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A meeting between a Central government team and 28 farmer leaders in Chandigarh on March 19 ended inconclusively, primarily focusing on the farmers' demand for a legally enforced minimum support price (MSP). Union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi, and Piyush Goyal sought time for inter-ministerial consultations, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for May 4. Chouhan assured farmers that the government would resist US pressure to lower import duties on agricultural products. Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders en route to protest sites along the Punjab-Haryana border, where heavy barricading was reported. The farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are also advocating for a debt waiver, pensions for agricultural workers, and justice for victims of past protests. The government plans to consult various stakeholders, including farmer producer organizations, to explore options for enforcing the MSP. 
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Mar 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAquaconnect, an integrated seafood company, has announced plans to invest $4.5 million in expanding its operations into aqua biologicals research, aiming to become one of India's top five companies in this sector. The initiative will involve establishing a formulations production facility, leveraging Aquaconnect's extensive network of 850 aqua partners to enhance real-world performance tracking and farmer feedback. CEO Rajamanohar emphasized the company's commitment to delivering science-backed formulations that create long-term value for farmers. By utilizing a data-driven approach, Aquaconnect aims to accelerate product validation and improve the efficacy of solutions in aquaculture, addressing challenges in innovation due to slow feedback loops. The company, which launched its farm care brand Dr. Grow over a year ago, is also collaborating with leading biotech firms in the EU and US to develop tailored formulations for Indian aquaculture, with its R&D base located in Gujarat.
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Mar 20 2025, 5 pmeznews.inGruner Renewable Energy has launched Kisani Urjaa Pvt. Ltd. (KUPL), marking its entry into the agtech sector with a $1 million investment aimed at enhancing farmer livelihoods through digital innovation and sustainable practices. The initiative addresses the significant issue of agricultural waste in India, where approximately 620 million tonnes are generated annually, with only 25-30% effectively utilized. KUPL focuses on efficient waste management solutions, particularly for paddy straw, to combat environmental degradation caused by practices like stubble burning. The company has introduced the Kisani Mobile App, which connects farmers to its services, allowing them to register available feedstock for easy collection scheduling. Founder Utkarsh Gupta emphasized the goal of creating a cleaner, greener future for farming communities by transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, thereby promoting sustainability and enhancing income opportunities for farmers.
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Mar 20 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Gujarat government has extended the registration deadline for wheat farmers wishing to sell their rabi crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to April 5, 2025. This decision, announced on Thursday, aims to accommodate those who missed the initial registration period, which ran from March 1 to March 16. Farmers can now register online and complete biometric authentication at e-gram centres managed by Village Computer Entrepreneurs. The government has commenced wheat procurement at an MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal, starting March 17, although it has not disclosed the expected volume of wheat purchases for the season. This extension is part of the state's efforts to support local farmers and ensure they can benefit from the MSP scheme.
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Mar 20 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that no heat wave is expected across the country in the next five days, as weather-friendly pre-monsoon systems take effect. Cyclonic circulations and troughs are set to bring isolated light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to regions including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. A western disturbance is influencing weather patterns, while troughs, which are elongated areas of low pressure, are facilitating moisture uplift from the Bay of Bengal. The pre-monsoon season is characterized by violent weather, including hailstorms, particularly in Telangana and parts of East India. Additionally, northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are forecasted to experience scattered rainfall and isolated heavy showers. Overall, the evolving weather systems are expected to bring significant precipitation across various regions, marking the transition into the monsoon season.
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Mar 20 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAir India is reportedly in discussions for a significant multi-billion dollar order for 30 to 40 widebody jets, specifically the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models, as part of its ongoing transformation under Tata Group's ownership. Sources indicate that the deal could potentially exceed 50 aircraft, with more clarity expected ahead of the Paris Air Show in June. This follows a massive 2023 order for 470 planes, primarily single-aisle models, aimed at modernising the airline and regaining market share lost to global competitors. Despite a surge in international passenger traffic from India, projected to grow 15-20% this fiscal year, Air India's turnaround is challenged by aircraft delivery delays and a shortage of global supplies. The airline, which has struggled with its image and service quality, aims to compete with established international carriers like Emirates and Lufthansa while navigating these operational hurdles.
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Mar 20 2025, 3 pmeznews.inFertiliser sales in India have shown a significant recovery, with February sales exceeding demand by 11%, marking the third consecutive month of increased sales following a severe shortage in late 2024. January sales were up 33% and December 29% compared to demand estimates, after a 33% drop in October and a 6% decline in November, critical months for Rabi season nutrient application. Official data indicates Urea sales reached 371.19 lakh tonnes from April to February, an 8.5% increase year-on-year, while MOP and Complex fertiliser sales rose by 34.1% and 27.7%, respectively. However, DAP sales fell due to earlier shortages. Overall fertiliser production increased by 2.4%, but imports dropped 11.6%. The Urea subsidy has surpassed ₹119,414 crore, exceeding the revised estimate, highlighting ongoing government support amid fluctuating market conditions. Experts hope lessons learned from the crisis will prevent future shortages.
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Mar 20 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA Parliamentary panel has proposed a four-point action plan to enhance the effectiveness of India's Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which has faced criticism for its lack of confidentiality and fairness in the submission of resolution plans. Chaired by BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Standing Committee on Finance urged the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to establish a central online portal for direct submissions, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential and preventing undue advantages. The plan also includes strengthening the accountability of resolution professionals, implementing a transparent monitoring system for case timelines, and revisiting the structure of the Committee of Creditors to better represent operational creditors. Despite acknowledging the IBC's progress in managing distressed assets, experts like Daizy Chawla warn that without mandatory timelines and procedures, the Code may continue to fall short of its intended purpose, primarily serving as a recovery tool rather than effectively resolving stressed assets.
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Mar 20 2025, 2 pmeznews.inOn the International Day of Forests, India’s agroforestry-driven initiative to boost palm oil production highlights a sustainable approach to agriculture that intertwines economic growth with environmental stewardship. The country aims to expand oil palm cultivation to 1 million hectares by 2025-26, enhancing edible oil security while reducing import reliance. This strategy not only promises significant income increases for farmers—especially smallholders—but also promotes ecological balance through intercropping, which combines oil palm with other crops like banana and cocoa. Studies indicate that intercropping can enhance oil palm yields and improve soil health, with farmers in Andhra Pradesh reportedly tripling their incomes. Technological advancements, such as GPS-guided equipment and drone monitoring, further support this agroforestry model. As India demonstrates the synergy between agriculture and forestry, its palm oil strategy serves as a global example of how economic and environmental objectives can align for a sustainable future.
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Mar 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a bid to avoid reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2, key Indian ministries are urgently negotiating potential tariff cuts for the US, following a warning from President Donald Trump. Trump emphasized that if India does not significantly reduce its high tariffs, which average 17% compared to the US's 3.3%, reciprocal tariffs will be imposed. This marks a critical moment in US-India trade relations, as both nations work towards a bilateral trade agreement initiated during a recent meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While India is exploring tariff reductions in sectors like automobiles and agriculture, the process is complex, given the need to protect local farmers and small enterprises. The US remains India's largest trading partner, with a trade volume of $119.7 billion in FY24, highlighting the stakes involved in these negotiations.
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Mar 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inAir New Zealand has announced a codeshare partnership with Air India, aimed at enhancing connectivity and travel options between the two countries, as passenger traffic from India continues to grow. The agreement, signed in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is expected to leverage Air India's extensive domestic network, driving demand for travel to New Zealand. However, non-stop flights are not anticipated until 2028, pending the delivery of new long-range aircraft. In 2024, approximately 350,000 passengers traveled between India and New Zealand, with Singapore Airlines holding a significant market share. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and investments in tourism to bolster travel demand. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce innovative features, such as sleep pods on long-haul flights and a battery-powered electric aircraft for cargo services by 2026, as part of its sustainability initiatives.
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Mar 20 2025, 11 am
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