24 Dec, 2025 News Image National Mission on natural farming to drive sustainable, low-cost agriculture across India.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was approved by the union cabinet on November 25, 2024 with the aim of promoting natural farming practices across the country, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare informed Parliament. The mission is backed by a total financial outlay of Rs 2,481 crore, of which the central share is Rs 1,584 crore and the states’ share is Rs 897 crore up to the 15th finance commission period ending March 2026.
 Source:  fnbnews.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image Following unrest, some exporters seek ban on rice exports to Bangladesh.
A section of exporters wants the Indian government to ban rice exports to Bangladesh, following attacks on Indians, particularly the Assistant High Commissioner’s office in Chattogram last week. The exporters say that the situation is so alarming that shipments to Bangladesh are at risk. They also point out how Bangladesh has banned exports of raw jute, forcing Indian jute mills to cut production.
 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participates in Farmers’ Conference at Nagaur, Rajasthan.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today transferred financial assistance under various schemes into the bank accounts of farmers during a massive Farmers’ Conference held at Merta City in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. On the occasion, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Shri Avinash, Minister of State for Revenue Shri Vijay Singh, Chairman of the Farmers’ Commission Shri C. R. Chaudhary, Member of Parliament Ms. Mahima Kumari, and MLA Shri Laxman Ram Ji Kalaru were also present.
 Source:  pib.gov.in
24 Dec, 2025 News Image Maharashtra to bring 25 lakh hectares under natural farming: Fadnavis.
The Maharashtra government has decided to intensify the Mission on Natural Farming to enhance agricultural productivity, improve quality, and protect soil health, with a target of bringing 25 lakh hectares of land under natural farming over the next two years, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Addressing an event at the Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) in Nagpur, Fadnavis said the State government was fully committed to advancing the mission, as it would benefit farmers while preventing land degradation. He said the move was critical at a time when agriculture was facing multiple challenges, including soil health, rising input costs, and climate stress.
 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image 'India could become a significant producer of avocados within the next decade'.
Avocado cultivation in India is picking up fast and the sector is set to shift from scattered plantations to organized commercial production over the next 5-10 years, says Narendra Mohan from Bihar's Department of Agriculture. 'India is one of the fastest growing avocado markets globally, and the crop promises high returns of USD 6500 to 13000 per acre for farmers switching from traditional options.'​
 Source:  freshplaza.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image India-New Zealand FTA puts spotlight on Kashmir apples.
The conclusion of the long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and New Zealand has brought renewed focus on Kashmir, the country’s largest apple-producing region, with growers and policymakers weighing both the opportunities and challenges arising from the deal. Under the agreement, New Zealand will receive limited preferential access for apples to the Indian market through a tariff-rate quota, while India has retained safeguards such as minimum import prices and seasonal restrictions.
 Source:  greaterkashmir.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image Indian blueberry market picking up momentum.
During a recent trip to India, Global Plant Genetics Ltd observed first-hand how quickly interest in commercial blueberry production is developing. Although India remains a very small producer on the global stage, it is clear to GPG that the country's long-term potential is exceptional. With a population nearing 1.5 billion and a middle class of around 500 million people, India represents one of the world's largest untapped opportunities for blueberries.
 Source:  freshplaza.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image US wants to sell GM soya and corn to India, farmers wary.
Mahesh Patel, a soya bean farmer in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has been disappointed with the dismal produce in the just-concluded harvesting season. The 57-year-old, who has more than 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of fertile land, told Al Jazeera that the production of soya beans has suffered a major blow across the state due to excessive rain, which destroyed his standing crops.
 Source:  aljazeera.com
24 Dec, 2025 News Image Northeast India's exporters eye potential of Khasi oranges.
Tripura's orange orchards are delivering good volumes right now, with the harvest window lasting until February-March, says Sukanta Paul of Sukanta Overseas, a fresh produce exporter in the region. 'Production has been stable thanks to favourable weather and better orchard management by local farmers. The cultivation spans across 8,000 to 9,000 hectares, mainly by smallholder growers, which is keeping supply steady for both domestic and cross-border shipments.'
 Source:  freshplaza.com
23 Dec, 2025 News Image India, Canada to soon start talks for terms of reference for trade pact: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said India and Canada are soon to start discussions on the Terms of Reference (ToR) to formally start negotiations for a free trade agreement. The two countries were earlier negotiating a trade pact but it was paused by Canada in 2023.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com