Rabi crop sowing exceeds 655.88 lakh hectares.
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under Rabi crops as on 27th January 2025.
Source: pib.gov.in
Bangladesh adds nine potato import stations as prices drop and surplus grows.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has expanded the number of customs stations for potato imports, adding nine more to facilitate the entry of potatoes from Nepal and Bhutan. This decision aims to diversify the sources of potato imports and reduce reliance on India. The newly included customs stations are Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj, Sonahat in Kurigram, Dhanua Kamalpur in Jamalpur, Nakugaon in Sherpur, Gobrakura and Karaitoli in Mymensingh, and Tamabil, Zakiganj, and Sheola in Sylhet. Previously, imports were limited to four stations, including Benapole and Bhomra. The extension is in place until March, as per a recent gazette.
Source: freshplaza.com
Applications Invited for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing Units under PMKSY.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, invites applications under scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities (CEFPPC) of PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA (PMKSY) from prospective entrepreneurs belonging to General category for setting up of food processing units outside Mega Food Parks and outside Agro Processing Clusters.
Source: pib.gov.in
UK trade secy Jonathan Reynolds to visit India in Feb for FTA talks.
Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, on Monday revealed plans to visit India next month with a focus on finalising the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations as part of the UK government's ambition to elevate the bilateral partnership across all sectors.
Source: business-standard.com
India, Oman trade ministers discuss advancing FTA negotiations pact.
Trade ministers of India and Oman on Monday reviewed progress of the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries and focused on advancing the negotiations for the pact. The agreement was discussed between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef in Muscat.
Source: business-standard.com
Cultivating change: The significance of mushrooms in sustainable agriculture and commodity markets.
The global market for edible mushrooms has seen remarkable growth, with India emerging as a key player in this expanding industry. By 2024, the market was estimated to be valued at around $67.4 billion, projected to reach $97.1 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.57 per cent. This rapid increase is a clear reflection of the rising consumer demand for the nutritional and environmental advantages of mushrooms, alongside the growing trend of plant-based diets like vegan.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Plan afoot to allow farmers sell produce to consumers directly.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said the government is working on a model to allow farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, reducing middlemen's role. Interacting with about 400 farmers after the Republic Day parade at Pusa campus, Chouhan emphasized that the 'farm to consumer' model will help farmers get maximum benefits, an official statement said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Impact of Basmati price volatility in key international markets for Indian exporters.
One of the most integral parts of India’s agricultural exports, the global Basmati rice market often experiences price fluctuations. Since Basmati rice is cultivated in only India and Pakistan in the world, with the former producing the giant’s share of the total cultivation, price volatility leads to considerable implications on the worldwide B2B and retail rice markets.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
ASIA RICE-Ample supply pushes India rates lower, Thai prices at 2-year low.
Rice prices from top exporter India extended declines to an 18-month low on rising supplies amid depreciation in the rupee, while weak demand pushed Thai rates to a two-year trough. India's 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $429-$435 per metric ton this week, the lowest since July 2023 and down from the last week's $431-$440.
Source: livemint.com
India on course to make its organic agro products more visible in global market: APEDA chairman.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) chairman Abhishek Dev said India was on course to make its organic agro products increasingly visible across the global market. He was speaking at the BioFest ’25 recently, a conclave of organic farmers and domestic and global buyers of organic produce, organised by International Competence Centre For Organic Agriculture, (ICCOA), a knowledge and learning centre for all aspects of sustainable and organic agriculture.
Source: thehindu.com