India's exports to hold in March despite global turmoil, says Piyush Goyal.
India's trade remains resilient despite global disruptions and the deficit is manageable, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The country's exports have largely remained stable till February despite pressure due to rising freight costs and challenges around the Strait of Hormuz closure and are expected to hold in March, the minister said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India engaged with US, working with industry to mitigate tariff impact: Govt to Parliament.
The government is studying and assessing all the developments and remains engaged with the US, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. On being asked whether the US imposing 'such high tariffs” are in violation of WTO and other UN ratified agreements on tariff and trade and the retaliatory and remedial steps taken by the government, he said: 'As an affected member with significant export interest to the US in the products concerned, India requested consultations with the US under Article 12.3 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards. As consultations did not take place, India notified the WTO Council for Trade in Goods and theCommittee on Safeguards that it reserves rights for suspension of concessions under Article 8 of the Agreement on Safeguards.'
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
No drop in yield from shifting to natural farming, it rises in some cases, says Shivraj Chouhan.
Informing the Parliament that around 18 lakh farmers have registered to practice natural farming across more than 8 lakh hectares, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Wednesday, adding that scientific evidence confirms there is no drop in yield when transitioning to chemical-free methods. In some instances, productivity actually rises, he noted.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
World's largest food storage scheme for farmers.
In order to address the shortage of storage capacity for food grains in the country and creation of decentralised scientific grain storage infrastructure, the Government, on 31st May, 2023, has approved the 'World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector', which has been rolled out as a Pilot Project. The Plan entails creation of various agri infrastructure including godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)/ other cooperative societies level through convergence of various existing schemes of the Government of India (GoI), such as, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), etc.
Source: pib.gov.in
Multi-State Cooperative Societies for organic products.
With the approval of the Union Cabinet, the Ministry of Cooperation has established national-level multi-state cooperative societies i.e National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) for export and promotion of organic products respectively. These societies are registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. Cooperative societies at all levels- from PACS to Apex- are eligible to become their members.
Source: pib.gov.in
FDI & govt schemes bolster India’s food processing sector.
India’s food processing sector is witnessing a significant influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and robust government backing, positioning it as a key driver of the country’s economic growth. According to data released by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), the sector has attracted substantial international capital over the last five years, peaking at Rs 7,194.13 crore ($895.34 million) in the 2022-23 financial year.
Source: fnbnews.com
'Gulf halt and shipping chaos hit India's grape exports, 400 weekly containers in limbo'.
India's grape exporters are grappling with serious challenges from the Middle East conflict, as Gulf shipments grind to a halt and shipping routes turn chaotic, explains Rajendra Pandit Deore of Shree Krishna IMPEX Ventures. 'A major chunk of our grapes normally heads to the Middle East, and right now that's completely stopped.'
Source: freshplaza.com
Mid-March rain to boost mango fruit setting, crop yield in Kangra.
The mid-March rainfall has brought much-needed relief and cheer to mango and other fruit growers in the lower Kangra region. The rain has effectively mitigated the prolonged dry spell that was threatening fruit crops and is expected to significantly aid fruit setting in mango orchards next month. The fresh spell of rain has improved vital physiological processes in sub-tropical fruit crops such as mango, litchi and citrus.
Source: tribuneindia.com
Kiwi farming reshapes Manipur's Senapati economy as growers seek cold storage support.
Kiwi cultivation in Manipur’s Senapati district has evolved from a small agricultural experiment in the early 2000s into a key economic activity, with farmers now calling for urgent infrastructure support as demand continues to outstrip supply. Once introduced through the efforts of scientists at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hengbung, the crop has steadily expanded across the district and is now seen as a profitable alternative to traditional farming. Senapati has increasingly joined the list of regions in Manipur identified by specific produce, alongside Tamenglong oranges, Sirarakhong chillies and Kachai lemons.
Source: indiatodayne.in
'India is ramping up hybrid watermelons eyeing Middle East and Europe interest'.
India's watermelon sector shows strong export potential as acreage expands and quality improves, says Rupesh Sawant of Navsanjivan Organic FPO. 'States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are stepping up with export-ready fruit thanks to better farm practices and hybrid varieties.'
Source: freshplaza.com