Topic
Official updates about agriculture & food from Indian public bodies, in plain words, newest first. Each one links to the original document.
35 updates explained, the latest dated 23 October 2026. Each links to the official original.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 23 October 2026 that a high-level team from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) visited Ropar, Hoshiyarpur, and Amritsar in Punjab. The team reviewed measures to prevent stubble burning and the use of machinery for managing paddy residue during the current harvesting season.
The Ministry of Rural Development announced on 23 October 2026 the launch of an upgraded National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app to record attendance for the VB-G RAM G scheme. Developed with IIT Madras, the app uses AI-based face verification and device security to prevent fraudulent wage claims, while allowing offline recording in areas without network access.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare announced on 23 October 2026 that the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT) signed an agreement with M/s. Trust ARS Rubber Private Limited on 22 October 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced on 22 October 2026 that Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ in Karnal, Haryana. The campaign encourages farmers to use fertilisers scientifically based on Soil Health Cards rather than imitating others to reduce costs and protect soil fertility.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced on 22 October 2026 the launch of the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan', a nationwide campaign to protect soil health. From 22 October to 30 November 2026, scientists and officials will visit villages to encourage farmers to use balanced fertilisers based on Soil Health Cards, rotate crops, and adopt natural farming.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reported on 22 October 2026 the highlights of the second day of the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026. The event focused on combining solar power generation with agriculture to optimize land use and increase farmer income.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare announced on 21 October 2026 the launch of the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan- Rabi 2026’ campaign. Running from 22 October to 30 November 2026, the initiative aims to educate farmers on balanced fertilizer use, soil health, and crop diversification.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced on 21 October 2026 that it is hosting the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The three-day event focuses on agrivoltaics, which is the dual use of land for both food production and solar energy generation to increase farmer incomes and climate resilience.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced on 21 October 2026 the inauguration of the three-day AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026. The government will launch an ambitious agrivoltaic programme under the next phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme to help farmers generate solar power on the same land used for crops.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on 19 October 2026 that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026. The agreement provides 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market for Indian goods, benefiting MSMEs, farmers, and women entrepreneurs, though sensitive items like dairy and sugar remain excluded.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare announced on 19 October 2026 the launch of the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal. This mobile-friendly platform provides farmers with a single-window gateway to access government schemes like PM-KISAN, AgriStack, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, as well as financial assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 19 October 2026 that a review meeting was held to discuss the Pithoragarh Coldwater Fisheries Cluster and the future of trout farming in Himalayan states. The government has notified 34 fisheries clusters nationwide, including one in Pithoragarh, and is planning a roadmap for the next five years to address gaps in production and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 18 October 2026 that Union Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited Munsyari, Uttarakhand, to review coldwater aquaculture. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has invested over ₹2,299 crore in six hilly states and UTs to support infrastructure like hatcheries and feed mills.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) announced on 18 October 2026 the development of biofortified coloured potato varieties, specifically highlighting Kufri jamunia. Released in 2024, this purple-fleshed potato is designed to combat "hidden hunger" by providing higher levels of Vitamin C, iron, and zinc compared to common potatoes.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 17 October 2026 that the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 1.19 crore to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one Union Territory Biodiversity Council. These funds, collected from companies using agricultural biological resources like maize, rice, pearl millet, and cotton, are intended for biodiversity conservation and community welfare.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 17 October 2026 that a high-level team from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) visited Firozpur and Faridkot districts. The team reviewed the use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery and the monitoring of hotspot villages to prevent paddy stubble burning during the current harvesting season.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced on 17 October 2026 a draft amendment to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products for infants up to six months old. This measure aims to reduce early exposure to added sugars to prevent childhood obesity and support healthy growth.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution announced on 16 October 2026 its progress under Special Campaign 6, which runs from 2 to 31 October 2026. The initiative focuses on improving office efficiency by reducing pending work, digitising records, and removing obsolete files.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) announced on 16 October 2026 that it facilitated the first export of 1.755 MT of organic Palmyra Jaggery Powder from Tamil Nadu to Bulgaria on 15 October 2026. This initiative, involving 137 acres of organic cultivation, aims to diversify India's organic exports and provide better market access for traditional products.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) U.P. Unit announced on 15 October 2026 that it held a public hearing on 12 October 2026 in Barabanki to address the grievances of opium cultivators. Approximately 150 farmers raised concerns regarding irrigation, climatic issues, and the current village-wise plot licensing system.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare announced on 15 October 2026 that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will participate in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026. The event will take place from 27 to 29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, focusing on "Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition".
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced on 14 October 2026 that an Agriculture Council will soon be established to regulate agricultural colleges and stop the issuance of fake degrees. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the government will take strict measures against substandard private institutions to protect the value of degrees like BSc and MSc Agriculture.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced on 14 October 2026 that the Government of India has formed a committee chaired by Prof. Ramesh Chand. The committee will investigate demands for higher returns for farmers and a revised Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar, while also reviewing weighment and recovery testing practices at mills.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced on 14 October 2026 that it has approved the acquisition of equity shares in FarMart Service Private Limited. The shares will be acquired by Impact Fund Denmark, Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries SA/NV, and Orios Fund III.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries announced on 14 October 2026 that it is conducting Special Campaign 6 from 2 October to 31 October 2026. The initiative focuses on improving records management, disposing of pending matters, and institutionalising cleanliness within the Ministry and its institutes.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 13 October 2026 that it is accelerating the development of the seaweed value chain to create sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Between 2020 and 2027, the government approved projects worth ₹181.11 crore for seaweed development, including a Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and the installation of over 81,000 culture units.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare announced on 13 October 2026 that the ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, held a Soybean Harvest Day on 9 October 2026. Preliminary data from the event shows that improved soybean varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270 yielded approximately 20 quintals per hectare, even during adverse weather.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 12 October 2026 that Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh held bilateral talks with UK Secretary of State Dame Angela Eagle in New Delhi. The two countries discussed strengthening cooperation in animal health, sustainable livestock production, genomics, and scientific research.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region announced on 12 October 2026 that Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated five projects worth ₹102 crore and laid foundation stones for five more worth ₹228.54 crore in Mizoram. These initiatives improve road connectivity, power transmission, water supply, healthcare, education, and sports infrastructure.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare announced on 12 October 2026 that the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) prioritises 100 districts with low agricultural productivity or inadequate credit flow. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for inter-ministerial coordination and the promotion of pulses and oilseeds in rice fallow areas to increase farmers' incomes.
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation announced on 12 October 2026 that provisional retail inflation for September 2026 was 5.54% year-on-year. Food inflation was higher at 7.74%, with rural inflation at 8.06% and urban at 7.18%.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 12 October 2026 that Union Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited the Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Madurai has been notified as an Ornamental Fisheries Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to improve farmers' incomes through a cluster-based development approach.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted field visits and a review meeting on 10 October 2026 in Amritsar and Tarn Taran to assess measures against paddy stubble burning. The commission evaluated the deployment of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery and the use of balers to move straw to industries with boilers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported on 10 October 2026 the progress of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). Launched on 11 October 2025, this six-year initiative aims to improve productivity, irrigation, and credit access in 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts by combining 36 Central schemes and various State and private initiatives.
The Ministry of Textiles announced on 8 October 2026 that Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita inaugurated a new Grainage Building and Cold Storage facility at the CSB-Silkworm Seed Production Centre in Jorhat, Assam. Established under the North-East Region Textile Promotion Scheme, the facility can produce 30 lakh mulberry hybrid seed Disease-Free Layings (DFLs) annually and store up to 1 crore DFLs.
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