Agriculture

Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd (KICL), a diversified business group, has unveiled a new suite of 30 agriculture-focused products designed to enhance crop yields and address pest and disease challenges in Indian farming. Launched by Executive Chairman Dr. Rafiq Ahmed, the offerings include a mix of bio-fertilizers, neem-based solutions, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. These products are designed for application through modern spraying technologies, including drone-based systems.

India’s labor market demonstrated a robust recovery in May 2025, recording an 8.9% month-on-month surge in job postings, ending an eight-month streak of declines. Although job listings dipped 1.8% year-on-year, India’s employment activity remains nearly 80% above pre-pandemic levels—far outperforming several advanced economies. This momentum is largely driven by the country’s ongoing shift toward formal economic structures and rising demand in sectors like childcare, education, and manufacturing. The rise of generative AI is also leaving its mark, particularly in Karnataka and Telangana.

In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the imminent declaration of a minimum support price (MSP) for potatoes. The announcement came during a multi-stakeholder consultative conference focused on sustainable agriculture. The state also plans to establish a Rs. 20 crore potato processing facility in Una district, while reinforcing commitments to green energy and natural farming.

The Punjab government recently recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 16,711 MW, surpassing previous records without any power cuts. The surge in demand, driven by an ongoing heatwave and the paddy sowing season, has been met with strategic preparedness. The state has proactively arranged to supply up to 17,000 MW of electricity to handle anticipated spikes in consumption. This achievement reflects the government's readiness to balance agricultural and domestic energy needs, ensuring a stable power supply even during peak demand periods.

In a significant move toward agricultural modernization, the Uttar Pradesh government is championing the adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques through greenhouses and polyhouses. Spanning 44 districts, this initiative aims to enhance farmer incomes by enabling all-season cultivation of high-value crops. With 37 greenhouse structures already operational and more under construction, the program provides up to 50% government subsidy, technical support, and training under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme.

India's tea export volumes surged by nearly 10% in 2024, with total exports reaching 254.67 million kg, compared to 231.69 million kg the previous year. The increase reflects strong production growth, particularly in North and South India, which saw year-on-year rises of 9.79% and 10.11%, respectively. However, early data for 2025 suggests regional production disparities, with North India's output continuing to grow, while South India's tea production has experienced a decline in the first quarter.

Maharashtra is taking a bold leap into the future of agriculture by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into sugarcane cultivation. According to agricultural experts, AI-driven technologies can cut water usage by 50% and increase per-acre yields by up to 30%. In a strategic move supported by key state leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to accelerate AI deployment in the sector.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to meet farmers in North Delhi as part of the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a 15-day national campaign aimed at fostering agricultural advancement. On Wednesday, Chouhan will visit Tigipur, Bakhtawarpur, and other rural locations to participate in Kisan Chaupal interactions, accompanied by representatives from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Ujwa Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

The Punjab government has announced plans to commission a Rs 9.50 crore chilli processing facility in Abohar by September this year, underscoring the state’s push towards agricultural diversification. The project, spearheaded by the Punjab Agri Export Corporation Ltd (PAGREXCO), aims to support the burgeoning chilli cultivation sector and expand processing capabilities. Spread across one acre, the plant will process five tonnes of chillies per hour, ensuring streamlined supply chains and enhanced market opportunities for farmers.

Murae Organisor Ltd, traditionally a pharmaceutical company, has made a significant foray into the agricultural commodity sector by securing supply contracts worth Rs 297 crore from a range of domestic institutional clients. These orders encompass essential agri-products such as mustard seeds, groundnuts, chickpeas, and various oilseeds and pulses, slated for delivery according to client-specific timelines. The initial Rs 57 crore tranche is scheduled for fulfillment within the next 30 days.