Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma bats for revival of India-Bangladesh trade ties, border haats.
India and Bangladesh have initiated dialogue at the 'local level' to reset ties, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said, while calling for reviving people-to-people engagement and trade between the two countries. Interacting with a group of journalists here on Friday, Sangma said it was important to remind people of the historical cooperation between the two countries, including India's support to Bangladesh during difficult times.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India taps Oman to rescue $11.8 billion food exports to West Asia.
Amid the prolonged conflict rattling West Asia, India is looking to Oman for continuation of its vital trade in essential foods — such as rice, meat, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables — with the broader region by routing shipments through Omani ports and land routes, avoiding high-risk maritime zones. 'With the Strait of Hormuz in a state of inactivity effectively blocking India’s traditional trade arteries with West Asia, New Delhi is actively exploring logistical alternatives to continue its agricultural sector exports to West Asia, estimated at about $11.8 billion annually. Oman is emerging as an effective option in India’s rerouting strategy,' a source tracking the matter told businessline.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India's exports to China rise 27% in April; imports up 20.85%.
India's exports to China increased by 27 per cent in April, while imports from the neighbouring country rose 20.85 per cent, according to the government data. While exports increased to $1.77 billion in April 2026 from $1.39 billion in April 2025, imports rose to $11.97 billion in April 2026 from $9.90 billion in the year-ago month, the data showed.
Source: deccanherald.com
India-Brics trade booms to $416 billion, but deficit keeps rising.
India’s trade with Brics countries gathered pace over the past five years, making the bloc a significant part of the country’s imports. However, this growing trade also reflects a bigger problem: India is relying more on imports from the bloc, pushing its trade deficit higher. A report by Rubix Data Sciences said India’s bilateral trade with the other 10 Brics countries touched $416 billion in CY2025, growing at nearly 10% every year between CY2021 and CY2025. But while trade has increased, India’s goods trade deficit with the bloc has nearly doubled in the same period, rising from $117 billion to $224 billion.A big reason for this is the sharp jump in imports. India’s imports from Brics nations stood at $320 billion in CY2025, growing at a 12% CAGR over five years.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India–Australia partnership eyes future of unmanned agriculture by 2047.
The India–Australia Smart Farm Network was formally launched at the Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University on Thursday, marking a significant step toward advancing climate-smart and digital agriculture. The initiative was organised by the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster, and CoE-FPO. The network aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration in precision farming, sustainable agricultural systems, and innovation-driven practices.
Source: thehansindia.com
New cube-based pack from India targets ‘empty air’ in fresh produce logistics.
India's fresh produce exporters are under intensifying pressure to move more product at lower cost, through crowded cold chains, using less plastic without risking shelf-life or presentation. 'Conventional produce clamshells and trays often waste space in cartons and pallets, so exporters end up paying to ship 'empty air' along with the fruit,' says Mitanshu Choudhary, Founder and Managing Partner of Ecopak, Q-Bic's first licensee partner in the country. 'That is the backdrop against which Ecopak and Norwegian-developed Q-Bic are piloting the cube-based pack in India.'
Source: freshplaza.com
Tripartite Mou signed to boost Horticulture development in Nagaland.
In a significant step toward strengthening Nagaland’s horticulture ecosystem and enhancing farmer livelihoods, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, entered into a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Natural Fuel India, Chümoukedima, and Sathwaro Farming Group, Gujarat, for the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture value chain in the State through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Office Chamber of the Commissioner & Secretary, Horticulture Department, Government of Nagaland on 14th May 2026.
Source: ipr.nagaland.gov.in
Bengal govt lifts curbs on interstate potato export.
State govt on Wednesday lifted all restrictions on the interstate movement of agricultural produce. While the notification covers food grains, oilseeds and vegetables, its most significant impact will be on the unrestricted export of potatoes. Bengal produced a record 140-150 lakh tonne potatoes in the 2025-26 season, marking a 20% year-on-year rise and the highest output in five years.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Indian grapes gain market access to Vietnam.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has announced that Vietnam has officially granted market access for the export of fresh grapes from India, effective May 6, 2026. This approval, communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and the Plant Production and Protection Department (PPD) of Vietnam, marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural trade expansion and opens up a promising new market in Southeast Asia.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
Tripartite MoU signed to boost horticulture development in Nagaland.
The Department of Horticulture has entered into a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Natural Fuel India, Chümoukedima, and Sathwaro Farming Group, Gujarat, for the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture value chain in the state through a public-private partnership model. According to a DIPR report, the agreement was signed at the office chamber of the Commissioner and Secretary of the Horticulture department in Kohima on Thursday.
Source: easternmirrornagaland.com