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Punjab shows marked progress in crop diversification with a 20% increase in cotton cultivation and a rise in maize planting, aided by government incentives to support sustainability and farmer prosperity.

Punjab Boosts Cotton, Maize Cultivation

Witnessing a 20% rise in cotton acreage and a swift adoption of maize planting, Punjab's agricultural sector is evolving. Government initiatives and subsidies are catalyzing this transition, emphasizing crop diversification and efficient water usage.

Punjab sees a 20% rise in cotton cultivation. Maize planting on 54,000 acres started. The government incentivizes crop shift, promoting diversity.

Punjab's crop diversification efforts got a major fillip with cotton cultivation witnessing around 20% surge, taking the area under cotton from 2.49 lakh acres last year to 2.98 lakh acres this year, an increase of over 49,000 acres, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.
While chairing a meeting to review the ongoing Kharif season and departmental projects here at Kisan Bhawan on Monday evening, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that Fazilka district leads in cotton cultivation with 60,121 hectares, followed by Mansa (27,621 hectares), Bathinda (17,080 hectares), and Sri Muktsar Sahib (13,240 hectares).
The Agriculture Minister said that the Punjab government would provide a 33% subsidy on cotton seeds to growers, with over 49,000 farmers have already registered online. He directed Chief Agriculture Officers to ensure all cotton growers complete online registration by June 15.&nbsp;
The Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic response of the state&rsquo;s farmers towards Kharif maize cultivation, with over 54,000 acres already sown in just nine days since sowing commenced on June 1 across the state.&nbsp;
The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government will give incentive of Rs. 17,500 per hectare to farmers for shifting from paddy to Kharif maize under a pilot project covering six districts- Bathinda, Sangrur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Kapurthala. The project aims to bring 12,000 hectares under Kharif maize, promoting agricultural diversification and groundwater conservation. To facilitate this transition, the state government has appointed 200 Kisan Mitras to guide and encourage farmers.
The state's agricultural sector is showing positive trends, with these numbers reflecting the combined efforts of farmers and the state government's initiatives to promote crop diversification and boost agricultural productivity.&nbsp;
The Agriculture Minister also reviewed the status of Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR), fertilisers availability, and other projects, while directing district agriculture chiefs to ensure quality agricultural inputs to farmers as safeguarding the farmers&rsquo; interests remains the top priority of the Punjab Government.
The Administrative Secretary Agriculture Dr. Basant Garg, Special Secretary Ms Baldeep Kaur, Agriculture Commissioner Ms. Babita, Director Mr. Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the meeting.

Winter crop planting has maintained steady progress, with wheat sown across 29.31 million hectares as of mid-December 2024, while total rabi (winter) crops cover 55.88 million hectares.

Foodgrain output set to scale new peak in 2025 as farm sector eyes 4 pc growth

Winter crop planting has maintained steady progress, with wheat sown across 29.31 million hectares as of mid-December 2024, while total rabi (winter) crops cover 55.88 million hectares.

India is poised to achieve new heights in foodgrain production in 2025, driven by favourable monsoon, though significant challenges persist in pulses and oilseeds production as the country's agricultural sector shows signs of robust recovery.
The Agriculture Ministry's initial projections paint an optimistic picture, with kharif (summer) foodgrain production estimated at a record 164.7 million tonnes for the 2024-25 crop year ending June 2025.
Winter crop planting has maintained steady progress, with wheat sown across 29.31 million hectares as of mid-December 2024, while total rabi (winter) crops cover 55.88 million hectares.
"We had a good kharif crop because of normal rainfall," Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi told PTI.
"Overall, the crop prospect for the whole year looks promising," he added, though cautioning against potential heat waves in February-March that could affect the winter wheat harvest.
The agricultural sector is projected to bounce back strongly, with growth projections of 3.5-4 per cent in 2024-25, up from 1.4 per cent in the previous fiscal year.
Agri-economist S Mahendra Dev attributes this improvement to "good monsoon and rise in rural demand".
This growth comes despite localised floods and droughts affecting crops in parts of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Climate change-induced weather anomalies have particularly impacted onion and tomato yields in certain regions.
However, the path ahead isn't without hurdles.
To address the persistent challenge of self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will roll out the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) in 2025, backed by a substantial budget of Rs 10,103 crore. The initiative aims to reduce import dependency through targeted interventions and increased support prices.
The horticulture sector has shown remarkable progress, with record production of fruits and vegetables. The success is attributed to improved farming practices and technology adoption under various government schemes.
The sector is witnessing increased technological adoption, with drones and AI-driven tools gaining traction. "These innovations offer immense potential to enhance productivity," said Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL Sustainable AgriSolutions.
The government's flagship PM-KISAN scheme continues to provide crucial support, having disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers since its 2018 launch.
Seven new agricultural schemes announced in September 2024, with a combined outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, are set for full implementation in 2025. These initiatives span various aspects of agriculture, including digital transformation, crop science, livestock health, and natural resource management.
However, farmer unrest remains a concern, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where demands for legal MSP guarantees and other reforms persist.
A parliamentary committee has suggested doubling the PM-KISAN support to Rs 12,000 per beneficiary and implementing universal crop insurance for small farmers.
While farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) have expanded with 9,204 registrations, they continue to face challenges, including limited market access and weak managerial capacity, potentially affecting their long-term sustainability.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The funds were released through five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) that provide training and incubate startups for implementation of this programme.

Govt released Rs 122.50 cr to over 1,700 agri-startups in last 5 years: MoS Agri

The funds were released through five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) that provide training and incubate startups for implementation of this programme.

The government has released Rs 122.50 crore to over 1,700 agri-startups in last five years under the Innovation and AgriEntrepreneurship Development programme, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
The programme, implemented in 2018-19 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), aims to promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship, by providing financial and technical support for nurturing startups.
Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, in his written reply to the Lok Sabha, said a financial assistance of Rs 122.50 crore has been released to 1,708 agri startups from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
The funds were released through five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) that provide training and incubate startups for implementation of this programme.
During 2023-24, about Rs 147.25 crore was released to 532 startups.
Under the programme, financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh is provided at the idea/pre-seed stage and up to Rs 25 lakh at the seed stage to entrepreneurs/ startups in agriculture and allied sector to launch their products, services, business platforms, etc and to facilitate in scaling up.

'Father of Green Revolution' MS Swaminathan died aged 98 on Thursday

'Father of Green Revolution' MS Swaminathan dies

'Father of Green Revolution' MS Swaminathan dies
Swaminathan was 98 years old
Swaminathan revolutionised Indian agriculture

'Father of Green Revolution' MS Swaminathan died aged 98 on Thursday

Renowned agricultural scientist Swaminathan (98), also known as the father of Green Revolution in India, died on Thursday in Chennai due to age-related illness. He is survived by three daughters. Swaminathan's work revolutionised Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s, ensuring food security and helping the country achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief at the death of eminent scientist MS Swaminathan and said his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured India's food security.
"Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation&rsquo;s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation," Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The prime minister further said, "Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Dr. Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many. His unwavering commitment to research and mentorship has left an indelible mark on countless scientists and innovators." Modi said he would always cherish his conversations with Swaminathan and added that his passion to see India progress was exemplary.
"His life and work will inspire generations to come. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," Modi wrote.&nbsp;

The ACFI is an industry body representing manufacturers/ importers of technical and formulation of pesticides at the pan-India level

Budget 2023: Here's what Agro-chemicals industry body ACFI wants

Budget 2023: Agro-chemicals industry body ACFI's demands  

The ACFI is an industry body representing manufacturers/ importers of technical and formulation of pesticides at the pan-India level

Budget 2023 Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI) has demanded that the government should cut import duty on crop protection chemicals in the upcoming budget and also provide fiscal incentives to private players for undertaking research.
<h3>Budget 2023 for agriculture</h3>
The ACFI is an industry body representing manufacturers/ importers of technical and formulation of pesticides at the pan-India level.
"India presently has no choice but to import to ensure that Indian farmers are not deprived of new technological crop protection solutions," ACFI Chairman Parikshit Mundhra said in a statement.
He urged the Union Finance Minister to reduce import duty on crop protection chemicals.
Mundhra demanded that there is a need to provide fiscal incentives to private sector players to undertake research and development in the agriculture sector in association with KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras).
ACFI also demanded that the GST on crop protection chemicals should be brought down to 5 per cent as in the case of fertilisers.
The Federation said that the current GST of 18 per cent on the chemicals is not in the interest of small and marginal farmers as they have to shell out more money to purchase the crop protection chemicals.
On budget demand, RG Agarwal, Chairman of agrochemical firm Dhanuka Group, said the government should provide some incentive to help farmers in faster adoption of technology.
"Government has been promoting the usage of technology in the agriculture sector in a big way over the last few years. Needless to say, the adoption of precision farming and sustainable agriculture practices will go a long way in enhancing crop yield, lowering cost, and improving soil conditions," he said.
The adoption and implementation of the best practices need to fasten and towards this end, it would be imperative for the government to provide some financial incentive to farmers, which will encourage them to embrace technology, Agarwal said.&nbsp;

Among the states with the poorest implementation of farm loan waiver schemes, Telangana performed the worst with just 5% of eligible farmers receiving the benefits, followed by MP at 12%, Jharkhand at 13%, Punjab at 24%, Karnataka at 38%, UP at 52%.

Only 50% of 3.7 cr eligible farmers received farm loan waiver, says study

The low rate of debt-write-offs has been attributed to rejection of claims, limited or little fiscal space to meet the promises and frequent changes in governments.

Only about 50 percent of the intended beneficiaries of the farm loan waivers announced by nine states since 2014 have benefitted from the schemes, according to a study by the State Bank of India (SBI).
The low rate of debt-write-offs has been attributed to rejection of claims, limited or little fiscal space to meet the promises and frequent changes in governments.
&ldquo;Since 2014, out of approximately 3.7 crore eligible farmers, only around 50% of the farmers received the amount of loan waiver (till March 2022), though in some states over 90 percent of farmers received the debt waiver amount,&rdquo; states the study.
Pointing out the fallouts of the &lsquo;flaws&rsquo; in the loan waiver schemes, the study says that it has failed to bring respite to the intended subjects, sabotaged credit discipline in select geographies and made banks/financial Institutions wary of further lending.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/economy/brace-for-a-bazooka-hike-in-interest-rates-1657773761835" target="_blank">Brace for a bazooka hike in interest rates</a>&nbsp;
Among the states with the poorest implementation of farm loan waiver schemes, Telangana performed the worst with just 5 percent of eligible farmers receiving the benefits, followed &nbsp;by Madhya Pradesh (12 percent), Jharkhand (13 percent), Punjab (24 percent), Karnataka (38 percent), and Uttar Pradesh at (52 percent).
In contrast, 100 percent and 91 percent eligible farmers in Chhattisgarh in 2018 and Maharashtra in 2020, respectively received farm loan waivers.

The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala on Sunday, three days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1, the weather office said.
The southwest monsoon is considered the lifeline of India's agri-based economy.
“South-west monsoon has set in over Kerala on Sunday, May 29, against the normal date of onset of June 1,” India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.
Earlier, the IMD had forecast onset over Kerala on May 27 with help from remnants of Cyclone Asani that struck the Bay of Bengal a fortnight ago. The forecast had a model error of four days.
However, the influence of the remnant weather systems that lingered over the southern peninsula petered out. 

What is the importance of the monsoon season for India?

Early monsoon joy explained | How the rain may wash away price rise pain

Monsoons hit the coast of Kerala&nbsp;two days in advance. What significance does the season hold for India's agriculture-based economy?

The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala on May 29, three days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1.&nbsp;
But why are the southwest monsoons and their timely onset so important for India?&nbsp;
The southwest monsoon irrigates over 50 per cent of India&rsquo;s farmlands. India gets around 70 percent of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season and the yield of the Kharif or the summer crops is directly linked to the rain season. Farmers plant these crops after the arrival of monsoons. The summer crops account for 50% of India&rsquo;s total food output.&nbsp;
A poor rainfall season would mean bad yield, which means higher prices, increased import of food, and farm loan waivers. To sum it up &ndash; food inflation. &nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/why-has-the-weather-been-so-tempestuous-in-india-1653298879114" target="_blank">Why has the weather been so tempestuous in India?</a>
Not to mention, a poor monsoon season also means drought. The government then has to step in to support farmers, leading to an increased fiscal deficit. &nbsp;
Monsoons are the lifeline of India's agriculture-based economy and even the slightest disturbance can cause ripples that are felt by the economy of India. &nbsp;

India has taken a bold step to amidst a global food crisis to ban all wheat exports with immediate effect. India which is the second largest producer of wheat was flooded with requests from countries for wheat and has tonnes to spare so why was this ban imperative ? Editorji Explains: 

The government said the move was made in order to “manage the overall food security of the country"
Atta prices in India saw the biggest surge in 11 years in Apri on increased demand
Though buffer stock remains adequate in India, the heatwave has reduced crop production estimates 
Excessive heat typically shrivels grains almost ready for harvest
Price rise for wheat adds pressure to MSP pricing for the govt as well
MSP for this season was fixed at Rs 2,015 per 100 kg while current wheat price in India, at around Rs 2,400 per 100 kg
Countries in wheat trade agreements with Ukraine are now turning to India to ensure supplies adding to domestic pressure 


EJ Explains| Why India has banned wheat exports 

Among the four metros, the average wheat flour retail price was the highest in Mumbai at Rs 49 per kg, followed by Chennai at Rs 34, Kolkata Rs 29, and Delhi Rs 27.

India has taken a bold step to amidst a global food crisis to ban all wheat exports with immediate effect. India which is the second largest producer of wheat was flooded with requests from countries for wheat and has tonnes to spare so why was this ban imperative ? Editorji&nbsp;Explains:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The government said the move was made in order to &ldquo;manage the overall food security of the country"</li>
<li>Atta prices in India saw the biggest&nbsp;surge in 11 years in Apri on increased demand</li>
<li>Though buffer stock remains adequate in India, the heatwave&nbsp;has reduced crop production estimates&nbsp;</li>
<li>Excessive heat typically shrivels grains almost ready for harvest</li>
<li>Price rise for wheat adds pressure to MSP pricing for the govt as well</li>
<li>MSP&nbsp;for this season was fixed at Rs 2,015 per 100 kg while&nbsp;current wheat price in India, at around Rs 2,400 per 100 kg</li>
<li>Countries in wheat trade agreements with Ukraine are now turning to India to ensure supplies adding to domestic pressure&nbsp;</li>
<li>Consumer price inflation in India has soared to a 8 year high&nbsp;</li>
<li>India already battling imported inflationary pressures due to high prices of crude</li>
</ul>

Everyday, 31 farmers killed themselves in India in 2016
Source: NCRB - ADSI 2016

11379 farm suicides were registered in India in 2016
Source: NCRB - ADSI 2016

Down from 12602 in 2015
Source: Lok Sabha Question 338/ 2019 

Maharashtra tops the number of farm suicides in India
Source: NCRB - ADSI 2016
 
A third or over 3600 farm related suicides were from Maharashtra 
Source: NCRB - ADSI 2016

The data does not give the reasons for farm suicides

But more often than not, the overarching reasons are 

Crushing debt, 
Erratic rainfall, 
Inadequate govt. support price for crops 

Bite :  Farmer from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 
Source: Sunil Ahire/ Twitter 
“I had to sell crop at only Rs. 8 per kg. I had to employ labourers to pick onions from the field in rain. How do I pay them? What should I take home to feed my family? What should I feed my son? Does the government care? They come to form a government. Do they have a clue or worry about the distress of farmers in Maharashtra?”

Farm Suici

A massive solar power project is coming up in Karnataka’s Pavagada taluk as part of the Centre’s plan to generate 113 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022.

But, local farmers were forced to lease their land for a period of 28 years due to drought and mounting debt

“Everyone around us gave their lands and that's why we had to give.” - Venkataramappa, Farmer

However, experts point out that the environmental impact is being ignored, and overall, the project isn’t favourable for farmers. 


agriculture

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