GI tag granted to 12 products of Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone as 12 distinct products from the region have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This brings the total number of indigenous products in Arunachal Pradesh with this prestigious recognition to an impressive 20, the highest among the North Eastern states. Among the products granted GI tags are Apatani Textile, Monpa Textile, Nyishi Textile, Monpa handmade paper, Adi Textile, Singpho Phalap (Singpho Tea), Galo Textile, Adi Apong, Dao (sword), Angnyat Millet, Marua Apo (Marua millet beverage), and Tai Khamti Textile.
Source: thenewsmill.com
UAE airlifts over 3,000 tons of produce from India for Vishu demand.
Festive demand is driving increased airfreight volumes of fresh produce from Kerala into the Gulf, with more than 3,000 tons of fruit, vegetables, and traditional items transported ahead of Vishu celebrations. Retail group Lulu has moved approximately 3,153 tons of produce into the region, supplying outlets across the UAE and wider GCC in preparation for the festival.
Source: freshplaza.com
Kashmir scientists crack cultivation of rare Rs 40,000 morel mushrooms.
In a major breakthrough, the Sheri Kashmir University of Agriculture and Sciences (SKUAST) in Srinagar has cultivated the most expensive and rare edible mushroom for the first time in controlled condition. Morels or Morchella, locally known as Kangaech, that grows naturally in specific high elevation forest ecosystems during a narrow rainy season costs anything between Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per kilogram.
Source: indianexpress.com
India's cold chain for fresh produce starts connecting the dots.
Six or seven years ago, cold chain infrastructure for fresh produce in India was barely existent, says Swarup Bose, founder & CEO of Mumbai-based Celcius Logistics. 'Only a small percentage of farmers, traders, wholesalers, or buyers used it, and even then, just for critical consignments. Perishable fruits like lychees and strawberries were often moved open-air because refrigerated trucks and cold storage were scarce and expensive. And for cold chain companies, fresh produce was too risky to be bothered with,' he recalls.
Source: freshplaza.com
Israel-Iran war: India rapeseed sales shift to private traders as war lifts edible oil prices.
Indian farmers are selling rapeseed to private traders as market prices remain well above government procurement rates, driven by a rally in edible oil prices linked to the Iran war. Domestic oilseed prices in India, the world's largest importer of vegetable oils, tend to track international benchmarks, which have surged on expectations that the conflict will boost edible oil use in biofuels.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-EU trade push: Denmark launches India chamber of commerce to deepen ties amid FTA momentum.
In a move aimed at strengthening bilateral economic engagement, the Indian Danish Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its India chapter in New Delhi on April 8, 2026, an official statement showed on Thursday. The chamber will serve as a strategic platform to support Danish companies operating in India, as well as those exploring business opportunities in the country, facilitating trade, investment and collaboration.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Maharashtra government expands agricultural oversight structure.
The Maharashtra government has issued a fresh notification amending its earlier provisions under the Insecticides Act, 1968, to strengthen administrative oversight in the agriculture sector. The notification, released by the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department, introduces new appointments at the divisional, district, and taluka levels.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Israel allows import of Indian okra seeds, wants virus-free declaration.
Israel has allowed India market access for a lesser-known agricultural product - okra (bhindi or lady’s finger) seeds, with a permit system. India’s total export of okra, including in seeds form, was 6,504 tonnes worth $6.44 million (or Rs. 54.85 crore) in 2024-25, with Germany as the top buyer.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
MoFPI Holds Parliamentary Consultative Committee and NIFTEM Council Meetings in Shillong.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, today convened the Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee followed by the NIFTEM Council Meeting at Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. The meetings were chaired by Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, in the presence of senior officers of the ministry including Sh. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI, and Sh. Devesh Deval, Joint Secretary, MoFPI, along with Hon’ble Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
Source: pib.gov.in
Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Kharif season 2026.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS), rates for Kharif season 2026, from April 1 to September 30, 2026, on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers. The tentative budgetary requirement for Kharif season 2026 would be approximately Rs 41,533.81 crore. This is approximate Rs 4,317 crore more than the budgetary requirement for Kharif 2025 season. The budget for Kharif 2025 was Rs 37,216.15 crore.
Source: fnbnews.com