by Agrisnip Reporter | Jan 15, 2026 | Agri News, Policies
What the Micro-Fertiliser Industry Wants from Budget 2026
As India’s Union Budget for 2026 approaches, a key slice of the agriculture sector is putting forward its wishlist. The Indian Micro-Fertiliser Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has requested that the government implement several tax and policy changes to support businesses that manufacture micro-fertilisers. These proposals aim to simplify taxes, enhance cash flow, and foster a more streamlined regulatory environment. What they’re asking for isn’t just about easing costs. It’s about helping manufacturers grow, operate more efficiently, and ultimately serve farmers better.
Why Micro-Fertilisers Matter
Micro-fertilisers are specialised plant nutrients used in smaller quantities than traditional fertilisers. They can have a big impact on crop health, soil quality, and yields when used correctly. In a country where agriculture supports millions of farmers and contributes a major share of the economy, anything that enhances productivity matters. Yet the businesses that manufacture these products face their own challenges, especially when it comes to taxes and regulations.
The GST Situation: A Patchwork of Rates
One of the biggest issues the industry has highlighted is the inconsistency in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on fertilisers. Under the newer GST 2.0 reforms, a large number of fertiliser products saw their GST rate cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. That’s generally good news. But not all fertiliser products fall under this uniform bracket. Some still attract higher GST on raw materials or specific inputs than on the finished fertiliser itself. This creates what’s known as an inverted duty structure.
An inverted duty structure means manufacturers pay more tax on the inputs they buy than on the product they sell. The result is a buildup of “input tax credit” (the tax they’ve already paid). Businesses then have to wait for refunds on that credit. But delays in processing these refunds tie up capital that could otherwise go into expanding quality, boosting production, or reaching more farmers.
To fix this, IMMA wants the government to extend the 5 per cent GST rate across all fertilisers listed under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO). Having a single GST rate for all these products would level the playing field, reduce confusion, and remove competitive disadvantages caused by different tax categories. It would also cut down disputes about how products are classified for tax purposes.
Faster GST Refunds: More Predictable Cash Flow
Another major request is to speed up refunds of excess GST credits. Right now, manufacturers often wait a long time to get refunds on the tax they have already paid, which locks up working capital. For smaller or medium-sized manufacturers, especially, this can be a serious cash-flow problem.
IMMA is calling for a clear, time-bound mechanism that would make the refund process faster and more predictable. From the industry’s point of view, quicker refunds would directly ease financial pressure. Instead of applying working capital to carry tax credits on the books, manufacturers could use it to improve product quality, expand operations, or invest in farmer outreach programs.
One Nation, One Licence: Reducing Red Tape
Beyond GST, the industry’s recommendations include simplifying licensing. At the moment, companies have to navigate different requirements for different states — and in some cases, even district-level differences. That leads to duplicated efforts, longer approval times, and higher compliance costs.
IMMA wants a “One Nation, One Licence” system, backed by a centralised digital repository for all licence-related documents. The idea is to make licenses easier to issue and verify, irrespective of where a manufacturer wants to sell their products. Under this approach, states and regulators could access a shared database, speeding up approvals and reducing administrative hurdles.
This change would bring several benefits. First, it would cut down the time and money companies spend on multiple state-level processes. Second, it would make compliance smoother, especially for businesses operating at a national scale. And third, it could mean faster access to products for farmers, since administrative delays would be reduced.
Framing the Budget Discussion
IMMA isn’t alone in offering suggestions as the government prepares its budget. Ahead of Budget 2026, various industry groups and experts have shared recommendations on everything from tax reforms to spending priorities. Tax experts have weighed in on other aspects of the tax system, including personal tax rates and wealth taxation. Other associations are pushing for tax and credit relief for small and medium enterprises. These inputs reflect broader concerns about how taxes and regulations impact business growth and cash flow in different sectors of the economy.
Whatever form the final budget takes, it’s clear that stakeholders are focused on creating a predictable, level fiscal environment. The agricultural and allied sectors, in particular, see reforms around GST and licensing as key to unlocking growth and innovation.
What These Changes Could Mean on the Ground
If the government decides to move forward with these suggested updates, the impacts would probably be felt at all points in how things are made and supplied. When tax rules are made easier to understand and more consistent, companies making things will worry less about how their items are labelled and following the rules, plus getting back money from the Goods and Services Tax faster would ease money problems, freeing up funds to reinvest in expanding their businesses and coming up with new ideas.
Creating one central way to get licenses could also cut down on delays from paperwork and help companies get into more kinds of businesses. In the future, these changes could also help farmers by making it easier to get better micro-fertilisers for less money, which would help them grow more crops and keep their soil in better shape.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jan 13, 2026 | Agri News, Farming, Uncategorized
Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (CSAUA&T), Kanpur, has recently released new varieties of wheat and mustard. These varieties play a crucial role in addressing the key challenges faced by Indian farmers. The new wheat and mustard varieties from CSA University have been officially approved by the State Seed Release Committee, making them suitable for cultivation across Uttar Pradesh and similar agro-climatic regions of North India.
The newly approved CSA University rabi crop varieties include two wheat varieties—K-1910 and K-1905—and one mustard variety named Azad Gaurav. These varieties are the outcome of years of field research and multi-location trials conducted under real farming conditions. Their release is expected to help farmers achieve higher yields, manage disease pressure, and cope better with soil and climate stress.
Why CSA University Wheat and Mustard Varieties Matter for Farmers
Wheat and mustard are among the most important rabi crops grown in North India. However, farmers often struggle with issues such as alkaline soils, wheat rust diseases, heat stress, and late sowing of mustard due to delayed harvesting of kharif crops.
The main goal of CSAU&T scientists was on creating climate-resilient wheat varieties for North India and a late-sowing mustard type that can sustain even in difficult circumstances. The newly released varieties are:
- High-yielding and stable across locations
- Resistant to major diseases and insect pests
- Suitable for alkaline soil in UP
- Adapted to both timely and delayed sowing
- Designed to reduce dependence on chemical inputs
These improvements are especially beneficial for small and medium farmers who depend on reliable yields and lower production costs.
Other popular varieties by CSA University: https://www.csauk.ac.in/uploads/2021/09/CSAU-Varietal-Almanac-1.pdf
CSA University Kanpur Releases New Wheat Varieties
Among the major highlights are the new wheat varieties released by CSA University Kanpur—K-1910 and K-1905. These varieties are recommended for timely sowing under irrigated conditions and have shown excellent performance in alkaline soils common in several districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Features of New Wheat Varieties
K-1910
This wheat variety matures in about 125–130 days and produces an average yield of 35–40 quintals per hectare. It is one of the most promising wheat rust-resistant varieties, offering resistance to brown, yellow, and black rust. Reduced insect damage also helps lower input costs.
K-1905
K-1905 has a similar maturity period and yield potential. It performs particularly well under irrigated conditions and is considered one of the best wheat varieties for alkaline soil in UP. Its adaptability makes it suitable for farmers looking for stable returns.
Both varieties fall under high-yield wheat varieties for Uttar Pradesh and are expected to play a key role in improving wheat productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Azad Gaurav: A New Mustard Variety for Late Sowing
Along with wheat, CSA University scientists have also introduced Azad Gaurav mustard variety, specially developed for late sowing conditions. Late sowing is a common challenge for mustard farmers due to climatic variability and cropping system constraints.
Azad Gaurav matures in 120–125 days and produces an average yield of 18–19 quintals per hectare. It is a high oil content mustard variety in India, with an oil content of around 39.6 per cent, making it more profitable for oilseed farmers.
This mustard variety for heat stress is tolerant to high temperatures and shows resistance to common diseases and insect pests. As a late sowing mustard variety, Azad Gaurav, it offers farmers greater flexibility and resilience under changing climate conditions.
CSAUA&T Kanpur Agriculture Research Behind These Varieties
Scientists involved in CSAUA&T Kanpur agriculture research claimed that the development of these varieties involved extensive multi-location trials, yield stability analysis, and disease screening. Their focus was not only on productivity but also on farmer-friendly traits such as reduced chemical dependency and adaptability to local conditions.
University officials stated that these rabi crop seed varieties approved by the State Seed Release Committee are designed for practical, on-field application rather than controlled laboratory performance. The aim is to strengthen food security, boost oilseed production, and support crop diversification in Uttar Pradesh.
Benefits of New Wheat and Mustard Varieties for Indian Agriculture
The release of these new wheat and mustard varieties in Uttar Pradesh is expected to bring multiple benefits:
- Increased crop productivity and yield stability
- Reduced losses from wheat rust and insect damage
- Better performance in alkaline and stressed soils
- Higher farmer income due to improved oil content in mustard
- Lower cultivation costs from reduced chemical use
Together, these benefits support sustainable farming and help farmers cope with climate and soil-related challenges.
What Farmers Should Know Before Adopting These Varieties
Farmers planning to cultivate CSA University wheat varieties or the Azad Gaurav mustard variety should:
- Follow the recommended sowing time and spacing
- Use certified seeds from authorised sources
- Maintain balanced nutrient and irrigation management
- Seek guidance from local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) or agriculture officers
Proper crop management will help farmers realise the full yield potential of these varieties.
Read more Agri News here: https://agrisnip.com/agri-news/#google_vignette
Conclusion
The introduction of CSA University’s new wheat and mustard varieties marks a significant milestone in strengthening rabi crop production in Uttar Pradesh. With traits like high yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability, these varieties offer practical solutions to the real problems faced by Indian farmers. As agriculture continues to face challenges from climate uncertainty and soil stress, research-driven innovations such as K-1910, K-1905, and Azad Gaurav will play a vital role in improving productivity, ensuring food security, and enhancing farmer livelihoods across North India.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jan 7, 2026 | Agri News, Technology
For many farmers and households in Karnataka, shelling avarekai (hyacinth bean) is more than just a seasonal activity. It is a time-consuming and tiring chore. Every winter, families spend long hours manually removing beans from pods, often experiencing hand pain and fatigue. Addressing this everyday problem, scientists at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, have developed a compact bean shelling machine that promises to make the task faster, easier, and more efficient.
The newly developed machine is designed as a tabletop device, making it suitable for small farmers, self-help groups, vendors, and even households involved in large-scale bean processing. Unlike traditional shelling methods that depend entirely on manual labour, this machine can shell around 60 kilograms of pods per hour with nearly 90 per cent efficiency. This represents a significant improvement over hand-shelling, which is both slow and physically demanding.
Designed for Local Crops and Local Needs
One of the most important features of this machine is its crop versatility. While it is primarily designed for avarekai, it can also be used to shell pigeon pea, cowpea, and similar legumes commonly grown across India. This makes it a practical innovation for farmers cultivating pulses in different regions. The scientists behind the machine focused on keeping the design simple, affordable, and farmer-friendly. With a price range of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000, the device is much cheaper than large industrial shellers and can be easily adopted by small and marginal farmers. The compact size also means it does not require a large storage space or complex installation.
Positive Response from Farmers
The machine has already gained attention at agricultural exhibitions such as Krishi Mela, where farmers showed keen interest in the innovation. Many farmers appreciated how the device reduces labour dependency, especially at a time when agricultural labour is becoming costly and difficult to find. For women, who often handle post-harvest activities like shelling, the machine can significantly reduce physical strain. Farmers also see this as a tool that can improve post-harvest efficiency, reduce processing time, and help them bring produce to the market faster. For small vendors selling fresh shelled beans, this machine could translate into better earnings and less exhaustion.
Future Improvements in Progress
The research team at UAS Bengaluru is not stopping here. A patent application for the bean shelling machine is currently underway, highlighting the originality and research value of the innovation. Scientists are also working on additional features, including a de-skinning mechanism, which would further improve output quality and usability. Such improvements could make the machine even more attractive for commercial use and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs). With further refinement, the device could become a standard tool in pulse-growing regions.
Small Innovation, Big Impact
This bean shelling machine is a clear example of how need-based agricultural innovation can directly improve farmers’ lives. Instead of focusing solely on high-tech solutions, the researchers identified a common problem faced by farmers and provided a practical, affordable solution. In a country like India, where post-harvest losses and labour challenges remain major concerns, such small machines can make a big difference. By reducing drudgery, saving time, and improving efficiency, the UAS Bengaluru bean sheller stands as a reminder that meaningful agricultural progress often begins with simple ideas rooted in the field.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jan 6, 2026 | Agri News, Import / Export
Industry information released on Monday showed that India’s urea purchases from other countries more than doubled to 7.17 million tonnes during the first eight months of the current financial year because the amount made in the government went down, which emphasises how much the nation depends on getting supplies from abroad to meet the needs of farmers.
According to information from the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), urea purchases from other countries rose by 120.3 per cent to 7.17 MT between April and November 2024-25, compared to 3.26 MT during the same time last year.
The amount of urea made in the country went down by 3.7 per cent to 19.75 MT during that same time period. The information showed that, overall, urea sales went up by 2.3 per cent to 25.40 MT.
FAI Chairman S. Sankarasubramanian said in a statement that, although sales have increased through organized planning, the need to obtain supplies from other countries — especially for urea and DAP — highlights the importance of handling the supply chain strategically.
Just in November, urea purchases from other countries went up by 68.4 per cent to 1.31 MT, compared to 0.78 MT in November 2024. Urea sales went up by 4.8 per cent to 3.75 MT in November compared to the year before.
Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), another important nutrient for soil, also saw an increased need to get it from other countries. DAP purchases from other countries now make up 67 per cent of the total supply, up from 56 per cent last year, even though sales remained steady at 7.12 MT between April and November of the 2025-26 financial year.
The amount of DAP made in the country went down by 5.2 per cent to 2.68 MT. The FAI said that the increase in purchases from other countries shows India’s plan to make sure there is always enough fertilizer available when crops need nutrients the most.
Complex NPK fertilizers showed strong growth, with the amount made going up by 13.8 per cent to 8.15 MT, and purchases from other countries almost doubled to 2.72 MT. Sales stayed at 10.38 MT between April and November of the current financial year.
Muriate of potash sales went up by 8.6% to 1.55 MT during the same time. In a positive sign for production in the country, single super phosphate (SSP) sales went up by 15 per cent to 4.16 MT, with the amount made going up by 9.5 per cent to 3.97 MT.
The FAI said that the SSP performance shows that farmers trust fertilizers made in the country and proves that the sector can provide phosphatic nutrients in the country at a good price and quality.
FAI Director General Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari said that there are two main takeaways from this information. He said that the first is the change towards managing supply by getting nitrogen and phosphate nutrients from other countries. The second is the strong performance of phosphatic fertilizers made in the country, like SSP, which have seen a 15 per cent increase in sales.
The central government subsidies urea, and prices have stayed the same at Rs 242 per 45 kg bag (not including neem coating costs and taxes) since November 1, 2012. Urea, which is considered a controlled item under the New Urea Policy, gets much higher subsidies compared to phosphatic fertilizers.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jan 5, 2026 | Agri News, Global Agri
Presently, India is the top rice producer in the world, going past China, with a total amount of 150.18 million tonnes, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday, when he launched 184 new types of 25 crops.
These new seeds that produce more crops would help increase crop production and improve farmers’ earnings, he stated, while telling the ministry officials to make sure the farmers get these new types quickly.
The minister presented 184 better types of 25 farm crops created by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at an event in the country’s capital, according to an official announcement.
Yield success story
Speaking at the event, Chouhan mentioned that the country has had great success in creating seeds that produce more crops. Since the official process started in 1969, there have been 7,205 types of crops officially recognised, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and fibre crops, among others.
Post-2014 boost
Chouhan shared that the government led by Narendra Modi has approved 3,236 types of high-yielding crops, which is more than the 3,969 types recognised between 1969 and 2014. The minister pointed out that India has changed from a country that did not have enough food to one that provides food to the world.
Chouhan said, “India now makes more rice than China and is the biggest producer in the world.” India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, while China’s is at 145.28 million tonnes, he said, calling it an amazing accomplishment. India is now selling rice to other countries, he mentioned.
Chouhan stated that the country has lots of food stored, which ensures India has enough food for its people.Talking about the 184 new types launched on Sunday, the minister said that farmers will gain because they will help produce more crops of better quality. He stressed how important it is to make sure that every farmer gets good seeds.
Pulses, oilseeds focus.
The minister also requested farm scientists to concentrate on growing more pulses and oilseeds so that India can provide enough for itself.
Crop-wise breakup
Chouhan stated that the country has started a new era of agricultural progress, pushed by creating seeds that produce more and can handle different climates.
The Union minister stated that this achievement is because of the joint work of the ICAR’s All India Coordinated Projects on crops, agricultural universities at the state and central levels, and private seed companies.
The 184 types recently launched include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane, 24 cotton (including 22 Bt cotton), and one each of jute and tobacco.
These types, made by ICAR institutes, agricultural universities at the state/central levels, and private seed companies, can handle different climates, produce a lot, and resist major pests and diseases.
According to the announcement, these modern varieties were developed to tackle challenges like climatic shifts, highly saline earth, water scarcity, and similar environmental pressures, alongside promoting ecological and sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi mentioned that the rates of seed growth have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times to make more seeds available. National and state seed companies are making sure there are good seeds at prices people can afford, he added.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Dec 31, 2025 | Agri News, Policies
New Delhi: The Indian agriculture sector is closing out 2025 on an incredibly positive note, marked by record-breaking production and significant financial relief for the farming community. Despite facing a complicated global environment and new trade taxes from countries like the US, India is set to surpass its previous foodgrain production record of 357.73 million tonnes.
This achievement is largely credited to a very successful monsoon season, which allowed the Kharif crop to reach a historic 173.33 million tonnes. With crops like rice and maize leading the way, and winter sowing for wheat and pulses looking stronger than last year, India has solidified its position as a food-secure nation even during times of global uncertainty.
One of the biggest wins for farmers this year has been the government’s decision to slash the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential farming equipment. In September, the tax rate was reduced from 18% to 5% on various agricultural tools and machinery. This move has made modernising a farm much more affordable; for example, a farmer looking to buy a new tractor can now save anywhere between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh.
Beyond machinery, the government also provided relief to the dairy and livestock sector by making essential items like paneer, chhena, and UHT milk tax-free. These changes have directly reduced the daily cost of living and working for millions of rural households across the country.
While the domestic front looks bright, the export market required careful navigation this year due to new tariffs introduced by the United States. These taxes made it more expensive to sell Indian produce in American markets, but Indian exporters showed great resilience by quickly finding new buyers in other parts of the world.
As a result, agricultural exports for items like tea, coffee, and spices actually grew by 9% in the first half of the fiscal year. This ability to adapt has ensured that Indian farmers continue to have access to global customers despite shifting international trade policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government is preparing to introduce new laws specifically designed to protect farmers from the risks of low-quality or “fake” agricultural products. New bills concerning seeds and pesticides are expected to be passed to ensure that every input a farmer buys meets strict quality standards, preventing crop failure and financial loss.
Furthermore, with a massive budget of ₹1.37 lakh crore allocated for the coming year, there will be a stronger focus on crop insurance, fertiliser subsidies, and helping farmers switch to high-value crops. By combining record production with these protective new reforms, 2025 has set a strong foundation for a more profitable and secure future for Indian agriculture.
