Agriculture
Over 34.85 lakh Odisha farmers receive Rs 697 crore under PM Kisan Yojana, says CM Majhi
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has encouraged farmers to diversify their crops beyond paddy to leverage government initiatives, highlighting the disbursement of the 20th PM Kisan Samman Nidhi installment to over 34 lakh farmers in the state.
Kharif crops sowing this season may exceed last year's level: ICRA
India anticipates a good kharif season. Favourable monsoon conditions support increased sowing. Kharif sowing already exceeds last year's levels. Above-normal rainfall is expected in August and September. This will benefit both kharif and rabi crops. Agriculture GVA is projected to grow. Rural wage growth is also increasing. This will likely boost rural consumption.
Sugar output expected to rise 18% in FY26
India anticipates a significant boost in sugar production for the 2025-26 season. The Indian Sugar Mills Association projects an 18% increase. This rise to 349 lakh tonnes should ease current supply constraints. Improved rainfall is credited for enhanced cane productivity. Experts believe this will stabilize prices during the festival season.
Agri value chain gets twin push with outlay on processing and co-ops
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sampada Yojana outlay by ₹1,920 crore to ₹6,520 crore, aiming to boost the food processing sector by FY26. Additionally, a ₹2,000 crore scheme for the National Cooperative Development Corporation was approved to support cooperatives.
India's sugar output seen rising 18 pc to 34.9 million tonnes in 2025-26: ISMA
India's sugar production is projected to surge to 34.90 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, marking an 18% increase, according to ISMA. This boost allows for potential exports of 2 million tonnes. A significant 5 million tonnes of sugar could be diverted for ethanol production, up from 3.5 million tonnes.
Cabinet enhances budgetary allocation for PMKSY to Rs 6,520 cr
The Union Cabinet has increased the budgetary outlay for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) by ₹1,920 crore, bringing the total to ₹6,520 crore, aiming to boost the food processing sector. These enhanced funds will support the establishment of 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 food testing labs.
IFL Enterprises revenue jumps more than twofold in June quarter
IFL Enterprises announced a significant surge in revenue, more than doubling to Rs 33.41 crore in the first quarter of 2025-26, compared to Rs 15.29 crore in the same period last year. The agri-commodities trading firm also reported a substantial increase in net profit, reaching Rs 5.15 crore.
India's sugar output falls 18 pc to 25.82 mn tonnes till July of this season: NFCSFL
Sugar production in India has seen a decrease. The decline is about 18.38 percent, totaling 25.82 million tonnes until July. This season's end is in October. Major producing states reported lower output. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra saw significant drops. Reduced sugarcane availability and weather are factors. India achieved 20 percent ethanol blending with petrol ahead of schedule.
Indian tea industry grappling with challenges: ITA
The Indian Tea Association reports the tea industry faces significant hurdles. Production shortfalls occurred in 2024 due to weather and pests. Poor production is a concern for West Bengal and Assam in 2025. Tea auction prices have declined. Imports surged in 2024, impacting prices. Tea exports saw a marginal decrease. The industry navigates these challenges.
Price of Gobindobhog rice doubles amid low supply & rising demand from South India, Middle East
Geographical Indication tagged Gobindobhog rice prices have doubled due to a demand-supply mismatch, surging from Rs 90 to Rs 180 per kg. Increased demand from South India and the Middle East, coupled with a 40% drop in last year's Kharif crop yield, has fueled the price hike. Prices of other rice varieties like Sona Masoori are also rising.
Must Watch
Cranberries, durians, other British farm products get duty concessions under India-UK trade pact
India and the UK have a new trade agreement. India will reduce duties on some British agricultural goods. These include cranberries and certain mushrooms. Most Indian agricultural products will have zero duty in the UK. Indian farmers can expect better prices in the UK market. Dairy and cereal sectors are protected in India.
Tropical Agrosystem expands distribution of post-harvest solution to reduce food waste
Tropical Agrosystem (India) is expanding the distribution of AgroFresh's SmartFresh InBox, a post-harvest technology, to minimize food waste by reducing reliance on cold storage and lowering energy consumption. This technology utilizes 1-MCP to extend the shelf life of fresh produce during transportation. Approved for apples in India, trials are underway for other crops, enhancing sustainability and supporting farmers.
Kerala's culinary identity in crisis as major coconut crunch throws cooking out of gear
When thieves start forming organised gangs to steal coconuts from trees, you know something has gone wrong with the commodity market. In Kerala, a coconut that once cost Rs 25 now commands Rs 77— an over 200% price jump that has turned the state’s most essential ingredient into an object of desire, desperation and even crime.
Spright Agro profit zooms 46% in June quarter on higher revenue
The company reported revenue from operations of Rs 62.02 crore for the first quarter of 2025-26, a year-on-year growth of 17.38 per cent compared to Rs 52.88 crore reported in the first quarter of 2024-25, the company stated in a BSE filing.
Significant rise in acreage of oilseeds, pulses in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow is experiencing a surge in oilseed and pulse cultivation during the Kharif season. Sesame, groundnut, and soybean acreage have expanded significantly, with sesame cultivation witnessing the most striking increase. Pigeon pea remains a popular choice among farmers, while paddy, maize, and cotton cultivation have also seen substantial growth, contributing to an overall increase in Kharif crop area.
Singapore-based Unique Global to acquire up to 12% stake in IFL Enterprises
IFL Enterprises may get a boost. Unique Global Managed Services of Singapore wants to buy 12% of the company. The board will discuss the offer on August 1. The offer price is Rs 2 per share. This is more than double the current price. Four Foreign Portfolio Investors recently bought 16.08% stake.
