India–New Zealand Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Horticulture Cooperation.
India and New Zealand convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticultural cooperation today, marking a significant step forward under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two countries on 12 March 2025. TheJoint Working Group (JWG) meeting of India and New Zealand was co-chaired by Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), DA&FWin person from Indian side and Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade in virtual mode from New Zealand side wherein, the meeting brought together senior officials and technical experts from both sides to advance collaboration in the horticulture sector, with a strong focus on kiwifruit and pip fruit (apple and pear) development.
Source: pib.gov.in
APEDA Facilitated flag-off of first GI-Tagged Salem Sago consignment from Tamil Nadu to Canada.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu to Canada. This marked the first export consignment shipped directly by the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, since the product received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2023.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Meeting with President of the Swiss Confederation H.E. Mr. Guy Parmelin.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Mr. Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, in New Delhi on 19 February 2026, during his official visit to India to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The meeting reviewed the next steps for translating TEPA’s market-access gains into business partnerships and investment commitments.
Source: pib.gov.in
Apr–Jan farm & processed food exports rise 3.3% amid mixed commodity performance.
India’s agricultural and processed food product exports recorded a modest increase of 3.3% during the April–January period of the current fiscal year, with the shipments valued at $20.99 billion, according to the latest trade data. Despite the overall growth, the export performance across key commodity segments was mixed. Rice exports — traditionally India’s largest agri-export item — declined by 7.5% year-on-year to $9.33 billion in the April–January window. In January 2026 alone, rice shipments fell sharply, with revenues of $1.03 billion, down 25% compared with the same month last year, largely due to geopolitical tensions and competitive pressures from rival suppliers.
Source: fnbnews.com
India’s trade pacts with EU, US set to accelerate growth in food processing sector.
India’s food processing sector is poised for accelerated expansion following the recently concluded trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, according to Brickwork Ratings. Highlighting the macroeconomic backdrop, Manu Sehgal, CEO, Brickwork Ratings, said India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, with real GDP projected at around 7.4 per cent in FY26 and expected to remain strong in FY27. Easing inflation, supported by falling food prices and supply-side measures, has enabled the Reserve Bank of India to maintain an accommodative monetary stance, including multiple repo rate cuts. This has created favourable financing conditions for businesses, including exporters in the food value chain.
Source: fnbnews.com
White House cuts pulses from India trade fact sheet.
Amid controversy in India over the announced trade agreement with the United States, the White House eliminated 'certain pulses' from a list of products it expects India to import from the United States, The New York Times reported. The Times noted that there were discrepancies between the initial U.S. and Indian government statements about the trade agreement.
Source: thefencepost.com
AI Impact Summit: Modi Sees AI Transforming Agriculture, Expects Next Generation To Reap Benefits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he saw artificial intelligence as a tool that the younger generation can utilise to ramp up the transformation of the agricultural sector. Modi spoke on the fourth day of the AI India Impact Summit 2026, welcoming delegates from more than 100 countries, and underscored India's talent pool of young, tech‑enabled youth. He stated that the younger generation will harness AI to bring about a rapid transformation in the field of agriculture.
Source: ndtvprofit.com
APEDA facilitates 7,000 MT fortified rice kernels export to Madagascar; Salem sago also shipped to Canada.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Thursday said India exported 7,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) from Haryana to Madagascar, facilitated through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The union minister described it as a reflection of India's nutritional capabilities and technological strength.
Source: edexlive.com
Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation leads India’s nutrition export surge.
The Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), today marked a defining milestone in India’s nutrition-led export strategy with the formal flag-off of a 7,000 metric tonne (MT) consignment of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) to Madagascar. The milestone follows strong international buyer engagement at the Bharat International Rice Conference 2025, where African delegations expressed significant interest in sourcing fortified staples from India. The consignment, executed by Vi Exports, a member of IREF, reflects India’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging global nutrition demands with scale, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
Preparing European suppliers for long term entry into India.
As Horti India Expo 2026 approaches (12–14 March, New Delhi), East-West Trade & Consulting is preparing a focused horticulture trade mission designed to support European suppliers entering the Indian market. Building on earlier discussions about India's scale and growth trajectory, the emphasis now lies on practical positioning, technical demand, and realistic market alignment.
Source: freshplaza.com