Maharashtra sugar output jumps 22% as 2025–26 crushing season ends.
Maharashtra’s sugar industry has recorded a sharp rise in output in the ongoing 2025–26 crushing season, signalling a strong recovery driven by higher cane availability and improved mill performance. Data available as of April 1 show total sugar production at 988.79 lakh quintals, a substantial increase from 806.78 lakh quintals in the previous season.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Indian export rates steady amid muted demand, Vietnamese and Thai rates edge up.
Indian rice export prices were steady this week amid subdued demand due to higher freight rates and currency volatility, while Vietnamese rates edged up on narrower supplies and higher cost of production. India’s 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted this week at $341 to $348 per metric ton, unchanged from last week. Indian 5 per cent broken white rice was priced at $336 to $341 per ton this week.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India procures 6% more rice from farmers in 2025-26 kharif marketing season.
The Indian government’s rice purchase for official reserves during the October 2025-March 2026 period or the kharif marketing season, was 463.06 lakh tonnes (lt), up by 6 per cent from 454.36 lt a year ago. The purchase rebounded in March rising by nearly 10 times, after falling 17 per cent during February.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Major Ports Record 915 Million Tonnes Cargo in FY 2025–26, Surpass Target with 7.06% Growth.
In a significant achievement for India’s maritime sector, the Major Ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have collectively handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during FY 2025–26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT. This marks a year-on-year growth of 7.06%, reaffirming the sector’s strong recovery, enhanced efficiency, and sustained growth trajectory. This milestone underscores the impact of transformative reforms and strategic investments undertaken by the Government of India to modernize port infrastructure, enhance logistics efficiency, and strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime nation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Source: pib.gov.in
'Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026: Exhibition and Training' to be held in Raisen from April 11–13.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, stated today that the 'Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026: Exhibition and Training' to be held in Raisen from April 11 to 13, will truly be a game-changer national agriculture fair. He emphasized that over these three days, the event will bring new hope, cutting-edge technology and fresh market opportunities into the lives of farmers. Earlier today, Shri Chouhan visited the Dussehra Maidan venue in Raisen alongside senior officials from both the Central and State governments to inspect the site and issue necessary guidelines. During his visit, the Union Minister also flagged off the promotional chariots (Prachar Rath) for the festival and engaged in a meaningful dialogue with local intellectuals and prominent citizens.
Source: pib.gov.in
India–Australia ECTA Completes Four Years, Strengthening Bilateral Economic Partnership.
The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes four years since its signing today, marking an important milestone in the evolving economic partnership between India and Australia. Since its signing on 2 April 2022, the Agreement has played a pivotal role in enhancing trade flows, fostering industry linkages, and creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment in both countries.
Source: pib.gov.in
MoFPI Schemes Driving Growth in Food Processing Sector with Robust Infrastructure and Farmer Benefits.
In order to promote and facilitate overall development of food processing sector, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been incentivizing setting up/expansion of related infrastructure through its two Central Sector Schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI). Further, a Centrally sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme is also being implemented by MoFPI. All these three schemes are demand driven and are implemented across the country.
Source: pib.gov.in
Convergence of alco & non-alco beverages in premium segment.
The beverage market is experiencing a structural shift, one that has become apparent to many professionals working with today's consumer. The division between beer/wine/spirits and soft drinks/non-carbonated beverages (alcohol vs. non-alcohol) is decreasing, particularly in the premium category. The historical separation of these categories has been reduced to a common ground for both categories in terms of culture, commerce, and experiences.
Source: fnbnews.com
New procurement norms to ensure transparency, says Haryana Agriculture Minister.
Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana today defended the state government’s new wheat procurement system, including biometric verification of farmers and photographing tractors with registered numbers for gate pass issuance. He said the measures were aimed at curbing irregularities and ensuring transparency and timely payments to farmers.
Source: tribuneindia.com
India's sugar production rises 9% to 272.31 lakh tons till March 31: ISMA.
India's sugar production has increased by around 9 per cent in the ongoing sugar season 2025-26, reaching 272.31 lakh tons as of March 31, 2026, compared to 248.78 lakh tons during the same period last year, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association. The data by ISMA shows that while production has increased, the number of operational mills has declined, with 56 factories currently operational compared to 95 mills at the same time last year.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com