'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
Dutch banana trader eyes Venezuela, India and Africa as new sourcing frontiers.
'Though trading is in our blood, trading , in itself, is changing,' says Mark Greeve of Anaco Greeve. From ABC Westland in Poeldijk, the company supplies fresh produce year-round to wholesalers, food service companies, retailers, and green grocers in Europe and beyond. In the fruit segment, the focus is on bananas, and Anaco Greeve has its own ripening facility with a capacity of 50,000 boxes per week.
Source: freshplaza.com
West Asia war hits rice exports hard, mills reel under excess stock.
The ongoing West Asia conflict has dealt a severe blow to India's rice exports, leaving millers in key production belts grappling with unsold stock and mounting financial burden. Shipments that typically move out within three to four months of production — harvested during Dec-Jan — have now been stalled, with consignments stranded at ports and several truckloads returning undelivered. Raichur's rice milling sector has been hit particularly hard, with production dropping by nearly 50% due to the export freeze. Having already procured paddy from farmers and cleared payments, mill owners are now struggling to manage operational costs, including wages and electricity bills.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
NIST in Kerala develops 'designer rice' with 22% protein and low GI.
If all goes well, Kerala's fitness-conscious folk will soon be able to have their rice and eat it too! The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram has developed a designer rice with 22 per cent protein and a low GI of 54.
Source: onmanorama.com
India underreported rice, wheat price support: US, others to WTO.
The US, Australia, Paraguay and Ukraine have raised objections to the market price support given by India to certain agricultural goods in a submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). They said India provides market price support for rice and wheat in excess of what it has reported to the global trade body. India’s market price support for rice appears to have been 86% of value of production for 2023-24 while the support for wheat is 69.4% of the production value, they alleged.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
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 underreported rice, wheat price support: US, others to WTO.
The WTO landscape is heating up as India encounters objections from the US, Australia, Paraguay, and Ukraine regarding its agricultural support practices. These nations contend that India's reported market price support for rice and wheat is misleadingly low, pointing to substantial discrepancies.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com