Push for sustainable agriculture at farmers’ fair in Mandi district.
A farmers’ fair promoting sustainable agriculture practices was organised by the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mandi, at Disti gram panchayat in Chachyot tehsil of Mandi district, with a focus on the Indian natural farming system. The event drew participation from around 470 farmers, signalling a growing interest in eco-friendly and cost-effective agricultural methods. The primary objective was to raise awareness about natural farming and encourage a reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Source: tribuneindia.com
GI Tag Likely For Odisha’s Chhenapoda Soon, Piyush Goyal Confirms Consultative Meet In May.
Odisha’s beloved traditional dessert, Chhenapoda, often described as India’s own ‘burnt cheesecake’, is poised to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag soon. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal informed Puri MP Sambit Patra that the GI application for Chhena Poda has been registered. The communication also confirmed that authorities will consider the case during the Consultative Group meeting scheduled for May 28 and 29. A final decision is expected soon thereafter.
Source: odishabytes.com
KCCI terms LIFT scheme ‘timely relief’ for Kashmir export sector.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the launch of the Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT) scheme under the Export Promotion Mission – NIRYAT DISHA by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the long-standing logistical challenges faced by exporters from J&K.
Source: greaterkashmir.com
Indian fruit supplier launches QR traceability system.
Each batch is tested at a NABL-accredited laboratory for pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulators. The lab report is linked in the scan results. The system identifies the grower, including name, photograph, and farming experience, along with a harvest calendar. For example, a Superplum Papaya scan shows grower Daga Mahadu Karankal from Shindkheda, Maharashtra, farming with drip irrigation and defined hygiene practices. Consumers are also able to send a direct bonus to the grower through a portal.
Source: freshplaza.com
BAU develops new mushroom variety to boost farmers’ income.
Innovative scientists at Bihar Agricultural University have introduced a vibrant pink oyster mushroom variety that resists diseases and boasts a remarkably quick harvest cycle of just 20-25 days, empowering farmers with faster financial returns. Flourishing in warm, humid environments, it cleverly utilizes agricultural waste and stands out in the market due to its striking color and delicious flavor.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
From apple belt to persimmon clusters: Himachal horticulture dept promoting exotic fruit cultivation in 5 districts.
A new shade of orange in expected to stand out in terraced orchards of Himachal Pradesh with the horticulture department promoting the cultivation of the exotic fruit persimmon (Japani phal) with new clusters developed in areas with favourable climatic conditions across Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, Bilaspur and Solan districts during this season. At present, Kullu accounts for nearly 90% of the state’s total persimmon production. The initiative has been taken under the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (HP SHIVA) project. A total area of 358 hectares is being covered under these clusters across the state.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Yogi bats for ‘land is lab’ model to achieve self-reliance in agriculture.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday underscored the urgency to strengthen agricultural self-reliance, citing global disruptions that have exposed vulnerabilities in food and energy supply chains. Addressing the inaugural session of the 6th Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Science Congress, the chief minister said uncertainties in international supply chains, fluctuating fertiliser prices and the volatile availability of petroleum products have made dependence on external sources increasingly risky.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Advisory to states on crop bonus policy to encourage greater crop diversification: FinMin.
The finance ministry on Sunday said its advisory to states to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets, in line with national priorities for nutritional security, was intended at encouraging greater crop diversification. In a statement, the finance ministry said the January 9, 2026, letter from the Department of Expenditure Secretary, Ministry of Finance, to chief secretaries of states was an advisory and not a directive, to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-UK free trade pact may come into force from second week of May: Official.
The India-UK free trade agreement, signed in July last year, is likely to come into force from the second week of May, according to an official. India and the UK, on July 24, 2025, signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), under which 99 percent of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while tariffs on British products, such as cars and whisky, will be reduced in India.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Piyush Goyal holds talks with Saudi Arabia trade minister on stronger supply chains.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday held discussions with Saudi Arabia's Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi on ways to strengthen supply chains disrupted due to the West Asia crisis, after holding talks with his counterparts from the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. All these countries are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with which India is negotiating a free trade agreement.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com