Agri News India

The Assam Bio Refinery, a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, Fortum, and Chempolis, plans to manufacture ethanol from bamboo starting in March. The refinery has generated interest from energy sector investors, and the company expects returns on investment to increase from value-added products. India is promoting the production of ethanol from non-food biomass to address shortages of food sources like sugar, maize, and rice. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Msz0Jl6

Both direct (electricity and fuel) and indirect (nitrogenous and phosphorus fertilisers, and pesticides) energy use in Indian agriculture have increased over the years. Indirect use of energy in the form of fertilisers contributed 68.4 per cent in 2009-10 but reduced to 60.61 per cent in 2019-20. Electricity consumption in agriculture is increasing, driven by higher irrigation demand for new crop varieties and subsidised electricity provided to the sector. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/JpBSlK6

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced the establishment of a mini food park in West Siang district, equipped with food processing units to handle all agricultural produce from the entire Siang belt. Khandu declared the Arunachal Pineapple Festival, organized by the All Bagra Welfare Society in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Marketing Board, as an annual event from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/uRCfMZX

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration, NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand emphasised on the need for awareness on how agriculture contributes to climate change, citing a contribution of a little more than 13 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the country. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/HeugzbC

The government is likely to significantly enhance allocation for key farm sector schemes and push credit in the interim Budget to boost rural economy. Growth in the agriculture sector is projected to decelerate to 1.8% in 2023-24. The government is also likely to announce a substantial increase in the agricultural credit target to Rs 22-25 lakh crore for the next fiscal. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/SpGdsVz

Apple growers in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, India's prime apple-growing regions, are facing a significant drop in production this year due to the absence of snowfall and rainfall. Insufficient moisture and chilling hours are impacting crop quality and yield, potentially leading to higher apple prices. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/m4VHpeJ

Expecting a fall in India's sugarcane production due to drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India has banned use of sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses for ethanol. However, despite the sugar production being lower than previous year, citing 'reports', the ISMA has now claimed that the sugar production is likely to be higher than expected earlier. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/sre8uKY

Currently, the government provides interest subvention of two per cent on short term agri-loans of up to Rs 3 lakh for all financial institutions. This means farmers are getting a farm loan of up to Rs 3 lakh at a concessional rate of 7 per cent per annum. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/y6SpiEM

Interim Budget: The union budget speech by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last year started off with emphasis on the economic empowerment of women. The budget also accorded renewed emphasis on enhancing the incomes of small and marginal farmers. The government aims to develop the lakhs of self-help groups (SHGs) in the country into viable income generating producer organisations and economically sustainable women enterprises. It also visualizes the evolution of 'Lakhpati Mahila's' from these networks. Additionally, the government plans to aggregate farmers into farmer producer organizations (FPOs) with strong fiscal and budgetary support to contribute towards doubling farmers' income. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/dDGl5mA

The country's wheat production is expected to be good this year amid higher coverage due to favorable weather conditions. The sowing of wheat, the main rabi crop, has been completed in top states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. The total acreage under the wheat crop has remained higher compared to the previous year. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/hXVfKEc

The Uttar Pradesh government has raised sugarcane prices by ₹20 per quintal, benefiting sugarcane farmers ahead of the upcoming general elections. The state advisory price (SAP) for the early maturing variety is now ₹370 per quintal, up from ₹350, while common varieties increased to ₹360 per quintal and unsuitable varieties to ₹355 per quintal. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Yop6IHx

While the production of vegetables is estimated to be 213.88 million tonnes in the year 2022-23, over 209.14 million tonnes of last year due to an increase in potato and tomato output, the data for onions has not been included. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/UXeRl3r

The experiment with Maize cultivation in Tinsukia, Assam aims to meet India's biofuel needs by increasing corn production. The area, known for tea cultivation, is expanding its agricultural output to include maize. The Union government has signed off on a plan to procure maize at fixed minimum support prices. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Jq6gaIZ

"Subsidy is expected to be lower this year because of fall in global prices. We have not increased retail prices to reduce subsidy," he said, adding that subsidy bill is estimated around ₹1.7-1.8 lakh crore. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/qpbjL26

Maize prices in India have surged by 20% in the first two weeks of January compared to October due to increased demand after the government's plans to procure the commodity for ethanol production. This move comes as restrictions are placed on using sugar for biofuel production. The prices are expected to stay firm in the coming months, and there could even be a shortage of the commodity. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/CyLrR82

Interim Budget: India plans to allocate about 4 trillion rupees ($48 billion) for food and fertiliser subsidies in the next fiscal year. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution estimates the food subsidy bill to be 2.2 trillion rupees, a 10% increase from the current fiscal year. Additionally, the fertiliser subsidy for the next fiscal year is expected to be 1.75 trillion rupees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a third term in the upcoming elections. Maintaining the subsidies is crucial for managing India's fiscal deficit. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/MI8SeiJ

While recognising the fact that such access arrangements can help some members generate revenues, especially in some developing countries, including poorer nations, India said that excluding subsidies arising from the further transfer of access rights to their vessels is like a "blank cheque" to distant water fishing nations that fish in other country's exclusive economic zone or high seas. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/india-asks-wto-to-weigh-carve-out-for-poor-fishing-nations/articleshow/106906844.cms

Warehousing company SLCM Group has launched Krishi Quality Janch Kendra, an AI/ML empowered solution for checking food grain quality. The company aims to establish 600 more Krishi Quality Janch Kendra centres across India. The centres provide a quality check report for grains in just minutes, reducing the time and cost for farmers and traders. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/NBFImw2

India's trade minister predicts a rise in agricultural exports in fiscal 2023/24 despite restrictions on wheat, rice, and sugar. The country, the world's second-largest producer of these commodities, restricted exports last year to control rising domestic prices. Despite these restrictions, India expects a $53 billion increase in agri exports this year. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/h9va2D1

India does not intend to import wheat as it expects a record wheat harvest of around 114 million metric tons, according to Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. Despite earlier restrictions on wheat exports, India has sold approximately 6 million metric tons of wheat to local buyers since June 1, with state warehouses likely to maintain inventories above the 7.46 million metric tons target when the new marketing year begins on April 1. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/HoIkWCa

India's masur production is expected to reach an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season due to increased acreage, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh. The country, the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, imports certain pulses like masur and tur to meet domestic shortages. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/zS1ENbW

Gadkari said that in the last 10 years, the sugar mills have generated revenue of more than 940 billions Rupees from the sale of ethanol. "The production of ethanol has led to reduction in import of crude oil, which has resulted in saving of valuable foreign exchange for India. In the last year only India has saved about 243 billion Rupees of foreign exchange and improved India’s energy security scenario," he said. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/UkD6zCO

Shipments of the two soft oils that are mostly consumed in the country during the winter season are delayed by a month as container shipping giants, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, are taking a longer route around Africa due to attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi militants in Yemen in the Red sea. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/iprxwVl

Several sugar firms have approached various courts seeking a stay on the Centre's December 7 order prohibiting mills from producing ethanol from sugarcane juice in the 2023-24 season. In the absence of a caveat, the courts can pass a stay order without hearing the government, explained the official cited above. The Centre issued the ban to keep a check on rising sugar prices in the domestic market despite restrictions on exports due to lower sugarcane yield in main producer states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/b9Kjwph

Due to erratic rainfall in the last few months, lower reservoir levels, and restrictions on exports, the sowing of rabi onions has fallen down by 10 to 15 per cent. While there are a few days still left before the sowing window draws to a close, industry experts said there could be a 10-15% drop in the acreage of onion this season. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/lTGJDsp

India's trade minister predicts a rise in agricultural exports in fiscal 2023/24 despite restrictions on wheat, rice, and sugar. The country, the world's second-largest producer of these commodities, restricted exports last year to control rising domestic prices. Despite these restrictions, India expects a $53 billion increase in agri exports this year. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Vr960Gb

India's current agriculture exports, valued at over USD 50 billion, are projected to double by 2030, reaching USD 100 billion, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. Speaking at the IndusFood Show 2024, Barthwal highlighted the potential for growth in segments like ready-to-eat foods. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/DSalTep

Banana inflation increased to 16.5% in November from 2.2% four months ago, according to consumer inflation data released last month. Retail prices have been hovering around ₹30 per kg now, up from₹ 18-20 in October, said traders. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/RmTgxj3

The portal was launched by Union Minister Amit Shah. It will facilitate the registration, purchase, and direct payment to farmers producing Tur Dal.​​ Shah emphasized that by January 2028, India will no longer need to import any pulses. He assured farmers that their produce would be procured at either the minimum support price (MSP) or the market price, whichever is higher, through the newly launched portal. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/9B3Db4G

The registered tur farmers will have an option to sell to either NAFED/NCCF or open market, Shah said and added suppose the open market price of tur remains higher than the MSP, in that case an average rate will be arrived through a formula. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/uCpZ2vT

Nearly 8,606 tonnes of raw cane sugar exports under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) scheme to the US for the fiscal year 2024 has been notified by the government. Shipments under the TRQ enjoy relatively lesser customs duties. After the quota is reached, a higher tariff applies to additional imports. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/9cuBwtI

The Agriculture Ministry indicates an increase in cultivated area, and if weather conditions cooperate, the production target could be achieved. The Food Corporation of India Chairman assures efforts to procure at minimum support prices, stabilizing prices through open market sales, anticipating higher farmer participation due to increased MSP. The harvest is expected in April, ensuring sufficient buffer stocks. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/XMJVqAG

Government subsidised foodgrain in consumer packs has become available through private retail channels, with the Bharat Dal brand being sold through Reliance Retail and Big Basket. The government agency Nafed has started selling Bharat Dal since end-October and is planning to soon begin selling Bharat Atta through private retail channels. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/zL7vgFo

For tea estates in Darjeeling and gardens located at higher elevations, the last date for plucking of green leaves was December 11, 2023. The same for North Bengal's Dooars and Terai regions was December 23. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/eH436Ox

However, Uttar Pradesh, the country's second largest sugar producing state, produced more sugar at 34.65 lakh tonnes till December of this season, when compared to 30.80 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. NFCSF said the average sugar recovery in the country stood at 9.17 per cent and "as winter progresses, sugar yield is expected to increase accordingly". from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/D38WwKN

India's sugar output this crop year, hit by weak rains, is set to lag consumption for the first time in seven years, according to traders and a survey of farmers, and lower plantings may even force the world's No.2 producer to import the following year. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/UtsYBhZ

The Indian government's decision to ban onion exports until March 2024 resulted in a drastic 60% price decline in less than three weeks. The ban aimed to address issues like under-invoicing and wrong export policies, including the absence of a fixed floor price with the initial export duty and the subsequent removal of duty without a minimum export price. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/qvcPzJB

The government has raised the buffer stock target to 7 lakh tonnes for the 2023-24 fiscal, against the actual stock of 3 lakh tonnes last year. According to the Secretary, the government had procured 5 lakh tonnes from last year's rabi season and is purchasing 2 lakh tonnes of kharif onion as the buffer stock target has been raised. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/dwIHabf

The company said revenues tripled this year driven by new products such as Nero and building channel partners to boost sales. It expects sales to grow four times in 2024. from Agriculture-Economy-News-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Y9ovjHJ