India, New Zealand to sign FTA on April 27; Luxon eyes access to 1.4 billion consumers.
India and New Zealand are set to sign a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) next week, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral economic ties, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Wednesday. Projecting the deal as a major economic breakthrough, Luxon said the agreement would open up access for New Zealand exporters to India’s vast market of 1.4 billion consumers. 'Our Free Trade Agreement with India will be signed next week — an agreement that gives New Zealand exporters access to 1.4 billion customers,' he said.
Source: tribuneindia.com
Extreme heat threatens India’s rice production, agri workers: UN report.
Heatwaves will become a major threat to Indian agriculture workers and rice production, with labour productivity in key regions like the Indo-Gangetic plains projected to drop sharply under high-emission scenarios, a joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Meteorological Organisation has warned. The report, titled 'Extreme Heat and Agriculture', released on Wednesday, said that in the worst-affected areas, such as the Indo-Gangetic plains, average growing season physical work capacity (i.e., expected labour output) could fall below 40% by the end of the century under a high-emission scenario. The most intense risk from future heatwaves is concentrated around densely populated agricultural regions of the Ganges and Indus river basins.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Government of India Approves 20 Lakh MT Potato Procurement in Uttar Pradesh.
The Government of India has approved key procurement decisions for farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, aimed at ensuring better prices and protecting growers from distress sales. The approvals were granted by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Source: global-agriculture.com
Andhra Pradesh mango pulp industry seeks central support.
Mango processors in Andhra Pradesh have sought an intervention from the central government as the escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts exports. The All India Food Processors Association has made a representation to the ministries of finance and commerce and industry through Rajampet's MP PV Midhun Reddy, while processors from Chittoor have also written to the finance minister.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Global palm oil supply to tighten in FY27 amid biodiesel push and weather risks: SEA.
Global palm oil supply is likely to remain constrained in FY27 due to biodiesel expansion, EL Nino effect and the ongoing geopolitical tension, said the Solvent Extractors Association (SEA), the apex body of edible oils in the country.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Quality and branding: The twin pillars of India’s global horticulture push.
Even as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges for India’s horticulture exports, India must strengthen quality standards and brand integrity to stay competitive in global markets, says a recent research paper. Improving efficiency across production systems is essential to raise farmer incomes while protecting value chain stakeholders, according to the research paper by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS).
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, Taiwan get time till October to settle ICT tariff dispute.
India and Taiwan on Tuesday requested the dispute settlement body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to delay the adoption of a ruling against New Delhi's import duties on certain information and communication technology (ICT) products till October 27, as both sides are engaged in resolving the issue mutually. The two nations said they sought time to continue engagement with each other for a resolution of this dispute, according to an official.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, Korea ink MoU to boost MSME ties.
India and the Republic of Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, the MSME ministry said on Tuesday. The agreement was finalised on Monday during the visit of a delegation led by Lee Jae Myung.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, US continue to have 'positive, productive discussions' on trade deal.
A senior United States official has said that Washington and New Delhi are making progress toward a finalised trade deal, as the two sides hold fresh negotiations in the American capital. The official, speaking to ANI, said, 'The Trump administration and India continue to have positive and productive discussions towards a finalised trade deal.'
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India’s Seafood Exports Hit All-Time High of Rs. 72,000 Crore.
India’s seafood exports rose to a record Rs. 72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, with volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes, according to provisional data released by MPEDA. Frozen shrimp remained the primary growth driver, contributing Rs. 47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion), accounting for over two-thirds of total export earnings. Shipments of shrimp grew 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value, reinforcing its dominance in India’s marine products export basket.
Source: pib.gov.in