Recent News

Weak Monsoon Threatens Kharif Crops; Centre Formulates Emergency Plan for 315 DistrictsThe prospect of a weak monsoon this year has raised concerns regarding Kharif crops. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Tuesday that the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared emergency plans for districts likely to be affected by deficient rainfall. The government has identified approximately 315 districts where agricultural activities could be impacted by below-normal rainfall.During a review meeting held via video conferencing with state agriculture ministers, senior officials, and district collectors, Chouhan stated that the situation in these districts is being closely monitored. Of these, 111 districts have been placed in the 'high priority' category because irrigation coverage there is 25 percent or less; deficient rainfall in these areas is likely to have a direct impact on crop production.Additionally, 76 districts fall under the 'medium priority' category, with irrigation coverage ranging from 25 to 50 percent. Meanwhile, 128 districts are classified as 'low priority,' as irrigation conditions there are relatively better due to the presence of dams and other water sources. The affected districts span several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.The Agriculture Minister noted that the El Niño effect is considered a contributing factor to the weak monsoon conditions. So far, the country has recorded rainfall that is approximately 43 percent below normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected rainfall at about 90 percent of the Long Period Average (LPA) for this monsoon season. If this forecast holds true, it could be classified as a 'weak monsoon year' in the long-term context.The sluggish pace of the monsoon could also impact Kharif crop sowing. In light of this, an "El Niño Monitoring Cell" and a "Crop Weather Watch Group" have been established in Delhi to review rainfall, sowing progress, crop conditions, market signals, and the availability of essential commodities. The government has directed states to set up control rooms and appoint nodal officers to ensure better coordination with the Centre. Meanwhile, ICAR and ICAR-CRIDA have prepared agricultural contingency plans for the districts, incorporating measures such as alternative crops, crop diversification, water conservation, and strategies to mitigate risks for farmers.read more :- Kharif Sowing Gains Pace; Cotton Area Declines

Kharif Sowing Picks Up Pace Amid El Niño Concerns; Paddy and ‘Shree Anna’ Show Strong GrowthDespite weather-related challenges like El Niño and uncertainties regarding the monsoon, Kharif crop sowing across the country is progressing at an encouraging pace. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the total area under Kharif crops reached 119.90 lakh hectares by June 19, marking a 1.7 percent increase compared to the 117.95 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. This indicates that farmers have continued sowing activities despite apprehensions about the weather.*Significant Drop in Cotton Sowing*On the other hand, cotton cultivation appears sluggish this season. By June 19, the area under cotton stood at 17.13 lakh hectares, down from 22.82 lakh hectares during the same period last year—a decline of approximately 5.69 lakh hectares. Experts attribute this primarily to market and policy-related factors rather than weather conditions. The removal of import duties on cotton has dampened expectations of better prices for farmers, thereby impacting sowing decisions.*Sluggishness in Oilseed Crops Too*The total area under oilseed crops has declined to 7.24 lakh hectares, down from 8.11 lakh hectares last year. Soybean cultivation has seen a reduction of 1.20 lakh hectares, while a slight decline has also been observed in the area under sesame (til) cultivation.*Future Rainfall Will Determine the Outcome*Overall, the start of the Kharif 2026 season shows positive signs. Farmers have maintained the pace of sowing despite fears surrounding El Niño and a weak monsoon. However, rainfall in the coming weeks will determine how sustainable this initial momentum proves to be throughout the season.read more :- BKS Demands Bt Cotton De-notification, Warns Against HT Bt Approval

Demand to De-notify Bt Cotton Seeds; Warning of Agitation if HT Bt Cotton is ApprovedNew Delhi: The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has demanded that the central government immediately de-notify Bt cotton seeds and impose a complete ban on all genetically modified (GM) crops in the country. The organization has warned that it will launch a nationwide agitation if the government approves the controversial herbicide-tolerant (HT) Bt cotton.Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, BKS General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra stated that Bt cotton varieties (BG-I and BG-II) have failed to meet farmers' expectations. He alleged that cotton production in the country has declined since the adoption of Bt cotton in 2002, and traditional as well as indigenous cotton varieties have gradually disappeared.Mishra noted that while Bt cotton was promoted as a high-yield technology, this claim did not hold true in reality. He further stated that the technology has failed to control major pests like the pink bollworm. According to him, the neglect of indigenous cotton varieties—which are suited to the country's diverse agro-climatic zones—has adversely affected production.Referring to a letter written to the central government, he urged Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to intervene in the matter. The BKS alleged that farmers have been provided with misleading information regarding GM crops and demanded an investigation into the issue, along with action against those responsible.The organization also stated that the excessive use of chemical products in farming has increased due to the influence of foreign companies. Demanding a ban on chemicals such as glyphosate and paraquat dichloride, Mishra expressed concern over their potential health risks.Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri-awarded farmer leader Shrirang Dada Lad remarked that instead of relying on GM seeds, cotton farmers should be provided with better indigenous seeds and training in scientific farming techniques. He appealed to the government for support to take his developed cotton production technology to farmers across the country.read more :- Rupee Opens 16 Paise Lower Against Dollar at 94.89

Early Cotton Sowing Proves Costly for Adilabad Farmers; Re-sowing RequiredAdilabad: Farmers in the erstwhile Adilabad district who sowed cotton early this Kharif season are facing losses. In many fields sown during the first week of June, cotton seeds failed to germinate properly due to a lack of adequate moisture and rainfall, forcing farmers to undertake re-sowing.Farmers state that they purchased cotton seeds at a rate of approximately ₹800 per packet. Additionally, they incurred extra expenses on field preparation and labor. The failure of the monsoon to become active on time has increased costs for those who sowed early.According to the Agriculture Department, sowing operations for cotton, red gram (tur), and soybean are currently underway in the district. Although there were one or two spells of rain in some areas, the cotton seeds sown in the initial phase did not receive sufficient moisture. Consequently, germination was poor in many fields, and farmers are having to sow seeds again in the gaps.Unofficial estimates indicate that cotton sowing has been completed on approximately 60 percent of the district's normal cultivation area so far. Last year, cotton was cultivated on about 4.30 lakh acres of land in Adilabad.Marsakola Sarangarao, a farmer from Mamidiguda village in Adilabad Rural Mandal, reported that he sowed cotton on 18 acres of land on June 5. He used 20 packets of seeds and incurred an expenditure of around ₹30,000. However, the lack of rain affected crop germination. He mentioned that he had expected good rainfall after sowing, but that expectation was not met.District Agriculture Officer Ravinder Singh stated that cotton sowing has been completed on 1.60 lakh acres so far, against a target of four lakh acres. He expressed hope that recent rains would improve the germination of seeds sown in the initial phase and boost crop growth. Meanwhile, some farmers are trying to save their crops with the help of sprinkler and drip irrigation.read more :- Rupee Opens 16 Paise Lower Against Dollar at 94.89

The rupee opened 16 paise lower at 94.89 against the USD.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened 16 paise lower against the dollar at 94.89, whereas it had closed at 94.73 on Tuesday.READ MORE :- The rupee lower by 04 paise against the dollar to close at 94.73

On Tuesday the Indian Rupee lower by 04 paise to close at 94.73 against the US dollar, after opening at 94.69 in morning trade.The Sensex closed down 893.39 points or 1.16 percent at 76,200.68, while the Nifty fell 278.80 points or 1.16 percent to 23,824.10. About 1,420 shares advanced, 2,678 declined and 150 remained unchanged.read more :- Kharif Sowing Gains Pace; Paddy and Coarse Cereals Lead

Kharif Sowing Picks Up Pace; Paddy and Coarse Cereals Lead; Decline in Oilseeds and CottonNew Delhi: According to the Central Government, the total sowing area for the current Kharif season reached 119.90 lakh hectares by June 19, up from 117.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year.Latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare indicates a significant increase in the sowing of several key crops.The sharpest rise was observed in paddy cultivation. The area under paddy increased from 8.09 lakh hectares last year to 12.36 lakh hectares—an increase of 4.27 lakh hectares.Sowing of pulses, particularly Urad (black gram) and Moong (green gram), also showed improvement; their total area rose from 6.39 lakh hectares to 7.21 lakh hectares.Similarly, a rapid increase was recorded in the sowing of coarse cereals (such as Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi). The area under these crops expanded from 9.82 lakh hectares last year to 12.43 lakh hectares.Sugarcane sowing also saw a marginal increase, with the area rising from 56.64 lakh hectares to 57.31 lakh hectares.However, the sowing of oilseed crops has remained relatively sluggish so far. By June 19, the total area under oilseeds was recorded at 7.24 lakh hectares, compared to 8.11 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Among oilseeds, soybean witnessed the steepest decline, with the sown area dropping from 2.50 lakh hectares to 1.30 lakh hectares.Meanwhile, a significant reduction was also noted in cotton sowing. The area under cotton fell from 22.82 lakh hectares last year to 17.13 lakh hectares—a decrease of 5.69 lakh hectares. These mixed trends in Kharif sowing have emerged at a time when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing year.read more :- Surge in Cotton Prices Driven by Monsoon Delay and Global Rally

Surge in Cotton Prices Driven by Monsoon Delay and Global RallyThe Indian cotton market has witnessed a recent rally due to strengthening cotton futures in the international market and the sluggish progress of the monsoon in key cotton-producing regions. Industry experts attribute the support for domestic prices to global cues and delays in sowing.Over the past few days, cotton prices set by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) have risen by approximately ₹1,100 per candy (356 kg). According to Ministry of Agriculture data, cotton sowing across the country dropped by 25 percent to 17.13 lakh hectares by June 19, compared to 22.82 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Sowing has been affected in several regions due to the delayed arrival of the monsoon.Atul Ganatra, Chairman of the Crop Committee at the Cotton Association of India (CAI), stated that the rally in the international market is the primary reason for the price hike. ICE December cotton futures have risen from 75 cents per pound to nearly 80 cents per pound, while July futures are trading at around 76 cents per pound.Arun Khetan, a cotton broker from Akola, noted that large-scale sowing has not yet commenced in major cotton-producing regions like Vidarbha. However, some farmers with irrigation facilities have already completed sowing. He projected a potential 10 percent increase in the total cotton acreage this year.Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent from Raichur, stated that market strength persists due to uncertainty regarding the monsoon and production levels. He noted that while cotton prices have risen, yarn prices have not increased proportionately.Meanwhile, demand for CCI cotton remains robust; approximately 7 lakh bales were sold last week. According to industry experts, the domestic market is being supported by the limited availability of high-quality cotton, dwindling stocks, and sustained buying by spinning mills.read more :- Rupee Opens 1 Paisa Lower at 94.69 Against Dollar

The rupee opened 1 paisa lower at 94.69 against the USD.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened 1 paisa lower at 94.69 against the dollar, whereas it had closed at 94.68 on Monday.READ MORE :- Monsoon Revives; Heavy Rain Alert Issued

Monsoon Gains Momentum; Activity Increases from Maharashtra to Central India; Heavy Rain Alert for Several StatesMumbai, June 22: After a hiatus of nearly two weeks, the Southwest Monsoon has regained momentum. Weather conditions have now become favorable for its advance towards Central India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has reached parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh, as well as the remaining areas of Karnataka. It is likely to become active across several parts of central and western India, including Mumbai, in the coming days.The monsoon is crucial for India's economy and agriculture. Rainfall between June and September accounts for approximately 70 percent of the country's total annual precipitation. With nearly half of the agricultural land lacking irrigation facilities, monsoon rains are considered a lifeline for farmers.According to the weather department, the monsoon's progress in Maharashtra had slowed for about two weeks due to the influence of Western Disturbances, but conditions are now changing. The monsoon is expected to advance further into central parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Odisha this week. Rainfall activity is projected to intensify along the west coast and in Karnataka and Telangana next week.The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes across several states. Heavy rainfall is predicted for parts of Northeast India, the west coast, and South India. Intense rain is likely in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Karnataka, Kerala, Konkan-Goa, and Telangana.Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are forecast for Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Delhi is likely to experience cloudy skies and light rain between June 22 and 25, which may bring relief from the heat and humidity. The monsoon is expected to reach Delhi between June 25 and 30.However, the country has recorded about 42 percent less rainfall than normal during the first 21 days of June. The Meteorological Department has warned that areas experiencing heavy rainfall could face situations such as waterlogging, traffic disruptions, power supply interruptions, and damage caused by strong winds.read more :- The rupee lower by 33 paise against the dollar to close at 94.68

On Monday the Indian Rupee lower by 33 paise to close at 94.68 against the US dollar, after opening at 94.35 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was up 291.17 points or 0.38 percent at 77,094.07, and the Nifty was up 89.80 points or 0.37 percent at 24,102.90. About 2500 shares advanced, 1688 shares declined, and 179 shares unchanged.read more :- MP Offers Free Property Registration, Cuts Cotton Fee