Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

Early Monsoon Rains Raise Hopes for Record Grain Harvest in India

Early and widespread monsoon rains across India have sparked optimism for a record grain harvest this year, as farmers accelerate the sowing of rice, oilseeds, and pulses. According to Farm Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, the timely arrival of rains ahead of schedule in many regions has allowed farmers to begin planting earlier than usual, setting the stage for a potentially bumper crop season.

Monsoon Arrives Early, Boosts Sowing

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that monsoon rains blanketed the country nine days ahead of the typical schedule, marking the earliest nationwide coverage since 2020. June rainfall was 9% above normal, and the IMD forecasts above-average precipitation for July, the wettest month of the season. This early and abundant rainfall has improved soil moisture and enabled the timely sowing of key crops, particularly in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

“Farmers have been able to begin sowing earlier than usual. If rains continue at a normal pace through the critical months to September, it could benefit both the current crops and the upcoming winter harvest,” Chaturvedi said.

Vital for Economy and Food Security

India, the world’s second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, relies on the monsoon to irrigate more than half of its farmland. The monsoon delivers nearly 70% of the water needed for agriculture, directly impacting crop yields, rural incomes, and inflation. Above-average rainfall not only strengthens food security for India’s 1.4 billion people but also supports economic growth and stabilizes global agricultural markets1.

No Fertilizer or Seed Shortages

Chaturvedi addressed concerns about input supplies, stating that stocks of urea, di-ammonium phosphate, and potash are sufficient for the season, despite India’s reliance on imports for some fertilizers. Seed availability is also being closely monitored to ensure farmers receive certified, high-quality materials.

Government Initiatives and Crop Diversification

While rice remains a preferred crop due to minimum support prices and state bonuses, the government is encouraging diversification. Minimum support prices for pulses, including pigeon pea, black gram, and lentils, have been guaranteed for four years to stabilize supplies and support farmers. The national ethanol blending program is also promoting increased corn cultivation.

Outlook Remains Positive

If the favorable rainfall continues through September, experts and officials believe 2025 could be a record year for Indian agriculture, benefiting both monsoon and winter crops. “This could be a record year for Indian agriculture,” Chaturvedi said, reflecting the positive sentiment shared by farmers and policymakers alike.

With the monsoon off to a strong start and robust support from government schemes, India’s agricultural sector is well-positioned for growth, providing hope for improved rural incomes and stable food supplies in the coming months.

References

  1. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop-13228834.html
  2. https://www.outlookbusiness.com/planet/climate/monsoon-arrives-ahead-of-schedule-in-india-likely-to-aid-farm-output
  3. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/indias-monsoon-covers-country-nine-days-early-accelerating-planting-2025-06-29/
  4. https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-likely-to-witness-above-normal-monsoon-rainfall-in-2025-imd/
  5. https://farmersrathna.com/good-rainfall-spurs-agricultural-growth-in-2025/
  6. https://ddnews.gov.in/en/indias-monsoon-rains-to-arrive-early-brightening-outlook-for-crops/
  7. https://fertiliserindia.com/indias-fertilizer-supply-plan-for-july-2025/
  8. https://shaktivardhakhspl.com/blog/how-seed-subsidies-empower-indian-farmers/
  9. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/top-10-government-schemes-for-farmers-in-2025-13138263.html
  10. https://www.ndtvprofit.com/economy-finance/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop
  11. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2131731
  12. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/early-monsoon-to-up-fertiliser-demand-govt-may-hike-subsidy-101747079191595.html
  13. https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/early-monsoon-rains-boost-hopes-of-record-grain-harvest-in-india-125070400138_1.html
  14. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/early-monsoon-rains-in-india-raise-hopes-of-a-bumper-grain-crop/article69771269.ece
  15. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/indias-monsoon-set-cover-entire-country-over-week-early-2025-06-26/
Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture

₹500 Crore Plan to Use AI, Drones & Digital Tools to Help Farmers


In a major step to modernise farming, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for Agriculture—called the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029. The state has set aside ₹500 crore to use AI, drones, robotics, and data tools to help solve big problems like climate change, water shortage, low productivity, and poor market access.



This new policy aims to build a tech-enabled and farmer-first agriculture system. Some of the key things included in this plan are:

  • Real-time help for farmers using AI: Advisory platforms will guide farmers on when to sow, irrigate, or harvest.

  • Precision farming tools: Using data to apply just the right amount of water, seeds, or fertilizer.

  • Blockchain tracking: So that fruits like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates can be traced from farms to international markets.

A special platform called VISTAAR will give advice in multiple languages using AI. It will also connect with national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini.

To make this possible, the state will create digital public infrastructure like:

  • ADeX (Agricultural Data Exchange) – a secure place to share farm data.

  • AI Sandbox – a space where startups can test new tools.

  • Geospatial Engine – to track crop health, waterbodies, and weather patterns.



The policy will be managed by a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a Technical Committee (SLTC). It will also set up:

  • An AI & Agritech Innovation Centre

  • Four research hubs at agriculture universities

Special focus will be on helping startups and building public-private partnerships. Innovators can get grants, run pilot projects, and access the AI sandbox to solve problems specific to each region.

A Digital Literacy Programme will train farmers and extension workers on how to use AI tools effectively through modules, fellowships, and live demos.

To attract more investment and international collaboration, Maharashtra will host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference and Investor Summit.

With this move, Maharashtra has taken the lead in showing how technology and farming can go hand in hand for a better future.

25,000 Farmers in Andhra Pradesh Get Help from Farm Mechanisation Scheme in Just 45 Days!

25,000 Farmers in Andhra Pradesh Get Help from Farm Mechanisation Scheme in Just 45 Days!

Andhra Pradesh’s revamped farm mechanisation scheme is creating waves among small and marginal farmers. Launched just 45 days ago, the program has already benefited over 25,000 farmers with ₹61 crore in subsidies for agricultural equipment.

Andhra Pradesh is making farm work smarter and easier. The state government’s newly relaunched farm mechanisation drive has seen an overwhelming response—benefiting more than 25,000 farmers within just 45 days. A total of ₹61 crore in subsidies has already been distributed to support the purchase of essential farm machinery.

This scheme is part of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and focuses especially on small and marginal farmers. What makes it more appealing this time is the new front-end subsidy model. Farmers now receive a 50% subsidy right at the time of purchase, unlike before when they had to pay the full price and wait for reimbursement. This has helped ease the financial stress on farmers and boosted confidence in adopting modern tools.

From land preparation to harvesting, the scheme covers a wide range of farm equipment. Special efforts are being made to reach remote tribal and rainfed regions, where farming is often more challenging. With these tools, farmers can reduce their dependency on manual labour, save time, and increase productivity.

The initiative is being managed through a smart digital solution—the Karshak Portal – FM App, developed by NIC-AP. It links data from various government departments like land records (Webland), crop details (ePanta), family eligibility (GSWS), forest land farming (Giribhoomi), and previous subsidies. This helps in accurate farmer verification and avoids duplication.

Everything—from applying and selecting beneficiaries to tracking progress and handling complaints—is done online, making the system fast and transparent.

The AP Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd (AP AGROS) is leading the operations on the ground, ensuring smooth logistics, coordination with suppliers, and timely delivery of machinery.

According to Agriculture Department Director S Dilli Rao, the government is determined to scale up this initiative across all districts, ensuring that small and marginal farmers have the tools they need for a better future.

This initiative is not just about machines—it’s about transforming how farming is done in Andhra Pradesh.

Farmers Ignored in Budget? Opposition Slams Govt in Lok Sabha

Farmers Ignored in Budget? Opposition Slams Govt in Lok Sabha

The opposition in Lok Sabha took a firm stand against the government’s approach to agriculture, accusing it of ignoring farmers’ interests in the Union Budget. SP MP Dharmendra Yadav highlighted that while the government waived off ₹16 lakh crore in industrial loans, it refused to grant loan waivers to struggling farmers, citing financial constraints.

Initiating the debate on demands for grants for the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, Yadav pointed out that only 2.7% of the total Budget had been allocated to the sector, calling it highly disappointing. He alleged that despite frequent promises, the government harbors an anti-farmer stance.

Congress MP Jai Prakash criticized the treatment of protesting farmers, likening it to the British era, and vowed strong opposition to any reintroduction of controversial farm laws. DMK MP TM Selvaganapathi and Congress’ Charanjit Singh Channi expressed alarm over reports of duty-free US imports, fearing it would undercut Indian farmers and reverse policies aimed at self-reliance in food production.

As the debate continues, the opposition demands a clear stance from the government on import policies and financial support for farmers, pressing for immediate action to safeguard their livelihoods.

Karnataka Farmers’ Practices Hailed as ‘Best in the Country’ by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan

Karnataka Farmers’ Practices Hailed as ‘Best in the Country’ by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan

Bengaluru, June 9, 2025

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today lauded the agricultural practices employed by farmers in Karnataka, unequivocally declaring them the “best in the country.” Speaking at the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) at the ICAR-IIHR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Minister Chouhan expressed his admiration, stating, “Farms in Karnataka are the best in the country. The techniques used by farmers here are so well-thought-out and modern, they leave me awestruck.”

The event, which marked a significant step in the VKSA’s rollout, attracted over 500 farmers from various parts of Karnataka, eager to learn about advancements in agricultural science and technology. The program commenced with insightful site visits around the ICAR-IIHR campus farms, where participants had the opportunity to observe various biologically modified flora developed by the institute’s dedicated scientists. This hands-on experience was followed by a comprehensive briefing on the fundamental principles and objectives of the VKSA development program.

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a joint initiative by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is strategically designed to address pressing challenges faced by farmers. Its core aims include combating issues such as poor cultivation due to plant diseases, rectifying adverse soil conditions, and mitigating the burden of rising input costs. Crucially, the program seeks to build a robust bridge between scientists and farmers, fostering a collaborative environment where they work hand-in-hand to produce disease-resistant crop varieties capable of thriving even in harsh local conditions.

The nationwide campaign has already made significant strides, with 1,896 teams having interacted with a remarkable 8,95,944 farmers across 8,188 villages. In Karnataka specifically, more than 70 interdisciplinary teams, comprising scientists and officials from agricultural and allied departments, are diligently visiting and engaging with farmers daily. Their primary objective is to record direct feedback from the ground, which will be instrumental in shaping future agricultural research and development initiatives. Yelamma, a small marigold farm owner from Chikkaballapur district, shared her positive experience, stating, “I have always been a bit wary of the hybrid crops because I thought them to be unsafe but after seeing the crops here it has changed my views of them.” This direct feedback underscores the program’s success in building trust and promoting the adoption of scientific advancements among the farming community.

Renowned Horticulturist Unveils ‘Rajnath Aam,’ a New Mango Variety Honoring Defence Minister

Lucknow, June 9, 2025

In a fascinating blend of horticultural innovation and national homage, celebrated mango cultivator Kalimullah Khan from Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, has introduced a new mango variety named ‘Rajnath Aam,’ in honor of India’s esteemed Defence Minister. Khan, widely recognized for his pioneering work in mango grafting, has a unique tradition of naming new varieties after prominent national figures, adding a distinctive cultural layer to his agricultural achievements.

The veteran cultivator, who is also a recipient of one of India’s highest civilian honors for his profound contributions to agriculture, articulated his motivation behind this practice. “I believe names should live on through nature’s gifts. That’s why I dedicate some of these varieties to those who have served the country with distinction,” he explained. His aim, he stated, is to preserve the legacy of individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation, ensuring their remembrance through these unique horticultural creations.

Malihabad, a region historically revered for its rich mango heritage, once boasted an astonishing diversity of over 1,300 distinct mango varieties in the early 20th century. However, a significant number of these unique varieties have unfortunately disappeared over time. Through decades of relentless dedication, meticulous experimentation, and unparalleled expertise, Kalimullah Khan has played a pivotal role in reviving this lost heritage. His tireless efforts have resulted in the development and meticulous maintenance of over 300 distinct varieties within his own orchard, effectively restoring a crucial part of the region’s horticultural treasures.

The introduction of ‘Rajnath Aam’ not only signifies a new achievement in mango cultivation but also reinforces the deep connection between agricultural innovation and national pride. It highlights the profound impact of individuals like Kalimullah Khan, whose passion not only enriches biodiversity but also contributes to the cultural fabric of the nation, one unique mango variety at a time. Sources