Agriculture

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.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that the state’s paddy procurement season will commence from October 1, providing timely financial relief and guaranteed market access to rice farmers. This initiative aims to stabilize prices, protect farmer incomes, and ensure sufficient grain stock for public distribution. Authorities have outlined detailed procedures, including designated procurement centers, fixed minimum support prices (MSP), and streamlined payment mechanisms.

India and Russia have initiated high-level discussions to expand bilateral agricultural trade, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and diversify food supply chains. The dialogue focuses on increasing the export and import of key commodities, enhancing investment in agro-processing, and exploring technological collaboration in agriculture. Both nations emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in sectors such as grains, pulses, dairy, and farm machinery.

A government decision to cut Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tractors and related equipment, effective September 22, is expected to provide significant relief to farmers by lowering purchase costs. The reduction aims to support rural incomes, stimulate mechanization, and enhance agricultural productivity at a time when input costs have been weighing heavily on farming communities. Industry players anticipate stronger demand for tractors and allied machinery, which could benefit both manufacturers and the broader rural economy.