Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurates PMFME Mahotsav in Leh, presides over review meeting.
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan today inaugurated an exhibition under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme in Leh. The aim of the exhibition was to showcase the products crafted by PMFME scheme beneficiaries spotlighting local entrepreneurship, enhancing scheme awareness and strengthening market linkages for micro food processing enterprises in the region. The exhibition was held at the DC Office Complex in Leh and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) and the Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Administration of Ladakh.
Source: pib.gov.in
IREF seeks to partner with APEDA in Basmati crop survey.
Indian Rice Exporter’s Federation (IREF) has said it is willing to collaborate with APEDA in the Basmati crop survey exercise. The collaboration between APEDA and IREF for the Basmati Crop Survey 2026 can be positioned as a strategic public–industry partnership supporting accurate production forecasting, export planning, farmer outreach, and global credibility of Indian Basmati rice, it said in a letter to APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
West Asia conflict gives mixed push to Kashmir apple trade, experts see resilient outlook.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia and growing fears of an economic slowdown are creating both opportunities and challenges for Kashmir’s apple industry, with experts saying the sector is witnessing short-term gains in domestic markets despite mounting pressure on exports. Experts said disruptions linked to Iran — traditionally a major supplier of low-priced apples to Indian markets — have altered market dynamics in favour of Kashmiri growers in recent months.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
EAM Jaishankar welcomes Russian FM Sergey Lavrov at BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Bharat Mandapam for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, marking a key diplomatic engagement. The EAM also welcomed other Foreign Ministers and representatives from the member and observer nations to the venue in the national capital ahead of the much-anticipated meeting.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Sugar export ban to free up 4-5 lakh tonne for domestic use.
The export ban on sugar amid rising concerns of El Nino is expected to release 4-5 lakh tonnes of sugar, or 1.7% of India's annual sugar requirements, available for domestic consumption. The additional sugar is expected to increase the buffer stock for next year helping ease domestic availability in case sugar production of 2026-27 gets adversely affected by El Nino.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Goyal calls for aligning standards, customs procedures between India and Africa to boost bilateral trade.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday pitched for aligning standards and customs procedures between India and Africa to boost bilateral trade. He also said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), valued at nearly USD 3.4 trillion, along with India's rapidly expanding USD 4 trillion economy, presents immense opportunities to create resilient partnerships, diversify supply chains, and move beyond raw material trade towards higher-value manufacturing and integrated value chains.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Centre raises MSP for 14 kharif crops, boosts support for pulses and oilseeds.
The government has raised the minimum support price for 14 kharif (monsoon) crops, with oilseeds, pulses and cotton witnessing the highest increase to incentivise farmers to grow these crops. Prices have been increased by Rs 622 per quintal for sunflower seeds, Rs 557 per quintal for cotton, Rs 515 per quintal for nigerseed and Rs 500 per quintal for sesamum.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India targets $1 trillion exports in FY27 as FTAs come into effect, says Goyal.
India can increase its goods and services exports to $1 trillion in FY27, around 16% higher than last year's record high of $863.11 billion as its free trade agreements (FTA) come into effect, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said Wednesday, adding that the trade deals with Chile and the Maldives are slated to be completed by the end of this year.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jaishankar meets Chilean FM Mackenna; discusses trade diversification, multilateral cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna and said he was 'delighted' to meet him. He also highlighted his discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. In a post on X, Jaishankar said both sides held 'a very good discussion on strengthening our bilateral cooperation to diversify markets and sourcing, promote export of priority items and facilitating the services economy.'
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Global turmoil is India’s 'wake-up call' to cut import dependence: Piyush Goyal.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the ongoing global challenges should act as a wake-up call for domestic industry to become self-efficient and productive, make better use of free trade agreements, and reduce dependence on imports to strengthen the economy. He said the world is going through a challenging time as the war in West Asia has certainly disrupted global trade and investment flows, but in these 'trying times', India has a great opportunity to outshine others.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com