Sector Agriculture - Latest news, views and updates

Agriculture

Sector

Watch

Agriculture

SECTOR | 26 Aug 2025

Kharif crops sowing reaches near normal area, 4% up from year-ago

Business Line

Sowing areas under all Kharif crops have reached near 98% of the normal area of about 1,097 lh so far

Agriculture

SECTOR | 25 Aug 2025

Indian govt, UN WFP ink pact for fortified rice supply to crisis-hit zones

Business Standard

India on Monday agreed to supply fortified rice to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to aid the food and nutritional requirements of the most vulnerable populations in crisis-hit zones globally. A letter of intent (LoI) was signed between India's Food Ministry and WFP here, underscoring the strength of global partnerships. "This LoI lays the ground to ensure a dependable supply of foodgrains for humanitarian distribution," WFP said in a statement. The initiative signifies the culmination of discussions at the February 2025 Executive Board side event in Rome, where representatives from the Indian government and WFP explored ways to collaborate. By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilise the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger. "India is committed to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the earth is one family and collective responsibility towards each other and their shared future. The country's...

India, WFP to supply 200k tonnes of fortified rice for humanitarian needs

Business Standard | 25 Aug 2025

Agriculture

SECTOR | 25 Aug 2025

Monsoon Sparks Diamond Rush' In Andhra, Villagers Turn Into Fortune Hunters

NDTV Profit

Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Peravali mandals, known for diamond discoveries, are drawing crowds of villagers, traders, and outsiders eager to test their luck this season.

Agriculture

SECTOR | 24 Aug 2025

Vegetable oils body IVPA urges govt to lift GST refund restrictions

Business Standard

Vegetable oil industry body IVPA has urged the government to lift restrictions on tax credit refunds in place since July 2022, saying the curbs are straining working capital and deterring investment in the sector. The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA) said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's restriction on refunds of accumulated Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the inverted duty structure was causing cash flow problems, particularly for small and medium enterprises. Under the current system, edible oil attracts 5 per cent GST while input materials such as packaging, chemicals and processing materials are taxed at 12-18 per cent, leading to substantial accumulation of unutilised tax credits. "With refunds blocked, companies face working capital shortages and disrupted cash flows, making operations less viable, especially for MSMEs and domestic manufacturers," the IVPA said in a statement. The association said that higher costs due to unrecovered tax credits are

Agriculture

SECTOR | 23 Aug 2025

Tamil Nadu Government To Provide Rs 17,000-Crore Crop Loans To Farmers

NDTV Profit

Crop loans are now sanctioned on the same day farmers submit their applications online in Tamil Nadu.

Agriculture

SECTOR | 23 Aug 2025

Gujarat Monsoon Update: IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain For Next Two Days Check Details

NDTV Profit

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over north Gujarat till Saturday, followed by a fresh spell across the state from August 25 onwards.

Agriculture

SECTOR | 22 Aug 2025

Fertilizers supply during ongoing kharif season comfortable, says government

Business Line

Government ensures comfortable availability of fertilisers for Kharif season, taking action against black market sales and ensuring equitable supply

Urea, DAP availability more than pro-rata demands this Kharif season: Govt

Business Standard | 22 Aug 2025

Agriculture

SECTOR | 22 Aug 2025

Kashmir farmers optimistic as freight trains ease transport woes

Business Line

Farmers and traders from the Valley's apple-growing districts said the service would ease transport bottlenecks and cut freight costs

Agriculture

SECTOR | 22 Aug 2025

Excess rains, unusual climate to hurt plantation crop prospects in Kerala

Business Line

Cardamom, tea, pepper and rubber plantations to be hit the most

Agriculture

SECTOR | 22 Aug 2025

Monsoon fury wreaks havoc in Himachal; 287 dead, 346 roads blocked

Business Standard

Heavy monsoon rains continued to batter Himachal Pradesh, disrupting key public utilities across the state. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), as of Thursday evening.Three hundred forty-six roads, including one national highway (NH-305), remained blocked, while 281 distribution transformers were out of service, cutting power to several areas. A total of 145 water supply schemes were also disrupted due to landslides, flash floods, and heavy rainfall.The monsoon toll since June 20 has climbed to 287 deaths, of which 149 people died in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and drowning, and 138 lost their lives in road accidents, the HPSDMA said.Kullu district is among the worst-hit, with 123 roads blocked and NH-305 closed at multiple points, cutting off access to remote areas. Mandi reported 164 road closures, while Kangra saw 29 roads blocked. Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, and other hill districts also suffered...