Trump’s remarks aside, India and US move forward on easing shrimp, apple and alcohol trade rules.
Amid Donald Trump's latest comments linking the fate of Indo-US trade with the recent India-Pakistan border standoff, considerable progress is quietly being made between the two governments to ease up on procedural barriers weighing down bilateral trade involving several items. Case in point: Considerable progress has been made over the last fortnight to ease the import of US apples and other food items as well as lessen the pain points for export of the Indian shrimp to the US, ET has learnt.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-US trade relations under focus as Piyush Goyal heads for talks in Washington.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a team of senior Indian officials to Washington from May 17-20 for discussions on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The negotiations aim to secure early mutual wins through an interim trade arrangement, with the first phase of the agreement expected by fall 2025. Chief negotiators will meet separately from May 19-22.
Source: cnbctv18.com
US industry optimistic about getting Indian market access for its soyabean.
The US soyabean industry is 'cautiously optimistic' that India will provide market access for its produce and would like the import duty to be 'as low as possible'. It is of the view that India could import soyabeans and produce more oil and oilmeal, instead of importing a huge quantity of cooking oils annually. It also does not think there could be any issue with genetically modified (GM) soyabeans.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Sustainable dairy: The next frontier for Indian agri-business.
India’s dairy industry, the largest globally, has been a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural economy. With over 80 million rural households engaged in dairy farming, the sector not only contributes significantly to the country’s GDP but also ensures nutritional security for its vast population. However, the traditional methods of dairy farming are under scrutiny due to environmental concerns, particularly methane emissions and resource-intensive practices. As the world pivots towards sustainable agriculture, India’s dairy sector stands at the cusp of a transformative journey—one that harmonises productivity with environmental stewardship.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Govt sets record foodgrains production target for 2025-26 crop year at 354.64 million tn.
India is targeting 354.64 million tonnes of foodgrain production in the 2025-26 crop year starting July on the forecast of better monsoon rains, a senior government official said on Thursday. In the current 2024-25 crop year (July-June), the government had set a target of 341.55 million tonnes of foodgrain production. Foodgrains include paddy, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
GI Tag For The Humble Rajasthani Sangri, A Dry Vegetable From The Desert Land.
In the middle of a heavy and overwhelming week, a quiet celebration of news arrived as a rare kind of comfort. Rajasthan’s delightful ‘Sangri,’ the slender bean that is nothing less than a staple of Rajasthani kitchens, just earned a Geographical Indication (GI tag). This recognition is quite a victory, but one that speaks volumes for the region. Grown from the ‘Khejri tree,’ often called Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert, Sangri isn’t just a staple food but a nostalgic treat that holds memories of a lifetime. With the GI Tag, Sangri joins the cultural hall of fame, carrying the flavour of Rajasthan with it.
Source: timesnownews.com
Food processing firms propose Rs 2,963 crore investments in Ujjain district.
Four companies have proposed investments amounting to nearly Rs 2,963 crore in Ujjain district, potentially generating employment for 13,150 people, according to the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC). The proposals include three food processing units. Amitex Agro Product plans to set up a food processing facility in Lalukhedi, Agar Malwa, with an investment of Rs 200 crore, creating around 800 work opportunities. Sanket Oils has proposed a Rs 75 crore food oil processing unit in Mandsaur, targeting 650 work opportunities. Safal Food intends to invest Rs 138 crore to establish pulses mill in Mandsaur, which is expected to generate employment for 800 individuals
Source: fnbnews.com
Basmati price rise due to demand surge, unrelated to India-Pakistan tensions: Exporters body.
The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) reports that recent Basmati rice price increases stem from heightened international demand, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. AIREA clarifies that these price fluctuations are unrelated to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with export operations proceeding smoothly. Increased demand has nudged prices upward, though they remain below previous highs.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
UP govt targets 12 pc increase in Kharif production to 293 LT.
To boost farmers' income, Uttar Pradesh has launched a new Kharif strategy targeting a 12 per cent increase in foodgrain and oilseed production -- from 260 lakh tonnes to 293 lakh tonnes, an official statement said on Monday. Officials have been directed to support this through improved crop planning, promotion of maize and paddy in terms of production and area, respectively, and the construction of 8,500 farm ponds for water conservation, it said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India to top world in rice production.
After years of subsidizing its rice farmers by paying for crop inputs and setting minimum support prices, India is about to surpass China as the world’s largest rice producer. USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board is forecasting that India will harvest a record 147 million metric tons of rice in the 2024-25 marketing year based on the Indian government’s Second Advanced Estimate and expected summer crop production.
Source: farmprogress.com