India has evolved from a food-scarce nation to a food-surplus powerhouse with a strong export performance on the back of robust growth in agriculture, reflecting the farm sector’s resilience and its significant role in the global agricultural trade landscape, according to a study released by apex business chamber PHDCCI.

The report, titled ‘India’s Agricultural Transformation: From Food Scarcity to Surplus’, projects the country’s foodgrain production growth at 2 per cent, to about 3,357 lakh tonnes for the year 2024-25. The business chamber’s projections indicate a significant expansion in agricultural and processed food products exports, with exports reaching $125 billion by FY2030, $250 billion by FY2035, $450 billion by FY2040, and $700 billion by FY2047.

The PHDCCI study projects that India’s food processing sector is expected to reach $700 billion by FY 2030, $1,100 billion by FY2035, $1,500 billion by FY 2040, $1,900 billion by FY 2040, and $2,150 billion by 2047. The report states that while some states excel in agricultural performance, their overall economic growth remains modest.

This highlights an opportunity to better leverage agricultural success to drive broader economic development. By strengthening linkages between agriculture and other sectors, these states can unlock new avenues for growth, fostering more inclusive and balanced economic growth, the report points out.

Overall, the analysis suggests that foodgrain production in India is significantly influenced by factors such as electricity availability, warehousing capacity, and gross irrigated area. Rainfall does not appear to have a statistically significant impact, which contrasts with the traditional view of India’s heavy reliance on the monsoon for agriculture.

The report is of the view that they have a moderate degree of association. This points to a more resilient agriculture having emerged in the country. PHDCCI said that the objective of the study was to analyse agriculture and factors impacting agriculture in India by applying the techniques of trend analysis, correlation, and regression.

The latest figures also show that India’s rice exports jumped by a robust 44.61 per cent to $1.37 billion in January 2025 from $0.95 billion in January 2024 to emerge as one of the major growth drivers in the country’s overseas merchandise basket, reflecting the strength of the country’s farm sector. Similarly, soybean exports have also risen to a record high during the month.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): India’s coffee exports have almost doubled in the last four years, reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24 from $719.42 million in 2020-21, making the country the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, according to a statement released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday.

In the first half of January 2025, India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia. The country’s coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours.

Approximately three-fourths of India’s coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans, which are primarily exported unroasted. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fuelling the export boom.

Due to the rise of the cafe culture, higher disposable incomes and a growing preference for coffee over tea, coffee consumption in India is also steadily increasing.

This trend has been observed mainly in both urban and rural areas.

Domestic consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, the statement said. This surge reflects a broader shift in drinking habits, as coffee becomes a staple in daily life.

India’s coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

These areas are home to shaded plantations that not only support the coffee industry but also play a vital role in preserving the natural environment, helping to maintain the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots.

The Coffee Board of India has launched several important initiatives to enhance coffee production and meet growing domestic and international demand.

Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) the focus is on improving yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional regions and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming.

The statement said these measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India’s coffee industry, increase productivity, and improve its global competitiveness.

A prime example of this success is Araku Valley, where nearly 150,000 tribal families, in collaboration with the Coffee Board and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), have increased coffee production by 20 percent.

This achievement is backed by Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC) loans. It shows how coffee farming empowers communities and supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

These initiatives, combined with export incentives and logistical support, are crucial in expanding India’s coffee industry. They help improve both domestic production and global competitiveness, firmly establishing India as a leading player in the global coffee market.

Interestingly, India’s journey with coffee began centuries ago, when the legendary holy saint Baba Budan brought seven Mocha seeds to the hills of Karnataka in the 1600s.

His simple act of planting these seeds in the courtyard of his hermitage in Baba Budan Giri unknowingly set in motion the rise of India as one of the world’s prominent coffee producers.

Over the centuries, coffee cultivation in India has evolved from a humble practice to a thriving industry, and the country’s coffee is now widely loved worldwide.

–IANS

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National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) conducted a Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households during NSS 77^th round (January 2019- December 2019) with reference to the agricultural year July 2018- June 2019 in the rural areas of the country. Similar survey was also conducted during 70^th round by NSO. As per result of SASs, the average monthly income per agricultural household during 2012-13 and 2018-19 is given below.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 3 February 2023.

(Published from PIB)

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During the COVID pandemic, Cauvery Calling enabled farmers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to plant a record 2.1 crore trees. 1,25,000 farmers spanning the two states have adopted tree-based farming on their lands, Shri. Tamilmaran, Coordinator, Cauvery Calling told reporters at a press conference at the Coimbatore Press Club today.

He said that the motorcycle rally undertaken by Sadhguru, Founder- Isha Foundation, in 2019 to create awareness and build consensus for cohesive action to revitalize river Cauvery had yielded extremely positive results- farmers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka began showing interest in the tree-based farming model as a result of the rally, he said. In addition, field volunteers of the Cauvery Calling Movement have been going from village to village in the river basin districts in the two states to educate farmers about the economic and ecological benefits of planting trees. Shri. Tamilmaran said that Cauvery Calling volunteers visit farmlands of those who express interest in tree-based farming to study soil properties and irrigation facilities before recommending suitable saplings. He said special field training sessions are also held for farmers on the premises of successful model farms to encourage them to embrace the model.

Other on-ground activities include plantation drives to mark birth anniversaries and remembrance days of prominent agronomists such as Thiru Nammazhvar Aiya, Thiru Nell Jayaraman and Thiru Maram Thangasamy, he said. The highly successful drives have enabled the planting of more than 1 lakh saplings on each occasion including nationally celebrated days such as Gandhi Jayanti and Vana Mahotsavam. Awareness programs and sapling planting events have also been held in 650 farmlands across Tamil Nadu.

Shri. Tamilmaran said a total of 6.2 crore saplings have been planted till date through various Isha environmental projects including the Cauvery Calling  Movement and added that 32 Isha nurseries operating in Tamil Nadu produce saplings through natural methods to supply the demand. Training sessions are also held for those interested in starting their own nurseries.

Shri. Tamilmaran also spoke about the online efforts of the Movement to broaden its reach through social media. He said about 20 lakh volunteers are involved in this effort. Their activities include managing 128 WhatsApp farmer groups through which accurate and relevant information is disseminated. Every month 4 lakh farmers get information about various government schemes and agro-forestry programs through social media. He said 890 rural youths have been assigned to interact directly with farmers.

Shri. Valluvan, a farmer from Coimbatore said, “Planting trees between coconut trees, my farm has increased soil fertility. The ground water level has risen and the demand for water has decreased. Yield and product quality have improved.” Farmer Mr. Vanjimuthu said “I heard about the activities of the Cauvery Calling Movement and planted saplings 2 years ago. Now the trees are well grown, which is very satisfying.”

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Israeli Ambassador to India Shri Naor Gilon called on the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan on 27th January 2022. Welcoming the Ambassador, Shri Tomar congratulated him on taking over as the Ambassador of Israel to India. Shri Tomar expressed happiness on the completion of 30 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. The Minister expressed satisfaction at the functioning of 29 Centers of Excellence in 12 States which are producing more than 25 million vegetable plants, over 387 thousand quality fruit plants and can train more than 1.2 lakh farmers per year.

Union Minister Shri Tomar informed that it has been decided to convert 150 villages around the Centers of Excellence into Villages of Excellence with technical assistance from Israel, out of which 75 villages are being taken up in the first year to commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence where India and Israel will work together. Shri Tomar also highlighted the various schemes that have been launched by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the welfare of farmers, including PM-Kisan, Agri-Infrastructure Fund, formation of 10 thousand FPOs, Schemes for promotion of organic farming, natural farming and soil health cards etc.

The Ambassador of Israel Shri Gilon expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Centers of Excellence, stating that these CoEs are a great example of cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador appreciated the working of ICAR institutes and showed interest in further collaboration with ICAR and making available the latest technologies available with Israel. He proposed the certification of CoEs to further enhance the standards and quality of services being provided to the farmers. He also invited Union Minister Shri Tomar to visit Israel. Shri Tomar appreciated the Ambassador’s proposals, agreed to work on them and thanked the Ambassador and the officers from the Embassy of Israel for their cooperation.

(Published from PIB)

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In an endeavour to create mass awareness for adoption of climate resilient technologies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate 35 crop varieties with special traits to the Nation on 28th September at 11 AM via video conferencing, in a pan India programme organised at all ICAR Institutes, State and Central Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs). During the programme, the Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the newly constructed campus of National Institute of Biotic Stress Management Raipur.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister will distribute Green Campus Award to Agricultural Universities, as well as interact with farmers who use innovative methods and address the gathering.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Chief Minister Chhattisgarh will be present on the occasion.

About crop varieties with special traits

The crop varieties with special traits have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to address the twin challenges of climate change and malnutrition. Thirty-five such crop varieties with special traits like climate resilience and higher nutrient content have been developed in the year 2021. These include a drought tolerant variety of chickpea, wilt and sterility mosaic resistant pigeonpea, early maturing variety of soybean, disease resistant varieties of rice and biofortified varieties of wheat, pearl millet, maize and chickpea, quinoa, buckwheat, winged bean and faba bean.

These special traits crop varieties also include those that address the anti-nutritional factors found in some crops that adversely affect human and animal health. Examples of such varieties include Pusa Double Zero Mustard 33, first Canola quality hybrid RCH 1 with <2% erucic acid and <30 ppm glucosinolates and a soybean variety free from two anti-nutritional factors namely Kunitz trypsin inhibitor and lipoxygenase. Other varieties with special traits have been developed in  soybean, sorghum, and baby corn, among others.

About National Institute of Biotic Stress Management

The National Institute of Biotic Stress Management at Raipur has been established to take up the basic and strategic research in biotic stresses, develop human resources and provide policy support. The institute has started PG courses from the academic session 2020-21.

About Green Campus Awards

The Green Campus Awards has been initiated to motivate the State and Central Agricultural Universities to develop or adopt such practices that will render their campuses more green and clean, and motivate students to get involved in ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, ‘Waste to Wealth Mission’ and community connect as per the National Education Policy-2020.

(Published from PIB)

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During Current RMS 2021-22, a record quantity of 56.41 Lakh Metric Tonnes Wheat was procured from 12.98 lakh farmers at Minimum Support Price(MSP) in Uttar Pradesh. This is the highest ever procurement of Wheat in the history of the State. A total of ₹11,141.28 Crores has been paid to the farmers as MSP. There is an increase of 58% from RMS 2020-21 during which 35.77 Lakh Metric Tonnes wheat was procured from 6.64 lakh farmers.

Procurement in Uttar Pradesh had shown a record for Paddy also during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21. A record procurement of 66.84 Lakh Metric Tonnes paddy was done from 10.22 lakh farmers of Uttar Pradesh during KMS 2020-21. This is the highest ever procurement of Paddy in the history of the State. A total of Rs 12491.88 Crores has been paid to the farmers of Uttar Pradesh as MSP.

It may be noted that current Marketing Season RMS 2021-22 has concluded in most of wheat procuring States and upto 8^th July, 2021 a quantity of 433.32 LMT of Wheat has been procured (which is all time high, as it has exceeded previous high 389.92 LMT of RMS 2020-21) against the last year corresponding purchase of 387.50 LMT. About 49.16 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement operations with MSP value of ₹85,581.02 Crore.

Paddy procurement in the ongoing season Kharif 2020-21 is also continuing smoothly in the procuring States with purchase of 866.05 LMTs of paddy (includes Kharif Crop 707.59 LMT and Rabi Crop 158.46 LMT) upto 8^th July, 2021 against the last year corresponding purchase of 756.80 LMT. About 127.72 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of ₹1,63,510.77 Crore. Paddy procurement has also reached at all time high level, surpassing previous high of 773.45 LMT in KMS 2019-20.

(With inputs from PIB)

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Climate researchers have discovered that excess irrigation over northern India shifts the September monsoon rainfall towards the north-western part of the subcontinent increases widespread weather extremes over Central India. These meteorological hazards expose the vulnerable farmers and their crops to risks of failure.

The study which establishes that monsoon precipitation is sensitive to the choice of irrigation practices in South Asia can help plan agricultural practices in this region.

South Asia is one of the most heavily irrigated regions of the world, largely using groundwater, and its major summer crop is paddy which is cultivated in water flooded fields. Hence it was pertinent to study how such practices can influence the monsoons which form the fulcrum of this agro-based economy.

Subimal Ghosh, Professor in Department of Civil Engineering and Convener at Interdisciplinary Programme in Climate Studies (IDPCS), a Centre of Excellence at IIT Bombay supported by the Department of Science and Technology and his climate group, investigated the impact of agricultural water use on the Indian Summer Monsoon using a climate model.

The research published in the journal ‘Geophysical Research Letters’ recently showed that monsoon precipitation is sensitive to the choice of irrigation practices in South Asia. In another study, Prof. Subhankar Karmakar from IDPCS, IIT Bombay, and his research group identified for the first time that risks for rice and wheat have increased in the recent decade, with wheat at a two-fold higher magnitude than rice. The study followed the Assessment Report 5 of IPCC definition to quantify ‘Risk’ and has been published in ‘Environmental Research Letters.’

Increasing crop risk is predominantly driven by the decreasing number of farmers, and the wheat risk is also attributed to increasing minimum temperatures during the crop growing season. This study provided compelling evidence indicating that the hydro-climatic hazards related to precipitation extremes and drought are specifically alarmingly increasing the crops risk as compared to temperature extremes.

Another finding obtained from this study was extreme rainfall in recent decades in Central India has been increasing, and this is also caused by an increase in irrigation and consequent increase in evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation from the land surface plus transpiration from plants)

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The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Republic of India and Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Fiji for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

The MoU between India and Fiji provides for cooperation in the following areas:

– Exchange of research personnel, scientific experts, specialists, and technical trainees;

– Enhancement and transfer of technology;

– Development of infrastructure for agriculture development;

– Development of human resources through training of officers and farmers by conducting seminars and workshops;

– Promotion of joint ventures between private sectors of both countries;

– Promotion of investment in marketing and value addition/downstream processing of agricultural commodities;

– Promote capacity development in all areas of agriculture;

– Promotion of direct trade of agriculture products through market access;

– Joint planning and development of research proposals and execution of research projects and programmes;

– Establishment of Indo – Fiji Working Group for dealing phytosanitary issues, and any other form of cooperation which will be mutually agreed by the Parties.

Under the MoU, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to set down procedures and plan and recommend programs of cooperation towards achieving its aims through the Executing agencies of the two countries. The JWG will hold its meeting alternately in India and Fiji once in every two year.

This MoU will come into effect on the date of its signing and will remain in force for a period of five years.

(Published from PIB)

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In the Budget 2021 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a new ‘Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess’ (AIDC) has been brought in to provide for more funds that will go towards strengthening the agricultural infrastructure in the country by creation of cold storages, strengthening the supply chain etc.

The cess however is not uniform and varies for different products. It will be levied on items like petrol, diesel, crude palm oil, crude soyabean oil, alcohol, gold, silver, apples, peas, etc.

On alcoholic beverages, the cess will be levied at 100% as it is a luxury item. Gold and silver bars will attract 2.5%, however, the customs duty on both the metals has been brought down by 5% thus not affecting the end user.

Though the cess is being levied on fuels like petrol and diesel, the Central Government is bringing down the Basic Excise Duty and Special Additional Excise Duty commensurately. To make up for the cess, basic excise duty on petrol has been revised to ₹1.4 per litre from ₹2.98 per litre and on diesel from ₹4.83 per litre to ₹1.8 per litre.

So, there is no need for people to worry about a rise in fuel price rise because of the new AIDC.

The intention of the government is to levy this AIDC on items such that it would have not have a major impact on a huge section of the population

What the AIDC does is to levy a tax on items are primarily used extensively by affluent sections and redistribute that money to those in need especially those dependent on agriculture.

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