The Economic Times

Sugar prices rose by nearly Re 1 per kg to Rs 63.97 in the retail market on August 25, despite recent government steps to curb the surge. The average retail price has risen 31% in a month from Rs 48.81 per kg and is 38% higher than a year ago. Wholesale prices have also climbed to Rs 59.23 per kg from Rs 45.35 a month earlier.

Indian sugar mills may import only half the allowed raw sugar quota. Falling domestic prices have reduced the profitability of these planned imports. Refineries are expected to take most of the available import volume. Domestic supplies are anticipated to rise from mid-October with the new season.

Ex-mill sugar prices have dropped eighteen percent to fifty-five rupees per kilogram. This decline follows government measures to curb speculation and allow imports. The food secretary stated prices were artificially inflated by mills previously. Wholesale and retail prices have not yet reflected this significant ex-mill reduction. Government actions aim to stabilize sugar costs for consumers nationwide.

Marathwada's cultivation area has shrunk by nearly 3.5 lakh hectares this year. Rainfall is 20.3 percent below average, impacting the region's agriculture significantly. Cotton and sugarcane acreage have dropped sharply, while farmers shift crops. Soybean, maize, and sunflower cultivation has seen an increase. This shift reflects adaptation to current weather conditions and market demands.

Retail sugar prices are expected to decrease soon as speculative stocking eases. The industry body attributes recent price hikes to speculation and weather-related production issues. Domestic sugar stocks are currently estimated below the government's normative buffer level. The government has permitted duty-free raw sugar imports to address supply concerns.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is taking measures to manage sugar availability and rising prices ahead of the festival season, including temporary imports of raw sugar. He attributed the fall in production to red rot disease and El Nino conditions.

India has ordered dealers to hold sugar inventories for only fifteen days. This new rule takes effect from September first until November thirtieth. The government aims to bolster sugar supplies and rein in soaring prices. Festival demand and patchy rains have contributed to the current price surge. These measures are intended to stabilize the market through the busy festival season.

India's kharif planting has rebounded impressively following beneficial rainfall in July. Farmers are keen to recover from the setbacks of a parched June, showcasing an optimistic shift. The sowing of crucial crops like pulses and oilseeds is on track across the nation. Nevertheless, some crops still have acreage that is less than last year's. This revitalization raises expectations for alleviating food price concerns, provided the good rains continue.

Indian crop insurers are asking the government for regulatory data protection. This provision would encourage the introduction of newer, safer pesticide molecules. Companies seek a five-year exclusive access window for newly registered products. This change aims to boost farm output and agrochemical exports competitiveness. International comparisons show other nations offer similar data protection periods.

BRICS countries are considering a Russian-backed proposal to create a grain exchange that would allow producers and buyers to trade directly and reduce dependence on major global commodity exchanges. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated El Nino's impact on kharif production is unlikely to be significant. Rainfall has been adequate for crops across most of the country this year. The shortfall in kharif sowing has narrowed considerably and is expected to reduce further. Deficient rainfall in some regions will not affect overall kharif output at this stage. The government is also preparing new Seeds and Pesticides Management Bills.

In an effort to reign in soaring domestic sugar prices, India is thinking about lowering its sugar import duty. This response is geared toward boosting local supply ahead of the upcoming festival demand spike. Concerns regarding El Nio and subpar monsoon rains have cast shadows over sugarcane harvests. Ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra have hit record highs, pushing factories to begin sugarcane crushing ahead of schedule to ramp up availability.

India's soyoil imports are expected to reach a record 620,000 metric tons in August, about 46% above the current marketing year's monthly average, as competitive prices and disruptions to sunflower oil shipments from the Black Sea encourage refiners to increase soyoil purchases ahead of festive demand, traders said.

India faces rising fertilizer costs, prompting a review of its subsidy system. Global supply chain issues and war have doubled procurement expenses for the nation. Farmers are urged to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use for soil health. A new distribution system is being tested to manage nutrient sales. This situation risks impacting food inflation both domestically and abroad.

Most sugar mills will not advance their crushing season by fifteen days. A significant shortage of migrant labor remains the primary obstacle for mills. This labor is typically available only around Diwali in November each year. Mechanized harvesting cannot adequately compensate for the missing workforce. Industry bodies had promised the government an earlier start to crushing operations.

Wholesale onion prices have surged significantly in the past week. The government plans to sell buffer stock onions to control rising prices. A delayed kharif crop from southern India is expected to further increase costs. Onion quality has suffered globally due to erratic weather conditions. Future price trends will depend on September rainfall and new crop arrivals.

Fresh coriander prices have significantly increased due to heavy rains. Supplies from key producing regions like Nashik were disrupted by flooding. Wholesale prices reached 175 per kg, while retail prices climbed higher. Limited arrivals from Karnataka offered some relief but with lower quality. Transport disruptions further contributed to the sharp price movements this week.

Indian rice exporters face significant logistical challenges at Kandla port. Cargo clearance now extends to forty days, impacting perishable rice shipments. This congestion occurs while India holds substantial rice stocks and anticipates global demand. Container shortages further exacerbate issues for basmati and non-basmati rice exports. These disruptions are causing global non-basmati rice prices to increase.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a new scholarship initiative. Over six thousand agriculture students will receive monthly direct bank transfers. This National Scholarship Portal-Direct Benefit Transfer system aims for faster payments. The government seeks to ensure timely financial assistance for students' education. This move strengthens agricultural education and practical learning opportunities.

India is set to ramp up rice utilization for ethanol production this year, amid reduced planting of maize and sugarcane, raising concerns about feedstock availability. Fortunately, the government maintains a healthy stock of rice, offering a safety net. With sugar prices soaring to unprecedented levels due to crop output fears, this strategy aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending ratio.

By August 7, farmers have successfully planted Kharif crops at 87.7% of the expected seasonal average. While rainfall deficiencies have mitigated, the focus is now firmly on crop yields. The acreage for critical crops like rice and pulses trails behind last years figures. On a positive note, reservoir water levels have improved significantly following recent rainfall. Nevertheless, the IMD warns of below-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon weeks.

Inaugurating the programme, Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the critical role of cooperative banks in financial inclusion and local economic development.

India's fertilizer production and imports have fallen sharply in the June quarter. This decline is due to inflated raw material prices caused by the West Asia conflict. Production of complex fertilizers dropped twenty-eight percent, and imports slipped forty-eight point five percent. Ammonia and sulphur prices have nearly doubled, making manufacturing and imports less viable. This situation raises concerns over nutrient availability for the ongoing crop sowing season.

The RBI has flagged El Nio and an uneven southwest monsoon as key risks to agriculture, rural demand and the broader economy, despite cutting its FY27 inflation forecast to 5%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said government measures, including climate-resilient crops, water conservation and adequate foodgrain stocks, should cushion the impact, though volatile crude prices and geopolitical tensions continue to pose inflation risks.

India's sugar prices have risen significantly in recent weeks. The government imposed stock limits to help temper these rising rates. Lower output and El Nino concerns are also impacting sugar prices. Demand for sugar remains strong despite the recent price increases. The government has maintained August's sales quota at last year's level.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met farmers regarding the ethanol blending petrol policy. The government aims for farmers to receive the largest share of ethanol program benefits. Discussions focused on ensuring fair prices and demand for various crop feedstocks. Farmers expressed support for the ethanol program and clarified misconceptions about its impact. Both sides agreed to collaborate on strengthening the policy-making process for farmers' interests.

The Bharat International Rice Conference will feature a global crop survey. Future rice prices will be projected based on expected global demand and supply. This event aims to strengthen business partnerships and identify new opportunities. Over 30,000 delegates from more than 120 countries are expected to attend. The conference is scheduled to take place from October 23-25 in New Delhi.

The Fertiliser Association of India seeks higher subsidy rates for the upcoming Kharif season. Raw material prices have significantly increased, impacting domestic fertiliser production viability. Industry leaders met to review the Middle East crisis's effect on key input costs. Existing subsidy rates have not kept pace with the changed cost environment. Maintaining uninterrupted domestic production is critical for ensuring adequate stock buildup.

The government plans to resume selling subsidized Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice soon. This initiative aims to provide staples at lower prices before the festival season. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has allocated significant quantities of wheat and rice for this purpose. Bharat Rice will be priced at 35 per kg initially, with a slight increase later.

In a special report, Wall Street brokerage Goldman Sachs said the labour market impacts of gen-AI are expected to be uneven and it looks gen-AI as a medium-term positive for India's growth outlook.

The government has imposed nationwide stock limits on private sugar traders. These restrictions will be in force from August 1 to November 30. Dealers cannot hold more than 4,000 quintals of sugar at any single location. A quota of 2.25 million tonnes of sugar has been announced for August. Physical verification of stocks with sugar mills will occur during August 1-14.

India's rice exports grew five percent in early 2026, driven by non-basmati shipments. Higher demand from African nations boosted non-basmati rice exports significantly. Basmati rice exports saw a decline due to trade disruptions with Gulf markets. Corn exports surged four hundred percent, and wheat exports also increased substantially. These export trends ensure affordable supplies for many global buyers.

According to an official statement, the minister chaired a virtual review meeting to assess the utilisation of funds released under the RKVY and to consider the issuance of the Second Installment (Second Mother Sanction) to the Government of Maharashtra.

According to a statement by the Agriculture Ministry on Sunday, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), in collaboration with ICAR, and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), organised a high-level roundtable on Reforms in Regulations and Approval of Genetically Modified (GM) and Genome-Edited (GE) Crop Plants.

Scorching temperatures across Europe also raise concerns over potential crop losses. This situation could lift costs for staples like bread and cooking oil.

A study finds conservation agriculture with drip irrigation can boost wheat protein content by up to 12% while improving yield and resource efficiency.

India's import bill for key pulses significantly decreased in FY26 due to robust domestic production. Lower global prices and import curbs also contributed to this substantial reduction. Exports of certain pulses, like Kabuli chana, saw a notable increase during the same period. This shift reflects India's growing self-sufficiency and improved market position for these commodities. Domestic policies and strong harvests have bolstered India's pulse sector performance.

WTO members questioned India's trade policies at a recent review. Concerns included quality orders and abrupt tariff changes. India defended its policies as vital for public objectives. Schemes like PLI and agricultural support also faced scrutiny. Members sought greater transparency and predictability in trade practices.

India plans to become a top 10 sporting nation by 2036. The nation also aims for a top five ranking by 2047. The Khelo India programme has established over 1,000 sports training centres. The Union Budget increased sports allocation to approximately Rs 4,480 crore. A special fund promotes sports equipment manufacturing and research within India.

India hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh. The meeting established a network for mental wellness research and collaboration. BRICS nations adopted a declaration to deepen health cooperation and strengthen systems. Initiatives were launched to combat diseases driven by social determinants. Digital health and healthy lifestyle promotion were also key discussion points.

India issued a security warning for ships in the Black Sea region. This advisory follows a recent Russian attack that killed four Indian nationals. The maritime authority urged extreme caution and risk assessments for voyages. Several other attacks involving Indian seafarers have occurred since April. India is a major contributor to global merchant shipping personnel.

India must transition agriculture towards income generation, emphasizing crop diversification and market reforms, said S Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

India has delivered essential medical supplies to Kenya for disease preparedness. This assistance strengthens Kenya's capacity to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The consignment included personal protective equipment and infection prevention materials. India previously supplied significant medical aid to the Africa Centres for Disease Control. Both nations are expanding health sector cooperation through grant assistance.

In 1907, an Indian scientist challenged Newton: How a young clerk in the Indian government's finance department, working nights at a small Calcutta laboratory, went on to become India's first Nobel laureate in science.

Lahiri stressed the need for greater adoption of science and technology, noting that productivity per acre for several Indian crops remains significantly below global benchmarks.

India's weightlifting representation at the Commonwealth Games has diminished from sixteen to eleven quotas, resulting in Dilbagh Singh's withdrawal due to injury and the impact of doping violations. The quota cut was necessitated by several Anti-Doping Rule Violations infractions during the qualifying stages, which have led to bans for N Ajith, Sairaj Pardeshi, and Harcharan Singh, in addition to sanctions against Vanshita Verma.

India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. The nation aims to leave a lasting institutional legacy for Commonwealth sport. Discussions included governance reforms and strengthening the anti-doping framework. India supports establishing an annual forum for translating decisions into action. The country is ready to host a historic and sustainable Games.

India begins its Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign with hopes pinned on stars such as Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Jyothi Yarraji and Sift Kaur Samra. Here's a look at the country's top medal contenders.

2026 Commonwealth Games India Medal Tally: India's Commonwealth Games 2026 lawn bowls events commence on July twenty-third. The women's pairs team plays Malta's Connie and Rebecca Rixon. Putul Sonowal faces Canada's Ryan Bester in the men's singles. Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will lead the Indian contingent. Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV will broadcast the games live.