eznews.inVaraha, a pioneering carbon removal project developer, has achieved a significant milestone by issuing its first ‘Enhanced Rock Weathering’ (ERW) credits under the Puro.earth registry, marking the first such issuance in Asia and the third globally. The initiative, based in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, involves the use of finely ground basalt rock powder, a waste by-product from stone crushing, to permanently sequester atmospheric CO₂ as stable bicarbonates. This process not only aids in carbon drawdown but also enhances soil productivity by modulating acidity, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving crop yields for smallholder cotton farmers. Varaha has scaled its operations to deploy 100,000 tonnes of basalt powder, significantly impacting thousands of acres. Co-Founder Madhur Jain emphasized the inclusive nature of their climate action, while Puro.earth COO Benno Fuchs praised Varaha's innovative approach to expanding the carbon dioxide removal market. 
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inKerala Agricultural University (KAU) has launched its inaugural Drone Pilot Training Programme, aimed at enhancing agricultural practices through advanced technology. Inaugurated at the KAU Agri Business Incubator in Vellanikkara, the initiative is part of a NABARD-funded project titled “Empowering Agriculture through Innovation.” Collaborating with Modha Aero Academy Pvt. Ltd., the programme seeks to train participants in drone operation, maintenance, and data-driven farm management, thereby fostering a new generation of skilled professionals and agripreneurs. Nagesh Kumar Anumala from NABARD emphasized the importance of drone technology in precision farming, while KAU's Director of Research, K. N. Anith, noted that the training will create certified manpower to implement innovative solutions in the field. The initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing labour shortages and improving farm efficiency in Kerala, marking a significant shift towards technology-led agricultural transformation.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSynthite Industries, a leading player in spice extracts, is set to enhance its pepper sourcing operations in Indonesia, as revealed by Executive Chairman Viju Jacob. The company is considering establishing a pre-processing and blending facility in the region, aiming to strengthen its presence in South-East Asia. Jacob highlighted Indonesia's reputation for high-quality pepper and its strategic position in the spice trade, expressing a desire to collaborate with local farmers and cooperatives to improve value addition. This initiative seeks to boost local sourcing, enhance supply chain efficiency, and support farmers through technology and sustainable practices. With existing operations in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, Synthite's investment in Indonesia reflects its commitment to expanding its sourcing network. Jacob also noted the challenges facing the pepper industry, including fragmented supply chains and low farmer incomes, while emphasizing the need for high-quality production to meet rising global demand.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is taking significant steps to bolster its maritime sector and reduce the costs associated with crude oil imports, according to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. Speaking at 'India Maritime Week 2025', Puri announced plans to aggregate cargo demand from public sector undertakings (PSUs) to secure long-term charters for Indian carriers, alongside advancing a ship owning and leasing model to enhance domestic ownership. He highlighted the urgent need for India to increase its fleet, as only 20% of its oil and gas trade is currently carried by Indian-flagged vessels. With India's crude oil consumption rising from 5 million to 5.6 million barrels per day, Puri emphasized the importance of maritime strength for both national and global benefits. The government is also working to establish shipbuilding clusters and has aggregated demand for 180 vessels, with plans for further acquisitions.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAbu Dhabi is set to invest $2 billion in Maharashtra's ports and shipbuilding sector, marking a significant milestone as the first agreement of its kind between Abu Dhabi Ports and any Indian state government. Maharashtra's Port and Fisheries Minister, Nitesh Rane, announced the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on social media, highlighting the deal's importance in underscoring the state's global significance. The investment will cover various areas, including shipbuilding, maritime transport, port infrastructure, and water sports management, aligning with Maharashtra's long-term vision for blue-economy development. This partnership is expected to enhance the state's maritime capabilities and bolster economic growth. The announcement was made on October 29, 2025.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inCarry forward stocks of soyabean for the 2025-26 oil year are projected at 4.66 lakh tonnes, a significant decline of 47% from last year's 8.94 lakh tonnes, while soyameal stocks are estimated at 0.68 lakh tonnes, down 49% from 1.33 lakh tonnes. Of the total soyabean stocks, 4.42 lakh tonnes are held by farmers, traders, and processing plants, with agencies like NAFED and NCCF holding 0.24 lakh tonnes as of October 14, 2025. Soyameal production is expected to fall by 7.34% to 89.56 lakh tonnes due to sluggish demand, with exports also down by 10% to 20.23 lakh tonnes. Domestic feed consumption has decreased by 6% to 62 lakh tonnes, while food segment offtake remains unchanged at 8 lakh tonnes. The Soyabean Processors Association of India forecasts a 16% drop in 2025 kharif season output to 105 lakh tonnes, attributed to adverse weather and diseases. Prices are currently below minimum support levels, prompting government procurement in key states.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inOnion prices at Asia's largest wholesale market in Lasalgaon have surged following the Diwali break, with traders warning of potential shortages due to significant damage to the kharif crop and delays in late kharif sowing. Prices rose from ₹1,100 per quintal at the market's closure for Diwali to ₹1,350 by Tuesday, with further increases noted on Wednesday. The arrival of summer onions, which have a shelf life of six to seven months, has been limited, primarily due to adverse weather conditions that have hampered harvesting and reduced labor availability. Approximately 80% of the kharif onion crop in Nashik has been affected by heavy rainfall, with fresh supplies not expected until mid-December. In response to the situation, a central government team has visited Nashik to assess the damage and monitor the late kharif cultivation, as traders predict continued price increases that may impact retail costs across Maharashtra.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAt the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about finalizing a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with India, praising Prime Minister Modi and their strong relationship. Despite recent productive discussions between Indian negotiators and their U.S. counterparts, key issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil, which have complicated tariff negotiations. While Trump hinted at potential tariff reductions for Indian goods, a significant portion of the current tariffs—25%—is a penalty linked to these oil purchases. Sources indicate that for the BTA to progress, the U.S. would need to roll back these penalties. Additionally, discussions around U.S. agricultural market access, particularly for soya and corn, are still pending resolution. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain as both sides navigate these complex issues.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Gujarat government announced that a proposed expansion at Pipavav Port is set to create 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Maritime Board for a substantial investment of ₹17,000 crore. This investment plan is contingent upon the long-term extension of the company’s current concession, which is valid until September 2028. The MoU was formalized in Gandhinagar, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and officials from AP Moller Maersk in attendance. The expansion aims to enhance infrastructure and capacity, including improvements in container handling, liquid and RoRo services, storage, rail siding, and the introduction of advanced multimodal transit solutions to better serve the Northwest region of India.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has established a committee led by former Secretary Neeraj Kumar Gupta to review the rates under two significant export incentive schemes: the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL). The RoDTEP scheme, which refunds unclaimed taxes and duties incurred by exporters, has been extended until March 2026, with current rates ranging from 0.3% to 4.3%. Meanwhile, the RoSCTL scheme, introduced in 2021 for garment exporters, offers rebates of up to 6.05% for apparel and 8.2% for made-ups. The committee, which includes members SR Baruah and Vivek Ranjan, will consult various stakeholders to assess the schemes and recommend ceiling rates for exports from different sectors. A comprehensive report is expected by March 31, 2026, as the government aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian goods in global markets.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 1 pm
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