NBCC bags Rs 42.37-crore contract to build international potato centre in Agra for National Horticulture Board
Under the contract, NBCC will take up comprehensive planning, architectural design, engineering, and execution of the centre, along with several ancillary works assigned by NHB. The project has been conceived as a world-class facility to promote advanced potato research, strengthen value chains, and support India’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector.
Source: https://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/nbcc-bags-rs-4237crore-contract-to-build-international-potato-centre-in-agra-for-national-horticulture-board-85395
South Kashmir’s deep freeze helps farmers protect non-CA stored apples
The intense cold has reduced the risk of spoilage for non-controlled-atmosphere (non-CA) stored apple produce, giving farmers who rely on traditional storage methods a rare advantage. For years, farmers, who are unable to afford high-end CA storage facilities, have had to battle rot, over ripening, and heavy losses when storing apples at home or in makeshift sheds. But this winter, with night temperatures dipping to nearly minus 5°C in parts of Shopian and Pulwama, growers say the natural cold is working as an efficient preservative.
Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan undertakes one-day visit to Punjab; interacts with farmers, villagers and stakeholders in Ransih Kalan village, Moga
Before the main event, the Union Minister spoke to the media and noted that incidents of stubble burning had worried the entire country. He said that while stubble burning may leave fields clean, it also destroys beneficial insects and creates serious pollution problems. “I have come today to congratulate Punjab and take the state’s stubble management experiment to the entire country. Stubble burning incidents in Punjab have fallen by 83 per cent this year. Earlier, there used to be around 83,000 incidents of stubble burning; now they have reduced to nearly 5,000,” the Union Minister said.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/
India’s exports to the US have increased: Commerce Secretary
Committee members sought multiple clarifications from the ministry—particularly on the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar and the impact of higher tariffs on Indian farmers. Members also pressed the ministry to explain the support measures being planned for industries that have been severely affected by the tariff hikes. According to sources, after addressing the panel’s questions, the Commerce Secretary requested ten days to prepare detailed responses on these issues. The ministry is expected to submit a comprehensive written reply within this period.
Source: https://www.indiatribune.com/
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan releases first advanced estimates of Kharif crop production for 2025-26
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has released the first advanced estimates of production of main Kharif crops, according to which a record growth in production of major Kharif crops is expected, with total food grain production estimated to increase by 3.87 million tonnes to 173.33 million tonnes. A good production of Kharif rice and maize is anticipated. Shri Shivraj Singh stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continuous positive progress is being made in the agricultural sector. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed that in some areas of the country, excessive rainfall affected crops, but most areas benefited greatly from good monsoon rains, resulting in overall good crop growth. According to the first advance estimates for 2025-26, the Kharif rice production is estimated at 124.504 million tonnes, which is 1.732 million tonnes more than the production of Kharif rice last year. Kharif maize production is estimated at 28.303 million tonnes, 3.495 million tonnes more than the previous year's Kharif maize production.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/
India: World Bank Approves Two Projects to Improve Learning Outcomes and Increase Farmers’ Incomes Using Digital Solutions
“Digital infrastructure has the potential to significantly drive economic development and poverty reduction by increasing efficiency, fostering innovation, and improving outcomes in health, education, agriculture and other essential sectors,” said Paul Proccee, Acting Country Director, World Bank India. “The two new projects will support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat through quality education for better jobs and using technology for increased crop productivity and improved livelihoods.” The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) program ($286 million) will help improve quality education in Punjab with the aid of technology to track learning outcomes.
Source: https://www.worldbank.org/
Surplus monsoon lifts India’s kharif foodgrain output to a record 173.33 million tonnes
Excess and widespread monsoon rainfall this year has lifted India’s kharif foodgrain output to a record 173.33 million tonnes (mt), up 3.87 mt from last year’s 169.4 mt, driven mainly by higher rice and maize production. According to the first advance estimates released on Wednesday, kharif rice output for 2025–26 is pegged at 124.504 mt—1.732 mt higher than last year’s 122.77 mt. Maize production is estimated at 28.303 mt, a sharp increase of 3.495 mt from 24.8 mt a year ago.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/
BARC develops first mutant banana variety of India
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre on Wednesday said it developed 'Kaveri Vaaman', the first mutant banana variety in India, which is shorter and can withstand winds along the coast.
Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/
India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade reviews bilateral trade partnership
The session provided a platform to review the current state of bilateral economic engagement, strengthen cooperation across key sectors, and chart a forward-looking roadmap for trade and investment between the two nations. Bilateral trade between India and Slovenia has shown a consistent upward trajectory over the past several years, reflecting the growing depth and resilience of the partnership. Slovenia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe, coupled with India’s expanding engagement with Europe, presents a unique opportunity to bring the regions closer together. This convergence of geographies and interests provides a strong foundation for deepening cooperation in trade, technology, innovation, and connectivity.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/
Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu assured cotton farmers of timely procurement and support
Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu assured cotton farmers that the govt is taking all necessary steps to ease procurement difficulties and ensure that every quintal of cotton produced in the state is purchased without delay.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/