'We are committed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi' – Shri Shivraj Singh.
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the second day of his visit to Jammu & Kashmir, attended the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, and conferred degrees upon the graduates. The event was graced by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K Shri Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shri Javed Ahmad Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Ms. Sakina Masood, along with vice chancellors, professors, senior officials, and other dignitaries.
Source: pib.gov.in
India’s BRICS trade volume up.
India’s trade with the key BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has expanded significantly over the past four years, reaching a total volume of US$ 399 billion in 2024. This reflects a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 20% between 2020 and 2024. However, the sharp rise in trade has also resulted in a widening imbalance. While India’s imports from BRICS countries touched US$ 304 billion, its exports stood at a relatively modest US$ 95 billion, leaving a trade deficit of US$ 209 billion.
Source: newindianexpress.com
‘No trade deal under pressure of deadline’: Piyush Goyal.
Days ahead of the US’ July 9 deadline for reciprocal tariffs, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India does not enter into trade agreements based on deadlines but on mutual benefits and national interest. 'FTAs (free trade agreements) are possible only when both sides get benefits. It should be a win-win agreement. India never negotiates trade deals based on deadlines. Our focus is always on fairness and the country’s benefit,' Goyal told media persons on the sidelines of an event, a day after Indian trade negotiators returned from an eight-day visit to the US to close a trade pact before July 9.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India moving towards a unified quality standard for domestic and global markets: Shri Piyush Goyal.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said that the number of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in the country has grown from just 14 covering 106 products in 2014 to 156 QCOs covering 672 products over the last decade. He said this while addressing the 75th anniversary celebration of SGS in India in New Delhi today, adding that the government is working to introduce more horizontal and product-specific standards to ensure that all goods and services made in India meet global benchmarks.
Source: pib.gov.in
India, Maldives hold talks to deepen trade and investment ties.
India and the Maldives discussed ways to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation and trade enhancement, state-run media said on Saturday. The discussion for strengthening trade was held during a meeting between India's Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed here on Friday.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Millet push, kiwi boost, dragon fruit drive: Uttarakhand's Dhami government reflects on 4 years of farm and horticulture reforms.
The Uttarakhand government has expanded focus on both traditional agriculture and high-value horticulture, introducing a series of initiatives aimed at increasing farmers' incomes and diversifying crop production across the state, under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's four year tenure. Efforts to promote traditional crops have included the procurement of mandua (finger millet) under the National Food Security Mission since 2022. The state has integrated millets into the public distribution system, mid-day meals, and Anganwadi nutrition programs to boost both demand and nutritional access.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Cold storage boosts cherry and plum sales in Kashmir.
In Kashmir, advancements in cold storage units are reshaping the marketing prospects for cherry and plum growers. Previously constrained by the short shelf life of these fruits, local farmers often faced limits in market reach, resorting to distress sales. Enhanced cold storage networks now enable extended preservation of produce, facilitating access to markets across India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Source: freshplaza.com
FTA fuel and China caution: Piyush Goyal eyes $870 bn export ambition for India.
Despite global headwinds, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal believes India’s exports will reach a new record this year, aided by free trade agreements (FTAs) and investments flowing into key sectors. In an interview with The Times of India, Goyal said India is reviewing older FTAs with ASEAN and Japan while remaining cautious in trade engagements with China.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
APEDA and NLDSL sign MoU to develop logistics eMarketplace for streamlining agri-export logistics.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of the Logistics eMarketplace (NLeMP), a unified digital platform aimed at enhancing the efficiency of logistics services across the country. The MoU was signed by Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, and Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, Chairman, NLDSL and CEO & MD, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).
Source: foodtechbiz.com
From orchard to overseas: Indian mangoes go global with GI-tagged prestige.
Held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, the in-store mango festival was inaugurated at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, by Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir. The event brought together diplomats, retail leaders, and export officials in a shared celebration of India’s mango heritage—and its export potential. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, the in-store mango festival was inaugurated at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, by Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir. The event brought together diplomats, retail leaders, and export officials in a shared celebration of India’s mango heritage—and its export potential.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com