India, US plan to negotiate trade pact, increase market access, cut duties: Govt to Parliament.
India and the US are planning to negotiate a trade agreement and both countries will focus on increasing market access, reducing import duty and non-tariff barriers, and enhancing supply chain integration, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. 'Both countries plan to negotiate a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement,' said Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, adding that as on date, reciprocal tariffs have not been imposed by the US on India.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Govt ready to include farmers in PM Kisan Samman Nidhi who are not part of it yet: Agri minister.
The government is ready to provide Rs 6,000 annual cash benefit under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to all eligible farmers who are not part of it yet, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. He asked all state governments to cooperate with the Centre in identifying such farmers and ensuring their inclusion in the scheme.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-Nicaragua deepens ties with historic ministerial visit focused on trade, investment, and renewable energy.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, made his first-ever official visit to Nicaragua, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is the first ministerial-level visit from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (March 6-8, 2025), to the Central American nation Nicaragua, and it sets the stage for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Source: financialexpress.com
Development of high-yielding and climate resilient crops.
During 2014-2024, National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including ICAR Institutes and State/Central Agricultural Universities (CAU/SAU) under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 2900 location specific improved crop varieties/ hybrids including 1380 of cereals, 412 of oilseeds, 437 of pulses, 376 of fibre crops, 178 of forage crops, 88 of sugarcane, and 29 of other crops. Out of these 2900 varieties, 2661 varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Of these 537 varieties have been developed specially for extreme climate using the precision phenotyping tools. During this period 152 biofortified varieties of rice (14), wheat (53), maize (24), millets (26), oilseeds (21), pulses (9) and grain amaranth (5).
Source: pib.gov.in
GI-tagged citrus from northeast India boosts craft gin appeal.
The northeast region of India, known for its unique agricultural products, features Assam's Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon) and Meghalaya's Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata). These citrus varieties have gained Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, enhancing their market presence domestically and internationally. Their incorporation into the craft gin industry, particularly in Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, underscores their growing influence.
Source: freshplaza.com
To get past US tariffs, India to take FTA route; increased market access, lower duties on cards.
As India and the US negotiate a trade pact, both sides will focus on increasing market access, reducing import duty and non-tariff barriers apart from enhancing supply chain integration, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
APEDA Showcases India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Excellence at the 39th Edition of AAHAR 2025.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India’s agricultural and processed food excellence at the 39th edition of AAHAR 2025, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) from 4th to 8th March 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event marked a significant milestone in highlighting India's prowess in the agriculture and food processing sector.
Source: pib.gov.in
India imposing 150 pc tariff on American alcohol, 100 pc tariff on agriculture goods: White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while lamenting the tariffs imposed by various nations on the United States, referred to the tariffs imposed by India on American alcohol and agricultural products. While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday (local time), she said that US President Donald Trump believes in reciprocity and wants to have fair and balanced trade practices.
Source: newindianexpress.com
APEDA Showcases India's Organic Excellence at Natural Products Expo West 2025.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India's rich agricultural heritage and growing organic sector at the Natural Products Expo West 2025, held from March 4 to 7, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Centre, California, USA. To enhance India’s global presence in the organic market, APEDA facilitated the participation of 13 leading Indian exporters, representing a diverse range of organic products, including rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, nuts, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils. The curated display underscored India’s agricultural strength and commitment to sustainability, quality, and international standards.
Source: pib.gov.in
Advancing Food Safety and Innovation: Key Outcomes of AAHAR-2025.
Union Minister of FPI, Shri Chirag Paswan inaugurated the AAHAR-2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 4th March, 2025. While addressing the inaugural session of AAHAR-2025, Hon'ble Minister said that our vision is clear that every dining table in the world should have at least one Made-in-India food product. By expanding food processing, we can ensure Indian flavors, quality, and innovation reach every corner of the globe.
Source: pib.gov.in