India allows export zones to sell locally as trade strains grow.
India will allow factories in export‑focused zones to sell goods domestically at lower import duties, according to a government order, as conflict in the Middle East disrupts trade. The measure was announced in the February budget to shield exporters from higher U.S. tariffs, but analysts say it has gained urgency as the Iran war threatens energy supplies and pushes up freight and oil costs.
Source: reuters.com
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade Conducts Special Drive for Expeditious Disposal of Export Obligation Discharge Certificates.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has successfully concluded a time-bound Special Campaign for the expeditious issuance of Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODCs) under the Advance Authorisation (AA) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Schemes. The campaign was conducted from March 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 and was monitored through daily review meetings chaired by senior DGFT officials.
Source: pib.gov.in
Centre–State Synergy Ushers in a New Era of Agriculture; Reform Agenda to Resonate from Jaipur.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Government of India is set to roll out a comprehensive nationwide series of region-wise Regional Conferences during April–May 2026. These conferences will serve as an important platform for structured dialogue, review, and future planning in the agriculture sector. The initiative aims to bring together Union and State Agriculture Ministers, senior officials, scientists, progressive farmers, farmer organisations, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-startups, and private sector stakeholders to jointly review the progress of key schemes and formulate forward-looking strategies based on field-level insights.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan holds virtual review meeting with agriculture ministers of various states; focus on farmer ID, fertiliser availability, and effective implementation of PM‑AASHA.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a virtual meeting today with the agriculture ministers of the states to review the progress of farmer ID, fertiliser availability, and various agricultural schemes. During the meeting, the Union Minister stated that farmer ID is an important medium to connect farmers with their land, crops, livestock, and fisheries. So far, a total of 9.25 crore farmer IDs have been created across 19 states. He directed that the agriculture and revenue departments of state governments should jointly launch a campaign so as to try and achieve a 100 per cent target within the next six months. At the same time, a wide‑scale public awareness campaign should be conducted to ensure that farmer registration is not limited only to PM‑Kisan beneficiaries, but all eligible farmers are included.
Source: pib.gov.in
India kicks off wheat procurement with buy of 18,000 tonnes, targets 30.3 million tonnes.
The Indian government has started wheat procurement in the new season from Wednesday, with 17,883 tonnes of the grain being bought for buffer stocks. This comes after the government permitted early purchase of the grain in some States. As the target is to buy 30.336 million tonnes (mt) by June 30, the market prices and weather will be crucial two factors to decide if it can be met.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Uttar Pradesh sugar output down 13% in March but India’s output up 9% for the season.
India’s sugar production, which was 10 per cent higher until a fortnight ago, reached 271.20 lakh tonnes (lt) as of March 31. This was against 248.65 lt a year ago, up by 9 per cent, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF). The latest data show a fall in production in Uttar Pradesh, for the first time this season, as it was higher until March 15.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India introduces voluntary ‘Tea Mark’ quality certification scheme.
In a move aimed at implementing traceability in supply chain and promote quality consumption and marketing of teas, the state-run Tea Board is introducing the 'Tea Mark’ quality certification scheme. The scheme will be rolled out sometime in May this year, sources said.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Courier export cap removed to boost ecomm shipments, cut logistics delays.
The government on Tuesday removed the long-standing cap on courier export consignments and introduced a faster return mechanism for cross-border parcels to boost e-commerce shipments and reduce logistics delays. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) notified amendments to courier import-export rules, scrapping the Rs. 10-lakh per shipment ceiling with effect from April 1.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Govt extends RoDTEP benefits for exporters till September 30.
The government has extended fiscal benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for exporters by six months, until September 30, amid disruptions to global trade caused by the ongoing West Asia crisis. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme, launched in 2021, provides for a refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods, and not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the Centre, state or local level.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India has adequate seed stock available amid the Israel-Iran war, says govt official.
India has adequate seed stock available for the upcoming sowing season, a government official said on Wednesday, as war in the Middle East continues to disrupt global supply chain. 'India has enough seed stock available for the upcoming sowing season,' Additional Secretary, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi said during the government's inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com