May 13, 2025 News Image India, EU to hold next round of FTA talks from Monday for early conclusion of first part.
India and the European Union (EU) chief negotiators will begin the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) here from Monday, with an aim to conclude the first phase of the pact as early as possible, according to an official. The two sides have agreed to conclude the agreement in two phases on account of the uncertain global trade environment, particularly due to the US tariff actions under President Donald Trump.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
May 13, 2025 News Image No duty cuts by India on UK wines under FTA; limited concession on British beer.
India is not giving any duty concessions on British wines and is providing only limited import duty benefits on UK beer under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, announced on May 6, an official said. The other sensitive agri products where India will not offer any reduction in the import duty include dairy products, apple, cheese, oats, animals and vegetable oils under the agreement with the United Kingdom.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
May 13, 2025 News Image Govt sets record foodgrains production target for 2025-26 crop year at 354.64 million tn.
India is targeting 354.64 million tonnes of foodgrain production in the 2025-26 crop year starting July on the forecast of better monsoon rains, a senior government official said on Thursday. In the current 2024-25 crop year (July-June), the government had set a target of 341.55 million tonnes of foodgrain production. Foodgrains include paddy, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses.
 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
May 09, 2025 News Image FSSAI proposes stricter rules for dairy analogues to protect consumer transparency.
This move follows media reports alleging that dairy analogues – which include plant-based or synthetic alternatives that mimic dairy products – are being sold as dairy products in India. 'Several media reports have been surfaced wherein it is claimed that products like ‘analogue in dairy context’ are being sold as ‘dairy products’, thus misleading consumers,' said Rakesh Kumar, FSSAI Director of the Regulatory Compliance Division.
 Source:  foodnavigator-asia.com
May 09, 2025 News Image Mangoes of Konkan exported abroad from Mopa’s cargo hub.
The creation of an air cargo logistics hub at the Manohar International Airport has kickstarted the export of mangoes from the Konkan region. The season’s first shipment, containing 3,368kg of Alphonso mangoes, was sent to Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight. A total of 600 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be exported to Europe and the UAE in the coming months, said GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) officials.
 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com
May 09, 2025 News Image UP CM Yogi Adityanath: MSMEs Must Adapt to Market Demands.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday emphasized the need for MSMEs in the state to continuously upgrade themselves in line with evolving market demands. While reviewing the MSME department on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh hosts the largest MSME base in the country, and therefore, a solid strategy should be adopted to enhance the capabilities of youth engaged in this sector.
 Source:  money.rediff.com
May 09, 2025 News Image DPIIT and Hafele India Sign MoU to Boost Manufacturing Innovation and Localized Supply Chains.
The  Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)  and Hafele India Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  on 07 May 2025 in New Delhi, to strengthen India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem by empowering product startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building resilient local supply chains and accelerating India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub. Under this strategic collaboration, Hafele will drive initiatives that support product innovation, local sourcing, and entrepreneurship through targeted investments, mentorship, and integration into global value chains.
 Source:  pib.gov.in
May 09, 2025 News Image India's exports to US hit record high in March amid 90-day tariff pause.
India’s exports to the United States surged to a record $11.2 billion in March, crossing the $10 billion mark for the first time and marking a nearly 50 per cent increase over the 12-month average. The rise pushed total bilateral goods trade to an unprecedented $15 billion for the month, data from the United States Census Bureau showed.
 Source:  business-standard.com
May 09, 2025 News Image Field study boosts GI hopes for Balanagar Sitaphal.
A team from Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University has begun a detailed field study to secure Geographical Indication (GI) registration for the renowned Balanagar custard apple (Sitaphal), a variety celebrated for its size, sweetness, and nutrient-rich pulp. The study, conducted in collaboration with GI facilitator Subhajit Saha, NABARD officials, and local farmer leaders, covers several villages in the forested regions of Mahabubnagar district, where this unique fruit is primarily grown.
 Source:  siasat.com
May 09, 2025 News Image Agriculture exports showing strong growth, up 30% on a 3-month average (YoY): Report.
India's agriculture exports are showing strong growth, increasing by 30 per cent year-on-year on a 3-month moving average (3mma) basis in volume terms, according to a report by SBI Mutual Funds. The report data tracks the yearly growth rate in agricultural exports since April 2019. Over the past few months, the export volume has picked up pace sharply.
 Source:  tribuneindia.com