Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched 10,000 new multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) on Wednesday and asserted that the government will achieve its target of establishing 2 lakh such societies before the five-year timeline. Addressing the launch event, Shah said prosperity through cooperation cannot be achieved unless cooperatives function effectively at the panchayat level.

The recent statements by President-elect Donald Trump about imposing higher tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada cast a shadow over two important aspects of global trade — friend-shoring and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The development of the blueberry sector in India over the past several years has been marked by substantial growth, driven by increasing consumer demand, technological advancements, and government support, says Shubha Rawal, head of sourcing of IG International: 'Acknowledging the significant market opportunities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has recognized a variety of globally in-demand exotic fruits, including blueberries, as commercially valuable. Consequently, the ministry has instructed state horticulture departments to increase the cultivation areas dedicated to these fruits.'

The area under oilseeds and pulses is lower but wheat coverage is higher during the current rabi season. As of December 20, 93 per cent of the normal area has been covered with farmers bringing 32 lakh hectares (lh) under cultivation last week.