Accelerating India’s High Value Crop Diversification.
Agriculture occupies a foundational place in the vision of a Viksit Bharat. Over the past decade, the sector has grown at 4.45 percent, the highest in comparison to previous decades. This growth tells a deeper story. A story of diversification and value enhancement. At the centre of this transformation lies horticulture, which has emerged as the nucleus of India’s high-value crop economy. From fruits and vegetables to flowers, spices, and plantation crops, horticulture is transforming rural landscapes. Unlike traditional staples, high-value horticultural crops generate superior returns per unit of land and contribute substantially to agricultural gross value addition. Horticulture strengthens nutrition, fuels agro-processing, supports exports, and creates local employment. In India’s journey toward sustainable and income-led agricultural growth, horticulture is not peripheral. It is pivotal.
Source: pib.gov.in
Indian horticulture output reaches 370.74 million tons.
Agriculture in India has recorded growth of 4.45 per cent over the past decade. Within this, horticulture has expanded as a high-value crop segment, covering fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and plantation crops. These crops generate higher returns per unit of land and contribute to agricultural value addition, exports, and employment.
Source: freshplaza.com
APEDA extends RCAC validity for Non-Basmati rice exports amid geopolitical challenges.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has announced an extension in the validity of Registration-cum-Allocation Certificates (RCACs) for the export of non-Basmati rice. As per the circular dated April 16, 2026, this decision has been taken in response to prevailing geopolitical developments impacting global trade and logistics, particularly in the Middle East, with the objective of supporting exporters and ensuring continuity in trade flows.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
Egypt, India, and China are processing more potatoes, and Northwest Europe is feeling it.
APF-Eriva was formed in 2019 through a merger between APF Holland and Eriva. That partnership quickly proved its value during the COVID-19 crisis. "We had different trading strategies, and that diversity helped us respond to market conditions,' says Michel. The pandemic underscored the importance of flexibility: companies that reacted quickly performed better.
Source: freshplaza.com
India to start cherry procurement in Shimla with focus on cold chain.
Adani Agri Fresh plans to begin cherry procurement in the upper Shimla region from mid-May, with operations expected to start after May 15. Pricing and procurement terms are to be finalised by a joint committee of growers and company representatives.
Source: freshplaza.com
NZ-India Free Trade Agreement verified.
Legal verification of the new New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed, with both countries agreeing its signing on 27 April in New Delhi. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the 'once-in-a-generation' agreement gives New Zealand exporters unprecedented access to 1.4 billion people and an economy set to become the third-largest in the world.
Source: insidegovernment.co.nz
Fast track for fruit: Railways to run cargo train between Budgam, Delhi.
In a significant boost for Jammu and Kashmir’s fruit growers and handicraft merchants, the Indian Railways announced the launch of a rapid cargo train between Budgam and New Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar starting on Friday.. This dedicated service aims to provide a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective alternative to road transport, arriving at a critical juncture for the region’s horticulture sector. With perishable cash crops like cherries, peaches, and plums set to hit the market in May, local businessmen estimate that the rail link will be approximately 30% to 40% cheaper than traditional trucking.
Source: hindustantimes.com
'Cultivating premium fruit varieties requires premium effort'.
Fresh Produce India 2026 wrapped up at Mumbai's Trident Nariman Point Hotel last week, witnessing a day buzzing with panel discussions, networking, and deal-making. Avocados and blueberries dominated discussions as hundreds of growers, exporters, retailers, and marketers discussed India's horticulture and export challenges and opportunities. From consumers demanding real health results to new varieties rewriting production playbooks, sessions brought forward what the next phase of India's produce trade with the rest of the world looks like. Here's what stood out.
Source: freshplaza.com
India-China SCO talks focus on trade security, connectivity under first bilateral consultations
India and China held their first bilateral consultations on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in New Delhi on April 16-17, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on security, trade and regional connectivity. The two sides exchanged views on implementing SCO leaders' decisions and the future course of the organisation. They agreed to continue and deepen consultations on SCO-related issues, officials said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Exporters seek removal of cap on interest subvention.
Exporters on Friday urged the government to remove the cap on interest subvention, saying the current level of support is inadequate to cushion the sector amid rising global trade uncertainties. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) expects the government to revisit the structure of the subsidy scheme to provide more meaningful relief to businesses facing higher borrowing costs and volatile export demand, a top official added.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com