ARTICLE 2

The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) has recommended a complete ban on yellow peas imports and increased duties on other pulse varieties like gram and lentils. The rationale: cheap and duty‑free imports are depressing domestic prices and hurting farmers.

March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) on Friday closed up +0.07 (+0.431%), and December London ICE white sugar #5 (SWZ25) closed down -1.20 (-0.26%). Sugar prices settled mixed on Friday.

India is witnessing a sharp rise in maize cultivation, largely driven by the push towards ethanol blending with petrol under the government’s E20 programme. The move is changing crop patterns, impacting other agricultural sectors, and setting up both opportunities and challenges.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 128.8 points in September, down from 129.7 in August — a 0.7 % drop month‑on‑month. Though it dipped in September, the index is still 3.4 % higher than a year ago, but remains ~19.6 % below its March 2022 peak.

The Maharashtra government’s ministerial committee has given the green light for the start of the sugarcane crushing season from November 1. However, it has raised concerns that this year’s excessive rainfall may impact sugar recovery rates, reported The Hindu Business Line.

India’s first cooperative-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant, developed by Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana in Kopargaon, Maharashtra, is set to be inaugurated on October 5, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Sanjivani University Ground. The inauguration will be attended by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other prominent leaders. In addition to the CBG plant, the event will also mark the launch of a Spray Dryer and a Potash Granule manufacturing facility, furthering the cooperative's commitment to sustainable energy and agricultural innovation.

Over the past week, soybean prices have increased, showing strong performance in the market. This gain could be due to factors like increased demand, favorable weather conditions for soybean crops, or market speculation driving prices up. On the other hand, corn and wheat prices have declined slightly.

Eligible CBG producers can apply for financial aid that will help them acquire necessary machinery and equipment to manage biomass efficiently. The scheme is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable farming practices, improve air quality, and promote renewable energy production in rural areas. Farmers and producers interested in applying are advised to check the official guidelines and submit their applications within the stipulated deadline to benefit from this scheme.

March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) on Friday closed up +0.07 (+0.431%), and December London ICE white sugar #5 (SWZ25) closed down -1.20 (-0.26%). Sugar prices settled mixed on Friday. Sugar has carryover support from Thursday, when Unica reported that the sugar content in Brazil's Center-South sugarcane crush declined, signaling lower sugar production. The sugar content in crushed cane in the first half of September in Brazil dropped to 154.58 kilogram per ton (kg/ton) versus 160.07 kg/ton a year earlier.

Sugar production in 2025–26 is projected to rise 15–18%, reaching around 35 million tonnes. This recovery follows weather-related declines in previous years. Key sugar-producing states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are expected to have strong cane availability due to good monsoon.

A major shift is coming to how the UAE taxes sweetened beverages. Beginning 1 January 2026, the country will move from a flat excise tax system to a tiered, sugar‑content‑based model for drinks.

Corn futures opened the week on a firm footing, holding onto earlier advances as traders digested export data and supply trends. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic despite some headwinds.