The Economic Times

India's bio-input expansion faces a skilled workforce shortage. This gap requires urgent development of training programs for biological systems. The government must detail specific workforce needs and educational pathways. This initiative mirrors past AI skill development efforts. Such measures are crucial for India's natural farming ambitions.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor flagged off the first fresh apricot export consignment to the UAE. This historic shipment marks a significant step for the region's horticulture sector and its farmers. Over one thousand metric tonnes of apricots are slated for export this season under a new agreement. The administration is also working to establish a world-class apricot processing unit within a year.

Retail prices are rising due to reduced sowing of key kharif crops. Inflation has increased for rice, oilseeds, and major pulses in June. Acreage for these crops declined significantly compared to last year. Traders are holding produce, limiting supply and pushing prices higher. Below normal rainfall further exacerbates concerns about future availability.

Maithri Aquatech develops atmospheric water generation systems that produce potable water from atmospheric humidity.

Kharif crop sowing is 16 percent lower this season. This delay is attributed to a weak monsoon and El Nino effects. Area under pulses and coarse cereals has significantly declined. Oilseeds and cotton coverage also shows a notable decrease. Sugarcane and jute acreage, however, have seen slight increases.

Indias southwest monsoon has bounced back after a weak June, cutting the rainfall deficit and boosting kharif prospects. Experts caution, however, that the El Nino risk isnt over.

Cotton sowing has accelerated in July as the southwest monsoon strengthens across India. Acreage has narrowed the gap compared to last year after initial delays. Improved rains in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are encouraging farmers to plant cotton. Some farmers are shifting from paddy to cotton due to better price prospects. Overall kharif sowing is progressing well, with July being a crucial month for planting.

Soybean sowing has accelerated across key Indian states after a monsoon delay. Nearly ninety percent of targeted areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are covered. Maharashtra has completed eighty to ninety percent of its soybean planting. The Soybean Processors Association of India expects total acreage to exceed last year. Favorable rainfall will determine the final soybean production outcome this season.

The Centre approved copra and Totapuri mango procurement for Tamil Nadu farmers. This move aims to shield growers from distress sales due to falling market prices. The government will buy 87,226 metric tonnes of copra at MSP. Additionally, 96,879 metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes will be procured under MIS. These interventions ensure remunerative prices and protect farmers from losses.

The Jute Commissioner's office has withdrawn raw jute stock control orders immediately. This action removes holding limits for traders and mills as the new jute season begins. Expectations point towards a significantly larger jute crop this year, easing previous scarcity concerns. Forward prices have already decreased substantially, reflecting improved market sentiment and availability. Mills can now carry necessary working stock while maintaining real-time reporting on a new portal.

Sugar prices have increased six to seven percent over June. This rise occurred as below-normal rainfall raised concerns about crop output. Demand also climbed with the end of the Hindu month of Adhik Maas. Ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra have increased to about forty-one point five rupees per kilogram. Recent rainfall is expected to provide relief to the standing sugarcane crop.

The government is monitoring 262 districts for rainfall deficiency and El Nino impacts. Fifteen additional districts have been identified as facing rainfall deficits. Sowing remains slower than usual due to uneven rainfall across the country. However, rains are forecast for Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan soon. Contingency plans are being implemented to minimize potential impacts on agriculture.

Kharif sowing lags significantly behind last year due to delayed and uneven monsoon rains. Paddy, pulses, and oilseeds acreage shows substantial year-on-year declines. This reduced planting raises concerns about potential crop output and food inflation. Sugarcane acreage has seen a slight increase, bucking the overall trend. Below-normal rainfall forecasts for July further exacerbate these agricultural challenges.

A groundbreaking doctoral study by Dr. Pransu Raj Kaushik, awarded by Dibrugarh University, has illuminated the critical yet overlooked issue of workplace stress and mental health among tea garden executives. The research, a comparative analysis involving NETA member companies and BCPL, offers vital insights for improving employee well-being and productivity within the tea sector.

Government efforts to build a buffer stock of onions are lagging significantly, with less than 5% of the target procured despite multiple price hikes. This slow pace raises concerns about market stability and potential hoarding, especially with the upcoming festive season and weather uncertainties impacting the next crop. Farmers are reportedly selling at higher market rates, bypassing government procurement.

Assam is set to boost sustainable development with a new compressed biogas plant. The National Dairy Development Board, Suzuki R&D India, and North East Dairy and Foods Ltd. have partnered to convert agricultural and dairy waste into clean biogas and organic fertiliser. This initiative promises to enhance rural livelihoods, promote scientific waste management, and contribute to cleaner mobility, aligning with the state's green goals and fostering a circular economy.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has urged farmers to enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana by July 31. This revised scheme offers financial protection against crop losses due to natural calamities, unseasonal rains, and drought. Farmers growing foodgrains, pulses, and oilseeds pay a 2% premium, while those cultivating commercial crops like cotton and onion pay 5%. Essential documents and a digital crop survey are required for enrollment.

Government hikes onion procurement price by 13% to Rs 2,125/quintal, effective July 4, 2026, to boost buffer stock purchases amid a slow start. This is the fifth increase this season, with only 2,000 tonnes procured so far. Despite production parity, seasonal price rises are expected, though overall availability remains stable. Speculative buying is noted due to delayed monsoons, while exports face competition from cheaper foreign produce.

The revisions reflect current market prices and technological advancements, promoting realistic project financing and encouraging sustainable growth.

Gujarat farmers will now receive double the prevailing market value for land used for electricity transmission lines, a significant upgrade from previous jantri-based compensation. The government also expanded the compensable area for tower bases and abolished staggered payments, opting for a single upfront payout. A new Market Rate Committee will ensure fair land valuations, with compensation varying based on location.

Assam has officially entered the premium Matcha tea market, with the state's first commercially produced batch fetching an impressive Rs 3000 per kg at auction. This significant development, spearheaded by the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate, marks India's debut in this high-value segment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the move as a boost to Assam's tea legacy and global brand, underscoring strong India-Japan ties.

India's crucial monsoon season has begun sluggishly, with a significant rainfall deficit raising concerns for the farm economy. Delayed sowing of key crops like rice and oilseeds is evident, particularly in central India. The strengthening El Nio phenomenon adds to the uncertainty, potentially impacting food inflation, agricultural exports, and imports. Authorities are implementing contingency plans to mitigate risks.

Pulse prices are set to remain steady until December, defying concerns over delayed sowing and rainfall. Ample government reserves, coupled with strong output from key exporting nations like Africa and Myanmar, are ensuring sufficient supply. Weak consumer demand since March has also contributed to stable pricing, offering relief to the market.

India's corn exports are soaring to a three-year peak, driven by record production and competitive pricing. Lower domestic prices, coupled with increased freight costs for global competitors, have boosted shipments to Asian nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh. This surge in demand is now helping to stabilize Indian corn prices, with further growth anticipated from October.

Soybean sowing has significantly surpassed official estimates, with the Soybean Processors Association of India reporting 28.923 lakh hectares covered, far exceeding the government's 6.920 lakh hectares. Despite a delayed start due to monsoon patterns, sowing is progressing rapidly in Madhya Pradesh.

Malda district in West Bengal has successfully exported 10 tonnes of premium mangoes to West Asia and Italy in the past week, with expectations to surpass 100 tonnes this season. Varieties like 'Amrapali', 'Vrindawani', 'Fazli', and 'Aswina' are being shipped, thanks to scientific orchard management and adherence to international quality standards. This initiative is boosting growers' income and expanding market access for these prized fruits.

July brings a worrying forecast for India as monsoon rains are predicted to be below normal, falling short of 94% of the long-term average. This situation could adversely affect the kharif sowing season critical for crops such as paddy and pulses.

As delayed soybean sowing unfolds in key Indian states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, concerns are rising over a potential shortage of domestic edible oil. The situation is further complicated by possible El Nio disruptions that could impact global production.

In a strategic move, INERA Crop Science has teamed up with CropNXT Solutions to tap into a Rs 500 crore opportunity in biological agri-inputs across northern and eastern India. This collaboration aspires to assist over 65 lakh farmers in five states by providing sustainable substitutes for traditional fertilizers, addressing concerns over soil health and soaring prices.

India's organized dairy sector is poised for accelerated revenue growth of 200-400 basis points this fiscal, driven by consistent volume increases and strategic price adjustments. Despite challenges like El Nio impacting milk supply and raising costs, companies are expected to pass these on, particularly for value-added products. This growth, coupled with healthy cash flows, will support continued investment and stable credit profiles for dairy players.