ARTICLE 2 #India Agri News

India, until now, has remained firm on restricting entry of GM crops into the country’s food chain. However, with US President Donald Trump’s push for greater market access for farm products, India could look into allowing GM soya and corn for industrial purposes only—a likely loophole in the country’s policy of a strong ban on GM crops in the food chain.

The Indian government plans to increase crude palm oil production from 0.35 tonnes to 2.3 tonnes by 2029 under the National Oil Palm Mission. The area of plantations will be expanded from 0.6 million to 1 million hectares with the support of private companies and high-tech agriculture. The goal is to reduce the import of edible oils and support farmers through guaranteed prices, reports Financial Express.

As of August 1, 2025, the U.S. has officially imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, including rice, along with a unspecified penalty tied to India’s oil and defense purchase agreements with Russia The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has stated that the tariff represents a temporary hurdle, not a permanent disruption. They emphasize India’s competitive advantage and strategic adaptability.

Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, and Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena, were present during the occasion, along with a large number of farmers. Lakhs of farmers and beneficiaries from various states also joined the event virtually.

Rice millers in Punjab have declared they will not process hybrid paddy varieties such as Pusa‑44, citing extremely high grain breakage rates (45–50%) and reduced head‑rice recovery (55–57% vs. the standard 67%). This makes milling financially unviable and poses serious complications for the upcoming procurement season. Millers are demanding relaxed breakage norms and access to an IIT Kharagpur study on yield outcomes.

A view of MRPL unit in Mangalore. -Photo/Govindarajan Javali A view of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF). Since 1992, India has transformed its petroleum refinery structure, producing fuels that meet global standards. Mangalore and its suburbs a...

UPPCB Chairman Dr. R. P. Singh held a dialogue with representatives from all 133 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh and pledged complete support in helping them meet environmental norms and obtain necessary consents (such as Consent to Operate or Establish)

Cumin, Isabgol and fennel seeds were among the ₹3995 crore worth of spice seeds that were exported from Mehsana in Gujarat during financial year 2024-25.Of the total exports, 25 per cent of the spices was shipped to China and an additional 16 per cent made its way to Bangladesh, figures shared by the Gujarat government stated. The same year 10 per cent of the total exports were to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), five percent to the United States and an additional four percent to Morocco.

INDIA – India has teamed up with the World Food Programmed (WFP) to combat global hunger by agreeing to supply fortified rice to crisis-affected populations worldwide. The partnership was formalized through a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed between the WFP and the Government of India, marking a new milestone in international efforts to ensure food security for vulnerable communities.

India’s rice procurement in the 2024-25 season (October-September) has reached 545.22 lakh tonnes (lt) until August 31, up from 525.22 lt a year ago. Due to higher procurement, the government is now planning a roadmap to dispose of as much surplus grain as possible. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has already allowed traders to buy a minimum of 1 tonne of rice directly from a depot at the reserve price.

India's rice exports have shown a varied performance across different regions during the first seven months of the year (January-July 2025), with Asia emerging as the primary growth driver, according to a region-wise analysis of export data for 2024 and 2025.Notably, Indian non-basmati rice is a popular and cost-effective food source in many countries across the region, and its consistent supply and competitive pricing make it a preferred choice for food security programmes and general consumption.

Punjab flood devastation raises questions on overall impact on agricultural sector. Flood came just before Kharif harvest season, affecting Punjab's significant paddy production. Punjab's farmers struggle to deal with losses as 4 lakh hectares under paddy cultivation across Punjab still flooded.