New MRL framework for spices in the offing; to help improve market access

FSSAI readies draft framework revising the maximum residue levels to 98 from current 11, backed by extensive data monitoring. A revised maximum residue level (MRL) framework for spices and culinary herbs, which can help improve market access for Indian exporters, is in the offing.  https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/new-mrl-framework-for-spices-in-the-offiing-to-help-improve-market-access/article69267218.ece

Indian seafood industry calls for removal of 30% duty on US shrimps

US is the biggest market for Indian shrimps, such a move for high tariff will undermine India’s position in the global seafood market and lead to sheer business loss: Sources. India’s seafood exporters have appealed for a waiver of 30 per cent customs duty imposed on shrimp imports from the US fearing a reciprocal tariff from India’s biggest seafood market. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/indian-seafood-industry-calls-for-removal-of-30-duty-on-us-shrimps/article69261191.ece

Indian, American spice trade bodies sign MoU to enhance collaboration

The partnership focuses on enhancing microbiological safety, chemical contaminant control, traceability, and ethical sourcing. The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) and the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the International Spice Conference (ISC) 2025 to enhance collaboration in the global spice trade. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/indian-american-spice-trade-bodies-sign-mou-to-enhance-collaboration/article69260807.ece

Blenders, upcountry support push tea sales at Coonoor auctions

Better activity from blenders and upcountry buyers has helped increase the sales percentage at the Coonoor Tea auctions.https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/blenders-upcountry-support-push-tea-sales-at-coonoor-auctions/article69257392.ece

India’s tea output drops to 4-year low in 2024 at 1,284 million kg on weather woes

India’s tea output in the 2024 calendar year touched a four-year low at 1,284 million kgs (mkg) as adverse weather impacted the output across key producing regions in all major States in northern and southern parts.https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/indias-tea-output-drops-to-4-year-low-in-2024-at-1284-million-kg-on-weather-woes/article69234384.ece

Fertilizer import drops 18% in April-December FY25

Urea sales till December 31 in current fiscal recorded an increase of 6.4 per cent to 300.26 lakh tonnes (lt) from 282.08 lt year-ago, whereas sales of all fertilizers put together increased 7.3 per cent to 525.92 lt, mainly due to lower sales of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizers, according to latest official data. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/fertilizer-import-drops-18-in-april-december-fy25/article69124120.ece?cx_testId=23&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EXEPURFQAOW6&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendationsK2WYEEDC7UY111#cxrecs_s

Agri research needs big boost, has to be more focused, say experts

A few weeks back, agricultural scientist R S Paroda made an impassioned plea before a top official of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to increase the research budget for farming and allied activities in the country to meet the numerous challenges facing the sector. Paroda, founding chairman of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences, […]

Centre slashes FCI rice price by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 for states

The Centre on Friday reduced the reserve price of FCI rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 for states and ethanol producers to boost sales and support food security measures. According to a Food Ministry order, state governments and state-run corporations can purchase up to 12 […]