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The rupee opened lower at 95.94/$.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened 32 paise lower against the dollar at 95.94, whereas it had closed at 95.62 on Monday.The Sensex was down 264.86 points or 0.34 percent at 77,351.54, and the Nifty was down 125.30 points or 0.52 percent at 24,085.70.READ MORE :- Rupee Rises 8 Paise to Close at 95.62 Against US Dollar

The Indian rupee strengthened by 8 paise against the US dollar on Monday, opening at 95.70 and settling at 95.62 by the close of the trading session.Indian equity benchmarks ended the day on a positive note. The Sensex gained 47.01 points, or 0.06%, to close at 77,616.40, while the Nifty rose 4.10 points, or 0.02%, to end at 24,211. Market breadth remained positive, with 2,207 shares advancing, 2,006 declining, and 174 remaining unchanged.READ MORE :-Rainfall Woes Delay Kharif Sowing in Nashik; 45% of Farmland Still Unsown

Crisis Looms Over Telangana's Kharif Season Due to Deficient Monsoon; 63% of Mandals AffectedHyderabad: A weak monsoon this year has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Telangana's Kharif season. Despite sowing and transplantation covering a larger area by the end of the first week of July compared to last year, farmers are increasingly concerned due to a severe rainfall deficit across most parts of the state. Agricultural experts believe that a lack of adequate and consistent rainfall in the coming days could severely impact crop growth, yields, and farmers' incomes.Out of the 605 mandals across the state's 32 rural districts, 382 (approximately 63 percent) have been affected by the monsoon's failure. The Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall for the remainder of July, further deepening the crisis facing Kharif crop prospects. Persistent rainfall deficiency has resulted in insufficient water inflow into major, medium, and minor irrigation reservoirs located in catchment areas, thereby disrupting irrigation systems.According to data from the Agriculture Department, the total area under Kharif cultivation has reached 55.32 lakh acres so far this year, compared to 52.04 lakh acres during the same period last year. A breakdown by crop reveals that cotton accounts for the largest share, with sowing completed on 39.44 lakh acres. Additionally, paddy transplantation has covered 4.22 lakh acres, while soybean, red gram (arhar), and maize have been cultivated on 3.35 lakh acres, 3.19 lakh acres, and 2.84 lakh acres, respectively; green gram (moong) and black gram (urad) have been cultivated on approximately 46,000 acres.Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society indicates that 68 mandals recorded rainfall deficits ranging from 60 to 99 percent below normal, while 327 mandals saw deficits between 20 and 59 percent. Rainfall was recorded in the 'normal' category in only 181 mandals; however, even within these areas, most received up to 19 percent less rainfall than normal. On the other hand, above-normal or excess rainfall was recorded in only 45 mandals. Of these, 11 mandals are located across the districts of Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Suryapet, and Bhadradri-Kothagudem.Statewide, average rainfall has been 25 percent below normal. The highest deficit was recorded in Hanumakonda district, while 25 districts—including Hyderabad—received less-than-normal rainfall. Nevertheless, groundwater levels remain stable due to good rainfall last year. The average groundwater level in June 2025 stood at 9.46 meters, nearly identical to the 9.47 meters recorded in June of the previous year.In anticipation of a potential crisis, the Agriculture Department has prepared a contingency plan. Officials state that if adequate rainfall does not occur by the end of the second week of July, farmers will be provided with seeds for alternative crops. Additionally, agricultural scientists are advising farmers to adopt low-water-consuming crops and weather-based farming practices to minimize potential losses.READ MORE :- Rainfall Woes Delay Kharif Sowing in Nashik; 45% of Farmland Still Unsown

Rainfall Woes Hit Sowing in Nashik Division; 45% of Agricultural Land Still UnsownNashik Road: The Kharif season in the Nashik division appears to be affected by a weak and uneven monsoon. While rainfall in some areas last week raised hopes among farmers, the pace of sowing remains sluggish due to the lack of continuous and adequate rain in most regions. Despite about a month and a half having passed since the onset of the monsoon, many farmers are still waiting to sow their crops because the soil lacks sufficient moisture. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing has not yet taken place on approximately 45 percent of the division's total cultivable land.Rising agricultural costs have further compounded farmers' concerns. Expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, land preparation, and labor have increased significantly compared to the past. Consequently, farmers are reluctant to take the risk of sowing in soil with low moisture levels. They argue that sowing without adequate rainfall could lead to seed failure and the need for re-sowing, effectively doubling their costs. This is why most farmers are waiting for good, consistent rainfall.Data from the Agriculture Department indicates that the average area for Kharif crops in the Nashik division is 20.33 lakh hectares. In contrast, sowing has been completed on only 11.23 lakh hectares so far—meaning cultivation has commenced on about 55 percent of the land, while the remaining 45 percent remains unsown. The districts of Nashik and Nandurbar are considered the most severely affected.The department has advised farmers to check weather forecasts before proceeding with sowing. Officials have emphasized that seeds should be sown only when there is adequate soil moisture and that fertilizers should be used in a balanced manner. Should drought-like conditions persist, farmers will be provided with technical guidance and agricultural advice.Meanwhile, Ankush Nivrutti Nikam, a retired teacher from Nagarsul, has set an example by using modern machinery to reduce farming costs. He has purchased a mechanical weeder for inter-cultivation, which allows the weeding of one acre to be completed using just one liter of petrol. According to him, while using bullocks for the same task costs around ₹1,600 per acre, the cost drops to approximately ₹100 when using the machine. The machine can cover three to four acres daily, significantly reducing labor costs as well.Nikam has urged farmers to adopt modern machinery in their farming practices. Meanwhile, Prabhakar Jagannath Kudke of the local society has requested the government to provide subsidies for small tractors and inter-cultivation machines—similar to those offered for large tractors—so that more farmers can leverage modern technology to lower their cultivation costs.READ MORE :- ₹14,000–₹27,000 Assistance for Cotton Farmers: Gujarat Opens Applications Under Cotton Productivity Mission

Assistance of ₹14,000 to ₹27,000 for Cotton Cultivation: Know Who Can Avail the Scheme's BenefitsTo boost domestic cotton production, reduce reliance on imports, and increase farmers' income, the Government of India has launched the "Mission for Cotton Productivity" (Kapas Kranti Mission) for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. The mission aims to enhance cotton productivity by promoting modern farming techniques. In line with this, the Gujarat government has approved a budget of ₹134.80 crore for the effective implementation of the scheme within the state.Gujarat is one of the country's leading cotton-producing states. Under this scheme, the state government has set a target to cover an area of over 1 lakh hectares across 21 cotton-growing districts. While cotton was sown across 77,760 hectares in Kutch district last year, sowing has been limited to just over 48,000 hectares so far this year due to rainfall patterns.Farmers must apply online via the i-Khedut portal to avail the benefits of the scheme. Applicants are required to be registered and must use government-approved or certified Bt cotton seeds.The government will provide financial assistance to farmers adopting two modern farming techniques. Under Integrated Crop Management (ICM), farmers sowing with 90×60 cm spacing will receive input assistance of up to ₹14,000 per account. Meanwhile, under Close Spacing Technology (CST), assistance of up to ₹27,000 per account will be provided for sowing with 90×30 cm spacing. In both cases, the assistance is capped at a maximum area of 2 hectares.Applications for this scheme opened on July 10, 2026, and can be submitted until July 24, 2026. Farmers from the Gujarat districts of Kutch, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Chhota Udepur, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Surendranagar, Bhavnagar, Botad, Bharuch, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Sabarkantha, Narmada, Mehsana, Banaskantha, Aravalli, Gandhinagar, Morbi, Junagadh, and Patan will be eligible for the scheme's benefits.To apply, the following are required: an Aadhaar card, 7/12 and 8-A land records, a bank passbook or a copy of a cancelled cheque, and an active mobile number linked to Aadhaar. The government's objective through this scheme is to encourage farmers to adopt modern technology, increase production, and make cotton cultivation more profitable.READ MORE :- Punjab Cotton Acreage Hits Record Low as Whitefly and Pink Bollworm Threat Grows

Cotton Acreage in Punjab Hits Record Low; Threat from Whitefly and Pink Bollworm RisesFarmers in Punjab's cotton-growing districts are concerned following early signs of whitefly and pink bollworm infestations. Agricultural experts state that while the current pest incidence remains below the Economic Threshold Level (ETL), regular monitoring of fields over the next 15–20 days is essential.This situation arises at a time when the state's cotton acreage has shrunk to approximately 80,000 hectares—considered the lowest ever recorded for the southern Malwa region. A lack of rainfall in July, coupled with persistent heat and high humidity, has created favorable conditions for pest proliferation.Teams from the State Agriculture Department, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are conducting continuous surveys across the districts of southwest Punjab to assess the situation. Scientists are monitoring pest populations in the fields and advising farmers on preventive and management measures.Cases of both whitefly and pink bollworm have been reported in Fazilka district, which accounts for nearly half (approximately 40,000 hectares) of Punjab's total cotton area this season. Chief Agriculture Officer Kulwant Singh stated that distinct whitefly infestations have been observed in some fields, while pink bollworm presence has also been detected in certain areas; however, the situation remains under control.In Muktsar district, farmers have been advised to use neem-based organic pesticides to control whiteflies during the early stages of infestation. Meanwhile, in Bathinda, the Agriculture Department has intensified monitoring and identified the villages of Jodhpur Romana and Yatri as whitefly hotspots. The presence of pink bollworm has also been recorded in some pheromone traps. Vijay Kumar, Principal Entomologist at PAU, stated that while the crop has not suffered any serious damage so far, the pest population could increase over the next two weeks if the current weather conditions persist. He expressed hope that rainfall might reduce the whitefly population. Experts have urged farmers to regularly monitor their fields, avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, and consult agricultural officials before undertaking any spraying.READ MORE :- Maharashtra Targets Higher Cotton Productivity in Three Marathwada Districts for Kharif 2026

Maharashtra: Target set to boost cotton productivity for Kharif 2026 in three Marathwada districtsThe Agriculture Department has proposed a target average cotton productivity of 3.69 quintals per hectare for the Kharif 2026 season across the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Beed districts of Maharashtra's Marathwada region. The department estimates that yields of major Kharif crops can be improved this year through modern agricultural techniques and better crop management. Under this plan, the average productivity for soybean is also projected at 16.06 quintals per hectare.According to the Agriculture Department, a sowing target of 21.35 lakh hectares has been set for the Kharif season across these three districts. However, due to a sluggish start to the monsoon, sowing had been completed on only 11.64 lakh hectares by July 7. In contrast, sowing had covered 18.40 lakh hectares by the same period last year. The proposed area includes 6.17 lakh hectares in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 6.46 lakh hectares in Jalna, and 7.92 lakh hectares in Beed.During the previous Kharif season (2025), the average cotton productivity was recorded at 3.33 quintals per hectare. Meanwhile, productivity stood at 14.42 quintals for soybean, 25.11 quintals for maize, 11.51 quintals for *Arhar* (pigeon pea), and 8.66 quintals for *Urad* (black gram) per hectare. The Agriculture Department expects production to increase this year through the use of improved seeds, balanced fertilizer application, and scientific farming practices.The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar agricultural division comprises three districts, 28 *talukas*, and 3,751 villages. The division has a total geographical area of 28.48 lakh hectares, with 23.76 lakh hectares of cultivable land. Approximately 21.77 lakh farmers in the region are engaged in agricultural activities.However, the weather remains the biggest challenge of the season. In view of the delayed monsoon, below-normal rainfall in several regions, and the potential impact of El Niño, the Agriculture Department is emphasizing the timely provision of seeds, fertilizers, and scientific advice to farmers. The department believes that an improvement in the productivity of Kharif crops is possible this year if weather conditions remain favorable.READ MORE :- Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka, Yields May Drop by 30%

Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka; Yields May Drop by Up to 30%Kalaburagi/Yadgir/Bidar: A lack of consistent rainfall is severely impacting Kharif crops across the Kalyana Karnataka region. Agricultural officials anticipate a yield decline of up to 30% in areas where sowing has been completed, citing soil moisture deficiency and stunted crop growth. Major crops such as *tur* (pigeon pea), *moong* (green gram), black gram, maize, cotton, soybean, and sunflower have either failed to germinate or have begun to wither.Statewide, only 48% of the Kharif sowing target has been achieved so far, with the figure standing at 43% for the Kalyana Karnataka region. Vijayanagara district, the worst-hit area, has seen no rainfall for the past 35 days, and sowing has been completed on only 30% of the land. D.T. Manjunath, the district's Joint Director of Agriculture, warned that if there is no significant rainfall in the coming days, 80% to 90% of the crops already sown could be lost.Dr. G.T. Putra, Director of the Department of Agriculture, noted that crop conditions vary across regions due to differing rainfall patterns. He expressed concern that the ongoing drought could undermine government efforts made in recent years to boost cotton and *tur* production. Cotton-growing districts like Raichur and Yadgir also face the risk of reduced yields.Hanumantappa Belagumpi, a farmer from Kalaburagi district, reported that he had sown *tur* and cotton following light rain, but the subsequent lack of precipitation has prevented the crops from germinating. However, the Agriculture Department states that if it rains soon, sowing for *tur* and cotton can still be carried out until August 15.In Koppal district, *moong* and sunflower crops have started to wither, whereas the situation in Bidar district remains relatively better. To provide relief to farmers, the district administration and the Agriculture Department are intensifying the registration drive under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring that the maximum number of farmers can receive financial assistance in the event of crop loss.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 38 Paise Lower at 95.70 Against US Dollar.

The rupee opened lower at 95.70 per dollar.On Monday, the Indian rupee opened 38 paise lower at 95.70 against the dollar, whereas it had closed at 95.32 on Friday.The Sensex fell 1,061.92 points, or 1.37%, to 76,507.47 in pre-market trade. The Nifty 50 declined 139.35 points, or 0.58%, to 24,067.55.READ MORE :- CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹800

CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹800 as Weekly Sales Surge to 1.73 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹800 per candy during the week ended June 26, 2026. Strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders was witnessed in the auctions, resulting in total weekly sales of about 1,73,900 bales from the 2025–26 crop season.Day-wise Auction PerformanceJuly 06, 2026 (Monday):The week began with sales of 9,200 bales. Mills purchased 3,400 bales, while traders lifted 5,800 bales.July 07, 2026 (Tuesday):Highest sales of the week were recorded on this day, with total sales of 70,200 bales. Mills bought 28,800 bales, while traders purchased 41,400 bales.July 08, 2026 (Wednesday):CCI auction sales stood at 61,000 bales. Mills purchased 40,500 bales, while traders lifted 20,500 bales.July 09, 2026 (Thursday):Sales declined further to 13,500 bales. Mills accounted for 7,800 bales, while traders purchased 5,700 bales.July 10, 2026 (Friday):The week ended with the sales of 20,000 bales. Mills purchased 10,400 bales, while traders bought 9,600 bales.Cumulative Sales UpdateWith the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season have reached 81,86,800 bales.

Gujarat Approves ₹134.80 Crore Cotton Productivity Mission; Farmers to Get Up to ₹14,000 Per HectareThe Gujarat government has announced a major initiative to boost cotton production and improve farmers' income by implementing the Mission for Cotton Productivity (Cotton Revolution Mission) in the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved the programme in line with the Government of India's ambitious five-year mission aimed at increasing cotton productivity, reducing imports, and promoting modern farming practices.Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani said the Centre has launched the mission for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. As one of India's leading cotton-producing states, Gujarat has been allocated ₹134.80 crore for the current year. The state aims to bring more than one lakh hectares under the programme across 21 cotton-growing districts.Under the mission, financial assistance will be provided to farmers who adopt scientific and modern cotton cultivation methods.Farmers adopting Closer Spacing Technology, in which cotton is planted at a spacing of 90 cm × 30 cm, will receive ₹14,000 per hectare as input assistance. Those following Integrated Crop Management (ICM) with a planting pattern of 90 cm × 60 cm will be eligible for ₹7,500 per hectare.However, the benefit will be available for a maximum of 2 hectares per farmer in a year.To qualify for the scheme, farmers must cultivate government-approved or certified cotton varieties or approved Bt cotton seeds. They must also be enrolled in the Farmer Registry, which is mandatory for receiving benefits under the mission.Besides financial assistance, the government will organise special training programmes throughout the year to help farmers adopt improved cultivation techniques, enhance productivity, and improve crop quality.The Agriculture Minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen Gujarat's position as India's leading cotton producer while ensuring better returns for farmers through improved farming practices.Eligible farmers can now apply online through the i-Khedut portal, which has been opened for applications from July 10, 2026. The government has urged interested farmers to complete their registration and submit applications within the prescribed timeline to avail themselves of the benefits under the Cotton Productivity Mission.