AgriTech could add $90 billion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2033: Report.
AgriTech adoption in Southeast Asia could unlock more than $90 billion in annual GDP (gross domestic product) gains by 2033, according to a report. Despite agriculture contributing around 15% to the region’s GDP and employing nearly 30-40% of its workforce, the sector remains largely under-digitised, making it one of the world’s largest untapped opportunities for agricultural technology. Agritech adoption and digitalisation can help achieve this gap, says the report by Omnivore, Beanstalk AgTech .
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Seed industry seeks policy support amid input cost increase.
India's seed industry has sought policy support from the government amid rising input costs linked to the West Asia crisis. The industry has requested a doubling of income tax deductions on private R&D investments and permission to use the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to transition from LPG to alternative energy sources.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
How El Nino-driven weaker monsoon rains could impact India.
India's weather office has forecast a below-average monsoon in 2026, with an El Nino expected to develop and weigh on rainfall in the latter half of the June to September season. In the past, India has seen below-average rainfall in most El Nino years, at times triggering severe droughts that ravaged crops and prompted export curbs on certain grains.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Labour-intensive sectors see steep fall in exports in March.
Engineering goods, electronics and pharmaceuticals were the key drivers of exports in FY26. Sixteen of the 30 top export sectors of the country witnessed a decline in the fiscal year including petroleum products, chemicals, textiles, readymade garments, gems and jewellery, rice and leather.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
EXIM Bank says repayments unaffected by West Asia conflict.
There has been no impact on client repayments because of the Middle East conflict, a top official from the EXIM Bank of India has said. Indian companies' presence in the Middle East is concentrated in the construction or infrastructure sector, and their business may have suffered in the last month due to the challenging situations, its managing director and chief executive, Harsha Bangari, said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India's economy slipping to 6th rank, IMF data shows, prospects bright.
India has slipped to the sixth position among the world’s largest economies in 2025, according to latest estimates released by the International Monetary Fund. The same IMF report clarified that this is a 'nominal' shift. In terms of Real GDP Growth, India remains the fastest-growing major economy at 6.5% for 2026, compared to the UK's projected growth of just 0.8%. The report's medium-term projections suggest India will regain the 4th spot by 2027 and is on track for 3rd place by 2031.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Indian banana prices collapse as export disruptions hit growers.
Banana growers in Maharashtra, India, are facing market pressure following export disruptions to the Middle East. Farmers in key production areas such as Jalgaon and Solapur report that containers remain in cold storage, with shipments unable to move. Volumes originally intended for export have been redirected to the domestic market, increasing supply and lowering prices.
Source: freshplaza.com
Basmati exporters urge govt to suspend Rs.83/tonne levy amid delayed payment, shrinking margin.
Basmati exporters have urged Apeda to immediately suspend or withdraw the levy of Rs. 70 per tonne plus GST being charged on contract registration and collected for the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) as the industry is passing through an exceptionally difficult period after US-Iran war. Pointing out that exporters are already under severe financial and operational stress due to war-related disruptions, delayed realisations, higher freight, higher insurance, blocked funds, and shrinking margins, it said annual collection itself would be extraordinarily high.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
China resumes buying broken rice from India.
China has resumed buying broken rice from India despite rejecting several shipments, citing the alleged presence of genetically modified organisms. However, shipment costs have surged after prices of bunker fuel, used to power ships, surged by 50 per cent due to the Iran war.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Indian envoy to US meets US Trade Representative amid talks on finalising trade deal.
Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien here. The meeting on Wednesday comes as India and the US are negotiating the finer elements of a bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com