eznews.inApple growers in Himachal Pradesh have expressed support for the Indian government's decision to raise the Minimum Import Price (MIP) for imported apples from ₹50 to ₹80 per kg, a move aimed at protecting domestic farmers from cheaper imports, particularly from Iran and Turkey. However, concerns linger regarding the practical enforcement of this policy. Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch, emphasized the importance of effective implementation, citing previous instances where Iranian apples entered India at ₹41 per kg despite the MIP. He warned that without strict monitoring, the new MIP could prove ineffective. The group also highlighted potential challenges posed by upcoming trade policy deadlines that could lead to zero import duties on agricultural inputs, stressing that only a 50% import duty alongside the revised MIP would ensure fair pricing for Indian apples. The farmers are calling for robust enforcement to realize the benefits of the new pricing structure. 
Published: Jul 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a recent address at the IIT Madras Alumni Association's Sangam 2025 event, Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's evolving economic landscape, emphasizing the role of new technologies in shaping the nation's future. He noted that India's vibrant startup ecosystem, coupled with advancements in scientific research and innovation, is transforming the country from a job seeker to a job creator. Goyal underscored the government's commitment to fostering a future-ready nation through policies that embrace cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. He asserted that these initiatives are crucial for maintaining India's position as the fastest-growing large economy globally, even amid a backdrop of slowing global trade. Goyal's remarks reflect a broader vision of leveraging technology to enhance manufacturing, business, and service sectors, thereby bolstering India's international engagements.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Indian Information Technology (IT) sector is expected to deliver mixed results in the first quarter of Financial Year 2026, according to a report by HDFC Securities. While tier-1 companies are projected to experience muted revenue growth, mid-tier firms are anticipated to outperform. Despite global economic uncertainties and reduced discretionary spending due to US tariff measures, demand deterioration has been less severe than expected, allowing firms to maintain their full-year guidance. A significant cross-currency tailwind is expected to boost reported revenue growth in USD terms, although tier-1 players may see a quarter-on-quarter revenue decline of up to 2.8%. In contrast, mid-tier firms are forecasted to achieve growth ranging from +3.7% to -3.4%. The report highlights a robust deal pipeline, particularly in cost optimization and AI initiatives, underscoring generative AI's role as a key growth driver as companies transition from proof-of-concept to full-scale deployments.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian soft drink industry is poised for a resurgence, with growth rates expected to exceed 10% next year, according to a report by Systematix Institutional Equities. The Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) sector, valued at ₹300 billion, has historically seen growth of 13-14% and is anticipated to continue this trend in the medium term. Currently, the market is dominated by Liquid Refreshment Beverages, where soft drinks account for 40-45% of the overall market. Despite local brands holding a significant share, competition has eased post-GST, allowing larger players to gain ground. Notably, per capita beverage consumption in India remains low compared to regional counterparts like Bangladesh and Pakistan. The industry is being shaped by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and a youthful demographic, with increasing demand for healthier options and regional flavours driving innovation.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of allowing genetically modified (GM) farm products from the US under a proposed interim trade pact with India, expected to be announced before July 9. GTRI warns that imports of GM products, including soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), could jeopardize India's agricultural exports to the European Union (EU), a crucial market for Indian goods. The EU enforces strict GM labeling regulations and has a strong consumer preference for GM-free products, which could lead to shipment rejections and increased testing costs for Indian exporters. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava highlighted the risks of cross-contamination due to India's fragmented agri-logistics and lack of segregation infrastructure. Currently, only Bt cotton is approved for GM cultivation in India, while imports of GM feed materials like DDGS remain banned.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian government has announced a significant reduction in toll rates, cutting them by up to 50% for national highway sections featuring structures like tunnels, bridges, and flyovers. This change, effective from July 2, 2025, follows amendments to the NH Fee Rules of 2008, introducing a new formula for calculating toll charges. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that toll fees will now be determined by comparing two calculations: ten times the length of the structures plus the remaining highway length, or five times the total highway length, with the lesser amount applied. For instance, on a 40-kilometre highway predominantly consisting of structures, users would only pay tolls based on 200 kilometres, effectively halving their costs. A senior official from the National Highway Authority of India noted that the previous toll calculation aimed to cover higher construction costs associated with such infrastructure.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 9 ameznews.inOnion farmers in Maharashtra are calling on the state government to shift procurement practices from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), citing widespread corruption and unfair pricing. They allege that the current FPO-based system has failed to benefit genuine farmers, instead enriching intermediaries and depriving cultivators of fair compensation. In a statement, farmer groups emphasized that direct procurement through APMCs would enhance market transparency and competition, ultimately leading to better prices for their produce. The Maharashtra government has echoed these concerns, formally requesting the Central Government to revise onion procurement guidelines to prioritize APMC purchases. Central agencies like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) currently procure onions through FPOs, but farmers argue that this model has not fulfilled its intended purpose and has led to manipulation at the local level.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Green Revolution transformed India's agricultural landscape, achieving food self-sufficiency but also leading to significant environmental challenges, including soil degradation and loss of traditional crop varieties. With over 100,000 indigenous crops at risk, the need for biodiversity revival is urgent, especially as India's population is projected to reach 1.668 billion by 2050. Regenerative agriculture emerges as a viable solution, focusing on restoring ecological health while ensuring food security through practices that enhance soil fertility and biodiversity. Technology plays a crucial role in scaling these methods, with AI and IoT facilitating data-driven farming decisions. Globally, major food companies are adopting regenerative practices, demonstrating economic viability alongside environmental benefits. However, India faces hurdles such as high transition costs and limited awareness. A coordinated effort involving government, private sector, and local communities is essential to harness the potential of regenerative agriculture, positioning India as a leader in sustainable farming.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inVegetables in the TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato) category have significantly contributed to a deflationary trend, with retail prices for onions and potatoes plummeting by 26.1% and 20.3%, respectively, in June 2025. According to a report by Bank of Baroda, inflation is projected to align with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) targets, with an expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.7% for FY26. The BoB Essential Commodities Index also indicated a year-on-year deflation of 1.8% in June, marking three consecutive months of deflation, primarily due to improved production and supply conditions. While prices for cereals like rice softened by 5.1%, the report warns of potential seasonal price increases for TOP vegetables in July. With inflation remaining below the RBI's upper tolerance band, the central bank is expected to focus on growth-oriented measures in the near term.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs India confronts the escalating challenges of climate change, parametric insurance is emerging as a vital tool for rural communities, addressing the shortcomings of traditional insurance models. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have severely impacted agricultural yields and rural incomes, necessitating diverse income streams for households. Traditional insurance schemes, like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, often suffer from delayed payouts and complex claims processes, leaving farmers vulnerable. In contrast, parametric insurance offers swift, predetermined payouts based on specific environmental triggers, enhancing financial resilience and risk mitigation. Successful initiatives, such as Nagaland's parametric insurance for excessive rainfall, highlight its potential. However, challenges remain, including high distribution costs and low farmer awareness. With regulatory support and technological advancements, parametric insurance could significantly bolster the financial stability of rural communities, making it a crucial component of India's agricultural risk management strategy.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 9 am
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