ARTICLE 4 #AgriNews

In a major step toward strengthening India’s bio‑fuel supply chain, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, has developed an innovative intercropping system that integrates sugarcane with short‑duration maize. This model is designed to deliver year‑round feedstock for ethanol production, boost farmer incomes and optimize the use of land and agricultural inputs.

Maharashtra’s sugar mills are facing a serious dilemma as an increasing number of farmers are transporting their sugarcane to neighboring Karnataka for processing.

Soybean prices in Telangana are currently hovering between ₹3,800 and ₹4,000 per quintal, while the MSP is set at ₹5,328 per quintal. Maize market price stands at about ₹1,959 per quintal, which is ₹441 below the MSP of ₹2,400.

Wheat and maize prices in Indore have seen a decline this week due to sluggish demand from traders and local buyers. Market analysts attribute the drop to reduced off-take from both wholesalers and retail outlets, creating an oversupply situation in the city’s agricultural markets.

New Delhi, 1 November 2025 – The Indian sugar industry has expressed serious concerns over the government’s ethanol policy for the 2025‑26 supply year, warning that the shift towards grain-based feedstocks could threaten sugar mills’ operations and farmer incomes.

The sugar and ethanol industry in India is under pressure due to rising costs, stagnant minimum selling/ethanol prices and increasing cane prices. Industry bodies have formally demanded a raise in MSP of sugar and the procurement prices of ethanol to ensure viability. The government has acknowledged the demand and is considering action.

The Dwarkadhish Sugar Factory in Nashik district has announced plans to crush 6 lakh tons of sugarcane during the upcoming crushing season. Factory officials stated that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

The arrival of white maize has increased in local agricultural markets this week. With the recent harvesting season coming to an end, farmers are bringing large quantities of their produce to the mandis (agri-markets).

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest and address their concerns over fair and remunerative pricing (FRP) for their produce.

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.

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