India protects key sectors under 'powerful' US trade deal, says Piyush Goyal.
India has a 'very good' and 'powerful' trade agreement with the United States, under which New Delhi has been able to protect all its sensitive sectors, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Speaking at a media event, Goyal said the trade deal would benefit both countries and that the process of building in preferential benefits available to India under the agreement was currently underway. "We have been able to protect all our sensitive sectors," Goyal said, adding that products of India's interest in agriculture had been safeguarded.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Over Rs 15k cr disbursed to exporters till December 25 this fiscal under duty refund scheme RoDTEP.
The government on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that it has disbursed Rs 15,756.96 crore till December 25 this fiscal under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. It has benefited more than 1.11 lakh exporters so far this fiscal, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, UK trade pact may come into effect in one month from now: Piyush Goyal.
India and the UK free trade agreement is expected to be implemented from mid-April this year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. India and the UK, on July 24 last year, signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) under which 99 per cent of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while tariffs on British products, such as cars and whisky, will be reduced in India.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
US calls India a 'tough negotiator'; expects New Delhi, other partners to 'honour' trade deals.
The United States on Friday described India as a 'tough negotiator' in trade discussions and said it expects New Delhi and other partners to honour agreements reached with Washington, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Indian export rates steady as demand slows, Vietnamese and Thai rates fall.
India's rice export prices were steady this week on subdued demand, Vietnamese rates eased on less buying and growing supply, while Thai rates fell as the currency weakened. India's 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $348-$353 per metric ton, unchanged from last week. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $344-$350.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Iran war leads to food inflation in Persian Gulf region on shortage, soaring freight charges.
The Iran war is leading to food inflation in the Persian Gulf region, primarily the United Arab Emirates, with sea routes and air cargo being affected since February 27. Multiple sources told businessline that prices of vegetables and fruits have doubled, while stocks of foodgrains, mainly rice, are thinning.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Maharashtra’s cashew advantage in the era of natural farming.
Maharashtra occupies a prominent position in India’s cashew economy. The state cultivates cashew on nearly 1.9 lakh hectares and produces close to two lakh tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually. Nearly two lakh farmers depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
GCWAS-2026 Concludes with Renewed Global Commitment to Empower Women in Agri-Food Systems.
The Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) concluded on Saturday in New Delhi with a strong call for strengthening women’s leadership, participation, and innovation across agriculture and agri-food systems. The valedictory session marked the culmination of three days of global dialogue focused on advancing gender-responsive policies, inclusive innovations, and sustainable agricultural development. The session was graced by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, as the Chief Guest.
Source: pib.gov.in
Status of Aatmanirbharta Mission in Pulses.
Progress on procurement of Pulses is periodically reviewed with Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) namely National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF). To ensure remunerative price to the farmers and self sufficiency in pulse production, CNAs undertake procurement of Tur, Urad & Masoor from registered farmers as much as offered by them. During Rabi 2026-27 procurement season, the Government of India has already registered 1.5 lakh pulse farmers through NAFED & NCCF.
Source: pib.gov.in
APEDA Facilitates First Export of GI-Tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy. The consignment was dispatched on 12 March 2026 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam.
Source: pib.gov.in