ARTICLE 2 #FarmersFirst

Maize Takes the Spotlight in India’s Kharif Season as Sowing Nears Finish Line New Delhi, India — As the Kharif sowing season edges closer to completion, maize has emerged as a standout performer, outperforming several other crops. Total area under Kharif crops is showing a modest uptick of about 1%, reflecting cautious optimism among farmers and officials.

Maharashtra, India — In a landmark step toward green energy, Maharashtra has inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi‑feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant, with plans to replicate the model in 15 more cooperative sugar mills across the country.

The sugar industry is facing a growing crisis as a significant portion of harvested cane continues to arrive at mills already burnt, jeopardizing both sugar quality and export market access. According to industry officials, more than 60% of cane supplied to mills this season has been burnt, either deliberately or due to accidental fires in the fields.