jobs. The chamber stressed the need for sustained competitiveness in quality, certification, and rules of origin compliance.
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.