Indian agriculture

 

What’s new in Indian agriculture — recent highlights

• Sustained growth, record foodgrain output

• The farm sector in India grew by 3.7 % in Q1 of FY 2025–26, the highest global growth rate for agriculture at the time, according to government statements. 

• Output reached a new high in 2024–25, with many staple and cash crops — rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut — registering strong production. 

• For 2025-26, foodgrain output is expected to improve further, aided by favourable monsoon forecasts and expanded sowing area, though a “bumper crop” is not guaranteed due to regional climate variability. 

• Big policy pushes & schemes to support farmers and districts

• The government recently approved a major initiative, PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), with about ₹24,000 crore/year, aimed at improving agriculture and allied sectors across 100 under-performing districts starting 2025–26. 

• The scheme aims to enhance crop diversification, sustainable practices, infrastructure and credit access for vulnerable districts and farmers. 

• Experts argue that with the right support and structural reforms, India’s farm sector could sustain a ~4 % growth rate over the next decade. 

• Rise of agri-tech, digital tools, and drone/AI-driven farming

• There is increasing adoption of technologies like drones, digital agriculture, precision farming tools, and data-driven approaches to increase efficiency, reduce chemical use, and improve yields. 

• Some of these tools — if well-adapted — match very closely with your interests (fertilizer recommendation, soil health, AI/ML-based models, remote sensing).

• Calls for balanced fertilization and sustainable practices

• At a recent agri-business summit, a prominent leader stressed that overuse of fertilizers risks degrading soils — and urged greater emphasis on balanced fertilizer use to sustain long-term soil health and productivity.

• This aligns with growing recognition across India of soil degradation, need for integrated nutrient management, and sustainable farming systems.

• Growing interest in bio-agri, conferences, and alternative farming systems

• There’s an increasing spotlight on “bio-agri” inputs and organic or alternative farming approaches. A recent bio-agri conference/expo was announced with participation from input-producers, experts, and innovators. 

• Many of these developments resonate with what you are doing — seaweed-based compost, fortified organic fertilizers, biochar–P interactions, agro-ecological practices.

• Export dynamics and trade tensions influence farm economics

• Despite global trade dynamics and tariffs (e.g. from the U.S.), Indian farm exports have shown resilience, helped by production growth, diversified export destinations, and improved supply response. 

• Recent international market pressures (tariff talks, import/export policy changes) remind us that external demand and trade policies remain significant factors for Indian agriculture.

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🎯 Why this matters for you & your work

Given your research interests — regenerative agriculture, organic fertilizers, biochar-phosphorus dynamics, soil health, and AI-based recommendations — these Indian developments are highly relevant:

• The push for balanced fertilizer use and soil health in India underscores a growing demand for fertilizer innovations and soil-friendly inputs. Your work with seaweed compost + biochar + microbial inoculants would be well-aligned.

• Increased adoption of agri-tech, drones, AI/ML, precision farming presents a favorable environment for research and pilot projects combining tech and sustainable farming.

• Government schemes in India offer lessons on policy design, subsidy reforms, agro-enterprise development, which you can adapt (with local context) for Bangladesh or other countries.

• The expanding export and trade context may create demand for sustainably produced crops, which emphasizes quality, soil health, and eco-friendly practices — validating regenerative and sustainable agriculture approaches.