India Rural Dialogue

India’s agriculture sector is under growing pressure from climate change, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation affecting farm productivity across regions.

Experts Laveesh Bhandari and Sushil Saigal say regenerative agriculture could play a major role in building climate-resilient farming systems in the country. Practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, organic inputs, and soil restoration are helping improve soil health while reducing dependence on chemical-intensive farming.

Agriculture experts believe sustainable farming methods can help farmers lower input costs, conserve water, and improve resilience against extreme weather events.

As India looks for long-term solutions to protect food security and farmer livelihoods, regenerative agriculture is increasingly being viewed as both an environmental and economic opportunity.

Read more at Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/climate-change/regenerative-agriculture-india-s-climate-resilient-path-101779787426195.html

Shivraj Singh Chouhan has underscored the importance of timely and efficient utilisation of agriculture welfare funds by states, noting that delays can weaken implementation and prevent benefits from reaching farmers at the grassroots level. Ensuring proper use of these funds is critical to strengthening agricultural support systems across the country.

The Centre is also advancing procurement efforts for the Rabi 2026 season under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), covering key crops such as gram, mustard, and lentils. Procurement operations are being carried out in major agricultural states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, with the aim of ensuring that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

These measures are part of a broader effort to protect farmers from price fluctuations, provide fair remuneration for their produce, and reinforce a more resilient and farmer-centric agricultural economy.

Something interesting is happening across rural India

Families in villages are no longer just buying the basics—they’re trying out premium and even super-premium products. Thanks to smaller, affordable packs, more people can explore better-quality options without stretching their budgets.

And it’s not just a small shift—rural households are now driving a huge part of this demand, even growing faster than cities. Their choices are expanding, their confidence is rising, and they’re quietly reshaping India’s consumption story.

Punjab’s cotton sector is facing a serious challenge, with acreage witnessing a steep decline over the decades. At a recent meeting of the Interstate Consultative and Monitoring Committee on cotton held in Bathinda, experts and policymakers flagged that the area under cotton has dropped from over 7 lakh hectares in the 1980s to nearly 1 lakh hectare in 2024. Although there has been a slight recovery to 1.19 lakh hectares, the target for the upcoming season is 1.26 lakh hectares—highlighting both concern and cautious optimism.

The decline has largely been driven by repeated pest attacks such as pink bollworm, whitefly, and cotton leaf curl virus, along with erratic weather conditions. These factors have made cotton cultivation less reliable and less profitable for farmers, prompting many to shift to alternative crops.

To address this, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and stakeholders have outlined a revival plan for Kharif 2026. Key measures include ensuring the timely availability of high-quality seeds, promoting Bt cotton through support measures, providing assured canal water supply for pre-sowing irrigation, and encouraging balanced fertilisation to improve crop health and yields.

Experts have stressed that coordinated efforts, scientific interventions, and strong policy support are essential to tackle pest pressure and restore cotton’s viability. The focus now is on rebuilding farmer confidence and bringing cotton back as a sustainable and profitable crop in the region.

Big news for rural communities in Majuli!

Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan announced a boost in rural employment—now increasing guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days. This step is set to bring more stability and income to thousands of families who depend on these opportunities.

What makes it even better? Workers will receive fair wages directly in their bank accounts, ensuring transparency and security. Plus, during peak farming seasons, special flexibility has been introduced so labourers can support agricultural work without losing out on employment.

These efforts under the Vikasit Bharat Mission are all about empowering villages, supporting farmers, and creating better livelihoods for everyone. With awareness programs already reaching people on the ground, the impact is just beginning.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania has termed the Himachal Pradesh Budget 2026–27 a “golden budget” for farmers and orchardists, highlighting its strong focus on rural economic growth and enhancing farmers’ income.

Speaking at a one-day awareness camp at Rait, organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kangra for Scheduled Caste farmers, he emphasised that this is the first time the state budget has placed special attention on agriculture, horticulture, and the welfare of weaker sections.

One of the key announcements is the formation of a State Farmers Commission to address long-pending issues and strengthen policy support. The budget also gives a major push to natural farming, backed by increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Turmeric MSP has been raised from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, while ginger has received an MSP of ₹30 per kg for the first time. MSPs for wheat, maize, and barley have also been enhanced.

To further support farmers, a modern testing laboratory and a marketing cell for natural farming produce will be set up in Hamirpur. Initiatives like “Beej Gaon” (seed villages) and community seed banks will be introduced to ensure seed sovereignty, along with financial incentives for farmers.

The budget also promotes climate-resilient crops such as maize, lentils, red rice, and kodo. Additionally, an MSP of ₹100 per kg for sheep wool has been announced under a market stabilisation scheme.

Other key proposals include the formation of a Paramilitary Welfare Board and the development of an aerocity in Kangra district. The awareness camp saw participation from around 1,000 farmers, where saplings and agricultural kits were distributed, reflecting the government’s outreach and support at the grassroots level.

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Farmers can now book drone spraying services just like cabs, marking a major step towards technology-driven agriculture. Announced in Visakhapatnam, the initiative aims to make drone services easily accessible to farmers through a mobile app or call centre, allowing them to schedule spraying at their preferred time. The drones are designed to spray fertilisers and pesticides quickly and evenly, ensuring better coverage while reducing wastage as the spray reaches crops directly.

Officials said the service will help farmers save time and labour, address labour shortages in agriculture, and cover larger areas more efficiently. It is also expected to lower fertiliser and pesticide costs, reduce health risks associated with chemical spraying, and ultimately support higher profits at lower costs. Farmers have been encouraged to adopt this modern technology to improve efficiency and make farming more sustainable and productive.

From a village boy to a DGP: Inspiring story of Arunachal Pradesh’s first IPS officer Robin Hibu Robin Hibu’s story is one of remarkable transformation and unwavering commitment to social welfare. Originally hailing from the modest Hong village in Arunachal Pradesh, Hibu’s journey from a boy growing up in Gandhi Ashram without electricity to becoming a highly respected IPS officer of DGP ra...