India, US may agree on interim trade deal by June 25: Sources.
With a team of US officials expecting to visit India next month for trade talks, there is a possibility that the two countries may agree on an interim trade pact by June 25, sources said. 'Talks are moving. Things are on track,' they said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Goyal asks exporters to leverage FTAs, talks non-tariff barriers.
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday asked exporters to increase the utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs) and discussed non-tariff barriers at a meeting with export bodies and industry. The proposed centralised exporters portal, India's trade pact talks with the EU and the US, and ways to further boost exports of services and value-added goods were also discussed.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Government raises 2024-25 foodgrain output forecast to record 353.95 million tons, wheat at 117.50 million tons.
The government on Wednesday revised upwards its foodgrain production estimate for the 2024-25 crop year to a record 353.95 million tonnes, with wheat output alone projected at 117.50 million tonnes, as the country posted bumper harvests across key crops. The revised estimates show significant increases in production of wheat, rice, maize and several oilseeds.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Government Strengthens Farmer Support through Continued Interest Subvention – KCC and MISS Remain Cornerstone of Agri Credit.
In a significant decision to support farmers across the country, the Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025–26. Under this scheme, 1.5% interest subvention will continue to be provided to banks for short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh issued through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) platform.
Source: pib.gov.in
Kashmir’s walnut Industry receives temporary relief as India shuts Attari-Wagah border.
India severing trade ties with Pakistan has brought cheer for Jammu and Kashmir’s walnut industry. On May 2, the Central government announced a blanket ban on the import of goods from Pakistan and shut the Attari-Wagah trade route. Among the affected commodities were dry fruits, including Afghan walnuts, which were being imported into India via Pakistan.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
CACP seeks ban on yellow pea imports, hike in duty of other pulses.
As unrestricted and cheap imports of pulses impact domestic prices and hurt farmers’ realisations, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended a ban on yellow pea imports It has also recommended that import duty on pulses such as tur (arhar), lentils and urad should be increased as part of its non-price policy recommendations for the kharif marketing season (KMS) 2025-26 to ensure better prices for the farmers.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
FSSAI notifies guidelines for recycled-PET material for beverage makers, labelling norms specified.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified guidelines specifying the accepted criteria for food-grade recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) which can be used as food contact material by beverage makers. The guidelines, which specify various aspects of r-PET recycling, also introduced a new logo that will need to be displayed on labels along with information on the percentage of recycled PET material used in the packaging material. The food safety authority has said that this logo has been developed to ensure 'easy identification' and 'for the benefits of consumers'.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Assam Eyes Southeast Asia Market Via India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway To Boost Semiconductor Exports.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (26 May) in an interview with the Mint said the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway will become a strategic economic corridor for Assam within the next three years, enabling the state to export semiconductor chips and attract investments from Southeast Asia.
Source: swarajyamag.com
India seeks improved US access for fresh produce exports.
India is seeking improved access to the US for its fruit and vegetable exports, according to a report from Indian business publication Mint. Amid ongoing discussion for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between the two coutnries, sources told Mint that India wanted amendments to the US sanitary and phytosanitary regulations that have caused fresh produce shipments from India to be rejected. Most recently, this happened to a shipment of 25 tonnes of Indian mangoes, which was rejected and destroyed in the US causing a loss of about US$500,000 to exporters.
Source: fruitnet.com
Application invited for the setting up of Cold Chain projects from eligible entrepreneurs.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, has invited proposals through Expression of Interest (EoI) dated 27.05.2025 under Scheme for Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain scheme) of PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA (PMKSY) from eligible entities (prospective entrepreneurs) across the country for setting up of Cold Chain projects.
Source: pib.gov.in