India Assured: Ample Seeds for Kharif Season Ahead

The Indian government has confirmed a comfortable position regarding essential agricultural inputs for the upcoming Kharif season. Additional Secretary Maninder Kaur Dwivedi stated that seed availability is projected at 185.74 lakh tonnes, exceeding the estimated requirement of 166.46 lakh tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 19.29 lakh tonnes. This ensures sufficient seeds for all major crops across all states.

Regarding fertilisers, the estimated requirement for the Kharif season is 390.54 lakh tonnes, with an opening stock of 180 lakh tonnes, representing 46% of the total need. States have been directed to undertake special drives to prevent hoarding, black marketing, smuggling, and diversion of fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes. Agro-chemical supplies are also deemed sufficient, and wholesale prices for vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions remain within normal ranges, showing slight improvement.