At $442 billion, India's goods exports hit record high in 2025-26.
India closed the last fiscal with record goods exports of $441.8 billion, 1% higher than the previous year, despite being weighed down by the West Asia conflict, which took a toll on March exports. Driven by a surge in gold and silver shipments, imports rose 7.5% to $775 billion, resulting in a trade deficit widening to $333 billion.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India aims to cut fruit imports and focus on horticulture exports.
India is looking to reduce its dependence on imported horticultural products and increase its share in global exports, according to a policy paper by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS). The paper highlights a trend where imports of fresh fruits and spices have increased despite rising domestic production. 'A peculiar shift has been occurring in the horticultural trade wherein, despite rising production of horticultural products, imports of fresh fruits and spices have shown a rise in the past few years,' the paper said.
Source: freshplaza.com
Onion exports up 40 per cent in March.
Onion exports increased to 1.35 lakh tonnes in March, nearly 40% higher than last year, despite the conflict in West Asia. Data also show that India’s onion shipments have become more diversified across markets, even though exports to Bangladesh, a major importer of Indian onions, have declined following import restrictions imposed by the neighbouring country.Officials said that other destinations have expanded their share, reinforcing diversification to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, UAE and other Gulf countries.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Wheat harvest in full swing in North India.
The harvesting of wheat is going on in full swing across North India. Here, farmers are seen working through long hours in peak harvest season, collecting wheat produce in a village near Ghaziabad. According to Reuters, the country’s wheat harvest is expected to rise this year from a year earlier but fall short of initial estimates after unseasonal rains and hailstorms hit the maturing crop.
Source: downtoearth.org.in
APEDA highlights EU’s stricter import controls on Indian food shipments.
India’s agricultural export sector is entering a more stringent regulatory phase as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority flagged revised European Union measures that increase inspection frequency and compliance requirements for a range of food products originating from India. The updated framework follows the European Commission’s latest revision under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, amended through Regulation (EU) 2026/194 after its 13th bi-annual review. The move reflects heightened concerns over food safety risks, particularly pesticide residues and aflatoxins, as indicated by repeated alerts under the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
Edible oil imports in March rise 12% to 11.73 lakh tonne: SEA.
India's edible oils imports rose 12 per cent annually to 11.73 lakh tonne in March on higher shipments of crude palm oil, and the imports may be subdued in coming months due to firm global prices and high freight cost amid the West Asia conflict, according to industry body SEA. In a statement on Monday, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said imports of edible oils increased to 11,73,168 tonne in March from 10,45,281 tonne in the year-ago period.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, Oman discuss ways to boost trade, investments.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday held talks with his Omanese counterpart Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri on ways to promote bilateral trade and investment. In the last few days, Goyal has held discussions with the trade ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Govt extends validity of $1400 per tonne MEP on honey exports till Dec 31.
The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said the validity of existing MEP of $1400 per tonne on export of natural honey is extended till December 31, 2026. Earlier in January, the Government had extended the MEP till March 31.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari to join 3-day agri event at Shivraj’s home turf, inaugurated today.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated a three-day national level exhibition and conference - Unnat Krishi Mela -- at Raisen, under Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to join Monday, the concluding day of the event.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Unnat Krishi Mahotsav concludes on a high note in Raisen; focus on agricultural transformation.
The national-level agricultural fair 'Unnat Krishi Mahotsav' concluded in Raisen with great enthusiasm, innovation, and the participation of thousands of farmers. The closing ceremony was marked by the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. While Nitin Gadkari presented a broad vision for road development, modern agricultural technologies, water conservation, alternative energy, and rural prosperity, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated his firm commitment to implementing the 'seed-to-market' agricultural roadmap at the ground level.
Source: pib.gov.in