ARTICLE 4

Nayara Energy (an Indian refiner with Russian ties) has been impacted by European Union sanctions: it has had to cut refinery runs to 70‑80% capacity and resort to shipping via sanctioned (“dark”) tanker fleets to maintain imports/exports.

In a major step toward crop diversification, the government has announced the promotion of makhana (fox nut) cultivation in regions traditionally known for maize production. Under this new initiative, farmers will be encouraged to shift part of their agricultural land from maize to makhana, a high-value and water-efficient crop.

Maize farmers across the country are facing one of the steepest price declines in recent years, raising alarms within the agricultural sector. According to farmer groups, the sudden crash in maize prices has left many producers unable to cover their basic production costs, pushing them toward financial distress.

Global sugar markets are experiencing a sharp downturn as an unexpected surge in supply pushes prices down by nearly 30% from their annual peak. Analysts say the sudden drop has caught traders and producers off guard, raising concerns about long-term market stability.

The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) has reported that 325 sugar mills across India have commenced crushing operations for the ongoing sugar season.

Amalner Agricultural Market Committee witnessed a significant inflow of 7,000 quintals of maize on Monday, marking one of the notable arrivals of the season. Farmers from surrounding villages brought their produce to the market, resulting in an active trading session throughout the day.

The November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report has lowered its projection for soybean oil use in biofuel production for the 2024–25 marketing year.

In this article, Tarun Sawhney (Vice-Chairman & MD, Triveni Engineering) says exports will start increasing once local and global sugar prices reach parity. He also notes that domestic sugar stocks are building up because not enough sugar is being diverted for ethanol production.

The Food Ministry is evaluating a proposal to raise the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, according to Food Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Dhamdaha region is witnessing a significant rise in maize sowing activities as farmers prepare their fields for the new crop season. Favorable weather conditions and improved availability of agricultural inputs have encouraged farmers to begin sowing earlier than usual.

Farmers’ groups have intensified their appeal to the government, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹2,400 per quintal for maize. Along with the central MSP, they have urged the state authorities to contribute an additional ₹600 as a state incentive, raising the total return to ₹3,000 per quintal for growers.

Sugar prices saw a slight uptick on Monday as market sentiment strengthened amid reports that the Indian government may soon raise ethanol procurement prices. Traders noted that even a modest increase in ethanol prices could encourage sugar mills to divert more cane juice and molasses toward ethanol production, potentially tightening sugar supply in the market.