India is looking at preferential access to US market, says Piyush Goyal.
India is looking at preferential market access for its products in the US, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday, adding that the country's trade pact with the US is the 'best' as compared to its competitor countries. 'Our relations are very robust. We have a deep strategic partnership on several aspects- technology, defence, trade and investments, and our approach is that India should get preferential market access,' Goyal told reporters here as one year elapsed of the US' 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Basmati exporters seek relief as shipping lines levy charges amid disruption due to war.
The Basmati Rice Farmers and Exporters Development Forum has written to the Indian government seeking its intervention, saying that despite multiple representations made by exporters and industry bodies to shipping lines, no meaningful response or corrective action has been taken. The plea comes as shipping charges of stranded consignments , on high sea and ports have multiplied. It pointed out that exporters are facing risks of contractual defaults, cancellation of orders, deterioration of cargo quality, particularly in the case of food products.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Natural farming offers hedge against fertiliser supply risks for Kharif 2026.
As India prepares for the Kharif 2026 season, ensuring adequate fertiliser availability remains central to sustaining crop production and farmer incomes. While domestic fertiliser production has strengthened and imports have diversified, evolving global dynamics — particularly supply chain pressures linked to geopolitical developments in West Asia — highlight the value of complementary solutions, such as natural farming, to improve nutrient efficiency and soil health.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India’s 2026-27 peanut output may rise 3% on higher area.
India’s peanut (groundnut) production is likely rise by three per cent during 2026-27 as a section of farmers may shift from cotton to the oilseed crop attracted by better realisations and stable demand, according to the USDA’s local office in New Delhi. In its latest report, FAS (Foreign Agriculture Service) New Delhi (Post) has projected that India’s groundnut area is expected to rise by 2 per cent to around 5.7 million hectares (mh) during 2026-27, up from 5.62 mh in the previous year.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
The rise of natural honey in India: A shift from mass production to purity.
The familiar amber jars of honey, a staple in many Indian homes, are experiencing a subtle yet noteworthy shift. For a long time, the Indian honey market has been dominated by mass-produced, heavily processed varieties. These products often prioritise a long shelf life and a consistent look, often at the expense of the honey’s natural health benefits. In response to these challenges, a recent shift in consumer awareness is steering the country towards a new era marked by the rise of natural, pure honey rooted in traditional wisdom.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
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