Farming News: Latest Agriculture Updates, Schemes & Farmer Tips
🌾 1. ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ to Start Across the Country from October 22
An important initiative related to the agriculture sector has come forward for farmers across the country. The ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ will be started across the country from October 22. The main objective of this campaign is to provide practical information to farmers about important farming-related problems and their better management. During the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and field staff will directly reach farmers and provide information.
Under this campaign, farmers will mainly be made aware of topics such as soil testing, stubble management and balanced use of fertilizers. The preparations for the campaign were discussed in a review meeting of the Agriculture Ministry, and officials were given instructions regarding its effective implementation.
One of the main objectives of the campaign is to highlight issues related to declining soil health, improper management of crop residues and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers among farmers. Officials and agricultural experts have been asked to reach villages and farms and directly communicate with farmers.
Through this initiative, farmers are expected to receive practical information about understanding soil conditions, better management of crop residues and balanced use of fertilizers in farming.
🌱 2. Number of Farmers Adopting Natural Farming Exceeds the Target
Important progress in the field of natural farming has been reported during the review of the National Mission on Natural Farming. For the year 2025-26, the target was to connect 18.75 lakh farmers with natural farming, while 20.93 lakh farmers were reported to have joined natural farming during this period.
During the same period, the target was to cover 7.50 lakh hectares under natural farming. According to the available information, 10.3 lakh hectares of area was covered. In this way, progress above the set target was recorded both in the number of farmers and the area covered.
During the review of agricultural schemes, instructions were also given to pay attention to matters related to the PM Kisan scheme. Emphasis was placed on adding eligible farmers to the scheme, removing ineligible beneficiaries and regularly monitoring agricultural procurement arrangements.
The figures presented in this review related to natural farming show the increasing number of farmers associated with this method in the agriculture sector. However, the available news does not provide figures related to changes in individual farmer income or production due to natural farming.
This news is important for farmers because it has been reported that a large number of farmers and agricultural areas have been covered under programmes related to natural farming.
🧬 3. Genomics Facility to Be Inaugurated in Ranchi, More Than 1,400 Farmers to Participate
An important programme related to the agriculture sector is being organised in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on October 8. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the genomics facility along with several other important facilities at the Indian Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Ranchi.
During the programme, the institute’s main administrative building, Birsa Munda Multipurpose Auditorium and Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex are also scheduled to be inaugurated. Apart from this, the foundation stone for a guest house is also proposed to be laid.
On this occasion, a Pre-Rabi Farmers’ Meeting and Agricultural Input Distribution Programme will also be organised. According to the available information, more than 1,400 farmers will participate in the programme. It has been described as an important platform for dialogue and exchange of knowledge among farmers, scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders associated with the agriculture sector.
Apart from the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, other representatives at the central and state levels and officials associated with the agriculture sector are also expected to be present at the programme.
From the farmers’ point of view, an important feature of this programme is that farmers and agricultural experts will discuss farming-related topics on the same platform. The agricultural input distribution programme is also part of the event, through which support related to agricultural activities is planned to be provided to farmers.
🦪 4. Pearl Farming Scheme: Farmers to Get Up to 40% Subsidy
A new scheme related to pearl farming has been started for farmers in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh. Under this initiative, farmers will be able to adopt pearl farming in ponds along with traditional fish farming as an additional income option.
Under the scheme, interested farmers will be provided technical information about pearl farming along with training. According to the available news, a subsidy of up to 40 percent on the project cost will be provided.
To get the benefit of the scheme, interested farmers will have to apply online through the Fisheries Department portal. After the application process, selected farmers will be provided technical information about pearl farming and will also be connected with the farming process.
The objective of this scheme is to provide an additional income option to farmers involved in traditional fish farming. This means farmers can explore the option of adopting pearl farming along with fish farming activities based on the same pond, instead of depending only on fish farming.
The news also states that this type of initiative is being started for the first time in Uttar Pradesh, and a special scheme has been implemented to promote it in Mau district.
For farmers, the most important points related to the scheme are online application, technical training and a subsidy of up to 40 percent on the project cost.
🍄 5. Mushroom Farming in Himachal Provides a New Income Opportunity for Farmers
In the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, farmers are looking for new options along with traditional farming due to limited agricultural land and challenging conditions. Mushroom farming is being promoted in the Chhota Bhangal region in this direction.
According to the news, mushroom production is being promoted here by combining Japanese technology with local conditions. Along with the market demand for mushrooms, their taste and nutritional qualities have also been mentioned as their special features. Mushrooms can be sold fresh as well as dried in the market.
Farmers are being provided technical information through training, from starting mushroom production to its care and harvesting. Information has also been given about providing production units to farmers so that they can start mushroom farming at their own level.
Training programmes are being organised with the support of the Japan India Corporation Agency. According to the available information, 40 training camps have been organised during the last three years, in which 472 farmers have been trained.
The report also mentions the market-related challenge faced by farmers. Therefore, along with production, access to the market and arrangements for selling the produce are emerging as important factors in taking this farming activity forward.
🥭 6. Initiative for Mango Centre of Excellence Gains Momentum in Darbhanga
Activities towards the establishment of a Mango Centre of Excellence in Darbhanga district of Bihar have gained momentum. A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research inspected possible sites and old mango orchards in the district.
The scientists visited more than half a dozen old mango orchards, including those in Shubhankarpur. During the visit, they assessed the condition of the old orchards, available resources and the possibilities for development in the future.
According to the information, the proposed Mango Centre of Excellence is planned to work on the conservation of mango biodiversity, development of local and traditional mango varieties of the Mithila region, and renovation of old orchards.
Apart from this, there is also a plan to provide cluster-based training related to irrigation, nutrition and disease management in fruit orchards. This can help in providing horticulture farmers with training on these important aspects of farming.
According to the news, the proposed centre is also planned to be developed in a way that connects mango production with employment and the local economy. Work is also proposed towards developing processing units and providing global markets for the products.
🧅 7. Wholesale Onion Prices Soften in Nashik Due to Increased New Crop Arrivals
After remaining high for around one month, wholesale onion prices in Nashik, Maharashtra, have started to soften. Increased arrivals of the new crop from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have put pressure on prices at Lasalgaon, one of the major onion markets in the country.
According to the available information, good-quality onions were selling at around ₹55 per kg at the beginning of September. Later, the price declined to around ₹40 per kg. Similarly, the price of lower-quality onions was reported to have fallen from around ₹45 to approximately ₹35 per kg.
The increasing arrival of the new crop has been reported as the main reason behind the decline in prices. However, demand for Nashik onions in the hotel and restaurant industry continues to remain strong. According to the report, demand for Nashik onions in the hotel and restaurant sector is higher compared to onions coming from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
This news is important for onion farmers because the increasing arrival of crops in the market is affecting wholesale prices. For farmers, keeping an eye on crop arrivals in the mandi and prices of onions according to different quality levels is an important market update.
🌾 8. Paddy Crop Starts Ripening in Pratapgarh, Harvesting May Begin Soon
The Kharif-season paddy crop in the Pratapgarh region of Uttar Pradesh has now started ripening rapidly. In the Dahi area and nearby villages, paddy panicles have appeared in the fields, and crops in several fields have reportedly become ready for harvesting.
According to the news, farmers who have irrigation facilities and planted paddy early have crops that are almost ready. If the weather remains favourable, harvesting of paddy may begin in some areas within about a week.
Several early-maturing paddy varieties have been planted in the region. These include varieties such as IR 64100, Samba and Mahendra Gold.
As the paddy crop reaches maturity, farmers are now keeping an eye on two important things—weather and mandi prices. Weather conditions during harvesting will be important for farming activities, while the price available in the mandi will be an important factor related to the sale of the crop.
For farmers in the Pratapgarh region, this is an important update related to the final stage of the Kharif crop. In fields where paddy is becoming fully ready, farmers are preparing for harvesting while also monitoring weather and market conditions.
🌼 9. Cluster-Based Scheme Started to Promote Marigold Flower Farming in Bihar
A Marigold Flower Production and Processing Scheme has been started in Bihar to promote commercial flower farming along with traditional crops. Under this scheme, financial assistance is being provided for activities related to cluster-based marigold farming, processing, markets and transportation.
The online application process has started for interested farmers. According to the available information, the last date for submitting applications has been fixed as 31 December 2026.
Cluster-based farming has been given special importance under the scheme. The total area of one cluster has been fixed at 25 hectares. A cluster can be formed by combining one panchayat or two nearby panchayats. Farmers will have to apply within the specified cluster. Applications received from outside the cluster may be rejected.
The objective of the scheme is to organise flower farming and make its transportation and marketing easier. Through this initiative, work is being done towards developing flower farming as an additional income option for farmers.
For farmers, the important points of this scheme include the application deadline, the cluster condition and the online application process. Farmers interested in marigold farming under the scheme will need to keep these requirements in mind while applying.
👩🌾 10. Self-Help Groups Support Livelihoods of Women in Arunachal Pradesh
In a village in Arunachal Pradesh, the traditional skills of women are now becoming a source of livelihood. Through self-help groups, women are preparing handicrafts as well as products related to agriculture and horticulture and taking them to the market.
This model, which connects local production with the local market, is creating opportunities for employment and self-reliance among women. According to the report, the self-help groups also have their own outlet where products prepared by the groups are sold.
The women collect materials from different places, prepare their products and then take them to the market for sale. This system focuses on local-level production and reaching the market through the group-based system.
The report also mentions the role of local livelihood opportunities and houses received under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the lives of these women. According to the available information, local skills, organisation and market support are becoming a base for livelihood opportunities for women.
This news is an important example of how rural products related to agriculture and horticulture can be prepared locally and taken to the market through a group-based system. It also shows the connection between local production and local markets in rural areas.
🔥 11. Stubble Burning Incidents in Haryana Decrease by Around 50 Percent
Despite the paddy harvesting season gaining pace in Haryana, a decrease in stubble burning incidents has been recorded. According to the available data, only four cases of stubble burning were reported in the state till October 3. During the same period last year, seven incidents had been recorded.
Between September 15 and October 4, a total of 218 stubble burning incidents were recorded across six states. Of these, 79 cases were reported in Punjab, 70 in Madhya Pradesh and 59 in Uttar Pradesh. Haryana and Rajasthan recorded four cases each, while one incident each was reported in Delhi and Uttarakhand.
According to the available information, stubble burning incidents in Haryana have decreased by around 50 percent compared to the same period last year. The report does not consider government strictness as the only reason behind this decline. The growing market for stubble has also been considered an important reason.
According to officials and farmers, the opportunity to earn money by selling stubble is encouraging some farmers to remove it from their fields instead of burning it.
Stubble management is an important issue related to farmers and the agriculture sector. This report connects the use of stubble and the market opportunities available from it with the decline in stubble burning incidents.
☀️ 12. More Than 217 Taluks in Karnataka Declared Drought-Affected, 2.7 Lakh Hectares of Crops Affected
The drought situation in Karnataka has become a matter of concern for farmers. The state government has considered more than 217 taluks as drought-affected. Information has emerged that these areas are facing a serious impact not only on crops but also on fodder for livestock.
Due to the drought situation, the shortage of fodder has become so serious in some areas that farmers have reportedly sold their livestock at low prices. According to the available information, around 2.7 lakh hectares of crops have been affected by the drought.
The affected crops include maize, millet, groundnut, sunflower and onion. A Central Drought Study Team is visiting the affected areas to assess the damage caused by the drought.
The team is reported to have started its visit from Vijayanagar district. The situation will be inspected in areas where crops have suffered the most damage due to a lack of rainfall.
At the central and state levels, instructions have been issued to the concerned district administrations, Agriculture Department and District Revenue Department regarding visits to the affected areas and assessment of the situation.
For affected farmers in Karnataka, this news provides important information related to crop damage and the condition of livestock fodder.
💧 13. Farming Advisory for Farmers in Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram
Several important seasonal farming advisories have been issued for farmers in the northeastern states. In Meghalaya, farmers have been advised to maintain a light water layer of 2 to 3 centimetres in paddy fields. At the same time, proper drainage arrangements have been advised in fields of mature maize, paddy, ginger and vegetables to prevent waterlogging.
In Manipur, farmers have been advised to continue harvesting mature pods of soybean, groundnut and black gram. In addition, information has been given about preparing nursery beds and sowing for raising seedlings of onion and cole crops. Farmers have also been advised to prepare fields for pea sowing.
In the upper areas of Mizoram, farmers have been advised to harvest mature paddy crops and keep the produce in a safe place. Information has also been provided about preparing nurseries for raising seedlings of early cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.
These advisories highlight the importance of paying attention to water management, harvesting, nursery preparation and drainage according to the crop stage and weather conditions in different states.
🌱 14. Paddy and Vegetable Crop Advisory for Farmers in Nagaland and Tripura
Important seasonal farming advisories have also been issued for farmers in Nagaland and Tripura. In Nagaland, farmers have been advised to sow toria and continue harvesting mature maize cobs and mature soybean pods.
Apart from this, farmers have been advised to sow rajma and prepare nursery beds for raising cauliflower seedlings. In paddy fields in the lower areas, farmers have been advised to maintain 2 to 5 centimetres of water from the panicle emergence stage until the grain reaches the milky stage.
In Tripura, farmers have been advised to prepare nursery beds for raising seedlings of early winter cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. During the panicle emergence stage of the paddy crop, farmers have been advised to maintain around 5 centimetres of water in the field.
These advisories ask farmers to focus on harvesting, irrigation and preparation for the next crop according to the current crop stage. In particular, information related to preparing vegetable seedlings and maintaining the required water level in paddy can be useful for farmers while planning their seasonal agricultural activities.
🍅 15. Tomato Farming: Information on Sowing, Seedling Transplanting and Field Preparation
Important information related to soil, seed quantity and seedling transplantation has been provided for farmers growing tomatoes. Organic-rich sandy loam and loamy soil have been described as suitable for tomato cultivation.
For one hectare, 400 to 500 grams of seed is required for a normal variety, while 150 to 200 grams of seed is considered sufficient for a hybrid variety. Farmers whose seedlings are ready can prepare their fields and transplant them.
Before transplantation, farmers are advised to plough the field properly to make the soil fine and prepare beds. The width of each bed can be 0.75 metres, while the length can be 5 to 10 metres according to the requirement.
For determinate varieties, a spacing of 60 centimetres between rows and 45 centimetres between plants has been recommended. For indeterminate varieties, a spacing of 75 centimetres between rows and 50 centimetres between plants has been advised.
Transplanting in the afternoon has been considered better. Light irrigation can be provided immediately after transplantation if required, followed by watering whenever necessary.
🐛 16. Take Care to Protect Tomatoes from Diseases and Pests
Several types of diseases and pests can damage the tomato crop. The available farming advisory informs farmers about the importance of regular crop care and keeping an eye on the condition of diseases and pests.
In tomatoes, when blight disease occurs, the older leaves may turn yellow. Apart from this, mosaic disease has also been described as harmful to the crop. It is a viral disease, and affected leaves may become curled or distorted, while the growth of the plant may stop.
Farmers have been advised to remove the curled leaves affected by mosaic disease and burn them. Emphasis has been given to removing affected plants instead of keeping them in the field.
Tomato crops can also be affected by leaf, stem and fruit borer pests. It has been reported that affected leaves may fall due to these pests. In such cases, farmers have been advised to spray suitable medicines according to expert advice.
For tomato farmers, regular monitoring of the crop is important. Identifying disease symptoms on time, removing affected parts and taking expert advice for pest management are the main points of this farming advisory.