China, Southeast Asia to redefine global table grape trade
China is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the global table grape trade, challenging established exporters and reshaping demand across Asia, according to the latest RaboResearch report On the other hand, Southeast Asia offers “untapped opportunities” for diversification, not only for China but also for competing exporters such as Australia, India and South Africa, which […]
Excess rains, floods cause damage to crops on over 9.6 lakh hectares in Karnataka
Excess rainfall and flooding in northern parts of the Karnataka has caused damages to crops on over 9.6 lakh hectares. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who carried out the aerial survey of flood affected districts such as Kalaburgi and Yadgiri on Tuesday, said according to preliminary survey crops have been damaged on 9,60,578 hectares. Of this, […]
Plant protection a thorn in boosting India, Russia agricultural trade
India and Russia are looking to expand their cooperation in trade and education in the agriculture sector by removing some bottlenecks, but given the resistance to move forward with suitable reforms, it may take time to reach some agreements. As Russia has been insisting on earmarking a pest-free zone for enabling more exports, India has […]
US phosphate major Itafos in talks with Indian companies for rock phosphate projects
US phosphate major Itafos is courting Indian partners for a Guinea-Bissau rock phosphate project—seen as a potential new supply source at a time when China’s export curbs and rising global prices have tightened the fertiliser market. Sources said talks with an Indian entity are at an advanced stage, and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) has already […]
GST hurdles in the fertiliser sector: The subsidy conundrum
The fertilizer sector forms the backbone of India’s agricultural economy, ensuring food security and farmer support. In its 56th Meeting, the GST Council has taken significant steps to ease long-standing concerns in the industry. The recommendations included rationalizing rates on inputs like ammonia and nitric acid which are used to manufacture fertilizers. This was expected […]
India’s new agricultural blueprint – Engineering precision from the plant to the farmer’s pocket
India’s agriculture stands at a watershed moment. For decades, it has been the bedrock of our economy, and now, it is poised for a transformation driven not just by policy, but by a new philosophy: precision at scale. This isn’t merely about technology; it’s about redesigning the entire ecosystem, applying the same rigorous principles of […]
Co-operatives as engines of India’s bioeconomy
India’s bioeconomy is emerging as a sunrise sector with immense potential for rural transformation and sustainable growth. Valued at over $80 billion in 2021, it is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The sector’s dynamism is evident in the surge of biotech start-ups (over 1,100 were launched in 2021), R&D spending crossing $1 billion, […]
Second-generation ethanol export permitted for fuel purposes, says DGFT
The government has notified additional policy conditions for the export of second-generation ethanol, which is produced from materials such as bagasse, wood waste, and industrial waste. Under these conditions, the biofuel can be exported for fuel purposes, as it was previously allowed for non-fuel purposes. It said export of second generation ethanol, which is produced […]
BASAI seeks govt clarification on GST rates for biostimulants products
The Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI) on Monday said it has sought clarification from the government over GST applicable on biostimulants. Biostimulants, which aid plant growth, have been regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO) 1985 since 2021. As of August, the government has officially notified and fully approved 146 biostimulant products under […]
India’s oilmeal exports drop 12% in August as soybean meal shipments slip
A decline in soybean meal exports led to a 12 per cent drop in overall shipments of oilmeal in August. Data compiled by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) showed that India exported 2.76 lakh tonne (lt) of oilmeal during August 2025 against 3.14 lt in August 2024, registering a decline of 12.1 per […]