Revolution from field to farm through Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, infrastructure worth over Rs.1 lakh crore: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today categorically stated in the Rajya Sabha while replying to questions raised by Members of Parliament that the government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is not in power for the sake of authority, but for the comprehensive development of farmers, India’s villages and the poor. The Union Minister emphasised that a farmer is not merely an ‘annadata’ (food provider) but a ‘jeevandata’ (life giver) — 'not God, but certainly no less than God'. With this conviction, policies such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Minimum Support Price (MSP), Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), crop residue management and crop diversification are bringing visible change on the ground.
Source: pib.gov.in
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, UNDP India and Gates Foundation Convened CSR Conclave on Leveraging PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY) for Farmer Prosperity.
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and the Gates Foundation convened a high-level CSR Conclave on the theme 'Leveraging PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY) for Farmer Prosperity' today at New Delhi. The conclave brought together senior government officials, financial institutions, corporate CSR leaders, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and development partners to explore strategic collaboration opportunities under the new initiative DDKY.
Source: pib.gov.in
Progress of National Mission on Natural Farming.
Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS) was initiated as 'Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-INDIA NATURAL' for certification of natural farming produces since 2025-26. The number of farmers certified State wise,till date (as on 04.02.2026)is given at Annexure-I. The cost of certification provided under National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is Rs. 2100/- per ha for two years. The State wise details of the funds sanctioned/released under National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) scheme (as on 04.02.2026) is given at Annexure-II.
Source: pib.gov.in
Scheme/Policy for Welfare and Protection of Onion Farmers.
Agriculture is a State subject. Government of India supports the States through appropriate policy measures and budgetary allocation for schemes for multiple aspects like agriculture inputs, price support etc. The Government has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) from Rs. 21,933.50 crore BE during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore BE during 2025-26.
Source: pib.gov.in
Distribution of Agricultural Drones under Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
The Government has approved ‘Namo Drone Didi’ as Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores for the period from 2023-24 to 2025-26. As per the information provided by the Department of Fertilizers, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) have distributed 1094 drones to drone didis of SHGs in 2023-24 using their internal resources. Out of these 1094 drones distributed, 500 drones have been distributed under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. The drone didis provided with the drones have been trained as drone pilots at various Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) authorized by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The State-wise number of drones distributed to SHGs by the LFCs as on January 2026 and the members of SHGs given drone pilot training is indicated in Annexure-I.
Source: pib.gov.in
Centre for Trade and Investment Law Organises 3rd International Moot Court Competition under WTO Chairs Programme.
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the School of Law, Bennett University, organised the 3rd CTIL–Bennett International Moot Court Competition 2026 from 6–8 February 2026 at Greater Noida under the aegis of the WTO Chairs Programme. The three-day international moot court competition served as an academic platform for law students to engage with contemporary issues in international trade law and labour standards. Teams from universities across India and abroad participated in the competition. The rounds were evaluated by experts drawn from the legal profession, academia and policy institutions.
Source: pib.gov.in
Government approves wheat exports and allows additional wheat product and sugar exports.
The Government of India has approved the export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products, taking a decisive and farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers. This calibrated decision has been taken after a comprehensive assessment of the current availability and price scenario, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests.
Source: pib.gov.in
Government of India launches CBDC-based Digital Food Coupon Pilot in Gujarat.
The Government of India has launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot in Gujarat. It was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in the presence of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Sh. Pralhad Joshi and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Sh. Bhupendra Patel ; Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya Speaking on this occasion, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prahlad Joshi, said that the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) marks a significant milestone towards ensuring transparency, efficiency and beneficiary empowerment in India’s food security architecture.
Source: pib.gov.in
Tea industry seeks policy support as rising costs, labour shortage strain margins.
India's tea industry is facing mounting financial stress due to rising input costs, stagnant prices, labour shortages and climate-related risks, prompting planters to seek policy support and structural reforms to sustain operations, industry representatives said. 'Many estates were being forced to sell tea below cost, leading to higher borrowings and financial strain. Unless we produce high-quality tea and fetch remunerative prices, sustainability is impossible,' Uttam Chakraborty, Chairman of the North Bengal branch of the Tea Association of India, said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
'FTA is another step in the deep relationship we have with India': New Zealand Minister Shane Reti.
New Zealand's Minister for Science and Technology Shane Reti on Monday called the newly concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) a significant milestone, and said that the pact will elevate collaboration and further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. Speaking with ANI, Reti described the agreement as a natural progression in the growing partnership between India and New Zealand.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com