Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Advanced NSC Seed Processing Units, Launches Online Seed Booking Platform for Farmers.
Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday (October 27, 2025) inaugurated a state-of-the-art vegetable and flower seed processing and packaging unit of the National Seeds Corporation (NSC) at Pusa Complex in New Delhi. He also inaugurated five NSC seed processing plants located in Bareilly, Dharwad, Hassan, Suratgarh, and Raichur. The new vegetable seed processing plant at Beej Bhawan, Pusa, has a capacity of one tonne per hour, while the other five NSC plants can process four tonnes per hour each.
Source: krishijagran.com
Commerce and Industry Minister meets with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, discusses India-EU FTA.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal visited Brussels from 26-28 October 2025 and had productive and meaningful engagements with Mr Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and his team on outstanding issues related to the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude the India-EU FTA by the end of 2025, following the clear direction from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen during the College of Commissioners’ visit to New Delhi in February 2025. The engagement focused on achieving a mutually beneficial, balanced and equitable trade agreement, reflecting the depth of political trust and the strategic ties between India and the European Union, and at the same time respecting each other's sensitivities and priorities.
Source: pib.gov.in
APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of 350 kg of India’s GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka and 150 kg Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, to the United Kingdom on 28th October, 2025. The 500 kg consignment was exported, marking a significant milestone in expanding the global footprint of India’s GI-tagged horticultural produce.
Source: pib.gov.in
Govt eases Certificate of Origin for India-EFTA exports.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Tuesday said it has amended a provision to facilitate domestic exporters to obtain the Certificate of Origin (CoO) under the India-EFTA free trade agreement, through self-declaration. The FTA between India and the four-nationEuropean Free Trade Association came into effect October 1. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are the EFTA members.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Jaishankar pushes for early India-EU FTA to ‘stabilise global economy, strengthen democratic forces’.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that an early conclusion of the proposed India–European Union free trade agreement (FTA) could play a crucial role in stabilising the global economy and strengthening democratic forces. Jaishankar made the remarks after meeting a high-level trade delegation from the 27-member European Union, which is currently visiting India to advance discussions on finalising the long-pending FTA.
Source: firstpost.com
14,000 MT of Apples Transported out of Kashmir Despite Highway Blockade: Govt.
Up to October 23, 2025, about 14,000 metric tonnes of apples — roughly 9 lakh boxes — have been transported from various fruit and vegetable markets across the Kashmir Valley to destinations outside Jammu Kashmir, the government informed the Legislative Assembly. Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, said that despite the prolonged blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to landslides and heavy rains, the administration ensured smooth evacuation of apple produce through railway services and alternate routes.
Source: kashmirlife.net
National FPO Samagam 2025: Empowering Farmer Producer Organizations through Innovation, Inclusion, and Market Linkages.
In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen Indian agriculture and boost the agricultural economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, is organizing the National FPO Samagam 2025 on 30th–31st October 2025 at the NCDC and NCUI Complex, Hauz Khas, New Delhi. The event celebrates the remarkable achievements under the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Scheme and aims to further strengthen farmer collectives through collaboration, technology, and value addition.
Source: pib.gov.in
‘India is a very important country for us’: Dutch Minister Tieman on visit to boost bilateral ties.
Dutch Minister Robert Tieman said the Netherlands sees India as a key partner in green energy and maritime collaboration. Speaking on hydrogen, port development, and digital trade, he noted that both countries share a strong cultural and business alignment. Tieman confirmed that a letter of intent was signed with Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to develop green and digital corridors between Mumbai and Rotterdam, enhancing cooperation in clean energy and logistics innovation.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, EU FTA talks: Outstanding issues reduced, EU team to visit next week.
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday said his talks with the EU have 'significantly reduced our outstanding issues' and laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement. The minister was on a visit to Brussels and met European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič on the proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA).
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Rabi pulses area up at 4.5 lakh ha in early sowing.
Farmers across the country have planted rabi pulses such as chana and lentils in about 4.5 lakh hectares till October 24, an increase of 2.74 per cent over same period last year’s 4.38 lakh ha. Chana, the main rabi season pulses crop, has been planted in 3.19 lakh ha till 24th October, up 10.38 per cent over same period last year’s 2.89 lakh ha. However, the lentils area is down by around 29 per cent at 0.49 lakh ha over same period last year’s 0.69 lakh ha. Similarly, the field pea area is also down by 28 per cent at 0.36 lakh ha (0.5 lakh ha in corresponding previous year), as per the Agriculture Ministry data.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com