CROP PRODUCTION DECLINE
Bayer CropScience Q2 profit rises 9% to Rs 166 crore despite 19% decline in revenue
Bayer CropScience Ltd has announced an impressive 8.84% growth in net profit, totaling Rs 166.2 crore for Q2 FY27. However, total income saw a 19.4% decline year-over-year, attributed to ongoing market challenges. Factors such as unpredictable monsoon patterns have disrupted both sowing and crop protection demand. In response, the company emphasizes efficiency improvements and portfolio enhancements, while the board has declared an interim dividend of Rs 90 per share.
Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.
Health insurers seek expense cap tweaks
Standalone health insurers have requested that mandatory insurance products be excluded from expense-of-management calculations. They argue that including these products creates an imbalance for their business model. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is considering changes to EoM regulations and limits. Insurers believe that the exclusion would help provide a more equitable competitive landscape. The proposed changes aim to revise expense calculation methods and set product-wise commission caps.
What’s haunting Halloween chocolate? The climate pressures behind Halloween’s sweetest tradition
Halloween chocolate connects American shoppers with cocoa-growing communities in West Africa. Heat and crop disease can disrupt harvests, but climate change is only one influence on candy prices.
India may import more food, feed and farm commodities as drought hits crops
Amid predictions of drought in India this financial year, food and agricultural imports are anticipated to rise sharply. With serious reductions in kharif soybean and groundnut production, import requests are growing. The sugar and poultry industries are grappling with soaring feed costs, prompting an extension for raw sugar imports to be granted.
Bajaj Auto Q2 net profit up 35% on strong exports, product mix
Bajaj Auto reported a 35% increase in standalone net profit for the September quarter. Revenue from operations rose to a record ₹20,003 crore, fueled by an increase in exports. The company also managed to counter rising input costs through strategic price adjustments and a richer product mix. Electric vehicle sales, including the Chetak scooter, contributed to the profitability amid varying performance in the domestic market.
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VCs go deep on single-specialty healthcare with orthopaedics, pain relief bets
The trend is reflected in several recent funding deals. Bengaluru-based Lumov, which makes orthotic products, is in talks to raise Rs 32 crore in a round led by Peak XV Partners, according to people familiar with the matter. The round will likely include the founders of Minimalist and Mokobara, as well as early-stage VC firm Panthera Peak Ventures, sources said.
Karnataka DyCM Parameshwara urges Centre to release relief funds as crop losses reach 80 pc due to drought
Karnataka is facing a critical drought, leading to alarming crop losses approaching 80%. In response, the government has begun processing compensation to support the devastated farmers. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara urged for immediate action to tackle food grain production challenges and called for unity among political figures to request further aid from the central government.
Could a global food crisis take a big bite out of your plate? What the warnings mean for Americans
International leaders are warning of a possible global food crisis. Could American households feel the impact at the grocery store? May, 2026 JP Morgan report quotes: 'Fertilizer shortages can hurt harvests because the timing is unforgiving. A brewing El Niño could layer on additional seasonal climate and weather stress, shifting rainfall and temperature patterns, and bringing weather extremes.'
Urea imports surge 40% despite push to cut chemical fertilisers
Total urea imports in the April-September period rose to 5.589 million tonnes from 3.979 million tonnes in the first half of last fiscal year. Local sales fell 4.1% to 18.52 million tonnes. The sales were down primarily due to poor rainfall in large parts of the country deterring farmers from spending on soil nutrients, said a senior executive at a large urea firm.
Gulf returnee grows organic lemon instead of rubber in Kerala, earns nearly Rs 13 lakh during peak season
After spending decades abroad in the Gulf, Rajan Mathew returned to his roots in Kerala and embarked on a new venture: lemon farming. He transformed his family's rubber tree plantation into a vibrant lemon orchard featuring different varieties. As the pandemic fueled local demand, he began selling directly to consumers, illustrating a growing trend among Kerala farmers who are pivoting to alternative crops for improved economic viability.
Giant 'heat storms' are scorching the Earth. This is the story of the biggest one on record
Heat storms have increased dramatically, causing severe global consequences including excess deaths and environmental catastrophes. Recent heat storms have been identified as a new classification, representing larger and more persistent heat events. The intensity of these heat storms has worsened due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Associated weather patterns have significantly disrupted ecosystems and agriculture worldwide.
Uneven rains may keep price of spices elevated
Southern India is currently grappling with challenges in spice production, primarily due to uneven monsoon patterns and parched soil, which are adversely affecting harvest yields. Despite expanding cultivation areas, turmeric yields are predicted to plummet owing to unfavorable weather. Additionally, delays in red chilli sowing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could lead to surging market prices.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Bajaj Sugar, others crash up to 7% as centre stops diversion to ethanol
Sugar stocks dropped in early trading following the government's directive to cease sugar diversion for ethanol production. The decision impacts major sugar companies like Balrampur Chini Mills and Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, which experienced a decline between 2% and 7%. This directive aims to enhance domestic sugar availability amidst rising prices. The government's action follows concerns about potential production shortfalls due to insufficient rainfall.
FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2
FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of FY27 remain cautious amidst fluctuating commodity prices. Consumer purchasing behavior may shift if food prices increase or rural incomes decline.
India’s soybean output seen falling 2.1% to 107.93 lakh tonnes in Kharif 2026: Farmers' body
India's soybean production forecast indicates a slight decline to 107.93 lakh tonnes during the ongoing Kharif season. Drought-like conditions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana are contributing to this reduction in output. However, increased production in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is expected to compensate for these losses. The area cultivated with soybean increased by approximately 5 lakh hectares compared to the previous season.
Indian rice export prices hit over 1 year high on stronger rupee and crop supply concerns
Asian rice export prices have risen as Indian rates reach a one-year high amid supply concerns. Vietnamese prices are also increasing, expected to meet strong demand from the Philippines in November. Thailand's rice prices are climbing due to flooding delays and heightened purchasing activities before the season ends. In Bangladesh, rising paddy prices have led to increased costs for consumers struggling with high living expenses.
Pakistan ranks worst in South Asia on 2026 Global Hunger Index as food insecurity deepens
Pakistan has been reported to have the worst performance in South Asia regarding the 2026 Global Hunger Index. The country is grappling with severe food insecurity due to economic instability and climate-related challenges. Rising food prices have adversely affected household purchasing power, making nutrition unaffordable for many families. Extreme weather events have also significantly harmed food production across South Asia, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Early crushing to shore up sugar supplies before Diwali
A quarter of Maharashtra's sugar mills will begin operations this week to alleviate sugar shortages before Diwali. Sugar prices have increased by approximately 4% recently due to dwindling supplies and farmer protests. Millers anticipate new sugar reaching markets after October 20, following crushing activities. Farmers are encouraging quicker harvesting of sugarcane due to crop conditions, leading to lower sugar content.
Wheat sowing faces heat from water shortage this winter
Farmers in India are likely to reduce wheat planting this winter due to water scarcity and low minimum support prices. Regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh may see the most significant impact from these conditions. The state governments are encouraging farmers to consider crops that require less water, which may lead to a shift in crop choices.
India’s monsoon risks may raise food industry costs: D&B
India is experiencing agricultural risks attributed to monsoon conditions, which could impact food processors and poultry producers. Procurement costs and inventory needs are likely to rise significantly due to these agricultural challenges. Rice and wheat stocks provide immediate buffers against potential food-supply issues, but maize faces direct risks from production shortfalls. Affected states include Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which contribute significantly to overall foodgrain output.
Fading Aroma of Black Cardamom: A $480 million market may bloom while India's 'black gold' wilts
India’s large black cardamom industry is battling declining plantation health, crop diseases and climate change, threatening farmers’ livelihoods in Sikkim. Once the world’s largest producer, India has lost ground to Nepal, which now dominates global production. The Sikkim government is backing scientific research, improved planting material and disease-resistant varieties to revive the state’s valuable black gold crop.
India’s next fertiliser revolution: New-age nutrients to complement conventional fertilisers
India’s fertiliser strategy must, therefore, evolve from a question of choosing between conventional and new-age fertilisers to one of integrating both.
Pulses prices surge: Will cheaper imports bring relief to consumers? Stakeholders divided
India currently imposes a 10% import duty on red lentils and chickpeas, while yellow peas attract a 30% duty.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, others rally up to 8%. What’s behind the uptick?
Sugar stocks, including Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar and EID Parry, rallied sharply on Tuesday as raw sugar futures remained near two-year highs. Rising supply concerns in Brazil, Europe and Thailand, along with stronger festive-season demand, have lifted expectations of tighter global sugar supplies and supported the recent rally.
Double trouble at the dinner table: When will food prices normalise for Indians?
India’s food inflation: Food prices are rising unevenly, impacting household budgets, while inflation is projected to persist in upcoming months. Economists expect food inflation to reach up to 7% in the near future due to various factors. Weather risks, particularly from El Niño, could significantly affect crop yields and consequently food prices. Additionally, global events in West Asia contribute to higher energy and logistic costs.
Auto sales surge in September, but GST base clouds the picture. Can stocks rebound ahead of Q2 results?
India’s auto sector delivered a mixed September, with strong passenger- and commercial-vehicle sales offset by weak tractor and domestic two-wheeler demand. Festive buying could support growth, but rural stress, rising input costs and excess dealer inventory pose risks to margins.
Pest resistance is forcing India’s crop-protection firms to rethink product strategies: Insecticides India MD
Resistance to chemicals and formulations is an evolving challenge, particularly in crops where the same pest pressures persist over multiple seasons, said Rajesh Aggarwal, MD of Insecticides (India).
Foodgrain target for 2026-27 cut to 374 MT amid El Nino concerns
The Centre has also assured states of adequate availability of fertilisers, certified seeds and financial resources for the 2026-27 rabi season.
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