Government approves wheat exports and allows additional wheat product and sugar exports.
The Government of India has approved the export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products, taking a decisive and farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers. This calibrated decision has been taken after a comprehensive assessment of the current availability and price scenario, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests.
Source: pib.gov.in
Government of India launches CBDC-based Digital Food Coupon Pilot in Gujarat.
The Government of India has launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot in Gujarat. It was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in the presence of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Sh. Pralhad Joshi and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Sh. Bhupendra Patel ; Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya Speaking on this occasion, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prahlad Joshi, said that the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) marks a significant milestone towards ensuring transparency, efficiency and beneficiary empowerment in India’s food security architecture.
Source: pib.gov.in
Tea industry seeks policy support as rising costs, labour shortage strain margins.
India's tea industry is facing mounting financial stress due to rising input costs, stagnant prices, labour shortages and climate-related risks, prompting planters to seek policy support and structural reforms to sustain operations, industry representatives said. 'Many estates were being forced to sell tea below cost, leading to higher borrowings and financial strain. Unless we produce high-quality tea and fetch remunerative prices, sustainability is impossible,' Uttam Chakraborty, Chairman of the North Bengal branch of the Tea Association of India, said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
'FTA is another step in the deep relationship we have with India': New Zealand Minister Shane Reti.
New Zealand's Minister for Science and Technology Shane Reti on Monday called the newly concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) a significant milestone, and said that the pact will elevate collaboration and further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. Speaking with ANI, Reti described the agreement as a natural progression in the growing partnership between India and New Zealand.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India's sugar exports reach 2.01 lakh tonnes till February in 2026 MY: AISTA.
India has exported 2,01,547 tonnes of sugar through February in the current 2025-26 marketing year, with the United Arab Emirates the top destination, the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) said on Monday. Sugar exports remain under government control through quotas distributed proportionally among mills.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-UK free trade pact likely to be implemented in April: Official.
The India-UK free trade agreement, signed in July last year, is likely to be implemented in April 2026, according to an official. India and the UK, on July 24, 2025, signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) under which 99 per cent 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
India's agri export to US set to jump as 75% of export items now enjoy zero tariff: SBI Report.
India's export to the United States on agricultural commodities is set to witness a significant jump as 75 per cent of such exports will now be at zero tariff, according to a report by SBI. The report said that India has a trade surplus of USD 1.3 billion in agricultural trade with the US. It noted that India's export of USD 1.36 billion worth of agricultural commodities will receive zero additional US duty access, which will significantly help Indian farmers and exporters scale up shipments.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-US joint statement remains basis for interim trade agreement: New Delhi.
India on Thursday said its joint statement with the US remains the basis for a proposed interim trade agreement, and that the amendments in a White House fact sheet reflect the shared understandings. The fact sheet, brought out by the White House on Monday, triggered a controversy as it mentioned that India would reduce tariffs on 'certain pulses' and had 'committed' to buying American goods, including energy and technology, worth USD 500 billion over five years.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
NITI Aayog calls for structured Trade Missions targeting Japan, Middle East, Germany.
NITI Aayog has proposed launching structured tech-services Trade Missions targeting priority regions such as Japan, the Middle East, and Germany while developing a unified India Tech-Services brand platform that positions small and specialist Indian players as trusted partners in AI along with establishing a market access facilitation cell that provides structured assistance to specialist players.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Gourmet Popcornica receives ICAR award for its role in boosting popcorn maize production.
Gourmet Popcornica Pvt Ltd (a popcorn company) received an award at the Founder’s Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) on Monday for its ongoing work with in the popcorn maize ecosystem. A media statement said that ICAR - IIMR, in collaboration with Gourmet Popcornica, is witnessing the successful outcomes of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening India’s popcorn maize value chain, enhancing farmer incomes, and advancing India’s ambition to become a global hub for high-quality popcorn maize production.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com