UNITED STATES-INDIA JOINT STATEMENT
Today’s framework reaffirms the countries’ commitment to the broader U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, launched by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains. The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/
10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations Formed Under Central Sector FPO Scheme
Under the Central Sector Scheme of ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs Scheme’ of Government of India, 10,000 FPOs have since been formed. Out of 10,000 FPOs registered under the Scheme, 1,175 FPOs are registered with 100% women members. As of 1st January, 2026, out of total 56.32 lakh farmers registered under the Central Sector Scheme of ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs Scheme, 21.96 lakh are women farmers.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/
FSSAI grants 3 mth extension to FBOs to comply with new mfg stds for sausages
Industry representatives cited several technical and practical challenges in meeting the new compliance requirements, which include altering long-standing recipes to meet specific additive and protein standards mandated by the amendment, modernising the factory equipment to adhere to stricter preparation & hygiene guidelines, and clearing existing stock produced under the outgoing standards to prevent significant financial losses.
Source: https://www.fnbnews.com/
No 'saudebaazi', India-US trade deal safeguards farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Bhopal, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday asserted the India-US trade deal was reached through constructive dialogue, not "saudebaazi" (bargaining), while hitting out at the Congress over its allegations that it was a surrender.The pact provides complete protection to the agriculture sector and keeps farmers' and the national interests paramount, Chouhan said, asserting that key agricultural products vital to cultivators have been excluded from the agreement."No product that would cause even the slightest harm to Indian farmers has been included in this agreement," the senior BJP leader said at a press conference at his residence here.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
APEDA showcases India’s fresh produce strength at Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) marked a strong and impactful presence at Fruit Logistica 2026, held from 4 to 6 February 2026 at Messe Berlin, Germany, showcasing the diversity, superior quality and export potential of Indian fruits and vegetables. The India Pavilion at the prestigious global fresh produce trade fair featured active participation from the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC), along with 16 APEDA-registered exporter members.
Source: foodtechbiz.com
Agriculture sector shows robust growth in 2024–25.
The agriculture and allied sector in India recorded a Gross Value Added (GVA) growth of 10.4% in 2024–25 at current prices, according to provisional estimates released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The increase reflects sustained expansion across crops, livestock, fisheries and horticulture segments, underscoring the resilience of the farm economy in a challenging global environment.
Source: fnbnews.com
Challenges Faced by Approved Units Under Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries.
The Ministry has not observed any operational challenges among the approved units under Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI). Support is provided under the PLISFPI scheme to facilitate greater participation of small and medium enterprises and diversification into new and value added product categories. Under the PLISFPI Scheme, 69 applicants and 40 contract manufacturers of the applicants are from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector. Further, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) provides support to micro enterprises under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) Schemes.
Source: pib.gov.in
Government Support for Renewable Energy and Sustainability in Food Processing Industry.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) supports renewable source of energy viz. Solar, Bio-mass, Wind, etc. for the project in the schemes and provides financial assistance for incorporating renewable/alternate energy technologies in food processing units, with a maximum permissible cost of Rs.35 lakh per project under component schemes of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY). Under component schemes of PMKSY, as per the Scheme guidelines, consent to operate (CTO) issued by the concerned state Pollution board/Agency in respect of Water and Air, is mandatory for release of instalment of Grant-In-Aid/Subsidy to the approved projects. Further, Project Implementation Agency (PIA) has to comply with the requirements of Cold Chain infrastructure as per the directions of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate change, Government of India with respect to use of Non-ODS (Non- Ozone depleting Substances) and low GWP (Low Global Warming Potential) refrigerants-based energy efficient cooling systems.
Source: pib.gov.in
India and Gulf Cooperation Council Sign Terms of Reference for India–GCC Free Trade Agreement.
The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were signed between Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator, Department of Commerce and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, Chief Negotiator, Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on 5 February 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The signing took place in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada, and Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal.
Source: pib.gov.in
India–US Trade Deal: No Compromise on Agriculture or Dairy; Farmers’ Interests Fully Protected: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Amid opposition allegations surrounding the India–US Trade Deal, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today firmly stated that the agreement fully safeguards India’s agricultural interests, particularly those of the farm and dairy sectors. He underlined that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the deal reflects a new benchmark of diplomacy, development and dignity, with the Prime Minister making it clear from the outset that farmers’ interests are non-negotiable. Addressing the media in Delhi, Shri Chouhan reiterated that India’s staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets and dairy products remain completely secure and face no threat whatsoever. He emphasized that the interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected, and that the agreement will create fresh opportunities rather than risks for Indian agriculture.
Source: pib.gov.in