The people behind Krishi Gyan
Every article on Krishi Gyan is written by agronomists, scientists, and field experts who live and breathe Indian agriculture. Meet the people turning research into practical advice.
1 author|141 articles published
Team Katyayani
Editorial TeamThe Katyayani Organics editorial team brings you the latest in agricultural knowledge and farming best practices.
- Subsidy for Mushroom Cultivation in India: MIDH, NHB, Loan and How to Apply
- Krishi Vistara Yojana Karnataka 2026: What the Chief Minister's Scheme Offers and What Is Still Unknown
- Krishi Bhagya Scheme Karnataka: Farm Pond (Krishi Honda) Subsidy, Sizes, Eligibility and How to Apply in 2026
All articles by Team Katyayani
Subsidy for Mushroom Cultivation in India: MIDH, NHB, Loan and How to Apply
The main national scheme is MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture). For a private mushroom unit it gives 40 percent of the cost norm as a credit linked, back ended subsidy. It is 50 percent in North Eastern and Himalayan states, Scheduled Areas, vibrant villages and the islands. The cost norms are Rs 30 lakh for a production unit, Rs 20 lakh for a spawn unit and Rs 30 lakh for a compost unit, so the top subsidy is Rs 12 lakh, Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh in general areas. A small 200 sq ft unit gets 50 percent of Rs 2 lakh, up to 5 units. You take a bank loan, build, and the subsidy is adjusted in your loan account after inspection. Apply through your District Horticulture Officer or the state horticulture portal. Rates and ceilings come from the 2025 guidelines, so confirm the current state circular before you start building.
Krishi Vistara Yojana Karnataka 2026: What the Chief Minister's Scheme Offers and What Is Still Unknown
The Chief Minister's Krishi Vistara scheme is a Karnataka Budget 2026-27 announcement: Rs 100 crore over the next three years to strengthen work after harvest, such as processing, value addition, value chain development, recycling of farm waste and market linkages. The aim, in the budget's words, is stable and additional income for rural farmers. As of 26 October 2026 we found no guidelines, eligibility rules, subsidy rates or application process. Do not pay anyone to apply. Keep your FRUITS ID and land record ready, think about joining a group, and watch Raitamitra and your Raitha Samparka Kendra.
Krishi Bhagya Scheme Karnataka: Farm Pond (Krishi Honda) Subsidy, Sizes, Eligibility and How to Apply in 2026
Krishi Bhagya is running in 2026-27. The Karnataka Department of Agriculture issued its 2026-27 guidelines on 8 May 2026, with Rs 100 crore set aside. It pays 80% for general farmers and 90% for SC and ST farmers on the farm pond (krishi honda), and on field bund, pump set and polythene lining. Fencing gets 40% and 50%. Ponds come in five sizes, from 10 x 10 x 3 m to 21 x 21 x 3 m. You apply at your Raitha Samparka Kendra, where staff enter your application in the K-KISAN system. Seats are limited each year and are given in order of application date. Krishi Honda is just the Kannada name for the pond, so it is not a different scheme.
Papaya Farming in India: Varieties, Spacing, Fertiliser Schedule, Yield and Cost
Papaya is a fast fruit crop that gives its first harvest in about 8 to 14 months, depending on variety and place, and keeps bearing for 2 to 3 years in practice. It needs warm weather, a well drained sandy loam soil and no standing water. Red Lady 786 (Taiwan) is the most talked about hybrid; government varieties include CO 2 to CO 8, Pusa Delicious, Pusa Nanha, Coorg Honey Dew and ICAR-IIHR Arka Surya and Arka Prabhath. Spacing is 1.8 m by 1.8 m for normal planting (about 1,250 plants per acre by our arithmetic) and 1.5 m by 1.5 m for higher density. Feed with 10 kg farmyard manure per plant plus split NPK, and spray zinc and boron. Yield claims range from about 12 tonnes to 22 tonnes per acre across sources, so work out your profit from your own cost and market rate.
Papaya Disease Management: An IDM Guide for Farmers (Ring Spot, Anthracnose, Foot Rot and More)
Papaya has no cure for its two worst diseases, ring spot virus and leaf curl virus. For these, management means clean seedlings, removing sick plants early and keeping aphids and whiteflies away. Foot rot and damping off come from wet soil and are best stopped by drainage, ring irrigation and seed or soil treatment before planting. Anthracnose and powdery mildew show on fruit and leaves and need clean orchards plus timely sprays. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) means doing all of these together, so you spray less and lose fewer plants. Use only products registered for papaya on the label (check CIB&RC), and confirm any dose with your horticulture officer.
FRUITS ID Registration in Karnataka: Step-by-Step Guide for Farmers
FRUITS stands for Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System. It is the Karnataka government farmer database. You register once with your Aadhaar, fetch your land from Bhoomi, pick an approving officer and get a FRUITS ID (FID) after approval. Registration is online through Citizen Login on fruits.karnataka.gov.in, or in person at a Raitha Samparka Kendra or the taluk Horticulture office. Keep ready: Aadhaar with a linked mobile, RTC for each survey number, an Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook, and a caste certificate only if you want a category recorded. The official FAQ does not mention a fee. Check with your office before you pay anyone.
Digital Agriculture in India: How Technology Is Changing Crop Input Decisions
Digital agriculture means using phones, data, satellites, sensors and drones to decide what to put on a field, how much, and when. In India the base is public: the Digital Agriculture Mission (approved 2 September 2024, Rs 2,817 crore, seven years) is building AgriStack with a Farmer ID, a Krishi Decision Support System and soil profile maps. For a farmer, the most useful tools today are a soil test (Soil Health Card), a weather advisory app such as Meghdoot, a mandi price source such as e-NAM, and a drone service for spraying. Data does not replace local advice. It helps you choose the right input, the right dose and the right day, and avoid buying what the field does not need.
How to Choose the Right Agricultural Sprayer for Herbicides, Fungicides and Insecticides
Pick the sprayer by the job. For up to about 2 to 3 acres, a 16 litre knapsack sprayer (manual or battery) is enough. For 5 acres or more, or for tall crops and orchards, a petrol power sprayer saves time. Use a flat fan nozzle for broadcast herbicide spraying, because it gives coarse droplets that drift less. Use a hollow cone nozzle for fungicides and insecticides that must reach the underside of leaves. Check the pesticide label for the water volume per acre, test your sprayer with plain water, and never use the same unwashed sprayer for a herbicide and then a crop spray.
Cucumber Farming in India: Fertilizer Schedule, Pests, Diseases and Crop Protection
Cucumber is a warm-season crop that gives its first picking about 45 days after sowing. In India it is sown in spring-summer (Jan to Apr) and in the rainy season (June to July). TNAU gives a seed rate of about 2.5 kg per hectare with channels 1.5 m apart and hills 60 cm apart. Add well-rotted farmyard manure before sowing. The NIPHM package gives about 40:32:24 kg N:P:K per acre, with all phosphorus and potash at sowing and nitrogen split at 25 and 45 days. Water every week, trellis the vines, and scout for fruit fly, red pumpkin beetle, aphids and downy mildew from the start. Calcium and boron help fruit set and shape, and uneven water is the most common cause of bitter or crooked fruit.
Chana Wilt Disease (Ukhta Rog): How to Spot It, What Causes It and How to Control It
Chana wilt (ukhta rog) is caused by a soil and seed borne fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. It blocks the water vessels, so leaves droop, turn yellow and the plant dries, often in patches. Cutting the stem near the base shows brown to black streaks inside. The fungus can stay alive in soil or crop residue for up to 6 years, so there is no cure for a plant that has already wilted. Control is prevention: a wilt resistant variety, clean treated seed, a 3 to 4 year gap before chana returns to the same field, deep sowing in light soil and no moisture stress. Always check that it is not dry root rot or collar rot first.
Mustard Aphid Control: Threshold, 5 IPM Methods and Safe Sprays for Winter
Control mustard aphid in this order. First sow on time with a tolerant variety. Then check the field every week from the start of December. Look at the top 10 cm of the main shoot, not only the leaves. Remove small infested patches by hand, and keep ladybirds and hover flies alive. Use neem oil 2 percent or neem seed kernel extract 5 percent while numbers are low. Spray an insecticide only when aphids cross the local threshold and natural enemies cannot keep up, use the label dose, and spray in the evening when bees are not active.
Punjab DSR Incentive Scheme: Rs 1,500 Per Acre for Direct Seeding of Rice, Eligibility, Registration and Field Tips
The Punjab DSR incentive scheme pays Rs 1,500 per acre to farmers who sow paddy by direct seeding instead of transplanting. The scheme started in 2022. For the 2026 Kharif season the state reported over 4 lakh acres, 31,478 registered farmers and about Rs 61 crore in assistance. A farmer registers the area on the state DSR portal, officials verify the field twice, and the money goes straight to the bank account. Registration dates change each year, so check the Agriculture Department notice for the current season.
Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS): Coverage, Premium, Triggers and Claims
The Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) pays farmers when recorded weather, such as rainfall, temperature, humidity or wind, crosses a preset limit, even if nobody measures the actual crop loss. It runs alongside PMFBY, and farmer premium follows the same caps: up to 2% of sum insured for Kharif food crops and oilseeds, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops. Payouts are worked out from the weather station linked to your area, not from your field.
Integrated Disease Management (IDM) in Chilli: Complete Guide to Anthracnose, Damping Off, Wilt, Powdery Mildew and Leaf Curl
Integrated disease management (IDM) in chilli means using several steps together instead of relying on one spray. Start with healthy seed and a clean, well-drained nursery, treat seed with Trichoderma or Pseudomonas, use tolerant varieties, remove sick plants, control whiteflies against leaf curl, and spray a registered fungicide only when symptoms start, following TNAU timings. Anthracnose, damping off, powdery mildew, Cercospora spot, Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt and leaf curl each need a different mix of these steps.
Cauliflower Cultivation in India: Package of Practices, Varieties, Sowing Time, Fertiliser and Disorders
Cauliflower is grown in India from early to late groups by sowing different varieties through the year. Raise seedlings in a nursery for 4 to 5 weeks, transplant at 45 x 30 cm (early) or 60 x 45 cm (mid and late), and give about 250 quintal of FYM per hectare with split nitrogen. Use age-correct seedlings and enough nitrogen to avoid buttoning, and pick a variety that matches your sowing month to avoid riceyness.
Disease Resistant Cotton Varieties and Hybrids in India: CLCuD, Bacterial Blight, Wilt, Grey Mildew and Pink Bollworm
No cotton hybrid sold in India is rated fully resistant to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD). Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is the exception: ICAR-CICR says desi varieties are immune to CLCuD and tolerant to whitefly. For bacterial blight, grey mildew and root rot, TNAU lists the CICR variety Suraksha as resistant. Only GEAC-approved Bt cotton is legal, so buy sealed Bt seed with a bill, choose short to medium duration, and sow on time.
Sugarcane Farming in India: Varieties, Planting, Diseases, Pests and Step-by-Step Management
Sugarcane is a 10 to 12 month crop that is planted from two-budded setts in spring (Feb to Mar) or autumn (Sep to Oct) in north India, and in the main season (Dec to May) in Tamil Nadu. Treat the setts, plant 12 buds per metre of furrow, apply nitrogen and potash in splits, irrigate by growth stage, keep the field weed-free for the first 3 to 4 months and use disease-free seed. Red rot, smut, wilt and grassy shoot spread through seed cane, so clean seed is the cheapest protection. Borers, termites and aphids are best handled by scouting, trash management and natural enemies first.
Disease Resistant Chilli Varieties in India: Leaf Curl, Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Wilt and Virus Tolerant Picks
There is no chilli that is fully immune to every disease. What farmers can buy are varieties rated tolerant or moderately resistant to one or two problems. For leaf curl, ICAR-IIHR lists Arka Yashasvi, Arka Gagan and Arka Tanvi, IIVR lists Kashi Garima and Kashi Ratna, and PAU lists Punjab Sindhuri and Punjab Tej. For powdery mildew, look at Arka Harita and Arka Suphal. For bacterial wilt, Kerala's Ujwala and Anugraha. Match the variety to your state and your main disease.
DBT Agriculture Bihar: Registration, Login, Status Check, Licence Download and Schemes (2026-27)
DBT Agriculture Bihar is the Bihar Agriculture Department portal at dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in. A farmer first registers (Aadhaar-based, by OTP online or at a Vasudha Kendra with biometrics) and gets a 13-digit registration number. After about 48 hours that number can be used to log in and apply for schemes. Status, detail correction, beneficiary lists and the seed, fertiliser and pesticide licence services all sit on the same portal.
Rajasthan Agriculture Department: Raj Kisan Saathi Login, Apply Online, Subsidy Status and MSP Procurement
Rajasthan farm subsidies are applied for online on the Raj Kisan Saathi portal (rajkisan.rajasthan.gov.in). You log in with an SSO ID or with your Jan Aadhaar number and an OTP, apply for the scheme, and track it through the "Know Application Status" option. The portal says grant applications are online only and no papers need to go to the agriculture office. MSP sales are separate: wheat registration for RMS 2026-27 ran on mspproc.rajasthan.gov.in with a Jan Aadhaar card.
What to Check Before Buying Agricultural Products Online in India: Licence, Label, Batch, Bill and Complaint Steps
Before you pay, check six things: the seller holds a valid state licence that covers that exact product; the product is registered (pesticides) or meets fertiliser and seed rules; the label shows batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates; the pack is sealed; the price is not above the printed MRP; and you will get a proper bill with batch details. If any of these is missing, do not buy.
How to Check Land Records Online: State-Wise Guide to Bhulekh, Jamabandi, 7/12 and Khatauni
To check land records online, open your state's official land record portal (for example Bhulekh in Uttar Pradesh, Bhoomi in Karnataka, Apna Khata in Rajasthan, AnyRoR in Gujarat, Jamabandi in Punjab and Haryana), choose district, tehsil and village, then search by khasra, survey number, khata or owner name. Viewing is usually free. A certified copy may need a small fee or a kiosk visit.
OEM Agrochemical Manufacturing vs. Private Label: Which Model Fits Your Business?
OEM agrochemical manufacturing means a factory makes a product to your specification and you sell it as your own. Private label usually means you take a ready formulation the factory already sells and put your brand on it. In India the key question is the same for both: who holds the CIB&RC registration and the state manufacturing licence. The label must name the true manufacturer in both models.
Why Are Plants Growing Slowly? Common Causes, How to Diagnose Them and What to Do
Plants usually grow slowly because something is limiting their roots or leaves: too little light, too much or too little water, soil pH that locks nutrients, a missing nutrient, cramped or compacted roots, pests or disease, cold, or salt in the soil. Look at which leaves show the problem, check the roots, then fix the single biggest limit first.
Best Coriander Varieties for High Yield in India: Seed Type, Leaf Type, Sowing Time and Disease Resistance
There is no single best coriander variety for every farm. For seed in the north and west, the ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer varieties ACr-2 (about 1,293 kg per hectare in 25 national trials) and ACr-3 (about 1,689 kg per hectare in 17 trial entries) are the best documented, and ACr-1 is the pick for fields with stem gall. For green leaf, AGCr-1 and Hisar Bhoomit are the leaf-focused releases. In the south, CO and Andhra varieties such as Sadhana and Sindhu fit rainfed land. Sow in October to early November where winters are dry, and treat the seed.
Types of Silkworm Rearing in India: Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga Methods Explained
India has four commercial silk types: mulberry (Bombyx mori, reared indoors on mulberry leaves), tasar (Antheraea mylitta, reared outdoors on trees like asan, arjun and sal), eri (Samia/Philosamia ricini, reared indoors mainly on castor) and muga (Antheraea assamensis, reared on som and soalu trees in Assam). Mulberry is fully domesticated and indoor; muga is semi-domesticated and outdoor; eri is multivoltine and household based. Mulberry rearing runs in two stages, chawki (young worms) and late-age, in a clean, ventilated house kept at about 26 to 28 degrees C and 60 to 70 percent humidity.
Watermelon Farming in India: Package of Practices, Season, Spacing, Fertiliser, Pollination and Harvest
Watermelon needs warm weather and well-drained sandy loam with pH 6.5 to 7.5. TNAU suggests about 3.5 kg of seed per hectare, channels 2.5 m apart with hills 0.9 m apart, 20 t FYM per hectare and 200:100:100 kg NPK in splits. Bring honey bees at first flowering, irrigate often early and less near ripening, and harvest when the tendril near the fruit dries, the ground spot turns yellow and the sound is dull.
National Livestock Mission Subsidy: Goat, Poultry and Pig Units, Eligibility and How to Apply
Under the National Livestock Mission Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), the Government of India gives a back-ended capital subsidy of up to 50% of project cost for new goat, sheep, rural poultry, pig and fodder units. The cap depends on unit size: Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for goat or sheep, Rs 25 lakh for the rural poultry parent farm, Rs 15 lakh or Rs 30 lakh for pig breeding. You apply online on nlm.udyamimitra.in, and a bank loan sanction is part of the process.
Biopesticides: Types, Examples, Advantages, Limits and How to Use Them in India
Biopesticides are pesticides made from natural materials: living microbes such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Trichoderma and Beauveria, plant-based compounds such as neem, and natural chemicals such as pheromones. EPA groups them into three classes: biochemical, microbial and plant-incorporated protectants. They are usually less toxic and more specific than chemicals, but slower, shorter-lived and best used within IPM.
Top Agrochemical Companies 2026: World and India Ranked by Latest Sales
By 2025 crop protection sales, the five biggest agrochemical companies are Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Corteva and UPL, in that order, according to an AgroLatam ranking (29 Sep 2026). In India the largest by FY26 revenue is UPL at Rs 51,839 crore, followed in the crop-protection space by PI Industries, Bayer CropScience India and Sharda Cropchem.
Contract Farming in India: Models, Agreement Format, Laws, Benefits and Risks
Contract farming is farming done under an agreement signed before the crop is grown: a buyer (the sponsor) agrees to buy the produce, and the farmer agrees to grow it to a set quality, quantity and delivery date. Price may be fixed or formula-based, and the buyer often supplies seed, inputs and advice. FAO describes five models.
Hydroponics for Beginners: Systems, Nutrients, Home Setup and Common Mistakes
Hydroponics is growing plants without soil by feeding their roots a water-based nutrient solution. Beginners should start with the Kratky method or deep water culture and grow lettuce or herbs. Keep nutrient pH at about 5.5 to 6.5 and EC near 1.2 to 1.8 dS/m, use a darkened reservoir, and check the solution weekly.
Benefits of Mulching: Types, How Much to Apply, Organic vs Plastic and Common Mistakes
Mulching means covering the soil surface with a protective layer such as straw, leaves, wood chips, compost or plastic film. It conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, reduces erosion and, with organic mulch, adds organic matter as it decomposes. Typical depth is about 5 to 10 cm, less for fine materials.
Plant Growth Regulators: Types, Examples, Uses and PGR vs Biostimulants
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that, in very small amounts, promote, inhibit or modify plant growth and development. The five main classes are auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid and ethylene. Growers use them for rooting, flowering, fruit set, ripening and height control. In India, PGRs are regulated under the Insecticides Act, while biostimulants come under the Fertiliser Control Order.
What Is Agribusiness? Meaning, Value Chain, Types, Examples and Careers in India
Agribusiness is the business of agriculture: every commercial activity from supplying seed, fertiliser and machinery, through farming, to storing, processing, transporting, financing and selling food and farm products. The term was popularised in the 1950s by Harvard's John Davis and Ray Goldberg. A fertiliser company, a dairy processor and a grain trader are all agribusinesses.
Crop Rotation: Examples, Plan Templates and Benefits for Indian Farms
Crop rotation is growing different crops one after another on the same land instead of repeating one crop. A legume such as chana or moong is followed by a cereal such as wheat or rice, so soil nitrogen is restored and pest and disease cycles break. The simplest order is legume, then leafy or fruiting crop, then root crop, then back to legume.
Greenhouse Farming in India: Types, Cost, Subsidy, Crops and Profit
Greenhouse farming is growing crops inside a covered structure where temperature, humidity, light and water are managed, so plants can grow through the year or out of season. In India most structures use UV plastic film on a galvanised pipe frame. Cost ranges from about Rs 300 per sq m for simple designs to Rs 3,500 per sq m for fully automated ones (TNAU).
Cool Season Crops: List, Planting Time, Soil Temperature and Frost Tolerance
Cool season crops are plants that grow best in cool weather, roughly 15 to 24 degrees C, and tolerate light to hard frost. Examples are spinach, lettuce, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, radish and onion. They are sown in autumn or early spring, and in India mainly from October to December (rabi). Most bolt when days lengthen or heat arrives.
Potash and Phosphate Supply: Which Countries Control the Market and What It Means for India
Canada is the biggest potash producing country: about 15 million tonnes of K2O in 2025 (USGS estimate), roughly 30% of the world total. Russia is second and China and Belarus follow. Canada, Russia and Belarus together made 70.5% of 2024 output by NRCan's count. For phosphate rock, China leads (about 110 million tonnes), but Morocco holds about two thirds of the world's reserves. India has no commercial potash production and imports nearly all of it. Phosphates are the tight market in 2026; potash is not.
Soil Microbiome Explained: What Global Research Says About Soil Health and Crop Yield
The soil microbiome is the whole community of microscopic life in soil (bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, viruses, and small animals like nematodes) together with their genes. A gram of healthy topsoil commonly holds 100 million to 1 billion culturable bacteria, and far more kinds than that when counted by DNA. These organisms recycle nutrients, build soil crumbs, store carbon and compete with disease organisms. Adding organic matter, keeping roots and residue in the soil, and not over-using nitrogen are the best supported ways to feed them.
Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Business Models: Costs, Revenue and What Actually Works
Vertical farming grows crops in stacked layers under artificial light, usually in water-based systems called hydroponics. It can give many times the yield per square metre, but it uses far more electricity per kilogram than field or greenhouse growing. Several heavily funded companies, including Plenty, Bowery and AeroFarms, went bankrupt or shut down. An Indian study of 23 polyhouse hydroponic farms found profit on paper, but its price data conflict, so no income figure is safe to promise.
Pesticide Registration by Country: EU, USA, Brazil, India and Africa Compared
No single global pesticide registration exists. Each country or bloc approves a product before it can be sold. The EU approves the active substance first, then each member state authorises the product. The USA registers under FIFRA through the EPA. Brazil uses a three-agency system under Law 14.785/2023, with a legal deadline of 24 months for a new product. India uses the Insecticides Act, 1968 (sections 9(3), 9(3B) and 9(4)). Africa has no single system: nine Sahel states share one CSP registration, and most others run national boards.
Top Fertiliser Importing Countries: Who Buys the Most and Where Demand Is Heading
Brazil is the largest fertiliser importer in the world, by value and by tonnes. UN Comtrade-based data show Brazil at about 16 billion USD in 2023 and about 15 billion USD in 2024, ahead of India and the United States. The top exporters are China, Canada, the United States, Morocco and Saudi Arabia (2023 value), with Russia leading on tonnes in 2025. Only potash (MOP) is 100% imported by India.
DAP and Urea Shortage in India: Why It Happens, Stock Position, Price and What Farmers Can Do
Yes, many farmers report that DAP is hard to find in the rabi 2026-27 sowing rush, and the government says national stock is more than demand. Both can be true at once, because stock is national while a farmer needs it at a nearby shop on the sowing day. The official price is Rs 1,350 for a 50 kg bag of DAP. Rajasthan's minister said on 10 Oct 2026 that state stock would last about 18 days for DAP and 35 days for urea. Buy only against a PoS bill at MRP, and report overcharging or forced add-ons to the district agriculture office or the Kisan Call Centre (1800-180-1551).
How to Identify Fake Pesticides and Fertilisers: 12 Checks, Complaint Steps and Penalties
Check six things before you pay: a licensed seller, a printed bill, an intact seal, a full label (manufacturer, registration number, batch, expiry), a price near the usual rate, and a claim that sounds normal. For pesticides the law lets only registered products be sold, and a pack with a false label, an imitation name or no registration is "misbranded". Under the Insecticides Act the first-offence penalty is up to 2 years in jail or a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. To complain, call 1800-180-1551 or go to the district agriculture office. A new pesticide law is still a draft as of 19 Oct 2026.
Wholesale vs Retail in Agri Inputs: Dealer Margin Chain, Licence and Credit Explained
In agri inputs, a wholesaler buys in bulk from the company or distributor and sells to retailers and big buyers. A retailer sells to farmers. For fertiliser, the dealer margin is capped by government: Rs 354 per tonne on urea, and up to 2% of MRP on DAP and MOP. For pesticides and bio-inputs no official margin exists. Credit given to farmers, and the long wait for payment, is the biggest risk at every level.
Pesticide, Fertiliser and Seed Dealer Licence Renewal: Process, Documents, Last Date and Late Fee
A pesticide sale licence is valid for 2 calendar years and is renewed on Form VII; a late application is allowed within 3 months with a late fee. A fertiliser authorisation is valid for 3 years, and late renewal is allowed only within 1 month. A seed licence is valid for 3 years, renewed on Form C, with a 1-month late window. Apply before expiry. Fees and online portals are set by each state.
Kisan Diwas (23 December): History, Why It Is Celebrated and Farmer Schemes to Use This Year
Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers Day, is observed on 23 December every year. It marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister and a leader of farmers. The day is used to honour farmers and spread knowledge of schemes. A good time to check your PM-Kisan e-KYC, Kisan Credit Card, crop insurance and soil health card.
Frost Damage Claim under PMFBY: Is Frost Covered, the 72-Hour Rule and How to Claim
In the official PMFBY texts I could read, frost and cold wave are not named as a covered peril. The localized-calamity list is hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloudburst and natural fire. The 72-hour reporting rule belongs to that list and to post-harvest loss. Widespread frost loss can show up only as a yield shortfall in your notified area, settled after crop-cutting experiments. Still report any loss within 72 hours and check your state notification.
Gypsum in Agriculture: Saline vs Sodic Soil, Dose, Method and When to Apply Before Rabi
Gypsum (calcium sulphate) reclaims sodic or alkali soil, where too much sodium sits on the soil particles and pH is high. It does not fix a purely saline soil, which needs drainage and leaching. ICAR-CSSRI's thumb rule is 12 to 15 tonnes of gypsum per hectare, mixed into the top 10 cm, followed by 7 to 10 days of ponded water, and starting with rice as the first crop. The dose can be halved with FYM or salt-tolerant varieties.
Cold Weather and Nutrient Uptake: Why Winter Crops Turn Yellow or Purple and What to Do
In cold weather, soil is cold and roots grow slowly. Nutrients that move slowly through soil, mainly phosphorus, zinc, manganese and iron, then reach the roots less. Leaves can turn yellow or purple even when the soil has enough. This is often temporary and clears as the soil warms. First check the cause, avoid extra urea, give light irrigation before a cold wave, and test the soil before you spray.
12 Low-Investment Agriculture Business Ideas for 2027: Investment, Licence and Risk
The best low-investment agriculture businesses for 2027 are agri-input retail, a micro-dealer or sub-dealer role, own-brand bio-inputs through a contract maker, vermicompost, oyster mushrooms, a plant nursery, custom hiring, drone services, beekeeping, makhana or millet processing, an FPO and cold storage. Each differs in money needed, licence and risk. The table below compares all 12.
Pea Farming in India (Matar): Varieties, Sowing Time, Fertiliser, Diseases and Harvest
Sow pea (matar) from mid-October to mid-November in the plains. Use good seed coated with Rhizobium, keep rows about 30 cm apart, and give a small starter dose of fertiliser. Spray sulphur as soon as you see white powder on the leaves. Early varieties give the first green pods in about 65 to 70 days. Pick pods every 7 to 10 days while they are tender.
Garlic Farming in India: Sowing Time, Fertilizer and Cost Per Acre
Sow garlic cloves from the last week of September to November. October to early November is best for most northern and central plains. Use about 200-240 kg of cloves per acre, planted about 15 cm by 10 cm apart. Treat the cloves before planting. Harvest comes 130-150 days later. Good crops give 32-48 quintals per acre. The cost changes a lot by state and seed price.
Bharat-VISTAAR: How to Use the 155261 Farmer AI Helpline (Bharati)
Bharat-VISTAAR is an AI helper for farmers from the Government of India. It started on 17 February 2026 in Jaipur. You call 155261 and talk to an assistant named Bharati in Hindi or English. It can tell you the weather, mandi prices, pest alerts, soil health and scheme details. You do not need an app or internet for the call.
Kisan e-Mitra: How to Use the PM-Kisan AI Chatbot for Payment, eKYC and Registration Doubts
Kisan e-Mitra is the official AI chatbot on the PM-Kisan portal and app. You can ask it in 11 languages, by typing or by speaking. It answers questions on who can get the money, how to register, Aadhaar verification (eKYC), payment status and why an instalment is stuck. It is free and works day and night. For a bank or land-record problem, it sends you to your local officer or the helpline.
Digital Agriculture Mission and AgriStack: Farmer ID, Benefits and How to Register (2026)
The Digital Agriculture Mission is a Rs 2,817 crore central scheme, approved in September 2024, that builds India's farm data system. Its core is AgriStack, which gives each farmer a free digital Farmer ID (Kisan Pehchaan Patra) linked to Aadhaar and land records. You register on your state AgriStack portal or at a CSC.
Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses (Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission) 2026: Benefits and How to Register
The Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses (Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission) is a Rs 11,440 crore, six-year scheme from 2025-26 to 2030-31. It aims to add 35 lakh hectares of pulse area and reach 350 lakh tonnes of production by 2030-31. NAFED and NCCF buy 100% of tur, urad and masoor at MSP from registered farmers in participating states for four years.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY): 100 Districts, Benefits and How Farmers Gain
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) is a six-year government programme. It spends Rs 24,000 crore a year, from 2025-26, to improve farming in 100 weaker districts. It does this by joining 36 existing schemes into one plan for each district. You do not fill a separate form. If your district is on the list, you use the existing schemes through it.
Banana Farming (G9 Tissue Culture): Cost per Acre, Fertilizer Schedule and Profit
At 1.82 m x 1.82 m spacing, one acre holds about 1,220 G9 plants. Reported yields are about 30 to 35 tonnes per acre in an Andhra Pradesh report and about 32 tonnes per acre in a Gujarat study. ICAR-NRCB gives fertiliser per plant of 200 g N, 30 to 50 g P and 300 to 450 g K in split doses. Reported costs vary from about Rs 87,000 (Gujarat study) to Rs 3 lakh over two years (Andhra report).
Potato Farming Cost per Acre: Seed Rate, Fertilizer Schedule, Yield and Profit
Reported potato cultivation cost ranges from about Rs 32,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh per acre depending on region, seed price and labour. Seed needs about 9 to 10 quintals per acre (25 g tubers at 15 cm spacing). A package of practices lists 150 to 200 quintals per hectare for irrigated improved varieties, or about 61 to 81 quintals per acre.
Avocado Farming in India: Varieties, Cost per Acre and Profit
Avocado can be grown in India in cool, frost-free, well-drained hill and plateau areas, mainly Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Sikkim and the North-East. Plant grafted trees 6 to 8 metres apart, which is about 63 to 112 plants per acre. Grafted trees start bearing in 3 to 4 years. A university table puts total cost at about Rs 5.36 lakh per hectare, around Rs 2.17 lakh per acre.
Makhana Farming in India: Cost, Yield, Processing and Makhana Board Support
Makhana (fox nut, Euryale ferox) is an aquatic crop grown in ponds or shallow fields, mostly in Bihar. India produced about 63,910 tonnes in 2024-25 and the National Makhana Board was launched on 15 September 2025. A Darbhanga survey put cost at about Rs 25,600 per acre for pond farming and Rs 30,900 for field farming, with gross returns of about Rs 1.19 lakh and Rs 1.47 lakh.
Polyhouse and Shade-Net Subsidy 2026: Cost per Acre, Subsidy % and Process
Polyhouse and shade-net houses get about 50% subsidy on the cost norm under NHB and MIDH. Commonly cited norms are Rs 1,000 per sq m for a naturally ventilated polyhouse, Rs 1,600 for fan-and-pad and Rs 710 for shade net. One acre is about 4,047 sq m, so a naturally ventilated polyhouse works out to roughly Rs 40 lakh at the norm, and about Rs 20 lakh of that is subsidy.
Tractor Subsidy Scheme 2026: State-wise Rates, Eligibility and Apply Online
Most tractor subsidy in India comes through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and state schemes. Support is about 40% for general farmers and about 50% for SC/ST, women, small and marginal farmers, capped in rupees by tractor size. There is no "free tractor" scheme. Apply on your state DBT portal or the central portal when the window is open.
PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Subsidy 2026: Eligibility, Cost Share and State-wise Apply Links
PM-KUSUM gives farmers a subsidised standalone solar pump. The Centre pays 30% of the benchmark cost (50% in the North-East, hill states and islands), a state top-up is optional, and the farmer pays the balance. MNRE set 30 September 2026 as the commissioning deadline for standalone pumps, so check with your state agency whether new applications are still open.
Top Agriculture Website in India to Buy Agriculture Products Online (2026 Guide)
A good agriculture website sells genuine, labelled inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, equipment) with order tracking, expert advice and delivery to your pincode. Katyayani Krishi Direct sells directly from the manufacturer, and BigHaat, AgroStar, AgriBegri and DeHaat are other well-known options. Use the checklist below to choose.
Vanilla Farming in India: Cost, Yield, Pollination and Curing Guide
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is an orchid vine grown mainly in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It flowers from the 3rd year, every flower must be hand-pollinated the same morning, and green pods need months of curing. Cured bean yield is about 300-600 kg per hectare, and prices swing sharply.
What Is Commercial Farming? Meaning, Types, Examples and Benefits
Commercial farming is growing crops or raising animals mainly to sell for profit, not just to feed your own family. It uses more capital, better inputs and bigger markets than subsistence farming. Indian examples include sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh, tea in Assam and cotton in Gujarat.
Indoor Saffron Farming in India: Setup Cost, Yield and Real Returns
Indoor saffron farming grows saffron crocus in a cooled room, often on racks or aeroponics. Reported setup costs range from about ₹30,000 for a small trial to ₹6-₹10 lakh for a proper room. Flowering needs about 15-18°C. Yields are small, so claims of lakhs a month from one room are usually exaggerated.
Dragon Fruit Farming in India 2026: Cost, Yield and Profit Guide
Dragon fruit farming in India costs roughly ₹4-₹6 lakh per acre to set up, mostly for poles and drip. Plants flower in 12-15 months and give economic yield from year 3. Reported yields are 5-10 tonnes per acre and prices ₹50-₹120 per kg, so profit varies widely.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: Benefits, Eligibility and How to Apply
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a revolving farm credit card from banks. Under the central interest subvention scheme, loans up to ₹3 lakh carry a 7% base rate, which falls to about 4% if you repay on time. Owner farmers, tenants, sharecroppers and groups can apply at a bank or online.
Oyster Mushroom Farming in India: Cost, Process and Profit
Oyster mushroom farming means growing Pleurotus mushrooms on pasteurized straw inside a clean room. A beginner room of 100-200 sq ft can start with ₹20,000-₹60,000 (guide estimate). One cycle takes 30-45 days, and sale prices of ₹120-₹250 per kg are commonly reported.
Mango Flower Pests and Diseases: Control Guide
Protect mango flowers from panicle emergence to just before full bloom. Control hoppers, mealy bug, powdery mildew and anthracnose with timed sprays, but stop at full bloom so bees can pollinate.
Fungicide Application Methods: Spray, Dust, Granule
Match the method to where the disease lives. Use foliar spray for leaf diseases, seed treatment and soil drench for root and seed-borne diseases, and granules in the furrow at planting.
Fipronil 5% SC: Uses, Dosage and Safety Guide
Fipronil 5% SC is a broad-spectrum systemic insecticide for stem borer, hoppers, thrips, aphids and whitefly in paddy, cabbage, chilli, sugarcane and cotton. It is toxic to bees and fish.
Thiamethoxam 25% WG: Uses, Dose per Acre, Pests
Thiamethoxam 25% WG is a systemic insecticide for sucking pests like aphids, jassids, whitefly, thrips and hoppers. Common foliar dose is 40-80 g per acre in 150-200 litres of water.
Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP: Uses, Dose and Crops
Thiophanate methyl 70% WP is a systemic fungicide. It controls powdery mildew, scab, rust, anthracnose and wilt. Foliar dose is about 250-600 g per acre. Always follow your product label.
CM Kisan Yojana Odisha 2026: Amount, Apply, Status
CM-KISAN is Odisha's farmer support scheme. Small and marginal farmers get ₹4,000 a year (₹2,000 per season). Landless farm families get ₹12,500 once. Registration needs an AgriStack Farmer ID.
Annadata Sukhibhava 2026: Amount, Eligibility, Status
Annadata Sukhibhava is Andhra Pradesh's farmer support scheme. Eligible families get ₹20,000 a year: ₹14,000 from the state plus ₹6,000 from PM-Kisan, paid in 3 installments through DBT.
How to Import Pesticides and Agrochemicals from India: Documents, HS Codes and Registration
To import pesticides from India, first register or get import permission for the product in your own country. Then buy from a manufacturer that holds CIB&RC export registration, and insist on a Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet, UN-approved packaging, Certificate of Origin and correct HS code (3808 for pesticides, 3101 to 3105 for fertilizers).
Private Label Fertilizer Manufacturer in India: How Contract Manufacturing and Own-Brand Agri-Inputs Work
A private label fertilizer manufacturer produces, tests and packs fertilizer under your brand name while holding the FCO certificate of manufacture. You typically register as a wholesale dealer or marketer with a source certificate, register your trademark, approve the label and place orders above the agreed MOQ. Pesticides need CIB&RC registration and a manufacturing licence.
Agri-Input Franchise in India: Investment, Margins and How It Works
An agri-input franchise in India is a retail store that sells seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and bio-inputs under a company's brand, with its supply, training and marketing support. You still need your own state licences. Investment mainly covers shop setup, licences and opening stock; margins depend on product mix and credit discipline.
Rhizobium, PSB and KMB: A Practical Biofertilizer Guide for Chana and Other Rabi Pulses
The main biofertilizers for chana are Rhizobium (fixes nitrogen in root nodules), PSB (releases locked soil phosphorus) and KMB (makes potash available). Treat seed with chickpea-specific Rhizobium and PSB just before sowing, dry it in shade, and sow within 24 hours. Apply KMB and extra PSB through well-rotted FYM.
Parali Management: Bio-Decomposer vs Machinery, and How the CRM Subsidy Helps
For parali management, a bio-decomposer such as the ICAR-IARI PUSA decomposer suits farmers who have 20 to 25 days before wheat sowing and can keep the field moist. If the gap is shorter, a Happy Seeder or Super Seeder is the faster option, and the CRM scheme pays 50% of machine cost to individual farmers and 80% to CHCs.
Indian Agrochemical Export Market 2027: Top Demand Countries and Trends
India is one of the top three agrochemical exporters, shipping mainly generic insecticides, fungicides and herbicides to 140+ countries. Brazil, the USA and Japan are the largest buyers, followed by Bangladesh, Vietnam, Colombia, Nigeria and the UAE. Exports fell in FY24, recovered in FY25, and CRISIL expects 8 to 9% export revenue growth in FY26.
Bio-Stimulants in India: FCO Rules and Bulk Sourcing Guide
In India, biostimulants are regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 since the February 2021 notification S.O. 882(E). Only products listed in Schedule VI can be made, imported or sold. Provisional registrations ended on 16 June 2025, and 146 products were notified by September 2025. Bulk buyers should verify Schedule VI listing before ordering.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched on 18 February 2016, protects farmers against natural crop losses. Farmers pay a premium of 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops. All farmers, including tenants and sharecroppers, can apply voluntarily through a bank, CSC, insurance agent, or the official PMFBY portal. Report individual crop losses within 72 hours via the Crop Insurance App or helpline 14447.
Onion Farming in India: Complete Guide to Planting, Fertilizer and Harvesting
Onion in India is grown in three seasons: kharif, late kharif and rabi. Rabi is the main season and gives the best storable bulbs. Raise seedlings on raised nursery beds (5-7 kg seed per hectare, roughly 2-3 kg per acre), transplant 35-50 day old seedlings at 15 x 10 cm, apply about 110:40:60 kg NPK per hectare plus sulphur for rabi, keep thrips and purple blotch under control, stop irrigation 10-15 days before harvest, and cure bulbs properly before storage.
How to Start an Agriculture Business in India: Complete Guide (2026)
To start an agriculture business in India, (1) pick one model that matches your land, skill and local demand, (2) write a simple business plan with costs and buyers, (3) choose a legal structure and register on Udyam (free) and GST if your turnover or buyers require it, (4) get activity-specific licences such as a pesticide, fertilizer or seed dealer licence, FSSAI for food, or a DGCA remote pilot certificate for drones, and (5) apply for credit-linked support such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, AC&ABC, PMFME or Mudra through your bank. Start small, sell before you scale.
Agriculture Subsidy Schemes in India: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply (2026 Guide)
Agriculture subsidy schemes in India are central and state government programmes that give farmers direct cash, cheaper credit, insurance, or a part of the cost of inputs and equipment. The biggest ones are PM-KISAN (Rs 6,000 per year), PMFBY (farmer pays only 2% premium for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi), Kisan Credit Card loans at an effective 4% interest on prompt repayment, and 45-55% subsidy on drip and sprinkler systems. Most schemes need Aadhaar, a bank account linked to Aadhaar, and land records. The 24th PM-KISAN installment had not been officially dated as of 9 October 2026.
Marigold Flower Farming: Complete Guide to Cultivation, Season and Yield
Marigold grows best in well-drained loamy soil with pH around 7.0-7.5 and mild weather. Raise seedlings in a nursery, transplant them at about one month old, pinch the main shoot around 30-40 days after transplanting, and start picking flowers about 60 days after planting. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) reports an average yield of about 18 tonnes of flowers per hectare (roughly 7 tonnes per acre), though actual yield varies with variety, season and management.
Poultry Farming in India: Complete Guide to Setup, Cost and Profit
Poultry farming means raising chickens (or ducks, quail, turkey) for meat, eggs or both. Broilers give the fastest cash turnover (sale in about 5-6 weeks), layers give steady daily income but need much more capital, and improved desi birds such as Vanaraja, Gramapriya or CARI-Nirbheek suit low-investment backyard farming. Plan about 1 sq ft of floor per broiler, feed is the biggest cost, and profit depends mainly on feed conversion, mortality and the selling price in your local market.
Rainy Season Vegetables: Best Leafy Vegetables to Grow in India
Amaranth (chaulai) is the safest leafy crop for the rainy season, because it is a warm-season crop that can be sown through the year. Coriander and methi can be sown in June-July in suitable regions such as Tamil Nadu (per TNAU), but only on well-drained raised beds. Palak (spinach beet) and lettuce are cool-season leaning and are better sown toward the end of the monsoon (August-September onwards), unless you choose a heat- and humidity-tolerant variety. Whatever you grow, drainage and seed treatment matter more than any spray.
Organic Certification in India: NPOP vs PGS Explained for Export Buyers
NPOP is India's third-party organic certification run under APEDA, and it is the only Indian organic certification valid for export. PGS-India is a low-cost peer-group system for the domestic market only; PGS produce cannot be exported as organic. For the EU, NPOP is recognised as equivalent; for the USA, you need a USDA-accredited certifier.
Rabi Onion Nursery to Transplant: A Complete Week-by-Week Schedule
Sow a rabi onion nursery from October to mid-November on raised beds 15 cm high and 1.2 m wide. About 5 to 7 kg of treated seed on 0.05 hectare of nursery raises seedlings for one hectare. Transplant 50 to 55 day old seedlings from December to the first week of January at 15 x 10 cm spacing.
How to Choose a Reliable Agrochemical Manufacturer in India: 10-Point Checklist
A reliable agrochemical manufacturer in India holds CIBRC registration for each pesticide, a valid state manufacturing licence, FCO registration for fertilizer products, an in-house QC lab that issues batch-wise certificates of analysis, and ISO certification. Also check label compliance, supply capacity, credit terms, technical support and that no banned molecule is sold.
Buying Agri Inputs on GeM: A Practical Guide for Institutions and Government Buyers
Institutions can buy fertilizers, pesticides, bio-inputs and seeds on GeM using direct purchase (up to ₹50,000), L1 purchase after comparing at least three manufacturers (above ₹50,000, up to the applicable limit) or bid/reverse auction for larger orders. Register as a buyer, write clear specs with CIBRC or FCO compliance, check the OEM, inspect on delivery and issue CRAC.
How to Start an Agri-Input Shop in 2027: Licences, Capital and Margins
To start an agri-input shop, you need a seed licence, fertilizer registration under the FCO and a pesticide sale licence from your state agriculture department, plus a qualified person (agri degree, diploma, DAESI or approved course). Indicative capital is about ₹3 lakh to ₹15 lakh. Subsidised fertilizers earn thin fixed margins; profit comes mainly from pesticides, bio-inputs and specialty nutrition.
Indoor Plant Care in Winter: Light, Watering and Feeding
In winter, move indoor plants to the brightest window, water only when the top 2 to 5 cm of soil is dry, and stop or halve feeding until spring. Keep them between about 15 and 24°C (60 to 75°F), away from heaters and cold glass, and raise humidity with trays or grouping. Check for spider mites and fungus gnats weekly.
Overwintering Herbs Indoors: A Guide for US, UK and EU Gardeners
Bring tender herbs such as rosemary, bay, lemon verbena and basil indoors before nights fall below about 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Pot them in free-draining mix, give a south-facing window or 12 to 14 hours of grow light, keep them at 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C), and water only when the top inch is dry.
Wheat Yellowing After First Irrigation: Zinc, Sulphur, Manganese or Urea Timing?
Wheat that yellows after the first irrigation usually has one of five causes: temporary waterlogging, nitrogen shortage from late urea, manganese deficiency on light soils, sulphur deficiency on sandy soils, or zinc deficiency. Check which leaves yellow first and the pattern, then correct with drainage, urea, or a manganese, zinc or sulphur dose.
Chana Pod Borer and Mustard Aphid: Early Warning Signs, ETL Values and IPM Control
For chana pod borer control, install 5 pheromone traps and 20 bird perches per hectare at flowering, and act when you find one mature larva per metre row or 2 young larvae per 10 plants. For mustard aphid, spray only when 10% of plants carry 26 to 28 aphids on the top 10 cm of shoot.
Frost and Cold Wave: How to Protect Field Crops and Garden Plants
Frost protection in crops means keeping plant tissue above freezing on cold, clear, still nights. The simplest steps are a light irrigation in the evening when frost is forecast, covering nurseries and young plants overnight, and, for mustard, gram and rajma, a spray of 0.1% sulphuric acid or 500 ppm thiourea as advised in agromet bulletins.
Winter Kitchen Garden Feeding Schedule (Compost + Liquid Feed)
A simple winter kitchen garden fertilizer schedule is: mix 25 to 30 percent compost or vermicompost into the potting mix at sowing, top-dress 100 to 150 g vermicompost per 12 inch pot every 3 to 4 weeks, and give a diluted liquid feed such as seaweed extract every 10 to 15 days. Feed less in December and January.
Winter Flowers in Pots: Marigold, Petunia and Chrysanthemum Care
Marigold, petunia and chrysanthemum are the easiest winter flowers for pots in India. Give them 5 to 6 hours of sun, a free-draining mix with compost, 8 to 12 inch pots, and a potassium-rich feed once buds form. Pinch marigold and petunia early for bushy plants and deadhead spent blooms weekly.
Water-Soluble Fertilizer Buying Guide for Drip and Bulk Users
Water-soluble fertilizers are fully soluble NPK, potash and calcium grades for drip and foliar use. Buy 19:19:19 and 12:61:0 for early growth, 0:52:34 and 13:0:45 for flowering and fruit set, 0:0:50 and calcium nitrate for fruit quality. In bulk, check FCO grade, clear solubility, batch, COA and cost per kg of nutrient.
Agri Schemes Calendar 2027: Every Deadline in One Place
The key agriculture scheme dates for 2027 are: PMFBY rabi cut-off on 31 December 2026, rabi procurement registration from January to March, Union Budget on 1 February, PM-KUSUM completion deadline on 31 March, wheat procurement from March to June, kharif MSP around May or June, PMFBY kharif cut-off usually 31 July, and rabi MSP around October.
Potato Late Blight Control: A Prevention Calendar to Follow Before the Disease Hits
Potato late blight control depends on spraying before symptoms appear. Start a protective mancozeb or chlorothalonil spray (0.2 to 0.25%) when forecasts show 10 to 20 C with high humidity or fog for more than 18 hours. At the first lesion, switch to a systemic such as cymoxanil + mancozeb or dimethomorph, repeating every 7 to 10 days.
Agri Drone Subsidy 2026: Namo Drone Didi and SMAM Explained
Drone subsidy for farmers comes mainly from two central schemes. Under SMAM, individual farmers get 40% to 50% of the drone cost (up to ₹4 lakh or ₹5 lakh), FPOs up to 75%, and KVKs and ICAR bodies 100% up to ₹10 lakh. Under Namo Drone Didi, women SHGs get 80% up to ₹8 lakh with a full drone package.
National Mission on Natural Farming: Subsidy and How to Apply
Under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), a farmer in a selected cluster gets ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years, for up to one acre, to shift to chemical-free farming. You join through your gram panchayat's natural farming cluster, via the block agriculture office, ATMA or your village Krishi Sakhi, not by an open online form.
15 Winter Vegetables to Grow in Pots (Sow in October)
In the Indian plains, October is the month to sow spinach, methi, coriander, radish, carrot, beetroot, turnip, mustard greens, lettuce, peas and spring onion directly in pots, and to raise cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and knol-khol seedlings. Use 6 to 8 inch pots for greens, 12 inch pots for roots, and 12 to 14 inch pots for cabbage-family crops.
How to Get a Pesticide and Fertilizer Dealer Licence (State-wise 2026)
To get a pesticide licence in India, you (or an employee) need a science or agriculture degree or an approved diploma such as DAESI. You then apply to your state agriculture department, usually online, with ID, shop proof, principal certificates from suppliers and the fee. A fertilizer licence is a separate authorisation under FCO 1985 using Form A1.
Bulk Fertilizer and Pesticide Buying for FPOs: MOQ, Pricing, GST Invoice and Quality Checks
To buy fertilizers and pesticides in bulk, an FPO needs its own fertilizer, pesticide and seed licences, a GST registration and a licensed supplier. Chemical pesticides carry 18% GST, while fertilizers, FCO micronutrients and notified bio-pesticides carry 5%. Check registration numbers, batch, expiry and a certificate of analysis for every lot.
Agri Input Dealer Stock List: What Retailers Should Stock for Rabi Season
For rabi, an agri-input retailer should stock basal fertilizers (DAP, NPK complexes, urea, SSP), zinc and sulphur, seed treatment fungicides and bio-fertilizers before sowing, then wheat herbicides by November, and fungicides and aphid insecticides for December to February. Match quantities to local crop area, last season's sales and credit capacity.
Chana Sowing: Seed Treatment to Prevent Wilt
Treat chana seed in this order: a fungicide or Trichoderma first, an insecticide if termites are a problem, and Rhizobium plus PSB last, just before sowing. Typical doses are carbendazim-based fungicide at 2 to 2.5 g per kg, Trichoderma at 4 to 10 g per kg, and Rhizobium and PSB at about 200 g per 10 kg seed.
Mustard Sowing and Fertilizer Schedule for High Oil Yield
For irrigated mustard, ICAR recommends 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, 40 kg K2O and 40 kg sulphur per hectare. Apply half the nitrogen and all P, K and S at sowing, and the rest of the nitrogen at the first irrigation, 30 to 45 days after sowing. Add zinc and boron where soils are deficient.
Soil Testing Before Rabi: How to Read Your Soil Health Card
To read a Soil Health Card, check three parts: soil condition (pH, EC, organic carbon), nutrient status (N, P, K, S and five micronutrients rated low, medium or high) and the crop-wise fertilizer recommendation. Low means add more of that nutrient, high means you can cut back. Then convert kg of nutrient into fertilizer bags.
DAP Shortage? 5 Practical DAP Alternatives (SSP, NPK 12:32:16, Nano DAP) Compared
The most practical DAP alternatives are SSP (3 bags per DAP bag, plus about 20 kg extra urea), NPK 12:32:16 (about 1.5 bags), NPK 10:26:26 (about 1.8 bags) and TSP (1 bag, plus urea). Nano DAP supports seed treatment and foliar feeding but cannot replace the phosphorus that basal DAP supplies.
Wheat Sowing Planner: Sowing Time, Seed Rate, Varieties and Basal Dose by Zone
Sow timely wheat from 1 to 15 November in the north-western plains and 10 to 20 November in central and eastern India, at 100 kg seed per hectare (40 kg per acre). For late sowing after 25 November, raise seed to 125 kg per hectare and choose a late-sown variety recommended for your zone.
PMFBY Rabi Enrollment 2026-27: Premium, Deadline and Claim Process
PMFBY rabi registration for 2026-27 is open through banks, CSCs, insurance agents and pmfby.gov.in. Farmers pay only 1.5% of the sum insured for rabi food and oilseed crops and 5% for commercial or horticulture crops. The cut-off in most states is 31 December 2026, but check your state's notification. Report local damage within 72 hours.
PM-Kisan Next Installment: Status Check, eKYC and Payment Fixes
The latest PM-Kisan payment is the 23rd installment, released on 20 June 2026 to 9.44 crore farmers. The 24th installment is not yet released as of 24 September 2026 and falls in the August to November period. Check status on pmkisan.gov.in under Know Your Status using your registration number or Aadhaar and OTP.
Rabi MSP 2027-28: Crop-wise Rates, Trend and What Changed
As of 24 September 2026, the Cabinet has not yet announced rabi MSP for marketing season 2027-28. The latest confirmed rates (RMS 2026-27) are wheat ₹2,585, barley ₹2,150, gram ₹5,875, masur ₹7,000, rapeseed-mustard ₹6,200 and safflower ₹6,540 per quintal. The new rates usually come in October.
Terrace garden soil mix: a recipe that drains and feeds
A working terrace mix is roughly 40 percent coco peat for water holding, 30 percent compost for nutrition and biology, and 30 percent perlite or coarse sand for drainage and air. Garden soil should be no more than a quarter of the total, and can be left out completely. The mix must drain within a mi
Trichoderma and Beauveria for gardeners: using bio-agents at home
Trichoderma protects roots from soil disease and goes into the potting mix at planting. Beauveria bassiana kills soft-bodied insects and is sprayed on leaves. Both are living fungi, so they need cool storage, evening application, and a gap of at least a week from any chemical fungicide.
SHG Bank Linkage Programme Explained for Rural Women
The SHG Bank Linkage Programme is how a village savings group becomes a bank borrower. NABARD started it in 1992-93 with a pilot of around 500 groups, and it is now the largest programme of its kind in the world. There are two linkages, not one. Savings linkage is opening the group's bank account, a
Neem oil in the home garden: correct dilution and when not to use it
For a 3000 ppm azadirachtin neem oil, use 2 to 3 ml per litre of water for most garden pests. Higher concentrations need proportionally less: around 1 ml per litre at 10000 ppm, and 0.5 to 1 ml per litre at 50000 ppm. Always add an emulsifier, spray in the evening, and never spray a plant that is al
SHG vs FPO: Which Is Better for Farmers?
Neither is better. They solve different problems. An SHG solves your credit problem: ten to twenty members, savings first, collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakh, no registration needed. An FPO solves your price problem: at least 300 farmers, registered as a company or cooperative, buying inputs and
Organic pest control for home gardens: what works without chemicals
Organic pest control works when you catch the problem early. Neem oil handles soft-bodied insects such as aphids, whitefly and thrips. Fungal bio-insecticides like Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii handle the same pests more thoroughly but take a week. Insecticidal soap kills on contact. N
Self Help Group Loan for Agriculture Activities: Farmer Guide
Yes, an SHG loan can be used for farming. RBI classifies SHG loans taken for crop and allied purposes under agriculture for priority sector lending, treating the group as a set of individual farmers and applying the limits per member. The catch is repayment timing. Most SHG credit is structured as a
Root rot in containers: diagnosis and recovery
Healthy roots are white or cream, firm, and smell of soil. Rotted roots are brown or black, soft enough to squash between two fingers, and smell sour. If the outer layer slips off leaving a thin thread, that root is dead. Cut away everything rotted, repot into fresh dry mix, and do not water for sev
Yellow leaves on houseplants: a nutrient deficiency chart
Start with one question: are the old leaves yellowing, or the new ones? Nutrients that move inside the plant, including nitrogen, magnesium and potassium, cause symptoms on old leaves first. Nutrients that cannot move, including iron, zinc and calcium, show on new growth first. That single split nar
SHG Loan for Women Farmers: Complete Guide
The bank does not lend to you. It lends to your group, and your group lends to you. No land papers are needed, because the group's savings record and repayment discipline are the security. A women's SHG can borrow up to Rs 20 lakh without collateral, and up to Rs 10 lakh with no collateral and no ma
Stand-Up India Loan for Rural Entrepreneurs
Check the status before you plan. The Stand-Up India scheme period ran to 31 March 2025. On 16 March 2026 the Finance Minister told the Lok Sabha that the scheme came to an end in March last year and is being redrafted to give more benefits, with no launch date announced for the new version. Many we
Growing chillies in pots: from seed to first harvest
A chilli plant will fruit well in a 25 to 30 cm pot with at least six hours of direct sun. Sow indoors at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, transplant at the four to six leaf stage, and switch from a balanced feed to a potassium-heavy one as soon as the first flowers open. First harvest comes around 80 to 1
Soil pH and nutrient lock: why your fertiliser is not working
If you applied fertiliser and the crop did not respond, the nutrient is often still sitting in the soil in a form the root cannot absorb. Soil pH is the usual reason. Most nutrients are freely available between pH 6.0 and 7.0, and several shut down outside that band.
PMEGP Loan for Agriculture-Based Businesses
PMEGP will not fund cultivation. Growing a crop, running a plantation, horticulture and floriculture are all on the negative list. What PMEGP does fund is what happens around and after cultivation: value addition, off-farm and farm-linked activities, and specifically dairy, poultry, aquaculture and
CGTMSE Loan for Agri MSMEs
CGTMSE is not for farming. It is for enterprises. If you grow a crop or rear animals, that activity does not qualify. If you process, grade, pack, mill or provide a service to farms, and you are registered on Udyam as a micro or small enterprise, then your unit can get a CGTMSE-backed loan without c
Bio vs chemical inputs: where each one actually wins
Chemical inputs stop an outbreak that is already underway. Biologicals prevent one from starting, protect the soil, and keep produce free of residue. They are not competitors. Used in the wrong order, both disappoint.
Water-soluble vs granular fertiliser: when each one is worth the money
Water-soluble fertiliser costs two to four times more per kilogram than granular. It is worth that premium only when the crop needs a nutrient fast, or when you are already running drip. For the base dose at sowing, granular still wins on cost.
FPO Credit Guarantee Scheme Explained
A credit guarantee does not give your FPO money. It gives your bank a safety net, so the bank can lend to your FPO without asking for land or building as security. Under the 10,000 FPO scheme, an FPO can get a project loan of up to Rs 2 crore covered by a guarantee. Loans up to Rs 1 crore get 85 per
