Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, we have created a new model of upliftment of the poor, progress of villages and ‘Lakhpati Didi’: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday spoke in the Rajya Sabha about the contribution of various flagship programmes — ranging from the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and MGNREGA to Viksit Bharat – G RAM G, PM Awas, Ayushman Bharat, free ration, Lakhpati Didi and rural employment schemes — in driving the country’s progress. He said that Mahatma Gandhi continues to live in the nation’s thoughts, emotions and collective conscience. In his address, which lasted for over one-and-a-half hours, the Union Minister repeatedly emphasised that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain deeply embedded in the country’s policies and governance approach.
Source: pib.gov.in
Government Achieves Milestone of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations Registered Across the Country.
The Government is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)'. As on 1st March 2026, 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been registered across the country under this scheme.
Source: pib.gov.in
e-NAM Integrates 1,656 Mandis, Benefits Over 1.80 Crore Farmers with Rs.4.82 Lakh Crore Trade Since Inception.
The Government is implementing the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) since 2016. It is an online trading platform that integrates physical wholesale mandis across various States and Union Territories (UTs) to facilitate transparent and competitive online trading of agricultural commodities.Since inception, 1,656 mandis from 23 States and 4 UTs have been onboarded on the e-NAM portal. The State/UT-wise number of mandis integrated with the e-NAM platform is given at Annexure-I.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Cabinet Approves ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with Rs.11,440 Crore Outlay to Achieve Self-Sufficiency by 2030-31.
The Union Cabinet has approved a centrally sponsored scheme namely ‘Missionfor Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ on 1st October, 2025 aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs. 11,440 Crore.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan releases Final Estimates of 2024-25 and First Advance Estimates of 2025-26 of area and production of horticulture crops.
Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, the Central government is steadily working to raise farmers' income and strengthen horticulture. Following approval by Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare released Final 2024-25 horticulture estimates and First Advance Estimates for 2025-26, signaling major rises in area and production of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers and medicinal plants nationwide.
Source: pib.gov.in
Progress of Area Coverage Under Summer Crops As On 13.03.2026.
Progress of Area Coverage Under Summer Crops As On 13.03.2026.
Source: pib.gov.in
Food Processing Industry Must Align with Nutrition Security Goals.
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, today emphasized the need for a clear and long-term roadmap for India’s food processing and nutraceutical sectors, stating that the industry must align itself with the national vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Addressing ASSOCHAM’s 'NutriBharat 2026: National Conference on the Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Strengthening Nutrition Security,' the minister called on stakeholders to set clear milestones for the next one year, five years, and ten years, while working collaboratively with policymakers and regulators to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Source: pib.gov.in
FSSAI notifies 2026 Amendment Regulations changing how food businesses operate.
Following a review by a NITI Aayog High-Level Committee, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially notified the 2026 Amendment Regulations, fundamentally changing how food businesses operate across the country. The new rules aim to reduce the compliance burden on small-scale entrepreneurs while maintaining rigorous safety standards through a risk-based oversight model, wherein the ‘Registration’ category, previously reserved for very small operations, has been expanded to include businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore.
Source: fnbnews.com
UK-India trade deal set to ease imports of fresh Indian produce.
Hallans, an Indian and Asian grocery store operating online in the UK, said customers may see changes in the availability of Indian produce following the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement, signed in 2025 and currently under ratification, including discussions in the UK House of Commons in February 2026, is expected to affect the supply of Indian perishable goods in the United Kingdom.
Source: freshplaza.com
Support measures for exporters on anvil to deal with West Asia crisis.
The commerce ministry is expected to announce certain support measures to help exporters deal with the West Asia crisis, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. 'Hopefully within this week...we will send you the detailed briefing on what are the steps we are taking in the Department of Commerce to support the exports during this troubled time, especially in the Middle East,' he told reporters.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com