Uttam, Harish spar over rice exports to Philippines in assembly.
Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao on Monday engaged in a heated debate over the export of rice from Telangana to the Philippines. While Uttam said the strategic initiative aimed to transform the state from an FCI-dependent, paddy-surplus region into a globally recognised rice export powerhouse, Harish alleged that it was a scam and demanded the formation of a House committee to probe the issue.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India’s Agriculture Policy to Focus on Quantity and Quality-Led Growth: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
India is sharpening its focus on farmer protection, crop loss assessment, and insurance efficiency as climate volatility continues to disrupt agricultural production across multiple states. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level review at Krishi Bhavan to assess the current status of the agriculture sector, with particular emphasis on weather-induced crop damage, insurance claim mechanisms, and timely relief delivery.
Source: global-agriculture.com
Punjab Tops Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme with 32,823 Projects Sanctioned, Rs. 7,050 Crore Disbursed; Eight Districts Rank Among India’s Top 10.
Punjab has emerged as the country’s best-performing state under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), recording the highest number of sanctioned projects nationwide and maintaining its leadership position consistently since 2024–25. With 32,823 projects approved and more than Rs. 7,050 crore disbursed, the state has surpassed larger agricultural states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in both project approvals and fund utilisation.
Source: indianmasterminds.com
Manipur govt committed to farmer-centric, self-reliant agriculture sector: CM.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday underscored the state government’s commitment to a farmer-centric and self-reliant agriculture sector. Speaking at the valedictory function of the ‘Agrivision Agri-Youth Parliament 2026’ at the Central Agricultural University, Singh said the sector requires sustained attention and policy support.
Source: theprint.in
Centre approves Rs 200 Cr banana cluster to boost Jalgaon’s agri ecosystem.
The Government of India has approved a Rs 200 crore Banana Cluster project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, marking a significant step toward strengthening horticulture infrastructure and enhancing farmer incomes in one of the country’s key banana-producing regions. The initiative aims to create an integrated ecosystem spanning production, post-harvest management, processing, and export, reinforcing Jalgaon’s position as a key hub in India’s horticulture value chain.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
MP Minister Urges Entrepreneurs to Put GI-Tagged Ratlami Sev on World Map.
Madhya Pradesh's MSME Minister Chetan Kumar Kashyap has appealed to entrepreneurs to maximise the use of the GI tag and promote Ratlami Sev products in the national and international markets. Ratlami Sev, a crispy fried snack from Ratlam in MP, earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014 and it was renewed in 2024.
Source: outlookbusiness.com
Agri exports to West Asia resume at a slow pace.
Ending a halt after West Asia conflict, India’s agricultural exports to the Gulf region have commenced but at a slow pace, exporters said. However, higher freight charged by shipping lines is still causing problems for exporters. In addition, the onward movement of perishable cargoes like fruits and vegetables through Dubai to Saudi Arabia and Qatar has been hampered because of the security situation. A major chunk of the country’s horticulture exports to Gulf countries passes through Dubai, which also serves as the region’s key trans-shipment hub.
Source: financialexpress.com
HP apple output improves; mismatch between cultivation area & production a cause of concern.
Himachal Pradesh recorded an improved apple output in 2025, but the mismatch between a steadily expanding area under cultivation and the total production raises a concern over the stability of the apple economy. According to the Economic Survey report, the state posted a total apple production of 6.47 lakh metric tonnes in the financial year 2025-26, which was 28.6% higher than the total output of around 5.03 LMT in 2024-25. The total production last year was 27.9% higher than the FY 2023-24, when the state produced around 5.06 LMT of apples.As per the report, the area under apple cultivation in the state also increased by 0.08% from 1,16,240 hectare in 2023-24 to 1,16,338 hectare in 2024-25.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India, EU step up engagement to fast-track trade, tech talks.
India and the EU are stepping up engagement to fast-track outcomes of the January 27 India-EU Summit, with a series of initiatives planned over the coming months, according to people familiar with the matter. An 11-member European Parliament delegation, led by Angelika Niebler, chair of the delegation for relations with India, is expected to visit India soon to strengthen parliamentary ties.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Govt amends norms for exporters availing the interest subvention support.
India on Friday amended the norms for exporters availing the interest subvention support for pre- and post-shipment export credit January 2 onwards, as per which, the benefit will not be effective from the date on which the loan account is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA).
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com