Agriculture
GST rate cuts to benefit 10 crore dairy farmers: Ministry of Cooperation
The GST rate cuts on dairy products, farm inputs, and food processing items are set to positively impact over 10 crore dairy farmers and bolster the cooperative sector, according to the Ministry of Cooperation. This restructuring addresses inverted duties in fertilizer manufacturing, aiming to stabilize prices for farmers and ensure timely input availability.
Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi drive coconut prices to new highs
Across South India, coconut prices have surged from Rs 15-25 to Rs 80-100 due to pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, climate change impacts, and pest infestations. Neglect of plantations and reduced yields have exacerbated the shortage, impacting copra, oil, and fresh nut availability. Despite being the largest producer, India faces a global crisis affecting prices and supply.
Niti Aayog recommends strategies to double India's pulses production by 2047 and self-sufficient by 2030
Niti Aayog suggests ways for India to become self-reliant in pulses. The goal is to double pulse production by 2047. Production may reach 34.45 million tonnes by 2030. By 2047, it may further rise to 51.57 million tonnes. The plan includes better farming methods and technology. Focus is on high-quality seeds and climate-smart practices.
Centre to evaluate Market Intervention Scheme & Price Deficit Payment Scheme to assess impact on farmers
NITI Aayog's DMEO will evaluate the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) to assess their impact on farmers. Bids are invited from eligible institutes to study the schemes' success and recommend improvements. The evaluation will determine if farmers receive fair prices promptly and if subsidies are sufficient.
NITI Aayog lays out a blueprint to make India self-sufficient in pulses
NITI Aayog suggests a plan to boost pulse production in India. The goal is to reduce imports and achieve self-sufficiency. The strategy includes improving farming methods and reducing waste. The Pulse Mission aims to support farmers and promote better seeds. India can increase pulse production significantly. This will help meet the country's demand and improve food security.
Govt says GST rate cut to make fisheries sector more competitive
The government's GST rate cut for the fisheries sector aims to boost competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. Reduced rates on fish oils, preserved fish, aquaculture equipment, and essential chemicals will lower operational costs for fish farmers. This move is expected to benefit millions dependent on fishing and aquaculture, while also strengthening India's seafood exports and promoting domestic consumption.
In order to keep prices in check, NCCF begins selling onions from vans in Mumbai at just Rs 24
The National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India began selling onions at lower prices in Mumbai. Mobile vans are selling onions across the city's wards. This initiative aims to control retail inflation. The government is selling onions at Rs 24 per kg in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. This ensures onions are available at affordable rates.
GST cuts on farm inputs, dairy products 'big Diwali gift' for farmers: Agri industry
Industry leaders applaud the government's GST rate reduction on agricultural inputs and dairy products, anticipating significant relief for farmers facing rising costs and unpredictable weather. The move is expected to increase farmer incomes by lowering input costs and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies. Reduced GST on dairy products will improve affordability, boost consumption, and support dairy farming families.
Centre launches subsidised onion sale at Rs 24/kg in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad
The central government initiated subsidised onion sales in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad at Rs 24 per kg. Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi flagged off mobile vans for the sales. About 25 tonnes of onions from buffer stock will be sold through cooperative agencies. The subsidised sale will extend to Chennai, Guwahati, and Kolkata soon.
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre records impressive growth in sales during April – August with 76.94 mn kgs of teas sold
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) experienced substantial tea sales growth from April to August 2025. Total tea sales reached 76.94 million kgs, with CTC and Dust varieties at 72.70 million kgs and Orthodox teas at 4.24 million kgs. While Orthodox teas showed strong price appreciation, CTC and Dust prices corrected slightly, remaining above 2023 levels, indicating a dynamic market.
Must Watch
Textiles Minister assesses MSP operations for cotton procurement ahead of Kharif season
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh reviewed MSP operations for cotton procurement starting October 1, 2025, assuring seamless procurement via the 'Kapas-Kisaan' app for farmer registration and direct payments. The initiative aims for a digitally empowered cotton ecosystem with transparent, faceless processes and uniform procurement norms.
Biofuel push fuels kitchen heat: Wheat prices rise as maize diverted to ethanol
India's biofuel push, particularly E20 fuel, is impacting food prices. Wheat and its products have seen a 10% price increase due to maize diversion for ethanol production. The cheaper maize-based animal feed by-product is suppressing wheat bran prices, forcing millers to raise prices of staples like atta, maida and suji.
Agriculture Ministry to create dedicated portal for farmers' complaints: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the creation of a dedicated portal to address farmers' grievances and ensure their prompt resolution. He instructed officials to prioritize resolving complaints related to substandard inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, emphasizing the need to protect farmers from exploitation.
Procurement target of rice grown in Kharif at 463.5 lakh tonnes
The Centre has set a rice procurement target of 463.50 lakh tonnes for the Kharif season. In a meeting chaired by Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, the Department of Food and Public Distribution discussed procurement arrangements with States/UTs and FCI for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26, also setting a target of 19.19 lakh tonnes for coarse grains/millets.
Indian tea industry concerned over higher US tariff, exports likely to hit
The Indian tea industry is worried about the US imposing higher tariffs, potentially hurting tea exports to America, a key market. In 2024, the US imported 17 million kilograms of tea from India. The new 50% tariff on Indian goods, due to the country's Russian oil purchases, could limit beverage exports.
Agri, dairy concessions to US disruptive; IP, digital issues may fly under radar: NGOs, trade unions, others
Farmers' associations and other groups are cautioning against trade concessions to the United States. They believe these concessions could harm Indian farmers and agro-biodiversity. Concerns include potential changes to intellectual property laws. These changes might impact the generic medicine industry. The groups urge government consultation with stakeholders. They want input on ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
