From Apples To Mānuka Honey: How the India-New Zealand FTA Impacts Agricultural Trade.
On April 27, 2026, India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluding over a decade of negotiations. While the FTA protects sensitive sectors like dairy, its economic scale is limited. New Zealand’s population is only about 5.3 million, of whom about 300,000 are of Indian origin. Therefore, Indian exporters are not looking at a large market, though gains in services exports may be more significant, with New Zealand agreeing to offer 5,000 skilled-worker slots.
Source: thewire.in
India Approves 12 New Crop Protection Products under Section 9(3) at 471st RC Meeting.
India’s regulatory framework for crop protection chemicals witnessed fresh momentum as the Registration Committee (RC) under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare approved a series of new technical and formulation products under Section 9(3) of the Insecticide Act, 1968 during its 471st meeting held on April 16, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Dr. P.K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Source: global-agriculture.com
Fruit growers seek dedicated rail corridor, push for AC cargo trains.
Kashmir’s fruit growers have urged the Northern Railway to fast-track dedicated, temperature-controlled cargo solutions and expand rail logistics infrastructure to address long-standing challenges in transporting perishable produce to markets across India. The demand was raised during a joint inspection-cum-interaction between railway officials and representatives of the horticulture trade, who travelled from Srinagar to Baramulla via key stations including Budgam, Pattan, and Sopore.
Source: greaterkashmir.com
Indian Konkan growers trial Sindhu mango as alternative for Alphonso.
In Maharashtra's Konkan region, growers are evaluating alternative mango varieties as production of Alphonso faces variability linked to weather patterns. Alphonso, locally known as Hapus, remains the dominant variety, but some farmers are trialling Sindhu. Pratap Gavaskar, who has cultivated mangoes in Vengurla for decades, has introduced 20 Sindhu saplings alongside Alphonso. 'Having realised the limitations of Alphonso,' he said, 'I have been looking out for an alternative.
Source: freshplaza.com
Demand for Indian mangoes in the US surges despite high costs.
Demand for premium Indian mangoes in the United States is rising sharply, with importers reporting strong pre-orders and rapid sell-outs despite high prices and complex logistics. Each spring, shipments of Indian varieties such as Alphonso and Kesar trigger intense buying activity among consumers, including both Indian American buyers and a growing number of Americans. Importers say boxes priced between $50 and $60 are often sold out before arrival, reflecting tight supply and strong seasonal demand.
Source: americanbazaaronline.com
India resumes wheat exports after four years but high prices likely to limit demand.
Indian traders have begun exporting wheat for the first time in four years, as ample stocks, higher global prices and firmer freight rates have opened a window for them to make small shipments to buyers in Asia and the Middle East, trade sources said. Consumer goods conglomerate ITC has started loading 22,000 metric tons of wheat at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates, sources said, declining to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India’s rice purchase reaches near 50 million tonnes, up 6% from a year ago.
The Indian government’s rice procurement for the official reserves during the October 2025-April 2026 period has reached near 50 million tonnes (mt), including 1.21 mt from the winter-grown crop. With over 1.4 mt in April, the procurement is up 6 per cent from the year-ago period. This high procurement may force the government to dispose of through an aggressive sales policy to ethanol distilleries, states, as well as in the open market.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Progress of Area Coverage under Summer Crops as on 01.05.2026.
Progress of Area Coverage under Summer Crops as on 01.05.2026.
Source: pib.gov.in
India, Canada begin second round of CEPA trade talks to boost ties.
India and Canada on Monday started second round of negotiations for a free trade agreement aimed at boosting two-way commerce and investments, an official said. The pact is officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and negotiations will cover trade in goods, services, and other mutually agreed policy areas.
Source: business-standard.com
Chickpeas: export demand for Indian goods on the rise.
Following a recent peak, prices on the Indian chickpea market have fallen by around USD 0.02–0.04/kg. According to local market players, this was primarily triggered by a liquidity crunch, which exerted short-term pressure on the market. At the same time, however, experienced traders are using the situation to build up positions. Overall, there are many indications that the correction phase is drawing to a close and that price levels are stabilising at a higher level.
Source: mundus-agri.eu