Agriculture

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has urged farmers in Punjab to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt biological alternatives, warning that excessive chemical usage is steadily degrading agricultural land across the state. Speaking during the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility for IPL Biologicals, Singh highlighted growing concerns surrounding soil deterioration, long-term farm sustainability, and declining agricultural health.

Haryana is reinforcing its agricultural procurement system with a renewed emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and farmer welfare. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to purchasing every grain produced by farmers while introducing structural reforms to streamline operations. A new three-tier crop verification mechanism aims to reduce discrepancies and enhance accountability in procurement processes. The initiative comes at a time when ensuring timely payments and fair market access remains critical for rural economic stability.

Rajasthan is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural transformation with a renewed push toward technology-driven farming and income enhancement for farmers. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced that the state will host the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM 2026) in Jaipur from May 23 to 25, bringing together farmers, scientists, investors, and policymakers. 

The government of Punjab has approved a significant increase in milk procurement prices under its cooperative brand Milkfed Punjab (Verka), effective April 1, 2026. The revision, ranging between Rs 10 and Rs 15 per kilogram of fat, is aimed at improving farmer remuneration and reinforcing the state’s rural economy. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the move reflects a broader policy focus on strengthening cooperative institutions and stabilizing dairy sector incomes amid rising input costs.

Food startup KisaanSay has secured Rs 34 crore in fresh funding led by NABVENTURES, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey within India’s evolving agri-food ecosystem. The company, known for its single-origin, farm-sourced products, aims to leverage this capital to expand operations, enhance supply chain efficiencies, and deepen farmer engagement. With increasing consumer preference for traceable and high-quality food products, KisaanSay is positioning itself at the intersection of sustainability and premium consumption.

The Punjab government has introduced an ambitious Rs 1,388 crore action plan for FY27 aimed at revitalizing the state’s agriculture sector through sustainability-focused initiatives. The strategy prioritizes crop residue management, water conservation, crop diversification, and natural farming practices to address long-standing environmental and productivity challenges. A significant Rs 600 crore allocation has been earmarked for tackling stubble burning through mechanization support. 

The Punjab government has announced a significant increase in milk procurement prices under its cooperative brand Milkfed Punjab, aiming to enhance farmer incomes and reinforce the rural economy. Effective April 1, 2026, the revised pricing structure raises rates by Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kilogram of fat. The decision reflects a strategic policy shift to support dairy farmers amid rising input costs and evolving agricultural challenges.

India’s leading fertiliser cooperative has reported a record-breaking financial performance in FY26, driven by robust production and sustained demand across agricultural markets. Profit before tax is estimated to exceed Rs 4,106 crore, surpassing the previous peak and signaling operational resilience. Strong growth in both conventional and nano fertiliser segments, alongside higher output volumes, underpinned the performance. Total production reached 90.62 lakh tonnes, reflecting efficiency gains and capacity utilization.

Punjab is set to strengthen its agri-processing ecosystem with the approval of a Rs 18 crore fruit and vegetable processing unit in Chabbewal, Hoshiarpur. Backed by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the project aims to enhance value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and create new income streams for farmers. The facility will focus on crops such as peas and potatoes, reflecting regional agricultural strengths.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 March 2026 released the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Guwahati, Assam, transferring approximately Rs 20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This central sector scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually to landholding farmers, distributed in three equal installments.