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Excessive rainfall and erratic climatic conditions in Kerala have severely impacted the region's plantation crops, including cardamom, tea, pepper, and rubber. The heavy rains in March, April, and May have caused significant damage to cardamom plantations, resulting in a 10-15% drop in productivity, with expected yields around 30,000 tonnes. Prices for cardamom are currently around ₹2,450 per kg, according to local planter S B Prabhakar. The rubber sector has also suffered, with a loss of production days due to rain affecting yields, although tapping has resumed as conditions improve. Tea plantations are facing a crisis due to reduced sunlight and increased production costs, leading to potential closures. Additionally, heavy rains have affected pepper crops, with damage assessments expected by early October. Overall, the unusual weather patterns have created a challenging environment for Kerala's plantation industry. 
Published: Aug 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has launched the Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (VOPPA) Regulation Order, 2025, marking a significant reform in the vegetable oil sector, which is crucial for national food security. Despite being the fourth-largest oilseed producer globally, India imports around 60% of its edible oil. The new order, replacing the 2011 framework, aims to enhance transparency and market intelligence while enabling real-time monitoring of production and stocks. Effective from August 1, all vegetable oil producers must register with the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils and submit detailed digital reports monthly. This digitisation addresses longstanding issues of price volatility and supply chain opacity, empowering inspectors to enforce compliance. VOPPA 2025 could serve as a model for managing other essential commodities in India, promoting structured oversight and potentially stabilising food inflation through consistent governance rather than reactive measures.
Published: Aug 23 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to convene on September 3-4 to deliberate on significant tax reductions. The council, which includes representatives from various states, will explore reforms aimed at simplifying the indirect tax framework, potentially consolidating it into just two primary tax rates. This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on August 15, emphasizing the government's commitment to streamlining the tax system. The upcoming meeting is expected to address these changes, reflecting a broader effort to enhance economic efficiency and ease the tax burden on businesses and consumers alike. As discussions unfold, stakeholders will be keenly watching for the implications of these proposed reforms. This is a developing story.
Published: Aug 23 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndian Railways has announced a record 380 Ganpati Special train trips for 2025, aimed at facilitating smooth travel for devotees during the festive season. This marks a significant increase from 305 trips in 2023 and 358 in 2024. Central Railway will operate the majority of these services, with 296 trips, while Western Railway will run 56, South Western Railway 22, and Konkan Railway 6. The special trains will serve numerous stops across the Konkan region, including key locations such as Ratnagiri, Kudal, and Udupi. The Ganpati Puja celebrations are scheduled from August 27 to September 6, 2025, with services commencing on August 11 to accommodate the expected surge in passenger demand. Detailed schedules are available on the IRCTC website and the RailOne app, as Indian Railways continues its commitment to providing safe and reliable travel during peak festive periods.
Published: Aug 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inIndia has emerged as the sixth-largest export market for the United States, according to data from the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture. However, Indian importers have recently "paused" their purchases of US agricultural products, particularly pulses and lentils, amid concerns that the Indian government may retaliate against US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While some contracts have been signed, loading of shipments has been halted until the end of August, as buyers fear potential retaliatory tariffs. This situation is compounded by worries among US farmers regarding China's lack of forward contracts for soybeans and minimal corn purchases. Despite these challenges, US agricultural exports to India reached $2.27 billion in 2024, with significant shipments of tree nuts, ethanol, and cotton. India's recent decision to temporarily eliminate cotton import duties offers some relief to US growers, although this measure is set to expire on September 30.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has assured that fertilizer availability during the current kharif season is stable, emphasizing its commitment to timely and equitable supply for farmers. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has instructed officials to ensure sufficient fertilizer distribution amid reports of long queues at retail outlets. Meanwhile, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy raised concerns over black market sales of urea in Telangana, where prices have soared to ₹400 per bag, urging state intervention. In Uttar Pradesh, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Sahi discovered retailers charging above the maximum retail price for urea, leading to license suspensions. The Department of Fertilizers reported a total urea availability of 183 lakh tonnes, surpassing the pro-rata requirement of 143 lakh tonnes, with sales up 13 lakh tonnes from last year. The government attributed this stability to proactive diplomatic and logistical efforts, ensuring farmers face no shortages despite global supply challenges.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inBasmati exporters in Punjab, responsible for 40% of India's aromatic rice exports, are seeking a permanent resolution to increasing rejections of their consignments by European countries, amid confusion over a High Court ruling. The Punjab government had issued a notification on May 10 banning 11 agrochemicals, followed by a July 15 notification adding 12 pesticides, including hexaconazole. However, a High Court interim order on July 30 stayed the May notification, leaving the July ban intact. Ashok Sethi, Director of the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association, highlighted the growing use of pesticides in basmati cultivation, which has led to residue issues affecting exports. Since 2012-13, the USFDA has rejected consignments due to maximum residue level violations. To address these challenges, the Association is collaborating with local agricultural bodies to educate farmers on pesticide use and is incentivizing those who comply with export standards. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 17.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Japan on August 29-30 for a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. During this visit, the two leaders are expected to announce a significant increase in Japan's private-sector investment in India, raising the target to 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) over the next decade, doubling the previous commitment of 5 trillion yen made in March 2022. The discussions will focus on enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations, covering areas such as defence, trade, technology, and regional issues. Additionally, a new framework to tackle economic security challenges, including critical mineral supplies, is anticipated to be established. Following Japan, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China from August 31 to September 1, where he is expected to engage in bilateral talks with various leaders.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inCoffee growers in India are bracing for a potential decline in yields for the upcoming 2025-26 crop season, starting in October, due to persistent heavy rains that have led to increased berry dropping and diseases like black rot and root rot. Key coffee-producing regions, including Chikmagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan, have experienced continuous rainfall, hindering essential agricultural practices such as manure application and plant protection sprays. M J Dinesh, chairman of the Coffee Board, noted that a survey is underway to assess crop losses, with initial estimates suggesting a significant impact, particularly on robusta varieties. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected a 2.4% decline in India's coffee production for the 2025-26 season, estimating output at 3.62 lakh tonnes, down from 3.72 lakh tonnes the previous year. The situation remains fluid, with clearer assessments expected in the coming weeks.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant update for taxpayers, the Income Tax Department has raised the threshold for undisclosed foreign assets from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh, effective October 1, 2024. This change means that no prosecution will be initiated under the Black Money Act (BMA) for minor foreign assets, excluding immovable property, valued below this new limit. The amendment aims to alleviate the burden on taxpayers who may have overlooked reporting minor foreign assets, allowing tax authorities to concentrate on more serious cases of tax evasion. Sanjoli Maheshwarri, Executive Director at Nangia & Co, noted that while penalties under the BMA may not apply due to the new threshold, previous notices for prosecution based on the old limit could still pose challenges. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued fresh instructions to ensure these changes are effectively implemented, promoting fairness and reducing undue hardship for taxpayers.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAt the Vizag Skill Sail 2025 - Skill Development Conclave in Visakhapatnam, M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), announced plans to foster Green Port Startups, emphasizing sustainable practices in the maritime sector. He highlighted the potential of Visakhapatnam as a leading hub for maritime and skill development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. The VPA aims to train 5,000 students annually, targeting 50,000 by 2030 and 500,000 by 2047, to cultivate future entrepreneurs. R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), reiterated the Ministry's commitment to skill development in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government, which is also focusing on ship-building clusters. District Collector M. N. Harendhira Prasad noted the state's Swarnandhra Vision 2047, aiming for a $2.4 trillion economy, with the maritime sector identified as crucial for economic growth, underscoring the need for a skilled workforce.
Published: Aug 22 2025, 6 pm
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