Agriculture

India's agriculture water technology sector requires investments of Rs 500-600 crore to achieve widespread adoption of smart irrigation solutions even as the country faces a deepening water crisis, according to the latest report. The study by DCM Shriram on "The Investment Mismatch in AgWater" highlights that despite agriculture consuming the largest share of water resources while contributing 16 per cent to GDP and employing 55 per cent of the workforce, the sector struggles with efficiency and adequate funding. India has between 70-100 active AgWaterTech startups, but many risk closure due to investment hurdles, according to the report. "Limited data, long gestation periods, and the high proportion of small and marginal farmers make AgWaterTech less attractive to investors," it added. Ajay S Shriram -- Chairman and Senior Managing Director, DCM Shriram and Director of DCM Shriram Foundation -- emphasised the severity of the situation, saying, "Water is the most critical resource

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) projected a credit potential of Rs 2,106.34 crore for 2025-26 under priority sector activities in Nagaland. The projection was made in the State Focus Paper (SFP) released by Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan during a seminar organised by NABARD here on Tuesday. The SFP stated that of the total projection, Rs 712 is for agriculture, Rs 968 crore for MSME and Rs 425 crore for other sectors. The paper outlines a comprehensive assessment of the state's credit potential for priority sector activities, which include agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure projects to help guide financial institutions in channelling credit effectively, said NABARD General Manager Pauliankap Bulte. He said banks should focus on extending credit to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Bulte stressed the importance of supporting Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), including those identified for computerisation und

At the second edition of BS Manthan, Business Standard's annual flagship summit, experts will debate whether agriculture is India's strength or weakness now

Rising temperature and growing threat of climate change may increase default risk in 30 per cent of agri and housing loans portfolio in the next five years, according to an analysis by BCG. According to the report, the average global temperature has already increased approximately 1.2 degree Celsius versus pre-industrial levels leading to flooding in coastal areas and reduction in agriculture production. As a result, it said, there has been a drop in per capita income of people impacted by rising extreme weather events. Almost half of the credit of scheduled commercial banks is significantly dependent on nature and its ecosystem so any natural calamity impacts their bottomline. By 2030, as per estimates, 42 per cent India's districts are projected to experience temperature rise by up to 2 degree Celsius. So, 321 districts may be affected by temperature rise in the next five years. However, climate change also provides an opportunity to banks to the tune of USD 150 billion annually

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the Centre will provide financial support to red chilli farmers of Andhra Pradesh and a decision will be taken soon in this regard. He said the ministry is likely to provide help to farmers of the state under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Centre to help red chilli farmers under the MIS in view of a fall in prices. Naidu held a discussion with Chouhan through video conference. In a press conference on Friday here, Chouhan assured that the Centre will be providing financial assistance under the MIS and modalities are being worked out. That apart, he said the Centre is also making efforts to boost exports of red chilli. According to a statement, the agriculture minister on Friday held a meeting to look into the problems of chilli farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu was also present in the meeting. Ch

The tightening has been done under the powers given to the Central government under the Essential Commodities Act

SAP is the rate at which sugar mills in the state have to mandatorily buy cane from farmers. Apart from UP, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand too have their respective SAPs

"The US will ask for major concessions in dairy and agri products, ethanol and removal of price control on medical devices.'' a former senior commerce ministry official said

The government had allowed the duty-free import of yellow peas in December 2023 and subsequently extended it thrice till February 28 to boost domestic supplies after the local crop failed

Given that agriculture and rural development are state subjects, an inter-state council on the lines of GST Council is very important for better coordination between Centre & states

In Rajasthan, a vibrant agri and food processing sector contributes to around 27 per cent of the state GDP and provides huge employment opportunities to the people

Chouhan said agricultural marketing is a state subject and agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) are regulated by the respective State Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act

Wheat production in the state this year may remain almost equal to last year. Barley and gram production may rise while mustard is expected to go down, according to estimates

The company has invested $15 million to localise the 2.8L F28 engine, which was developed in Europe, to reduce import dependence and improve cost efficiency

Credit limit on KCC raised to Rs 5 lakh; farm Budget at Rs 1.71 trn, 22% more than FY25RE

The Economic Survey released on Friday emphasised that the private sector must take the lead in driving economic growth

The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights 3.5 per cent growth in India's agriculture sector, with a strong focus on horticulture, livestock, and fisheries as key growth drivers

Credit cost for most of the lenders increased due to higher provisions, mainly for unsecured retail loans

The company's total income for the quarter ended December 2024 was Rs 7,049 crore versus Rs 5,523 crore for the quarter ended December 2023, up 28 per cent

MSMEs face informational asymmetries, limited consumer visibility, and weak branding and marketing capabilities