Indian Kashmir apple shipments rise as domestic demand increases.
Apple growers and traders in Kashmir are increasing shipments to domestic markets as demand rises and imports decline. Growers who had planned to store produce for later sales are now accelerating dispatch. 'We were preparing to send apples in May when demand usually rises, but now we are rushing to dispatch stocks across India,' said Ali Mohammad Bhat.
Source: freshplaza.com
Tripura exports organic produce worth Rs 8.79 crore, targets 50,000 hectares expansion.
The Tripura government has exported organic products worth Rs 8.79 crore over the last three years and is now aiming to expand organic and natural farming to 50,000 hectares, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath informed the state Assembly. Highlighting the growing importance of chemical-free agriculture, the minister said organic farming—also known as natural farming—gained significant traction during the COVID-19 period, when awareness around health and sustainability increased. He noted that despite only 24 per cent of the state’s land being cultivable, the government is focusing on expanding organic practices while maintaining food security.
Source: indiatodayne.in
JNPA and CONCOR Roll Out Storage Waivers and Reefer Discounts to Cushion Exporters from Hormuz Trade Disruption.
Two of India’s most critical logistics infrastructure bodies — Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) — have announced a coordinated package of relief measures to help Indian exporters and importers manage the mounting cost and operational burden of the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis. The measures, introduced as shipping lines cancel sailings and suspend bookings to Gulf destinations, are designed to prevent the cost of stranded or delayed cargo from compounding the already severe disruption to trade flows on India’s most important maritime corridor.
Source: maritimegateway.com
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Urges Industry to Leverage FTAs with Developed Nations through Quality Focus.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, said that in the last few years India has entered into nine free trade agreements with 38 developed nations, covering many of the world’s advanced economies. He noted that these agreements provide preferential market access to nearly two-thirds of global trade and emphasised that Indian industry, farmers, MSMEs and artisans must leverage these opportunities through a strong focus on quality.
Source: pib.gov.in
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chairs high-level meeting to ensure stability in agriculture sector amidst global crisis.
The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan convened an important review meeting at his residence today. The primary objective of the meeting was to safeguard the interests of the Indian agricultural sector and its farmers amidst current global instability, while ensuring strategic preparedness for the upcoming Kharif season.
Source: pib.gov.in
National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming organises two-day National Seminar-cum-Exhibition to promote organic and natural farming.
The National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), Ghaziabad, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, organised a two-day National Seminar-cum-Exhibition on March 24–25, 2026, with the objective of promoting organic and natural farming across the country. The programme saw participation from scientists, policymakers, agricultural officers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), bio-input manufacturers, progressive farmers, and students.
Source: pib.gov.in
China’s GMO rejection of Indian rice: trade dispute, quality issue, or something else?
Exporters and experts have expressed ‘surprise’ over rejection of Indian rice by China on the ground of containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) wondering how it is possible when India does not grow any GM food crop and there is a court order banning manufacture, sale, and import of GM foods. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the legal body to allow commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in India, in October 2022 for the first time allowed release of a GM food crop — mustard hybrid DMH-11. However, the Supreme Court stayed its commercial release, though allowed ICAR to conduct trials.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
10 lakh litres a day: Women SHGs lead dairy push in 31 UP districts.
Women groups from 31 districts in Uttar Pradesh (UP) are collecting around 10 lakh litres of milk daily, according to the UP Government. A media statement by the UP Government said that women groups active across 31 districts of the state are collecting around 10 lakh litres of milk daily, not only increasing production but also generating a massive business of about Rs. 5000 crore. This has infused new energy into the rural economy and significantly increased the income of women.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Lulu airlifts 50 tonnes of fresh vegetables from Kochi to Kuwait.
Strengthening food security across the Gulf region, Lulu Group has dispatched a special flight from Kochi to Kuwait carrying 50 tonnes of fresh vegetables. The shipment was carried on a dedicated special service operated by Kuwait Airways - Boeing 777. The aircraft, which arrived on Tuesday evening without passengers, departed Cochin International Airport for Kuwait on Wednesday.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Sugar prices may stay firm on tight inventories, says Ind-Ra.
Sugar prices are expected to stay firm as the sector enters a phase of tight inventories despite modest recovery in production, according to India Ratings Research (Ind-Ra), a Fitch Group company. This is even as the shrinking spreads and oversupply are straining ethanol profitability.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com