India’s first fully annotated telomere-to-telomere pigeonpea genome could support climate-resilient, high-yielding and more nutritious pulses, strengthening domestic food security Key Highlights ICAR has developed India’s first fully annotated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea. The genome covers all 11 chromosomes, including 11 centromeres and 22 telomeres. The genetic blueprint

Government says more than 65 lakh farmers have been brought into FPOs, with thousands now holding input licences and operating processing units Key Highlights 10,000 FPOs have been formed under the Central Sector Scheme since 2020–21. More than 65 lakh shareholders, predominantly small and marginal farmers, have been

Government says procurement of 22 MSP crops reached 12,819 lakh metric tonnes between 2014 and June 2026, while new measures target pulses and perishable produce Key Highlights MSPs are fixed annually for 22 mandated agricultural crops based on CACP recommendations. Government has followed the principle of setting MSP

Oilseed output rises to 43.06 million tonnes in 2025-26 as government expands seed distribution, processing infrastructure and oil palm cultivation Key Highlights National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds targets 69.7 million tonnes of primary oilseed production by 2030–31. Oilseed production rose from 39.67 million tonnes in 2023–24 to 43.06

Government clarifies that States can now include wild-animal crop damage as an add-on cover under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana at their own cost Key Highlights PMFBY provides insurance coverage against crop losses caused by non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages. The scheme is voluntary for

Government reports 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards issued, while natural and organic farming programmes expand across the country Key Highlights 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated and issued to farmers. More than 1.36 crore farmers were reached through the 2026 Kharif-season soil-health awareness campaign. 23.13 lakh farmers

ICAR-led planning underway across seven States and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to align agriculture with local climate, resources and market needs Key Highlights Agricultural Action Plans have been initiated for Assam, Goa, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Roadmaps are being

AIKCC delegation tells Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that ethanol can raise farm incomes and strengthen energy security if pricing and policy remain farmer-centric Key Highlights AIKCC farmer leaders expressed support for ethanol as a new market for agricultural produce. Farmers said ethanol could create additional demand for