Agriculture

Punjab is preparing to deploy artificial intelligence across its agricultural ecosystem in a bid to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmer incomes. The initiative focuses on using data-driven tools to support crop planning, pest management, irrigation efficiency, and yield forecasting. By combining satellite imagery, weather data, and machine learning models, policymakers aim to reduce input costs and mitigate climate-related risks. The move reflects a broader shift toward technology-led farming as traditional practices struggle with rising costs and unpredictable weather.

The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) has initiated the sale of onions at a subsidized rate of Rs. 19 per kg in the Delhi-NCR region, aiming to ease the burden on households amid elevated retail prices. The move is part of a broader market intervention strategy designed to stabilize prices and ensure steady availability of essential food items. By releasing buffer stocks through targeted retail channels, NCCF seeks to curb speculative pricing and protect consumers from volatility.

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) is aiming to sustain profit growth even as its nano fertiliser business faces operational and market-related challenges. While nano urea and related products were positioned as disruptive solutions to reduce subsidy burdens and improve efficiency, adoption and scaling hurdles have tempered near-term expectations. Nevertheless, IFFCO continues to lean on its diversified portfolio, strong distribution network, and improving performance in conventional fertilisers to protect margins.

Kerala’s AgriNext initiative marks a transformative step in integrating traditional agriculture with the state’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem. Designed to foster innovation, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship in farming, the program aims to elevate farmers from cultivators to agripreneurs. By connecting agricultural producers with technology startups, research institutions, and market enablers, AgriNext seeks to enhance productivity, sustainability, and income diversification across rural Kerala.

In a major relief measure for the agricultural sector, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a paddy rebate scheme aimed at supporting over 15 lakh (1.5 million) farmers. The initiative seeks to cushion cultivators from market fluctuations and rising input costs while ensuring fair compensation for their produce. The move underscores the state’s broader agenda to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote agricultural sustainability.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers, highlighting that agricultural welfare has been a top policy priority since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at an agricultural development event, Adityanath outlined a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at transforming the rural economy — from improved irrigation infrastructure and crop insurance to digital payments and market reforms.

In a move expected to strengthen the rural economy and support millions of sugarcane growers, the Uttar Pradesh government has increased the state-advised price (SAP) for sugarcane for the 2025–26 crushing season. The decision, which comes ahead of the next harvest cycle, is projected to enhance farmers’ earnings while potentially impacting sugar mill margins. As India’s largest sugar-producing state, Uttar Pradesh’s pricing strategy plays a pivotal role in shaping national sugar output, ethanol supply, and overall agricultural sentiment across the northern belt.

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India is intensifying its push to expand rice exports to 26 international markets, as part of a strategic initiative led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The move aims to diversify export destinations, strengthen trade relationships, and enhance the country’s dominance in global rice markets. Leveraging its production capacity and competitive pricing, India seeks to tap into new regions across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.

In a significant policy enhancement aimed at promoting agricultural innovation, the Maharashtra government has doubled its financial aid for farmers participating in foreign study tours—from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh per participant. The move, designed to offset rising international travel costs, seeks to empower farmers with global exposure to modern agricultural techniques, processing technologies, and market practices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an ambitious set of agricultural development schemes valued at Rs 35,440 crore, aiming to modernize India’s farming sector, enhance rural incomes, and strengthen food security. The initiative encompasses irrigation projects, crop diversification, mechanization support, and direct benefit transfers to farmers. Officials highlight that these programs are designed to improve productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and increase market access for smallholders.