India’s rice procurement up 5% in Oct-Feb 2024-25.
Rice procurement across the country has reached 45.84 million tonnes (mt) as of February 28, after the 2024-25 marketing season began on October 1. This is 5 per cent higher from 43.84 mt a year ago. However, considering that the kharif season’s rice production has been estimated at record 119.93 mt this year, the current procurement has already crossed 38 per cent of output and more purchases may not be desirable for the government, experts said.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Bargaining with Brussels: India-EU free trade talks in focus.
India and the European Union (EU) have resolved to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. As negotiations progress, key elements of New Delhi’s trade relationship with Brussels are under discussion. The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
UAE-India trade reaches US$65 billion in 2024 with 20.5% growth.
The United Arab Emirates' non-oil trade with India surged by 20.5 per cent in 2024, reaching over US$65 billion compared to US$54 billion in 2023. This is reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS. The sharp rise in non-oil trade, joint ventures, and mutual investments aligns with the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which enters its third year on 1 May. The agreement has played a crucial role in fostering sustainable growth across various sectors, the experts said.
Source: tvbrics.com
First survey pegs Indian wheat crop at 110 million tonnes.
Wheat production during the 2024-25 crop year (July-June) is expected to be 8.2 per cent higher, mainly on higher acreage and farmers opting to sow climate-resilient varieties, according to a survey presented at the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India (RFMFI) conclave in Goa on Monday.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India may have a good rabi harvest, review by Agriculture Minister reveals.
While the India Meteorological Department said February had the highest-ever mean temperature since 1901 in the central meteorological subdivision comprising States such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, it has come to light that the above-normal temperature has had little impact on rabi crops. The country should expect bumper harvest.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
FSSAI to launch pan-India food safety survey.
Following concerning paneer surveillance findings in Gujarat, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced a comprehensive nationwide food safety assessment for paneer. The regulator directed all state food safety commissioners to initiate testing, with each food safety officer tasked to collect five specific samples — two packed, two loose, and one milk analogue.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Free trade deal with India could come this year - EU Commission chief.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said EU and India were pushing to get a free trade agreement during this year. 'I am well aware it will not be easy. But I also know that timing and determination counts,' von der Leyen said in Delhi, adding that such an agreement would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world.
Source: bbc.com
Anthony John Abbott appreciates India’s leadership in reviving traditional grains and promoting their global consumption.
Former Prime Minister of Australia Shri Anthony John Abbott visited the NAFED Millet Experience Centre at Dilli Haat, New Delhi today to explore India’s initiatives in promoting Shree Anna (millets) as a sustainable and nutritious food source. During the visit, Anthony John Abbott was introduced to a diverse range of Ready to Cook (RTC) and Ready to Eat (RTE) products made from different types of millets as well as millet staples like grains, flours, sprouted flours and more. He interacted with Shri Chandrajit Chatterjee, Additional Managing Director NAFED, Shri Amit Goel, General Manager NAFED, Shri Ranjan Kumar, Manager NAFED and Ms. Pallavi Upadhyaya, Coordinator Millet Experience Center and learned about India’s commitment to millet production, its impact on climate-resilient agriculture, and the role of Shree Anna in ensuring food security, better nutrition and a sustainable food ecosystem.
Source: pib.gov.in
West Bengal potato production estimated at a record 130 lakh tonnes this year.
West Bengal is likely to harvest a bumper potato crop of over 130 lakh tonnes this year, backed by an increase in the area under cultivation and favourable weather. Bengal, the country’s second largest producer of potato, produced around 100 lakh tonnes of the spud last year.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Decentralised jaggery processing unit gives hope to farmers in Kerala's Kanthalloor.
Despite the popular Marayur jaggery fetching Geographical Indication tag, the producers of the product have not been getting much benefits. One of the impeding factors in the produce not having the demand it deserves is the lack of a decentralised processing unit to produce export-quality jaggery. Realising this, the CSIR-National Institute For Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, will establish a processing unit for Marayur jaggery in Kanthalloor.
Source: newindianexpress.com