Why do the prices of onions, tomatoes, and potatoes keep fluctuating? Why do the prices of the foods we eat continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term?
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Stay tuned to our podcast series explaining the key factors affecting Indian Agriculture brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline.
How AI, drones and government policy could shape the future of Indian agriculture
What will the next phase of Indian agriculture look like? In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective podcast, Soumyak Biswas, Partner, Food and Agribusiness, Government Advisory, BDO India, joins Subramani Ra Mancombu to discuss how AI, machine learning, drones and mechanisation could influence the future of farming in India. The discussion looks at farm productivity and farmer incomes, precision agriculture, climate resilience, crop diversification and the growing role of technology in agriculture. Biswas also discusses electric farm equipment and the government policy priorities needed to make Indian agriculture more productive and competitive.
1 Sept 2026
AI, satellite data and smarter financing: The next phase of Indian agriculture | Agrispective, EP-13
Indian agriculture is moving beyond basic farmer-facing apps to a new era driven by artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, GIS-based crop intelligence and data-led decision-making.
In this episode of Agrispective, Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with
Amith Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO, StarAgri, about how technology is reshaping the agricultural value chain.Agarwal explains how AI and digital intelligence are helping farmers make better crop choices, improve productivity, strengthen traceability and gain access to formal financing through more accurate risk assessments. He discusses the growing role of satellite data in monitoring crop health, estimating production and supporting agricultural lending through farmer scorecards built on historical crop and transaction data.
The conversation also explores the outlook for the current kharif season, with Agarwal expecting production to be 5-7% lower than last year due to weather-related challenges and the need for more accurate forecasting tools. He highlights how warehouse receipt financing and collateral management can help farmers avoid distress sales, wait for better market prices and improve returns on their produce.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producers: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy, Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
29 Jul 2026
Agrispective | EP 12 | Are milk prices curdling under supply pressure?
In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Srideep Kesavan, CEO of Heritage Foods, on the factors driving the recent rise in milk prices and the outlook for India’s dairy sector.
The discussion unpacks how a persistent gap between supply and demand, declining animal productivity, and rising input costs have pushed prices higher over the past five quarters. The impact of an erratic monsoon, including a rainfall deficit of around 25 per cent, and its cascading effect on fodder availability and production is also examined.
Despite these challenges, dairy companies are leaning on value-added products and working closely with farmers to sustain output, even as higher costs are gradually passed on to consumers. Tune in for insights into how the sector is navigating climate pressures and inflationary trends.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producers: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
9 Jun 2026
Agrispective | Episode 11 | Palm oil in focus: balancing food security, sustainability, and farmer prosperity in India
India imports nearly 10 million tonnes of palm oil each year—making it a cornerstone of the country’s food system and a subject of intense debate. In this episode of Businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Sumit Roy, Assistant General Manager, Palm Oil Programme at Solidaridad Asia, to unpack the complexities surrounding this widely used yet controversial commodity.
As Sumit Roy emphasises, “the priority should be responsible production—enforcing no deforestation, no peat, no exploitation, while improving yields rather than expanding cultivation.” The episode also explores India’s growing influence in shaping global supply chains, the importance of traceability and sustainable sourcing, and how consumer awareness is driving change.
Reinforcing the big picture, Roy notes that “sustainability, food security, and inclusive growth are not conflicting—they go hand in hand when palm oil is produced responsibly.” Tune in for a nuanced discussion on how India can lead the way in creating a palm oil ecosystem that supports both people and the planet.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy , Siddharth MC)
29 May 2026
Agrispective|EP 10| India’s agri crossroads: Growth, gaps and the road ahead
In this episode of BusinessLine’s Agrispective podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu explores the evolving landscape of Indian agriculture with M Ramakrishnan, Managing Director at Primus Partners.
India’s farm sector continues to be the backbone of the economy—supporting over half the workforce and delivering record-breaking production in key crops like rice, wheat, and maize. But beneath these achievements lies a pressing question: Is the focus shifting from sheer output to sustainable productivity and farmer prosperity?Ramakrishnan offers a grounded perspective on the productivity gap—highlighting how India’s yields still lag global benchmarks despite significant investments. The conversation dives into the mixed response of farmers—some driven by market opportunities and export potential, while others remain tied to policy structures like MSP and traditional practices.A key theme is the disconnect between agri-innovation and on-ground adoption. Despite the availability of cutting-edge solutions—from AI-based advisories to IoT-enabled soil monitoring—adoption remains low due to fragmented landholdings, affordability constraints, and last-mile challenges.
The episode also tackles a critical issue: farmer incomes. Even as agricultural production rises, income growth remains limited.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producers: Siddharth MC, Renil S Varghese)
30 Apr 2026
Agrispective|EP 09| From West Asia tensions to farm inputs: How global shocks are reshaping India’s agrochemical sector
In this episode of the BusinessLine Agrospective Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Ankur Aggarwal, chairman of CropLife India and executive chairman & managing director of Crystal Crop Protection ltd, on how geopolitical tensions are impacting global agrochemical supply chains, raw material availability and input costs for farmers.
The Indian agrochemical and agri-input sector is navigating heightened uncertainty amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, rising energy and freight costs, disrupted trade routes, and evolving domestic regulations.
Aggarwal explains why price pressures may ease but not fully revert, outlines the limited long-term impact on India’s ₹40,000-crore agrochemical exports despite higher logistics costs, and discusses the government’s proactive engagement with industry during the crisis.
The conversation also looks at how Indian companies can move up the value chain from generics to innovation-led products, the importance of regulatory data protection, and the way forward for India’s pesticide management framework.
The discussion concludes with looking at science-backed, regulated pesticide use, tackling counterfeit products, and explaining why collaboration between government and industry is critical for sustainable, high-productivity agriculture.
23 Mar 2026
Agrispective | EP 08 | ₹1 lakh crore loss: Fixing India’s farm to market gaps
In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Soumyak Biswas, Partner, BDO India, on how India can reduce post-harvest losses from farm to market. Biswas explains that losses of ₹90,000 to ₹1 lakh crore arise across harvesting, handling, storage, transport and processing, and stresses the need to address the entire value chain together. He highlights the challenges posed by fragmented smallholder farming, limited infrastructure and low private investment, and points to the role of Farmer Producer Organisations in aggregation and value addition. The discussion also covers the future of food processing in India, the importance of technology, and the need for stronger policies, infrastructure support and blended finance to build a more efficient agricultural ecosystem.
25 Feb 2026
Agrispective | EP 07 | Per Drop More Crop: Is India missing out with just 15–17% micro irrigation coverage?
In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani M R speaks with Ramesh Ramachandran, MD & CEO of Mahindra AgriSolutions and MD of Mahindra EPC Irrigation. They discuss how technology is reshaping Indian agriculture. Ramachandran highlights the impact of biotech-driven, climate-resilient seed varieties and early-duration crops that boost farmer incomes. The discussion covers IoT-enabled irrigation, automated farm workflows, and drone-based spraying. A key focus is micro-irrigation, which improves yields and water-use efficiency. Ramachandran also examines the shift to higher-value horticulture and the role of corporates in building integrated value chains and driving sustainable growth in Indian farming.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producers: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
29 Jan 2026
Can keeping crops cool deliver hotter returns? | Agrispective | EP 06
In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani M R speaks with Pinakin Simaria, Head – Agribusiness Group at Kotak Mahindra Bank, on the rapid evolution of India’s agricultural cold storage and post-harvest infrastructure.
India’s cold storage capacity has crossed 39 million tonnes, with utilisation levels rising sharply in recent years. While potatoes continue to dominate storage, facilities are increasingly being expanded for fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, and high-value processed crops. How is this growing cold storage network helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses and secure better price realisation?
The conversation examines regional demand trends across coastal Andhra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and other key belts, along with the impact of government schemes, financing support from banks, technological advancements, and expectations from the Union Budget on the future of India’s cold chain ecosystem.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producers: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy , Renil Varghese)
11 Dec 2025
Roots, routes, and revenues: Can India stay ahead in the global agrochemical game? | Agrispective | EP 05
In this episode of businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Rajesh Aggarwal, MD of Insecticides India Limited, on India’s rise as the third-largest agrochemical exporter. With exports hitting $3.3 billion and domestic turnover at ₹69,000 crore ($8 billion), the sector is booming.
Aggarwal shares how companies are navigating raw material volatility, price cycles, and shifting global demand while leveraging backward integration, R&D, and sustainable formulations.
They go on to talk about India’s competitive advantages—low production costs, favorable demographics, and year-round manufacturing—and the role of policy support and innovation incentives in boosting export competitiveness.
Aggarwal highlights the shift toward eco-friendly chemistries, water-based formulations, and specialty crops, offering insights for investors, industry professionals, and farmers eager to understand the trends shaping India’s agrochemical growth.
Listen in!
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producers: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy, Siddharth MC)
29 Nov 2025
Inside the climate workforce revolution: Why farmers must be at the centre | Agrispective | EP 04
This episode looks at the fast-moving climate workforce revolution and what it means for agriculture. Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Amit Banka, founder and chief executive of WeNaturalists, about how climate action has shifted from boardrooms to community-led movements across the world. Banka explains why the past decade has seen rapid awareness and participation, especially among young people, and why meaningful progress depends on empowering communities at the grassroots rather than relying on policy alone.The conversation explores how climate initiatives are playing out on farms in India and abroad. While regions with large land holdings have adopted precision and regenerative farming at scale, India faces the complexity of small and fragmented farms. Banka highlights why access to weather intelligence and on-the-ground support can make a direct difference to crop patterns and farmers’ income. The discussion centres around common perceptions about climate leadership. From mangrove conservation groups in India to climate tech innovators in Kenya, action is emerging far beyond traditional institutions — provided resources reach the right hands.
Listen in!
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producers: Rowan Barnett, Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy, Siddharth MC)
28 Oct 2025
Policy, climate, and farmers: Is India doing enough to protect its fields?| Agrispective | EP 03|
In this episode of BusinessLine’s Agrispective, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Professor. Rajeswari Raina, Shiv Nadar University, about the challenges and opportunities facing Indian agriculture under climate change.
Prof. Raina explains how agriculture, a state subject under the Constitution, requires regionally differentiated policies that can anticipate and respond to climate shocks. She highlights the consequences of policy neglect—from stubble burning to farmer distress—and stresses the need for public investment to build resilience and sustainability.
The episode also examines how policy gaps impact farmers on the ground and explores strategies for creating climate-resilient, locally adaptive agricultural systems.
Tune in to understand how thoughtful, region-specific policies can safeguard India’s fields, farmers, and food future.
24 Sept 2025
What makes CRISPR the ‘scissors’ of modern agriculture? | Agrispective | EP 02 |
In this episode of BusinessLine's Agrispective, host Subramani Mancombu talks with Dr. RS Paroda, former Director General of ICAR, about the transformative potential of gene editing in agriculture.
Dr. Paroda explains how gene editing, using tools like CRISPR-Cas, allows precise changes to crop DNA to improve traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutrient content—without introducing foreign genes. This technology speeds up crop improvement and helps address challenges like climate change and soil health.
The episode goes on to cover India’s regulatory approach to gene editing, which supports faster innovation while ensuring safety. Dr. Paroda emphasises the importance of public awareness and science-backed communication to address concerns about gene-edited crops.
Tune in to learn how gene editing could revolutionise Indian farming, improve yields, and support nutrition security in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
21 Aug 2025
Breaking barriers: How women farmers are driving India’s cash crops, dairy growth, and food security | Agrispective | EP 01 |
In this episode of Agrispective, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Naveen Patidar, CEO of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), about the growing role of women in Indian agriculture. While women contribute to nearly 80% of farm and livestock activities, their access to land ownership, credit, and income remains limited.
The episode begins with how rural women are stepping into leadership roles in farming, irrigation, and entrepreneurship. Patidar shares the success of the Solar Didi initiative in Bihar, where women manage solar-powered irrigation services and earn steady incomes. He goes on to talk about women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) that give female farmers more control over profits and decision-making.
This episode sheds light on the challenges women face in agriculture and the steps needed to recognise them as farmers in their own right. From fieldwork to financial empowerment, their contributions are essential to food security and rural prosperity.
Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are reshaping the future of Indian agriculture by placing women at the centre of progress.
(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)
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