Kashmir strawberry growers hope for stronger season as tourism recovers.
Strawberry growers across Kashmir, India, are hoping for improved market conditions this season after losses linked to the Pahalgam attack and the resulting disruption to tourism and trade last year. The strawberry harvest, which usually starts in the first week of May, is now underway across the Valley. Growers expect stronger demand as tourist numbers gradually recover.
Source: freshplaza.com
Ganaur horticulture market to give farmers global access: Min.
Haryana agriculture minister Shyam Singh Rana said the India International Horticulture Market (IIHM), Ganaur, will give a major boost to the state's horticulture sector. He said the project will provide farmers with better market access, modern facilities and opportunities to sell their produce globally.Rana presided over the 37th meeting of the Board of Directors of Haryana International Horticulture Marketing Corporation Ltd (HIHMCL) at Haryana Niwas here on Thursday.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Government's foodgrain stocks hit 604 lakh tonnes, nearly three times buffer requirement.
The government's wheat and rice reserves held in Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns rose to 604.02 lakh tonnes as of April 1, nearly three times the mandatory buffer requirement of 210.40 lakh tonnes, official data showed. Rice stocks stood at 386.10 lakh tonnes, well above the buffer norm of 135.80 lakh tonnes, while wheat reserves were at 217.92 lakh tonnes against the required 74.60 lakh tonnes.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Centre okays sunflower seed procurement in Karnataka, extends purchase window for gram in Maharashtra.
The Centre has given nod for procurement of 9,023 tonnes of sunflower seed cultivated in 2026 rabi season in Karnataka at a minimum support price to protect the interest of farmers. In Maharasthra, the maximum procurement limit for gram has been increased to 8,19,882 tonne with purchase window extended by 30 days.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, South Korea likely to hold FTA review talks on May 25.
India and South Korea are expected to hold negotiations on May 25 regarding the review of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), which was implemented in January 2010, an official said. The deliberations are important as India has suggested Korea to consider negotiating a fresh bilateral trade agreement to make it more contemporary and address concerns of the trade deficit.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India sees no need to curb sugar exports for now as demand weakens, sources say.
India has no plans to curb sugar exports for now, despite lower output, as stable prices suggest weaker demand has offset some of the production shortfall, two government sources said on Wednesday. India, the world's biggest sugar exporter after Brazil, allowed mills to export 1.59 million metric tons, betting output would exceed domestic demand. But production is now expected to lag consumption for a second consecutive year as cane yields weaken in major growing regions.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, US 'very close' to trade deal, need to get over last hurdle, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says.
India and the US are 'very, very close' to signing the trade deal and need to get over 'that last hurdle', US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Tuesday. Landau said that India and the US have been negotiating for months and it was important for the two sides to 'reach some closure' and move on with the many other issues on the agenda.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
APEDA to conduct Basmati survey in 4 mln ha, double the area of actual crop grown.
Last week, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada unveiled India’s first AI-based Basmati Paddy Survey project (2026–2028), an ambitious initiative to be implemented by APEDA covering approximately 4 million hectares. This target has sparked significant industry debate, as APEDA’s own 2023 report estimated the total Basmati cultivation area at only 2.14 million hectares, less than half of the new project’s scope.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Netherlands join hands with Indian spice industry on sustainability.
Sustainability, traceability and stricter food safety standards are emerging as critical determinants of competitiveness in the global spice trade, experts said at a seminar on 'Sustainable Spice Value Chains'. The seminar was organised by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for South India in association with the World Spice Organisation.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Fruit Horizon 2026 to Bring New Momentum to India’s Horticulture and Export Ecosystem: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on May 6 and 7 to participate in key events related to 'Fruit Horizon 2026.' The two-day event, being held in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aims to promote fruit production, quality enhancement, processing, and exports in the country. The programme seeks to bring together farmers, scientists, exporters, and other stakeholders on a common platform to provide a new direction to the fruit sector.
Source: pib.gov.in