1.   

Iran relents on Indian wheat import

The row with Iran over the presence of rust in the Indian wheat seems to have settled for now. Iran has agreed to purchase wheat from India with 0.25 per cent tolerance to ‘Karnal Bunt’ rust, as an interim measure. However, India’s proposal to enter into a long-term deal with Iran to export one to two million tonnes annually for at least three years is pending because Iran is insisting on a flat rate, while India wants the price to be linked to international index-based futures.

2.   

India becoming leading exporter of bovine meat: 1.66 million tons in 2012

As a result, 2013 buffalo meat exports are forecast at 2.15 million tons (on a carcass weight equivalent basis), around 30% over 1.66 million tons in 2012. Last year meat exports were revised up to a record 1.29 million tons. India’s bovine herd continues to grow in response to strong demand for dairy products, with calendar year 2013 combined stocks forecast at 327 million head and 2012 combined stocks estimated at 323.74 million head.

3.   

Burma, India stepping up trade contacts

Burmese and Indian entrepreneurs will meet at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers and Commerce Industry (UMFCCI) in Rangoon on Monday to promote bilateral trade and investment, according to UMFCCI. An Indian business delegation from the Indo-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be trying to drum up business relationships in sectors including pulses and beans, timbers, sesame, pharmaceuticals, metal, tourism, construction, textile, automobile, clothing, livestock and agriculture, officials said.

4.   

Export of grains good for economy: Chavan

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said the ban on export of sugar, onion and cotton is not good for farmers and the economy. Speaking at the inauguration of the crushing season at Vighnahar cooperative sugar factory in Junnar on Wednesday, Chavan told farmers that the state government was in touch with the Union government about opportunities that can be created for agricultural produce in the international market.