India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for August 2024* is estimated at USD 65.40 Billion, registering a negative growth of (-) 2.38 percent vis-à-vis August 2023. Total imports (Merchandise and Services combined) for August 2024* is estimated at USD 80.06 Billion, registering a positive growth of 3.45 percent vis-à-vis August 2023.

The ninth round of negotiations for the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) is scheduled to be held between September 23-27 in New Delhi.

India and the UK are expected to hold the next round of talks for a proposed free trade agreement in October to resolve the pending issues and close the negotiations, a senior official said on Tuesday. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said the officials of the UK are briefing their new ministers about the proposed free trade agreement (FTA).

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the government's decision to impose 20 per cent import duty on edible oils will help domestic farmers who will get better prices for their oilseed crops. With cess, the import duty will be 27.5 percent, he told reporters here.

India will host the second edition of Global Food Regulators Summit during September 19-21 in the national capital, where delegates of more than 70 countries will brainstorm on key regulations. The summit is being organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Union Health and Family Welfare ministry.

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under kharif crops as on 17th September 2024.

India’s rice production for 2024-25 is likely to be a record as farmers have expandedd the acreage under paddy in the ongoing kharif cropping season, while widespread monsoon has led to higher reservoir levels raising the prospects for the rabi season.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the University of Melbourne, Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive agricultural innovation. The partnership aims to foster collaboration between the two institutions and address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector.  

The FSSAI has decided to reduce the testing fee for analysis of food samples in all food categories for pan-India surveillance, which was being conducted by FSSAI headquarters.