1.   

Remove trade barriers on exports: Sharma tells US

India asked US to dismantle the tariff and non-tariff barriers set up against its merchandise exports and asked Washington DC to take the lead in concluding multi-lateral trade talks at World Trade Orga­nisation (WTO). Commerce minister An­a­nd Sharma said the Oba­ma administration should encourage capital flows and global trade by bringing down barriers.

2.   

India: Mobile processing unit developed

A mobile processing unit has been designed and developed by the Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology for the preservation of tomatoes and other perishable fruits. Despite producing a large volume of fruits and vegetables India lags behind other parts of the world when it comes to processing. Farmers often receive low prices for their produce, as it is all being sold at once, when there is a glut on the market. 

3.   

Non-alcoholic drinks segment has been growing rapidly for past few years

The Indian beverage market has observed strong growth over the past few years. Economic liberalisation and rising income of middle-class population have had a positive impact on consumer spending and consumption in both rural and urban areas. Indian consumer now spends a significant proportion of disposable income on food and other essential commodities.

4.   

Israel's Barhi date variety gaining ground in arid Kutch

Israel's Barhi date variety is fast gaining ground in arid Kutch region, as the acreage under this horticulture crop in Gujarat has risen to nearly 17,000 hectares over last one decade or so. "Acreage under date (Kharek) in Kutch has risen from 9,900 to 16,950 hectares in last one decade, off which approx 1,800 hectares is now under tissue culture plantation of Israel's Barhi variety," Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC) MD N K Singh said.