AGP Executive Report

Market Access & Exports: APEDA enabled the first commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia, with growers reportedly earning ~18% higher returns. Trade & Food Security: Philippines’ agricultural trade deficit widened to $1.06B in June as imports rose faster than exports, with cereals leading farm imports. Aquaculture Policy: Bangladesh plans new fish sanctuaries in haor and wetland areas and will replace conventional leasing of jolmohals to protect breeding grounds and boost native freshwater fish. Invasive Species Threat: India’s fishermen-driven removal effort targets invasive suckermouth catfish and aims to restore native biodiversity in Ujani reservoir. Agri-Industry & Value Chains: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 (Aug 28–Sept 6) will connect innovators with buyers and aid agencies under a “Value Creation for Food Security” theme. Regional Agri Cooperation: Pakistan and New Zealand discussed boosting sustainable agriculture cooperation (including wool and plant protection) alongside education at a joint trade committee meeting. Farming Innovation: Adani’s Vande Bharatam selected its first cohort from 26,000+ applications, including agriculture-focused ideas.

Climate & Land Restoration: China’s Taklamakan Desert shelterbelt is now acting as a net carbon sink in parts of the restored desert edge, with vegetation and meltwater irrigation driving measurable gains—though future water supply remains the key risk. Disaster & Crops: Heavy rain and flash floods are hitting India’s farming belts, including deaths and crop damage in J&K (Ramnagar/Rajouri) and major monsoon impacts in Kerala with tens of thousands in relief camps. Edible Oils & Farm Policy: India’s NMEO-OP 2.0 push shifts from planting support to “implementation excellence,” stressing irrigation-first delivery so oil palm hectares actually produce and raise farmer income. Agri Trade & Exports: GI-tagged Mithila makhana from Bihar has shipped to Australia by sea for the first time, aiming to lift farmer returns; meanwhile Brazilian soybean exports to China are expected to stay historically strong. Food Processing Investment: Odisha unveiled a food-processing roadmap and investment outreach, signing large MoUs to link farmers to processing and exports. Regional Cooperation: A Sino-ASEAN forum says the next phase is about shared resilience and rule-setting beyond trade totals, including digital and green areas.

Floods & Farm Damage: Assam’s monsoon floods have killed at least 97 people, hit nearly 170,000 residents, and submerged over 14,000 hectares of farmland, while Kerala also reported 26 deaths as rivers rose. Food Prices: FAO says global food prices edged up in July, driven by heatwaves, higher energy costs, and geopolitical stress—pushing wheat, maize and vegetable oils higher. El Niño Watch: Multiple forecasts warn a “super El Niño” could bring unusual warmth and stormy, uneven winter conditions across regions, with implications for crop planning. India Trade & Ag Markets: India amended FDI rules to boost large-scale e-commerce for products like handlooms and food items, aiming to widen market access for farmers and fishermen. Policy & Tariffs: India’s tariff rationalisation is flagged for FY28, while a US Senate debate raises fears of sweeping tariff powers that could hit food and farm-linked imports. Fertiliser Oversight (Philippines): Regulators moved against a fertilizer trader over alleged unlicensed production and substandard nutrient claims, targeting risks to farmers and public procurement. Dairy & Rural Industry (China): Yili hosted a sustainability forum and Hohhot was named “World Dairy Capital,” spotlighting greener dairy development.

Food Safety Crackdown: India’s FSSAI penalised AWL Agri Business for substandard fortified Fortune sunflower cooking oil after lab tests found Vitamin D levels below limits. Bioenergy Push: India approved a $2.5bn biogas scheme to scale clean fuel from farm waste, manure and organic residues, and also cleared the ₹23,731 crore GOBARdhan plan to boost Bio-CNG via assured demand and financing support. Agri Tech in the Field: A smart farm robot is being demonstrated in China’s Xinjiang to help farmers spray across crops like cotton, corn and peppers. Climate & Water Stress: Japan’s tomato belt in Kumamoto faces water cuts after earthquake damage to irrigation canals; repairs are underway but downstream delivery remains uncertain. Food Security Watch: Japan’s food self-sufficiency ratio slid to 37%, below its 2030 goal of 45%. Trade & Exports: India’s APEDA backed BIOFACH INDIA with buyer-seller meets to strengthen organic agri exports, while China updated phytosanitary rules for Myanmar bananas effective Sept 1. Weather Alerts: India’s IMD warned of heavy rain across Assam and parts of the Northeast through Aug 12, raising flood and landslide risks. Farm-to-Formulation Innovation: India’s Inaara NeoFoods raised ₹21 crore to build an AI “farm to formulation” closed-loop platform for plant-based nutrition.

India’s Kharif hit by rain deficit: India’s Kharif sowing is down nearly 39 lakh hectares year-on-year, with ICAR data showing 787.38 lakh hectares sown by late July versus 836.19 lakh last year, as rainfall shortfalls weigh on farmers’ plans. Biogas push for farm residues: India’s Cabinet cleared the ₹23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme to scale compressed biogas nearly 10-fold over 10 years, turning crop residue and dung into cleaner fuel, organic manure, and rural income. Philippines ag growth: The Philippines’ agriculture and fisheries output rose 2.9% in Q2, led by palay and crop gains, after last year’s rice import suspension supported farmgate prices. Tamil Nadu agriculture budget turns to tech: The state’s maiden agriculture budget blends organic/natural farming with soil health cards and AI-linked initiatives, while keeping free power support for farmers. Mitti Labs backs climate-smart rice: Mitti Labs raised $9.5M to expand AI-powered, water-resilient rice farming and grow its carbon credit platform across India and Southeast Asia. Malaysia durian under climate strain: Malaysian durian growers face higher costs and tougher production as heat and climate impacts squeeze quality, even as demand from China remains strong. Weather forecasting for farmers: India’s Centre says Telangana flood forecasts use IMD sub-basin QPFs powered by numerical models and AI, alongside CWC flood alerts. U.S. seasonal farm labor demand: New reporting highlights how H-2A seasonal visas help U.S. farms cover peak planting and harvest labor gaps when local workers aren’t enough.

Ethanol Fuel Clash in India: India’s E20 rollout is under fire as Congress warns it could worsen water and food security, citing heavy irrigation needs for sugarcane, paddy and maize; AAP also alleges political pressure behind ethanol push. Climate-Smart Rice Funding: Mitti Labs secured $9.5M to scale AI-backed rice practices that cut water use and methane, turning farm savings into carbon-equivalent credits shared with smallholders. Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget: The state’s agriculture budget for 2026-27 is set to be presented, with DMK MLAs wearing black shirts and critics saying it doesn’t adequately address farmers’ costs. Milk Adulteration Probe: Maharashtra FDA chief described an investigation into alleged parallel “synthetic/chemical” milk production using chemicals and emulsifiers. Smart Farming in China: Inner Mongolia is rolling out smart, water-saving agriculture using sensors and remote irrigation controls in a large demonstration zone. Fiji Sugar Diversification: Fiji cane growers say bagasse and mill mud could be reused for power and soil fertility to revive the sugar industry. Thailand Data Centre Scrutiny: New reporting flags rapid data centre expansion for AI in Thailand with concerns over transparency and resource impacts.

Climate Shock: India’s monsoon disaster keeps worsening, with floods and landslides killing 100+ since July and Assam (87 dead) and Kerala (26 dead, 27,048 displaced) among the hardest hit; crop damage is reported in thousands of hectares and relief camps are expanding. Heat Extremes: Japan and South Korea are facing record heat waves, with deaths and widespread heat illness, prompting emergency measures and cooling support. Water & Farming Pressure: A Punjab MP urged faster removal of illegal river encroachments, warning of risks to agriculture and flood control. Fertiliser Crackdown: Gujarat is deploying inspection and investigation teams to curb subsidised fertiliser diversion, hoarding, black marketing and counterfeit sales. Ag Tech for Smarter Farming: New research highlights how high-resolution satellite data can help India’s farmers adapt to weather variability and groundwater stress while improving both yields and environmental outcomes. Trade & Development Links: Pakistan and Japan reaffirmed cooperation via JICA, including agriculture and disaster risk management, while the Philippines pushes to become an ASEAN hub for agritech and food processing. Food & Nutrition: India-based work on iron-rich biofortified pearl millet points to improved iron intake with fewer gut side effects than conventional supplements. Regional Food Systems: Aleph Farms won Singapore regulatory approval for cultivated beef, signaling more alternative protein options across Asia-Pacific.

Monsoon & Farm Losses: Flash floods in India’s Rajouri district (Jammu and Kashmir) washed away fertile farmland and standing crops, with farmers reporting land losses after repeated downpours. Weather Risk for Food Prices: India’s RBI kept the repo rate at 5.25% but flagged El Niño and monsoon uncertainty as key risks that could hit agricultural output and lift food inflation. Policy Outlook: RBI also raised FY27 GDP growth to 6.7% and trimmed CPI inflation to 5%, citing resilient domestic demand even as global geopolitics and weather remain clouded. Wildlife Conflict: An elephant attack on the Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu border killed a farmer and a cow, sparking protests over how officials managed the herd—an issue that can disrupt farming and rural transport. Trade & Export Readiness: Pakistan’s TDAP ran seminars to help farmers and exporters meet China’s new maize import protocol, focusing on phytosanitary and quality compliance. Agriculture Skills Pipeline: Fiji’s Polytech Pacific graduation urged work-ready training to support growth in sectors including agriculture and climate resilience. Regional Growth Watch: Indonesia’s Q2 GDP grew 5.29% y/y, with agriculture among sectors expanding.

Ethanol Push Meets Backlash: India’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol plan is facing fresh protests as motorists and farmers question vehicle performance and whether benefits reach growers; a farm leaders’ meeting with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged a “farmer-centric” policy with remunerative, direct crop pricing. Coconut Tech Trial: The Philippines’ Coconut Authority signed a two-year field trial with Japan’s Mitsui to test nanotechnology injected into coconut trunks to boost yield and tree health. Flood Relief in India: Kerala monsoon flooding has killed at least 25 people, with thousands displaced and relief camps active as authorities expand support and delegated powers to districts. Asian Oaks Conservation Gap: A new report warns 74% of 54 threatened Asian oak species lack representation in botanical collections, calling for urgent conservation action across multiple countries. Irrigation Modernization in Central Asia: Kazakhstan will receive 370 units of specialized equipment to mechanize cleaning of irrigation canals, aiming to improve water management. Cattle Biosecurity: The longhorn tick threat is growing in the US, with concerns over rapid spread and disease it carries. Agrifood Trade & Markets: China’s soybean demand remains a key driver for grain sentiment as it buys large volumes, while ADM raised its 2026 profit outlook on surging biofuels demand. Crops & Inputs Policy: India’s distributed rooftop solar expansion continues to accelerate, supporting energy transition that can indirectly aid farm operations.

El Niño & Monsoon Risk: The WMO warns strengthening El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions and a higher risk of below-normal monsoon rains, raising stakes for India’s farm output and food prices. Cauvery Water Protest: Tamil Nadu farmers staged a sand-burying protest demanding water release and compensation, as the dispute with Karnataka escalates ahead of further political action. J&K Agri-Logistics Boost: India’s Cabinet approved twin tunnels to improve all-weather connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, expected to cut delays for mountain agriculture and trade. Flood Impacts on Crops: Kerala and Assam continue to face heavy rain fallout, with thousands of hectares of crop area still inundated in Assam and deaths reported in Kerala. Labour Rights on Farms: NSW is monitoring alleged illegal labour practices on berry farms after claims of underpayment of fruit pickers, including workers on working holiday visas. Trade & Market Signals: Japan reported record first-half 2026 exports of agri/food products (+10.9%), while India pushes GI growth toward 10,000 registrations by 2030 to expand premium market access. Mangrove Restoration Exchange: Chinese forestry researchers visited Cambodian mangroves to support conservation and restoration, aiming to improve biodiversity and local livelihoods. Agriculture Opposition to US Deal: Farmers’ groups in India warn a proposed US trade agreement could undercut MSP and dairy livelihoods, calling for nationwide agitation.

Food security & farm resilience: At WOFEX 2026 in Manila, organisers and businesses kept circling back to food security—pushing for higher farm productivity, better logistics, and less waste as climate shocks and supply disruptions hit Asia. Digital advisory for farmers: Digital Green rolled out FarmerChat 2.0, aiming to reach 1 million+ farmers with more personalised AI guidance and boosting women’s participation. Farmer pushback in India: Samyukta Kisan Morcha called nationwide protests against “corporatisation” of agriculture and demanded changes to seeds, labour, electricity privatisation, crop insurance and MSP procurement. Kharif planting status: India’s kharif sowing deficit narrowed to under 3% (81% of normal area covered) as the July monsoon revival helped. Regional food-loss action: SAARC Agriculture Centre urged stronger regional cooperation to cut fruit post-harvest losses and protect farmers’ incomes across South Asia. Trade & agri-tech links: Indonesia and Thailand agreed to boost food security cooperation, including agricultural technology and supply-chain resilience.

Agrivoltaics Push in India: India is testing how to grow crops under elevated solar panels, with pilots suggesting leafy vegetables fit better while cereals like rice and wheat may face shading; advisories could come as early as next kharif. Water Tensions in South Asia: Tamil Nadu farmers staged a sand-burial protest on the Cauvery banks demanding immediate water release and opposing the Mekedatu dam, while Karnataka’s CM urged protests to be withdrawn and said decisions will stay within legal frameworks. Renewables + Rural Energy in China: A Qinghai solar project is being paired with pastoral grazing, but authorities are now tackling surplus power by shifting toward a high-altitude big data hub. Fisheries Under Pressure in Kashmir: A review warns pollution and habitat loss are hurting native fish in Kashmir, while introduced species are thriving—raising extinction risks. Seaweed Trade Expansion: NongHyup made its first raw laver export to Japan, aiming to scale shipments into the premium sushi ingredient market. Clean Energy Tech for Farms: Finland’s Arciplug and India’s Infistar are launching modular plug-flow compressed biogas plants to turn farm and organic waste into CBG faster with less water use.

Monsoon Disaster Response: Heavy monsoon rains are battering India’s Assam, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, with IMD warning of more heavy rain and flash-flood risk; Assam’s flood toll reportedly climbed to 82, while Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur saw severe damage after rainfall “manifold higher than average,” including deaths and dozens of homes affected. Flood-Ready Farming Support: Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika visited flood-hit areas and launched community paddy nurseries to restart cultivation fast, while Karnataka’s Cauvery dispute continues to drive farmer anxiety and political calls for calm. Agri Innovation in Asia: The Philippines’ Philippine Coconut Authority and Mitsui will run two-year field trials of nanotechnology for coconut farming, using nutrient/crop-protection capsules injected into trunks to boost yields and tree health. AI for Farmers: Bangladesh’s HSTU student built “Crops Doctor,” an AI app that diagnoses crop diseases from uploaded photos and suggests management steps. Input Costs & Climate Pressure: A report flags El Niño-linked output declines in Q2 and warns delayed assistance and higher fuel/fertilizer costs could hurt the next season. Energy-Farm Link: Telangana unveiled ethanol-based mobile EV charging tied to green mobility, with claims it can also support farmers via ethanol value chains. Trade & Supply Chain Tensions: China Cotton Association condemned US forced-labor entity-list moves affecting cotton/textile firms, warning of disruption to global cotton supply chains.

El Niño Watch: China says El Niño is strengthening and could become the strongest in 150 years, with impacts likely to ripple into Asia’s farming and supply chains. Climate Extremes: Even as global fire emissions fall, Europe and North America are seeing worse wildfire damage—an uneven pattern driven by geography and human land use. India Cotton Support: India’s Cotton Corporation of India says it procured 52.2 million quintals of cotton seeds under MSP in 2025-26 and raised seed-cotton MSP by about 7% for 2026-27, alongside a new cotton productivity push. China Rural Cooperatives: China unveiled a five-year plan to upgrade supply and marketing cooperatives, including more fertilizer depots, distribution centers, and farm service upgrades. AgriPV in Kashmir: SKUAST-K and CSTEP will run a 50-kW agrivoltaics research pilot at Shalimar to test crop performance and farmer adoption under solar power. Pakistan Maize Exports: Pakistan’s TDAP urges compliance on registration, traceability and phytosanitary rules as China opens a protocol for maize imports, aiming to expand market access. Kenya Rain Outlook: Kenya’s met agency forecasts above-normal rains from October with high El Niño odds, but warns rainfall will also hinge on Indian Ocean Dipole conditions. Sake Goes Global: Japan plans to apply for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for sake brewing to boost overseas brand power. Cotton Trade Signal: Afreximbank reports cotton outperformed other agri commodities in H1 2026, supported by textile demand and energy-linked competitiveness.

India Flood Response: Home Minister Amit Shah approved an advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from the SDRF to help flood-hit states, with NDRF teams and inter-ministerial assessments already underway. Monsoon Disruption: Himachal Pradesh reported 102 roads blocked, power transformer outages and affected water schemes as heavy rains continued. Cauvery Water Legal Push: DMK moved India’s Supreme Court seeking immediate directions to Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, including clearing a backlog via distress-sharing releases. Farmer Income Support: India’s Cabinet extended PM-KISAN through 2030-31 with ₹3.15 lakh crore outlay, keeping the ₹6,000 annual direct payment for eligible farmers. China Rural Services Upgrade: China unveiled a 2026-2030 plan to strengthen supply-and-marketing cooperatives, including building/renovating fertilizer depots and county distribution centers to cut input and post-harvest losses. Ag Tech on the Ground: China is scaling drone-assisted field operations, with reported yield gains and lower per-hectare input costs in rice and crop protection. Cotton Productivity Drive (India): India announced new cotton measures via CCI, including farmer advisory support, modern equipment distribution and quality/climate-resilience agreements. Trade & Markets: India resumed Nathula border trade with China after six years, while India also received its first duty-free Scottish salmon shipment under the India-UK CETA. Food Security Stress: Forecasts warn a strengthening El Niño could raise food, insurance and tourism costs across the region.

Farm policy & livelihoods: India’s Cabinet approved extending PM-KISAN to FY31 (₹3.15 lakh crore) to keep cash support flowing to ~9.5 crore farmers, while also clearing PM-Surya Sarovar Yojana for 5,000 MW floating solar with storage—aimed at energy security without derailing farm incomes. Weather shocks: Gujarat stayed on IMD red alert after heavy monsoon rains; evacuations topped 16,500 and multiple deaths were reported, underlining how flooding and power hazards hit farm labour and rural communities first. Supply chain pressure: India extended onion procurement deadlines for NCCF/NAFED in Nashik after they fell short of targets, with farmers preferring higher market prices for superior lots. Agri-tech scaling: A new push argues India’s next agritech leap must move from pilots to field-tested, affordable solutions that farmers can trust and actually use. Regional agri trade: Philippines and Cambodia plan to expand agri-fishery trade and investment under ASEAN-style supply-chain resilience. Cross-border development: India and Bhutan signed a Rs 4,000-crore LoC and approved 12 new projects (₹332 crore) including agriculture and disaster management. On-farm risk management: J&K notified VB-GRAM-G “pause periods” to avoid public works during peak sowing/harvesting, reducing labour shortages during critical farm windows. Food security & imports: A call to boost India’s domestic edible oil production (oil palm mission review) targets reduced import dependence and stronger foreign-exchange resilience.