Based on the estimate, a courier bringing in 1 kg of gold currently worth around $40,000 at world prices could earn $470 if not caught.
Indian farmers depend on June-September monsoon rains, as half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation facilities.
The country has produced a record harvest, but many farmers in the onion bowl of Maharashtra have lost a large share of their crop damaged in storage, adding to the country's inflation woes.
India will raise its import duty on sugar to 40 percent from 15 percent, as the government tries to revive business at mills that owe farmers around $1.84 billion, the food minister said on Monday.
It will be the first to go, in what has become an overcrowded segment since India first allowed futures trading in commodities in 2003.
Monsoon rains are vital for 55 per cent of the country's farmlands that lack irrigation facilities.
The govt is increasing the duty to 15 per cent from the existing 10 per cent.
Global experts last week gave the same forecast.
The state is struggling to provide drinking water to thousands of people.
A govt report on Wednesday recommended reining in gold imports to curb deficit.
In Jan the country raised the import tax on the yellow metal by 2 percentage points.
The current cost of the food subsidy is Rs 1 trillion.
Prices have more than doubled in three months.
Rising rupee, local freight make export less competitive.
Africa, Middle East top destinations for Indian wheat.
Though retail demand was weak, jewellers were restocking for Pongal festival.
It was trading around Rs 30,638 per 10 grams, the lowest since August 30.
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