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The Kochi tea auction market experienced robust sales ahead of the Christmas holidays, with a notable 96% of the 694,660 kg of CTC dust sold, reflecting strong demand. Prices for good liquoring teas rose by ₹3 to ₹4, while medium teas appreciated by ₹5 to ₹10. Major blenders accounted for 68% of total sales, with average prices increasing to ₹167 from ₹164 the previous week. In contrast, the orthodox dust market faced irregularities, with a lower sales performance and numerous withdrawals from the 24,500 kg offered. Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, noted a market rebound following a consolidation phase, driven by seasonal demand linked to Sabarimala and Christmas, alongside reduced crop arrivals. The orthodox leaf category saw active participation from exporters to CIS and Middle Eastern markets, with an 89% sales rate from 282,258 kg offered, and average prices rising to ₹176. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has appointed Niraj Shirgaokar as its new President and Madhav Banshidhar Shriram as Vice President for the 2025-26 term, following its annual general meeting. Shirgaokar, previously the senior vice president and associated with Ugar Sugar Mills in Karnataka, succeeds Gautam Goel, while Shriram, managing director of DCM Shriram Industries, takes over Shirgaokar's former role. The leadership change underscores ISMA's commitment to continuity and progressive governance, with a focus on collaboration with government and stakeholders. Union food secretary Sanjeev Chopra commended Goel's contributions and expressed confidence in Shirgaokar's ability to guide ISMA in addressing industry challenges. Shirgaokar emphasized the importance of engaging with policymakers to foster a resilient sugar and bio-energy sector, while Shriram highlighted the need to strengthen the ethanol ecosystem and promote sustainability and innovation within the industry.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inMaharashtra's raisin exports have significantly declined this year due to unseasonal rains disrupting grape cultivation in key regions. Official data reveals that the state exported only 6,309 tonnes of raisins between April and November 2025, highlighting the severe impact of weather-related crop losses, particularly in Nashik and Sangli. Farmers reported delayed harvesting and deteriorating fruit quality following heavy monsoon rains and intense showers in September and October, crucial for grape maturation. Despite these challenges, Maharashtra continued to export raisins to various international markets, including Morocco and Russia, although erratic weather has limited the availability of export-grade raisins. Industry representatives anticipate a decline in overall grape availability, affecting both fresh consumption and raisin processing. However, growers remain cautiously optimistic about domestic price increases due to tightening supply and steady demand, underscoring the sector's vulnerability to climate variability.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNavi Mumbai International Airport is set to commence operations on December 25, following significant delays, with an initial schedule of 30 flights in its first month. Jeet Adani, director of Adani Airports, outlined plans for the airport, which was originally slated to open in August, projecting passenger traffic of 12 million for FY27 and a full capacity of 20 million by FY28. The airport will also feature a mixed-use development on 240 acres, including commercial and entertainment facilities. Additionally, plans for cargo operations are underway, with FedEx as a key partner. Adani Group is investing ₹1 lakh crore in airport development over five years and is considering an IPO or demerger for Adani Airport Holdings Limited between 2027 and 2030. The group also aims to expand its pilot training capabilities, increasing simulator availability from 15 to up to 60 across India in the next few years.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndian coffee growers will soon benefit from two new high-yielding arabica varieties, Selection 14 and Selection 15, developed by the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) in Chikmagalur. Set for commercial release on Saturday as part of CCRI's centenary celebrations, Selection 14 is notable for its tolerance to the coffee white stem borer (CWSB) and leaf rust, yielding between 1,200-1,400 kg per hectare with a cup quality score of 72-77. Selection 15, a rust-tolerant F1 hybrid, offers even higher yields of 1,600-1,800 kg/ha and a cup quality score of 79-80. This release comes amid increasing challenges for domestic growers, including climate change and pest infestations, which have adversely affected arabica yields. India ranks as the seventh largest coffee producer globally, with Karnataka leading in output, and the Coffee Board forecasts a production of 4.03 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 season.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn South Asia, developments in genetically modified (GM) crops have been largely stagnant this year, with Pakistan being the notable exception. The USDA reports no progress in biotechnology policy in Bangladesh, where the approval process for GM crops, including the long-awaited Golden Rice, remains stalled. India faces regulatory confusion between the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with only Bt cotton approved for cultivation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the government to establish a national policy on GM crops. In contrast, Pakistan has advanced its GM crop agenda, permitting the commercial cultivation of GM sugarcane and cotton, and approving imports of genetically engineered canola and soybeans. The USDA highlights the potential benefits for U.S. farmers, noting significant trade in agricultural products, particularly from India and Pakistan, as the region navigates its complex regulatory landscape.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inCochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has reported record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2024-25, achieving a total revenue of ₹1,142 crore and a net profit of ₹489.84 crore, marking the highest figures in the company's history. The Kerala Government, which holds a 33.38% stake, received a gross dividend of ₹79.82 crore, presented by CIAL Directors and Ministers P. Rajeeve and K. Rajan to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Annual General Meeting approved a 50% dividend payout to its approximately 33,000 shareholders across 25 countries. This significant financial performance underscores CIAL's robust growth and its pivotal role in the region's economy. The announcement was made public on December 19, 2025, highlighting the airport's continued success and commitment to its investors.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) has urgently appealed to the Indian government for intervention following Bangladesh's unilateral decision to restrict raw jute exports, which has severely disrupted supply chains and escalated domestic prices. In a letter to Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, IJMA Chairman Raghavendra Gupta highlighted the financial risks faced by mills and the potential threat to employment and the jute value chain. The association has called for a complete ban on the export of high-yielding variety (HYV) jute seeds to Bangladesh, arguing that this would protect Indian farmers and restore balance in bilateral trade, as Bangladesh relies heavily on Indian seeds for its jute production. Additionally, Gupta urged for stricter regulation of jute product imports into India to safeguard domestic manufacturers. The situation has intensified since Bangladesh's export ban, with raw jute prices soaring from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per tonne.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's oilmeal exports saw a significant decline in November 2025, dropping by 27% from October, with total shipments falling to 2.70 lakh tonnes from 3.71 lakh tonnes. Key exports included 1.13 lakh tonnes of soybean meal, down from 1.80 lakh tonnes in October, and 1.09 lakh tonnes of rapeseed meal, down from 1.45 lakh tonnes. Castorseed meal exports also decreased to 22,496 tonnes from 27,589 tonnes. Despite this downturn, rapeseed meal exports to China surged, with 6.44 lakh tonnes shipped during the first eight months of the fiscal year, compared to just 25,624 tonnes the previous year. The overall oilmeal exports from India for the April-November period stood at 27.34 lakh tonnes, a slight decrease from 27.51 lakh tonnes in the same timeframe last year. The government’s recent lifting of the ban on de-oiled rice bran has also contributed to exports, with 38,257 tonnes sent to Vietnam and Nepal.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's exports to China have seen a significant decline, dropping from $23 billion in 2021 to $15.2 billion in 2022, and remaining low at $14.5 billion in 2023 before a slight increase to $15.1 billion in 2024. Despite a projected rise in exports to $17.5 billion in 2025, this remains well below previous levels, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). In contrast, imports from China surged from $87.7 billion in 2021 to an estimated $123.5 billion in 2025, leading to a trade deficit expected to reach $106 billion. The deficit is largely attributed to imports of raw materials and capital goods, particularly in electronics and machinery. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to address these trends, as nearly 80% of imports are concentrated in four key product groups. Notably, exports saw a 90% increase in November 2025, driven by naphtha and electronics.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 pm
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