India on Wednesday said it looked forward to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with the Maldives as its envoy held discussions with a senior minister of the archipelagic nation.

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has emerged as a resounding success story, solidifying the two nations’ long-standing economic ties and ushering in a new era of prosperity. It has been two years since CEPA was signed and became operational. This has significantly advanced trade, with bilateral exchanges increasing from USD 72.9 billion to USD 84.5 billion, registering a year-on-year increase of 16 percent.

In a move that has stirred both anticipation and controversy, the Union government has partially relaxed the indefinite ban on onion exports, greenlighting the immediate export of 2,000 tonnes of white onions. The decision announced on 25 March 2024, has brought relief to Gujarat, the leading producer and exporter of white onions in the country.

Shillong hosted a significant event marking the orientation for Phase IV of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-East Region (MOVCDNER), bringing together key stakeholders, government officials, and industry leaders to outline the roadmap for organic farming development in the Northeast. The program, which took place from May 2 to May 3, was held at MAMETI, Shillong.

PUSA Krishi is set to organize the 4th edition of Agri India Meet online from 10 A.M. to 01 P.M. on 10th May 2024. Renowned Agribusiness experts including Dr. Partha R Das Gupta, Advisor Emeritus, Syngenta Foundation, Jagadeesh Sunkad, Independent Consultant, Dinesh Kumar Kapila, Chief General Manager (Retd) NABARD and Manish Gupta, Associate VP, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals will grace the event as panellists.

The FCI is sitting on a stockpile of around 534 lakh tonnes of rice, which is four times the required buffer for July 1 and enough to meet requirements for one year even if there is no fresh procurement.