WHEAT
India's winter expected to be warmer, threatening wheat yields
India is likely to experience above-average temperatures this winter, raising concerns about wheat and rapeseed crops that require cold weather for optimal growth. The India Meteorological Department expects fewer cold wave days from December to February. Lower crop yields may force India to import wheat, pulses, and edible oils to ensure affordable supplies for its population.
India's wheat planting up 6.6%, rapeseed sowing drops
Indian farmers have increased wheat planting by 6.6% compared to last year, reaching 20 million hectares since October 1. This could boost wheat production and reduce prices. By November 29, rapeseed and mustard planting decreased to 7.6 million hectares from 8 million hectares last year. Crop sowing figures are regularly updated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
From bread to biscuits, high wheat prices put FMCG companies in a fix. Can they afford to raise prices?
Wheat prices have remained elevated for a year now and FMCG companies responded by increasing prices or reducing package size of products using this grain as an input. But how sustainable is this strategy for the companies, given that the demand scenario and wheat supply situation remain muted?
FCI to offer 25 LMT of wheat in the open market sale till March 25
The government plans to offload 25 LMT of wheat to bulk buyers like flour millers from FCI's buffer stock by March 31, 2025. This is aimed at preventing price rises. Last year, FCI offloaded 10 MT of wheat. Currently, wheat prices are around Rs 32 per kg. The FCI had a stock of over 10 million tonnes in November.
Crop burning: Inside Punjab¡¯s broken paddy supply chain fuelled by politics and mismanagement
Government purchase of paddy is going slow in Punjab due to shortage of warehouse space. Farmers, on their part, are delaying harvesting, leading to a narrowing on the window for wheat sowing.
Indian farmers shift from rapeseed to other crops as temperatures soar
India's rapeseed and mustard production is likely to fall. High temperatures are affecting the crop. Farmers are opting for wheat and potatoes instead. This could lead to a 10% drop in rapeseed acreage. India may need to import more cooking oils like palm and soyoil. This is due to rising demand and lower domestic production.
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?69,000 crore vanishes in grain leakages: Where is India¡¯s free ration going?
A new report reveals that India's Public Distribution System (PDS) suffers a 28% leakage of subsidized grains, amounting to 20 million tonnes annually. This equates to a ?69,000 crore loss, with grains likely diverted to the open market or exported.
Lifting rice export curbs to help push agri shipments over $50 bn in FY25: Official
In October, the government removed curbs on overseas shipments of non-basmati white rice and exempted parboiled rice and husked (brown) rice from export duty.
Five WTO nations flag India's market price support for wheat, rice
Claiming that India appears to be providing "significant" market price support (MPS) for rice and wheat, both in terms of absolute value and as a percentage of the value of production, the five countries said, "India's notifications for the years at issue appear to dramatically under-report the value of India's MPS for rice and wheat."
Lifting rice export curbs to help push agri shipments over USD 50 bn in FY25: Official
India anticipates agricultural exports to exceed USD 50 billion in 2024-25, fueled by strong global demand and the recent lifting of export restrictions on non-basmati rice. This positive outlook comes despite previous export curbs on rice, wheat, and sugar, which impacted exports by an estimated USD 6-7 billion.
Rabi sowing gains pace but southern states lag
Indian farmers are rapidly planting winter crops like wheat, chana, and mustard, encouraged by strong prices. Heavy rains in southern regions have slowed planting and may cause farmers to favor urad beans. Wheat planting is progressing well in western states, with Rajasthan already exceeding last year's acreage. Potato planting is also expected to increase to address recent price rises.
Five WTO nations allege India provides excessive market support to wheat, rice
Five WTO members have accused India of exceeding market support for wheat and rice, potentially distorting global trade. They claim India's support for rice production exceeded 87% of its value in recent years. India defends its actions, stating its commitment to supporting its farmers and ensuring food security, invoking the WTO's Peace Clause as justification for exceeding subsidy limits.
Govt launches Phase-II of subsidised wheat flour, rice sale under Bharat brand
The Indian government launched the second phase of its subsidized food grain program, offering wheat flour at Rs 30/kg and rice at Rs 34/kg through various outlets. This initiative aims to combat high food prices and provide relief to consumers.
Cabinet raises MSP of rabi crops for 2025-26
Rabi Cops MSP Increase: The Union Cabinet has approved new Minimum Support Prices for Rabi crops for the 2025-26 season. Wheat MSP is increased by Rs 150 per quintal, while mustard MSP is raised by Rs 300 per quintal. The chana MSP is increased by Rs 210 per quintal. These changes aim to provide better returns to farmers and encourage more cultivation.
Foodgrain production in 2023-24 higher than previous year: Final estimates
The country's foodgrain production for 2023-24 is estimated at a record 332.298 MT, surpassing the previous year's 329.687 MT. Despite drought-like conditions and erratic rainfall due to El Nino, rice and wheat production also reached new highs. The government restricted exports of several items to manage domestic supplies.
India's foodgrain production hits record 332.22 mn tonne in 2023-24: Govt
India's foodgrain production hit a record 332.22 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year, driven by bumper wheat and rice output. Wheat production reached 113.29 million tonnes, while rice production touched 137.82 million tonnes. However, pulses and oilseeds production declined due to drought-like conditions in southern states and prolonged dry spells.
India's wheat curbs insufficient; traders demand stock release
India's recent measures to curb wheat stock limits for traders and processors have not been effective in reducing prices. With festival season approaching, industry officials urge the government to release wheat stocks to meet rising demand and stabilize prices. Wheat prices remain high, with further increases expected if government action is delayed.
Centre lowers stocking limit for wheat to tame prices
The central government has reduced the stock holding limit of wheat for retailers from 3000 MT to 2000 MT for traders and wholesalers. This move aims to increase market supply and control prices. All wheat stocking entities must register on the government portal and update their stock position weekly, especially with the festive season approaching.
Indian flour mills urge govt to release wheat stocks as prices surge
Indian wheat prices hit a nine-month high, and industry experts urged the government to release reserve stocks to manage the rising costs. The delay in releasing reserves, initially planned for July, has intensified the situation. Wheat stocks have dwindled, increasing concerns ahead of the upcoming festival season, including Dussehra and Diwali.
Newly-launched 'Pusa Gaurav' wheat variety suitable for making chapatis and pasta
India's newly-launched Durum wheat variety, Pusa Gehun Gaurav, offers versatile benefits, from making soft chapatis to high-quality pasta. Developed by Dr. Jung Bahadur Singh at IARI¡¯s Indore-based regional station, this climate-resilient and bio-fortified variety is designed to thrive under low irrigation and high temperatures. With a protein content of 12% and high levels of iron and zinc, Pusa Gaurav meets both desi and international culinary demands. Its introduction is part of a broader initiative, with 109 crop varieties recently dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Govt aims to cover 25pc of kharif paddy area with climate-resilient seeds
The government aims to bring 25% of the kharif paddy area under climate-resilient seeds to combat climate change's impact. Currently, paddy is cultivated on over 410 lakh hectares. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak noted that while 75% of wheat uses resilient seeds, only 16% of paddy does. The goal is to increase this to 25% this season to protect rice production from erratic rainfall and climate change.
India to sell wheat from state stocks to flour millers, biscuit makers
India plans to sell wheat from state reserves to bulk consumers like flour millers and biscuit makers to control local prices by boosting supplies. The government has allowed the Food Corporation of India to offer wheat at a lower price, aiming to attract private players and potentially import wheat after a six-year gap.
Govt imposes stockholding limit on wheat to check hoarding
Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra hinted at the possibility of removing import duty on wheat, saying the government is open to all options to keep prices under control. Wheat prices in retail markets are ruling 6% higher than the comparable period of previous year, despite the government's claim of a bumper crop. "I want to dispel the shortage of wheat in the country," Chopra said, adding that the stock limit has been imposed to reduce hoarding.
Centre imposes stockholding limit on wheat to check hoarding, ensure price stability
India has capped wheat stock limits for retailers and processors and may reduce or eliminate import taxes to stabilize prices, said Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. This move aims to curb inflation and manage supply, as the government explores various measures to ensure wheat price stability in the market.
Climate-proofing India's daily bread: The race for resilient wheat
Satveer Singh's family relies on a sack of wheat flour to stave off hunger. They barely manage, aided by government rations, despite irregular supply. Extreme weather has slashed India's wheat production, forcing the government to cut rations and halt exports. Efforts are underway to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties, crucial for food security.
Govt weighs interventions to stabilise rising wheat prices
The government announced its intention to implement appropriate policy measures aimed at maintaining stable wheat prices for consumers across the country. Following a committee of ministers meeting chaired by Home Affairs and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the government instructed officials to closely monitor the prices of wheat. Official data indicates that prices of wheat and wheat flour have risen by as much as Rs 2 per kg compared to the previous year.
No proposal to alter duty structure import of wheat: Govt
There have been demand from various industry representatives to reduce the 40% duty on import of wheat to augur domestic supply to contain prices of wheat.
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