May 13, 2025 News Image India to top world in rice production.
After years of subsidizing its rice farmers by paying for crop inputs and setting minimum support prices, India is about to surpass China as the world’s largest rice producer. USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board is forecasting that India will harvest a record 147 million metric tons of rice in the 2024-25 marketing year based on the Indian government’s Second Advanced Estimate and expected summer crop production.
 Source:  farmprogress.com
May 13, 2025 News Image GI Tag For The Humble Rajasthani Sangri, A Dry Vegetable From The Desert Land.
In the middle of a heavy and overwhelming week, a quiet celebration of news arrived as a rare kind of comfort. Rajasthan’s delightful ‘Sangri,’ the slender bean that is nothing less than a staple of Rajasthani kitchens, just earned a Geographical Indication (GI tag). This recognition is quite a victory, but one that speaks volumes for the region. Grown from the ‘Khejri tree,’ often called Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert, Sangri isn’t just a staple food but a nostalgic treat that holds memories of a lifetime. With the GI Tag, Sangri joins the cultural hall of fame, carrying the flavour of Rajasthan with it.
 Source:  timesnownews.com
May 13, 2025 News Image Basmati price rise due to demand surge, unrelated to India-Pakistan tensions: Exporters body.
The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) reports that recent Basmati rice price increases stem from heightened international demand, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. AIREA clarifies that these price fluctuations are unrelated to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with export operations proceeding smoothly. Increased demand has nudged prices upward, though they remain below previous highs.
 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com
May 13, 2025 News Image Food processing firms propose Rs 2,963 crore investments in Ujjain district.
Four companies have proposed investments amounting to nearly Rs 2,963 crore in Ujjain district, potentially generating employment for 13,150 people, according to the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC). The proposals include three food processing units. Amitex Agro Product plans to set up a food processing facility in Lalukhedi, Agar Malwa, with an investment of Rs 200 crore, creating around 800 work opportunities. Sanket Oils has proposed a Rs 75 crore food oil processing unit in Mandsaur, targeting 650 work opportunities. Safal Food intends to invest Rs 138 crore to establish pulses mill in Mandsaur, which is expected to generate employment for 800 individuals
 Source:  fnbnews.com
May 13, 2025 News Image India and Chile Sign Terms of Reference for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations.
India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 08 May 2025, marking a significant advancement in their bilateral trade relations. The mutually agreed ToR were duly signed by H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile in India and Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, also the Chief Negotiator for India-Chile CEPA from the Indian side.
 Source:  pib.gov.in
May 13, 2025 News Image First Round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiation Concludes in New Delhi.
In a major step towards expanding bilateral trade and investment engagement, the first round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully today in New Delhi. The negotiations were held from 5-9 May, 2025. This development builds on the shared commitment to deepen economic ties and guidance given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi during the visit of the Right Hon’ble Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand in March 2025. The FTA was launched during the meeting between Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Hon’ble Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Government of New Zealand on March 16, 2025.
 Source:  pib.gov.in
May 13, 2025 News Image US industry optimistic about getting Indian market access for its soyabean.
The US soyabean industry is 'cautiously optimistic' that India will provide market access for its produce and would like the import duty to be 'as low as possible'. It is of the view that India could import soyabeans and produce more oil and oilmeal, instead of importing a huge quantity of cooking oils annually. It also does not think there could be any issue with genetically modified (GM) soyabeans.
 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
May 13, 2025 News Image Sustainable dairy: The next frontier for Indian agri-business.
India’s dairy industry, the largest globally, has been a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural economy. With over 80 million rural households engaged in dairy farming, the sector not only contributes significantly to the country’s GDP but also ensures nutritional security for its vast population. However, the traditional methods of dairy farming are under scrutiny due to environmental concerns, particularly methane emissions and resource-intensive practices. As the world pivots towards sustainable agriculture, India’s dairy sector stands at the cusp of a transformative journey—one that harmonises productivity with environmental stewardship.
 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
May 13, 2025 News Image The rising global demand for premium Basmati rice: Opportunities for Indian exporters.
Basmati rice, known for its long grains, delicate fragrance, and distinctive flavour, is experiencing a surge in global demand, especially in its premium forms. According to industry reports, the Basmati rice market size is estimated to reach $31.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent over the forecast period of 2022-2027. This growth is being fueled by increasing global interest in healthy, high-quality grains and a rising preference for traditional and specialty rice varieties in Western markets. For Indian exporters, this upward trajectory presents a golden opportunity to tap into evolving consumer preferences and reaffirm India’s position as the world’s leading supplier of basmati rice.
 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
May 13, 2025 News Image US of Aam-erica has a new king: US emerges as India’s top export market for mangoes; Kesar tops Alphonso.
The United States of Aam-erica has a new ruler. Kesar, the saffronhued native of Gujarat, has toppled from the throne the long-reign - ing king, the delicate Alphonso, in the US, which has emerged as India’s biggest mango market. Between April 2024 and January 2025, India exported mangoes worth $24.97 million to US, which overtook the United Arab Emirates (at $20.78 mil - lion) for the first time to become the largest destination for Indian man - goes, according to data from the com - merce ministry. The figure includes fresh, dried and pulp mangoes.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com