BRICS and the new geography of agri-trade
Indias BRICS chairship in 2026 comes as agricultural trade faces new challenges beyond tariffs, including climate shocks, food-price volatility, fertiliser supply disruptions, sustainability requirements and digital traceability standards. With BRICS now accounting for nearly half the worlds population, around 40% of global GDP and $1.17 trillion in intra-group trade, agriculture has become a strategic area for cooperation.
Record pulses buffer to act as shield against El Nino, says govt official
India holds a substantial 43 lakh tonnes pulses buffer that will protect against supply disruptions and price hikes due to a potential El Nino. The government assures this stock can be utilized if the weather phenomenon affects kharif sowing. This buffer is significantly larger than previous years, built through assured procurement policies.
El Nio needs monitoring, but India better prepared than earlier: Bayers Simon Wiebusch
Farmers are increasingly recognising climate volatility as a long-term reality, driving greater adoption of climate-smart practices, says Simon Wiebusch.
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre sets new benchmark for quality tea prices
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre achieved record prices for quality tea. Deckiajuli Tea Estate sold premium CTC leaf at Rs 1,103 per kg. Sotai Tea Estate tea also reached a new high of Rs 889 per kg. Over 65,000 kg of tea sold above Rs 400 per kg. The Assam Government offers subsidies for orthodox tea.
Assam, Meghalaya farmers resume farming in disputed border area after weeks of conflict
The Tapat-Lapangap area is one of six inter-State border sectors where a 54-year-old territorial dispute remains to be resolved
Government's wheat procurement surges 17pc to 35 million tonnes, exceeds target for 2026-27 season
Government wheat procurement has exceeded target for the 2026-27 rabi marketing season. Over 35 million tonnes of wheat have been procured, a significant increase from the previous year. This achievement was driven by strong domestic production and favorable market conditions. Major wheat-producing states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have contributed substantially to this record procurement.
States asked to focus on sowing pulses, oilseeds
India's government is urging states to focus on pulses and oilseeds for the upcoming kharif sowing season. This directive comes amid predictions of below-normal monsoon rains and potential disruptions in fertilizer supplies. The aim is to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Efforts are underway to improve seed availability and farming techniques for these crucial crops.
Onion farmers stage protest for third time, demand MSP of 3000
Farmers wore onion garlands and blocked the highway in the Ambegaon taluka of the Pune district. They demanded a guaranteed price of 3,000 per quintal and compensation for farmers who sold their produce at a lower rate.
Indian refiners shift to soyoil in May as palm oil loses price advantage
India's edible oil imports increased in May, driven by a surge in soyoil purchases. Palm oil imports saw a slight rise but remained below average. Refiners favored soyoil as its price advantage over palm oil narrowed. Cooking gas shortages also impacted palm oil demand from bulk consumers. Overall edible oil imports reached 1.3 million tons.
A 3 lakh crore rain check? Indias monsoon now comes with a Hormuz fine print
Indias fertiliser supply chain is under strain as the West Asia conflict disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for imports. The crisis comes just as India faces a below-normal monsoon forecast, with the IMD projecting rainfall at 90% of the long-term average and a 92% probability of El Nio conditions, raising concerns over crop output and food inflation.
Open MSP procurement, storage to private sector: StarAgri CEO
StarAgri CEO Amith Agarwal advocates a bigger private-sector role in MSP procurement and storage to boost efficiency, warehousing capacity, and agri supply chains.
Cotton prices down 3% on import duty suspension, may slide more
India has suspended its 11% import duty on cotton until October. This move has immediately reversed the recent rally in cotton prices, with both bales and yarn seeing a drop. Industry insiders expect further price decreases in the coming days. This decision aims to ease prices, prevent hoarding, and boost the competitiveness of Indian textile exports.
Government raises onion buffer stock purchase price 24% to Rs 15.80/kg
The government has set a higher onion procurement price at Rs 15.80 per kg, a step designed to uplift farmers and regulate market rates effectively. Concurrently, the buffer stock of pulses has hit an impressive 43 lakh tonnes, stemming from robust local production that minimizes the need for foreign imports.
CM Revanth Reddy for crop diversification, as below normal rainfall is forecast
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to educate farmers on the impacts of El Nio and the usage of less water-intensive crops, as below normal rainfall is forecast for monsoon
The central government has approved the purchase of sunflower seed from Karnataka for the 2026 rabi season. This move ensures farmers receive a minimum support price. In Maharashtra, the procurement limit for gram has been significantly increased.
Minister launches desilting works to boost groundwater access for farmers
Janardhan Reddy operates an earthmover to remove silt from Hanumathu Gundam tank as part of Jaladhara-Jalaharathi programme in Kolimigundla mandal of Banaganapalle Assembly constituency
Indore to host meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers in June
Indore will host BRICS agriculture ministers from June 12 to 13. Officials will meet earlier from June 9 to 11. Discussions will focus on food security, smart agriculture, global trade, and farmer welfare.
Traders begin wheat exports after four-year hiatus on bumper crop
Consumer goods conglomerate ITC has started loading 22,000 metric tonnes of wheat at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates, sources said
India begins wheat exports after four-year hiatus on bumper crop
India has resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years, with ITC loading 22,000 metric tons for the UAE. A record harvest and higher global prices and freight rates are making Indian wheat competitive. This follows a ban imposed due to crop damage from extreme heat in previous years.
12.38 lakh tonnes paddy purchased from 1.54 lakh ryots so far, 1,129 crore paid
According to Commissioner of Civil Supplies M. Stephen Ravindra, the department is operating at full capacity across the State to handle the inflow of paddy
Urrak plantation hopping in Goa
Having sourced local urrak from neighbours and discreet taverns, the writers set out to see how its made at two South Goa plantations
India braces for a mixed May with wetter-than-usual conditions expected nationwide, as rainfall is likely to exceed normal levels. While many regions anticipate normal to below-normal maximum temperatures, some areas, including southern peninsular India, may experience hotter days. Night temperatures are generally predicted to be warmer. The IMD also flagged potential heatwave days in specific pockets.
Pilibhit in UP to get India's first integrated Basmati, organic training-cum-demo farm
India is set to boost its Basmati rice sector. APEDA will establish a new training and demonstration farm in Pilibhit. This facility will focus on both conventional and organic Basmati cultivation. It aims to enhance farmer training and research. An AI-based survey project for Basmati paddy is also launching. These initiatives will strengthen India's agricultural exports.
Indias marine fish catch up 3% in 2025; mackerel tops landings: CMFRI
The sector's economic value surged, reflecting strong market demand and improved marketing efficiency across the nation.
Sugar output reaches 275.28 lakh tonnes, up 7% YoY as of April 30: ISMA
While overall production is up, the number of operational sugar mills has decreased substantially. Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown strong production figures.
India invokes WTO peace clause for FY25 rice subsidies for farmers
India has once again utilized the World Trade Organisation peace clause. This is the seventh time the country has invoked this provision. It allows India to exceed the 10% subsidy limit for rice farmers. The government informed the WTO about providing subsidies worth $7.6 billion. This represents about 11.85% of the total value of rice production.
Argentina emerges as India's main supplier of edible oils
Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.
Decoding govts wheat strategy: Can higher procurement push and export quota hike lift the sector?
Experts say wheat procurement may be constrained by limited storage, while exports remain largely uncompetitive globally.
