AI4Agri Summit 2026: Investing in India’s AI Agriculture Future.
At the AI4Agri Summit 2026 in Mumbai, a major shift appeared to be happening in Indian farming. Instead of just focusing on weather, leaders are now focusing on bringing investment and technology to the fields. As India works toward its ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal, Maharashtra is leading a global change by connecting Artificial Intelligence with the needs of small-scale farmers. Organised by the Government of Maharashtra, the event served as a major global platform where leaders discussed the ‘MahaAgri-AI Policy’ and the future of technology in Indian farming.
Source: ddnews.gov.in
J&K horticulture gets Clean Plant Programme boost.
Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector is set to receive a major boost under the Government of India’s ambitious Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at providing virus-free and high-quality planting material to fruit growers across the country. According to the annual report by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, along with other states, is set to receive a major boost under the ambitious Clean Plant Programme (CPP).
Source: risingkashmir.com
Qul Fruits, CIV Italia Launch IVAR for Protected Fruit Varieties.
In a landmark development for India’s horticulture sector, Qul Fruits and Italy-based Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV Italia), one of the world’s leading fruit breeding and nursery consortia, today announced the formation of IVAR (Ivar Variety Management and Genetics Private Limited) as India’s first dedicated institutional platform for protected fruit varieties and genetics management. The press conference was addressed by Khuram Mir, Founder Qul Fruits, Federico Stanzani, Managing Director CIV, and Pier Filippo Tagliani, Vice Chairman CIV. Established as a strategic joint venture between Qul Fruits and CIV Italia, IVAR has been created to build a structured, transparent, and globally aligned framework for varietal introduction, evaluation, stewardship, licensing, and breeder protection in India, with an initial focus on the temperate fruit-growing regions of Jammu & Kashmir and the wider Himalayan belt.
Source: kashmirobserver.net
India plans to ease import rules for Vietnamese durian.
India is preparing to remove additional phytosanitary declarations and special import conditions for fresh durian from Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS). The update was included in the SPS report covering May 1-15 for members of the World Trade Organization.
Source: freshplaza.com
Global uncertainty 'opportunity for faster reform': Piyush Goyal urges industry to leverage FTAs, emerging tech.
India should use global uncertainty to accelerate reforms, strengthen supply chains and deepen engagement with the world, according to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who framed current geopolitical risks as a chance to build resilience and drive competitiveness. Addressing a session at the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASOCHAM) on Tuesday on ease of doing business, the Union Minister said the government was working to make India a trusted partner for investment and exports as the country advanced toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India's edible oil imports rise 3% in FY26 on Nepal duty-free surge, industry body says.
Despite higher international edible oil prices and sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US Dollar, India imported 166.51 lakh tons of edible oils compared to 161.82 lakh tons in FY26 - registering an increase of 3%, according to the data compiled by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), an apex trade body for edible oils.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Plans afoot to set up Basmati promotion board on lines of other commodities bodies.
Plans are afoot in India to set up a Basmati development board on the lines of various commodities boards that function under the Commerce Ministry. The move comes on the heels of two rice exporter associations urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Affairs and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to set up a dedicated statutory Basmati rice board and separate it from the control of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Calls for Stronger Industry-Government Collaboration, Urges Turning Global Uncertainties into Opportunities for Reform and Resilient Growth.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the ASSOCHAM India Business Reform Summit 2026 in New Delhi today and called for deeper collaboration between industry and government to advance ease of doing business, enhance India’s competitiveness and accelerate the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Source: pib.gov.in
Italy and India set to upgrade ties during Modi's visit to Rome.
Italy and India will seek to reinforce diplomatic and trade ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rome by elevating their relationship to that of a special strategic partnership, an Italian government official said on Tuesday. Like other European countries, Italy has looked to India as an ally during a period of geopolitical upheaval. The European Union earlier this year concluded a long‑delayed trade deal with India, partly aimed at reducing its reliance on the United States.
Source: reuters.com
Trade pacts set stage for 'golden era' in India-Nordic ties: PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday affirmed that the relations between India and the Nordic countries are set to usher in a new 'golden era' with the recently-concluded trade agreements. 'Starting October 2025, along with Norway, Iceland, and other EFTA countries, we have implemented the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. And, just a few months ago, we signed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, in which Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also partners.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com