eznews.inGlobal agricultural commodity markets are entering 2026 with subdued prices amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the US-China rivalry, according to Rabobank's _Agri Commodity Markets Outlook 2026_. The report indicates that agricultural markets are increasingly influenced by strategic trade policies, including tariffs and export controls, affecting production decisions worldwide. While global grain and oilseed supplies are expected to remain stable, India faces both opportunities and risks as a major importer of edible oils and pulses. The report anticipates a sugar surplus driven by increased production in Brazil and India, while palm oil prices may rise due to Indonesia's biodiesel mandates. Despite stable prices, India must navigate potential disruptions from global trade policies and geopolitical events, particularly concerning edible oil imports and wheat reserves, as the report emphasizes that geopolitical factors now pose the greatest risks to agricultural markets. 
Published: Nov 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn Maharashtra, soybean was sown on approximately 50 lakh acres during the current kharif season, representing 97% of last year's cultivated area. As the state prepares to initiate procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) starting Saturday, soybean prices are on the rise, driven by expectations of government purchases and reduced market arrivals. After a significant drop last month, where prices fell to ₹500 per quintal due to excess rainfall and market uncertainty, recent trends show prices climbing, with Jalna reporting a peak of ₹6,200 per quintal. Many markets have surpassed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹5,328 per quintal. However, widespread rainfall has damaged yields, particularly during critical growth stages, with the Soybean Processors Association of India estimating an 8% crop loss. Farmers are now withholding their produce from markets, anticipating better prices under the upcoming procurement scheme.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAir India, under the Tata Group, is set to launch its first premium lounge at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in the coming weeks, as part of a broader initiative to enhance ground service standards. This new facility, located in Terminal 3, will feature a luxurious design by global hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), which is also refurbishing Air India's existing lounge at New York's JFK Airport. The Delhi lounge aims to provide an elevated experience for first-class and business-class passengers, frequent flyers, and Star Alliance members, showcasing India's rich culture through contemporary art and curated food and beverage selections. Following the Delhi launch, similar lounges are planned for Mumbai and Bengaluru, with further expansions to key global hubs, including San Francisco and select European airports, as Air India continues its transformation and fleet upgrades.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's government is set to list the Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd. (SECI), a federal auctioning firm focused on green projects, amid rising interest in clean energy stocks. SECI, one of four state-owned companies responsible for renewable energy rollout, has facilitated the development of approximately 30 gigawatts of wind and solar projects. The renewable energy ministry has been urged to expedite the listing process, although details remain under discussion. The move comes as India aims to double its clean power capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030, a key step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Despite the sector's growth, challenges persist, including the reduction of waivers on inter-state power transmission charges, which has raised concerns among state utilities. SECI, which currently has less than 200 megawatts of its own capacity, aims to expand this to 10 gigawatts and reported a profit of ₹500 crore ($56 million) for the year ending March 2025.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSmall tea growers in Northeast India are calling on the central government to establish a pricing mechanism, such as a Minimum Support Price (MSP) or Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), for green tea leaves to safeguard their livelihoods against market fluctuations. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, associations representing these growers highlighted that while MSP is already in place for 22 agricultural crops, tea remains vulnerable due to its dual nature as both an agricultural and industrial product. They criticized the current Price Sharing Formula and Average Green Leaf Price system for exacerbating tensions between growers and manufacturers. The associations also urged the government to extend agricultural support schemes to small tea growers, including access to essential equipment and subsidized fertilizers. Additionally, they emphasized the need for a Minimum Sustainable Price of ₹35-40 per kg for green tea leaves, which they argue would not incur costs for the government.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe 'FPO Odisha Portal' has successfully onboarded over 975 farmer producer organisations (FPOs) across Odisha, connecting more than 320,000 smallholder farmers into a unified digital ecosystem. This innovative platform allows FPOs to register, manage operations, and apply for licences for seed, fertiliser, and pesticide sales, while also facilitating direct links with buyers. A feature called ‘FPO Assist’ acts as a digital marketplace, enabling FPOs to list produce and receive buyer inquiries, with over 313 commodity listings and 70 buyer connections established to date. The portal is integrated into Odisha’s broader digital governance framework and includes a 'Search and Connect' function to help buyers locate FPOs. An AI-powered chatbot is in development to assist FPOs with information and compliance. Recently showcased to a Gates Foundation team, the portal has been recommended as a model for replication in other states, highlighting its potential to transform smallholder agriculture in India.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, the Indian government has withdrawn 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on essential chemicals and polymers to support downstream industries, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the textiles sector. This decision, announced by the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry, aims to ensure uninterrupted raw material availability and reduce input costs. The move aligns with recommendations from a NITI Aayog-led committee advocating for the scrapping of QCOs on inputs. While the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) maintains that the existing QCOs have improved the quality of domestically manufactured goods and curtailed low-quality imports, a government panel, led by Planning Commission member Rajiv Gauba, has suggested that QCOs should primarily focus on finished goods impacting consumer safety. The rescinded orders included key intermediates like Terephthalic Acid and various industrial plastics, a change welcomed by industry leaders as a step towards enhancing India's competitiveness in the global market.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inD V Swamy, Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), emphasized the critical need for food safety and traceability in the seafood value chain during his address at the World Aquaculture 2025 conference in Hyderabad. He urged stakeholders to adopt certification under the SHAPHARI initiative to enhance the global credibility of aquaculture products. Highlighting the significant contribution of coastal aquaculture to India's seafood exports, Swamy called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. He shared success stories to inspire new entrepreneurs, noting that MPEDA supports the aquaculture industry through production, processing, and marketing initiatives. The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) is actively involved in diversifying aquaculture, while NaCSA and NETFISH provide technical assistance to farmers and fishers to implement Better Management Practices for quality assurance.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inmRube, India's pioneering electronic trading platform for natural rubber, has garnered significant attention since its launch in 2022, facilitating the trade of over 43,500 tonnes through 2,700 contracts valued at ₹680 crore. The platform has successfully onboarded 2,700 members, including Rubber Producer Societies, tyre and non-tyre manufacturers, dealers, and processors. Designed to enhance transparency and market visibility, mRube allows users to negotiate prices and trade terms seamlessly. To encourage participation, the Rubber Board has introduced awards for top performers, with Balkrishna Industries of Mumbai recognized for the highest volume traded in the tyre sector during 2024-25. Other accolades were awarded to various companies across different categories, highlighting the platform's role in strengthening the rubber value chain and modernizing commodity marketing in India. The initiative reflects a significant advancement in the country's agricultural trading landscape.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia is emerging as a promising market for blueberries, despite currently limited imports, according to the RaboResearch Blueberry Update 2025. The report highlights that while China has experienced significant growth in blueberry production and consumption, other Asian countries, including India and Thailand, are also beginning to show increased demand. India alone has an estimated potential market of 87,000 tonnes. As global exporters look to diversify their markets beyond the US and EU, investments in blueberry cultivation are rising in Asia. North America and Europe continue to lead global blueberry demand, with per capita consumption in the US exceeding 1.3 kg. David Magaña, a senior analyst at RaboResearch, noted that the trend towards healthy snacking is driving demand growth. As the global supply expands, producers must focus on quality and strategic marketing to meet the rising consumption in both established and emerging markets.
Published: Nov 14 2025, 12 pm
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact