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Bayer is set to expand its Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) in India, targeting over 16,000 farmers this year to promote regenerative agriculture in basmati rice production. Launched in 2020, the SMI has already seen success, with 2,500 farmers adopting practices that improved soil health, increased yields by up to 9%, and boosted revenues by 20% for those selling in export markets. The initiative, which covers 12,000 hectares across Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, has also reduced water usage by approximately 6% through techniques like alternate wetting and drying. Bayer plans to introduce affordable mechanisation tools and expand IoT sensor pilots to enhance productivity and water management. The initiative will focus on collecting data on soil health and carbon emissions to refine its solutions. Natasha Santos, Bayer's Head of Sustainability, emphasized the initiative's dual focus on sustainability and profitability, aiming to foster a resilient agricultural ecosystem. 
Published: May 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPrivate project announcements in India experienced a significant decline in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), falling by 9% year-on-year to ₹27 lakh crore, as reported by Avendus Spark. Despite an overall increase in new project announcements across both public and private sectors, which rose by 22.7% to ₹18 lakh crore in the fourth quarter (Q4 FY25), private sector contributions remained lackluster, with only a marginal 4% increase. The report attributed the downturn to weak domestic consumer demand and rising global economic uncertainties, particularly affecting the Services and Construction/Real Estate sectors. Notably, private project completions also plummeted by 31% year-on-year to ₹2.5 lakh crore. However, the Electricity and Renewable Energy sector saw a robust growth of 55%, while Mining surged by an extraordinary 732%. Overall, while some sectors showed resilience, private capital expenditure continues to face substantial challenges.
Published: May 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian stock market saw a modest rise, with the SENSEX closing at 80,501.99, up by 259.75 points, while the NIFTY increased by 12.50 points to reach 24,346.70. In commodities, crude oil prices remained stable at 4,940.00, but silver fell by 432.00 to 93,151.00. Amid ongoing US-China trade tensions, a report from Nomura suggests that Indian auto part manufacturers could benefit as US tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to raise vehicle prices in the US. Despite a 25% tariff on Indian automobiles and auto parts remaining unchanged, the report indicates that global automakers may seek alternatives, potentially boosting India's market share. Additionally, the US has paused tariffs for 90 days for countries willing to negotiate, with India aiming for a bilateral trade agreement by fall 2025, which could enhance its competitive position.
Published: May 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's coffee production for the 2025/26 season is projected to reach 6 million 60-kg bags, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Adverse weather conditions, including a dry spell followed by strong winds and excessive pre-monsoon rains, are expected to negatively impact yields. Consequently, farmgate prices for arabica and robusta coffee have surged by 64% and 24%, respectively, since October, driven by global supply issues and reduced output. Despite the challenges in production, domestic consumption is anticipated to rise to 1.4 million bags, fueled by strong demand for soluble coffee. However, this increase in domestic consumption may not fully compensate for a projected decline in exports, which are expected to fall to 6 million bags due to a lower exportable surplus.
Published: May 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe orthodox leaf market has shown resilience, with whole leaf prices firming amid strong demand, as evidenced by a 96% sales rate from 207,374 kg offered. Exporters to the Middle East and CIS countries were notably active, alongside robust upcountry interest. In contrast, the CTC dust market faced challenges, with prices declining by ₹2 to ₹4 during sale 18, resulting in a 78% sales percentage from 560,450 kg offered. Blenders absorbed only 59% of the total CTC quantity, with some withdrawals noted. The orthodox dust market also experienced a downturn, despite achieving 100% sales from 18,500 kg offered, with limited interest from exporters and upcountry buyers. Overall, while the orthodox segment thrived, the CTC leaf market struggled, reflecting a mixed performance in the tea auctions at Kochi this week.
Published: May 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inParag Milk Foods Ltd has reported a remarkable 167% increase in net profits for Q4 FY25, reaching ₹26 crore compared to ₹10 crore in the same period last year, driven by a 16% rise in quarterly revenues to ₹918 crore. For the fiscal year ending March 2025, net profit rose by 31% to ₹119 crore, with total income increasing by 9% to ₹3,432 crore. The growth was fueled by a 17% volume increase in key categories like ghee, cheese, and paneer, while EBITDA surged 30% year-on-year, enhancing margins from 7.2% to 8.5%. Chairman Devendra Shah highlighted the company's commitment to sustainable growth and brand equity through strategic investments and improved governance. Notably, Parag's flagship products, "Gowardhan Ghee" and "Go Cheese," hold significant market shares of 22% and 35%, respectively, while the new Avvatar brand in whey protein and sports nutrition saw a robust 41% growth.
Published: May 03 2025, 10 ameznews.inKolkata Metro officials announced on Saturday that the Purple Line will see an increase in train services, reducing the wait time between trains from 50 minutes to just 22 minutes. Currently operational between Joka and Majerhat in the city's south-western region, the line is under construction to extend to Esplanade, where it will connect with the Blue and Green Lines, integrating it into the broader metro network. Starting Monday, a total of 40 services will run on the Joka-Majerhat section, a significant increase from the previous 18 services. However, the Purple Line will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This enhancement aims to improve commuter convenience and efficiency within Kolkata's public transport system.
Published: May 03 2025, 10 ameznews.inBarley, often overlooked in agricultural discussions, is being urged for promotion due to its significant health benefits and lower resource requirements compared to wheat. With its cultivation area in India plummeting from 3.20 million hectares in 1960-61 to just 0.54 million hectares in 2021-22, experts advocate for government policies to incorporate barley into mid-day meal programs, potentially saving costs while enhancing nutrition for schoolchildren. Barley boasts higher protein, fiber, and essential nutrients than both wheat and rice, making it a superior dietary choice, particularly for the diabetic population due to its low glycemic index. Additionally, its unique components, such as beta-glucan, support insulin effectiveness and gut health. The crop's versatility allows for various culinary applications, from bread to traditional drinks, positioning barley as a vital alternative for improving public health and diversifying agricultural practices in India.
Published: May 03 2025, 9 ameznews.inUS tariffs imposed by Donald Trump are set to increase costs for American consumers, affecting everything from imported cars to food prices. With the US relying on imports for 16% of its food supply—particularly fresh produce from Mexico—grocery bills are expected to rise significantly. This price surge will also impact global markets, particularly in developing countries where food security is already precarious. Research indicates that disruptions in US markets can lead to immediate price hikes in local staples like maize, exacerbating food insecurity in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, tariffs on agricultural products, including fertilisers, threaten to increase global production costs, further straining food systems in countries like Brazil and Nigeria. Experts suggest that protecting essential agricultural imports from tariffs and investing in resilient farming practices are crucial to mitigate these effects and prevent a deepening global food crisis.
Published: May 03 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new regulations aimed at enhancing food safety by restricting the manufacturing of certain high-risk products, including infant food, sweetened condensed milk, and packaged drinking water, to operators holding state or central licenses. Currently, manufacturers can operate under FSSAI registration, which entails fewer compliance obligations. However, the FSSAI's consultation paper suggests transitioning existing registered companies to mandatory licensing to ensure better safety standards. This move follows the government's 2024 decision to eliminate the requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for these products. The FSSAI plans to prohibit new registrations and renewals for the specified products, allowing a six-month transition period for over 11,000 affected food business operators to comply with the new licensing requirements. Stakeholder feedback is being sought on this proposal, which aims to strengthen the compliance ecosystem in the food industry.
Published: May 02 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIndia's rice procurement has reached 471.94 lakh tonnes (lt) as of April 2025, slightly up from 471.14 lt, including over 11 lt from the Rabi crop. Despite this high figure, it falls short of the buffer norm of 135.8 lt and the annual requirement of approximately 400 lt for public distribution and welfare schemes. However, when considering carryover stocks, the total procurement exceeds needs, potentially pressuring the government to sell excess rice through open market sales and for ethanol production. As of April 1, the Central Pool held 382.09 lt of rice and 371.51 lt of paddy, up from last year. Kharif crop procurement reached 686.10 lt, slightly lower than 687.09 lt last year, with record harvests of 136.44 million tonnes expected. Procurement has concluded in several states, with ongoing efforts in West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, and Tripura, as the government aims to buy 7 million tonnes of Rabi rice.
Published: May 02 2025, 9 pm
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