eznews.inA crop failure in Guatemala has opened new opportunities for Indian cardamom exporters, particularly ahead of the Ramadan season, with anticipated shipments rising to between 12,000 and 14,000 tonnes. This marks a significant increase from the usual 6,000 to 8,000 tonnes, as Guatemala's production is expected to plummet to around 17,000 tonnes this season, down from a typical 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes. Indian cardamom, known for its premium quality, is now in high demand in Gulf markets, where buyers are prioritizing availability over price. Despite the positive outlook, exporters face challenges due to price volatility in auctions and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, which complicate long-term contracts and threaten profit margins. As the picking season continues in Idukki, the sector is hopeful for improved conditions with anticipated spring rains by March 2026, following the drought of 2024. 
Published: Dec 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's mustard acreage has reached approximately 84.67 lakh hectares as of December 15, 2025, marking a 4.32% increase from 81.16 lakh hectares during the same period last year, according to Agriwatch's latest report. Significant growth has been observed in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal. Most crops are currently at the branching to flowering stage, with early-sown fields progressing to pod development. Despite some re-sowing in Rajasthan due to early-season rainfall, overall crop conditions remain normal across monitored states, with pest incidences below economic thresholds. In Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, crops are recovering well from earlier weather stresses, while Haryana reports no significant pest issues. The report, commissioned by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, indicates that state-wise mustard area figures are tentative and will be updated in January 2026.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inCommerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has highlighted the potential of India's professional services sector to capitalize on global opportunities through legally binding commitments in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Speaking at a session titled 'Expanding Global Horizons: Opportunities for Indian Professionals,' Agrawal emphasized the need for Indian professionals, including chartered accountants, doctors, and architects, to adopt global best practices and enhance their skills to meet evolving market demands. He urged professional bodies, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, to engage in international conferences for knowledge sharing and collaboration. The recent FTA with New Zealand, which facilitates professional visas for 5,000 Indian professionals, exemplifies this initiative. Key discussion points included enhancing international mobility through mutual recognition agreements, developing professional networks abroad, and addressing challenges related to data privacy and foreign university branches in India. India's services exports are projected to reach approximately $390 billion in 2024-25.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Spices Board has revoked the dealer's licence of Cardamomauction.com (Trade Code DL-253) due to breaches of the Cardamom (Licensing and Marketing) Rules, 1987. These regulations stipulate that only registered dealers can buy cardamom from registered growers and participate in the auction system. Following the licence cancellation, Cardamomauction.com is prohibited from engaging in cardamom auctions or purchasing from growers. The Spices Board has urged all auctioneers and growers to refrain from any transactions with the company. This decisive action aims to uphold compliance with statutory regulations and maintain the integrity of the cardamom marketing and auction framework. The announcement was made in a press release dated December 24, 2025.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 10 ameznews.inFarmer associations in India, including the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) and the Bhartiya Kisan Coordination Committee (BKCC), are collaborating with the Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI) to enhance agricultural practices through a technology-focused visit to the Netherlands. This initiative aims to equip Indian farmers with advanced knowledge in modern farming techniques, improved seed technology, and crop enhancement methods. Gunvant Patil, General Secretary of AIKCC, emphasized the urgent need for technological innovation to boost agricultural production, as many farmers still rely on outdated seed varieties. BKCC member Guni Prakash highlighted plans to meet FCCI President Jasbir Singh to discuss opportunities for farmers, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, to learn about new agricultural technologies. Singh affirmed FCCI's commitment to supporting this collaboration, underscoring the importance of knowledge exchange for the future of Indian agriculture.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 9 ameznews.inFalling crude oil prices, a surplus in services exports, and steady remittance inflows are projected to keep India's current account deficit (CAD) manageable, despite challenges in goods exports due to global economic pressures, according to a report by Crisil. The CAD is expected to average 1% of GDP in fiscal 2026, up from 0.6% in fiscal 2025. The report highlights that while goods exports may struggle due to US tariff hikes and a global slowdown, supportive factors like declining oil prices—averaging $60 to $65 per barrel in 2026—will help mitigate the deficit. The CAD narrowed to 1.3% of GDP in Q2 of fiscal 2026, down from 2.2% a year earlier. Additionally, the government aims to reduce its fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP in fiscal 2026, although it stood at 52.6% of the full-year target by October, driven by lower tax revenues and increased capital spending.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported on December 24, 2025, that the La Niña weather phenomenon persists in the tropical Pacific, with the Niño3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) index recorded at −0.91 °C, indicating sustained La Niña conditions. The negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has concluded, returning to neutral, and is expected to remain so until at least autumn 2026. BoM forecasts suggest that La Niña levels will continue until early 2026 before transitioning to neutral, aligning with international models but occurring earlier than typical ENSO decay. Atmospheric indicators, including trade winds and cloud patterns, support the ongoing La Niña, while elevated SSTs in the Australian region are the second warmest on record for November, likely intensifying storms and rainfall. Despite a predicted shift to neutral conditions, the excess ocean warmth suggests continued weather impacts globally in the coming months.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 8 ameznews.inCommerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal announced on Tuesday that India is in active trade discussions with the United States, aiming to enhance market access for Indian exporters. Despite facing challenges, Indian exports to the US have remained resilient, with a notable 22.61% increase in November, reaching USD 6.98 billion. Agrawal emphasized the importance of concluding negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which seeks to address the steep 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Indian goods. While the US is India's largest trading partner, accounting for 18% of its exports, the Indian government is cautious about making concessions in agriculture and dairy sectors to protect local farmers. The goal is to double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. Agrawal also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish free trade agreements with various countries, including the UK and New Zealand, to bolster India's export ambitions.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 10 pmeznews.inState-run GAIL (India) has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chhattisgarh government to explore the establishment of a greenfield gas-based urea fertiliser project. The MoU, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, involves GAIL conducting detailed techno-economic studies for a urea manufacturing plant with a capacity of 1.27 million tonnes, strategically located along the Mumbai–Nagpur–Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline corridor. The Chhattisgarh government will facilitate the project by supporting feasibility studies, land allocation, and coordination with authorities for necessary approvals. GAIL, India's largest gas utility, aims to bolster domestic fertiliser production, aligning with Chhattisgarh's efforts to promote industrial growth through investor-friendly policies and infrastructure development. The project underscores GAIL's commitment to enhancing the country's downstream natural gas-based industries.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 10 pmeznews.inHindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has reached a significant milestone in India's indigenous shipbuilding initiative with the keel-laying of the first 60-tonne Bollard Pull tug for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, alongside a contract for a second tug. These tugs, measuring 32.5 metres, are designed to enhance port operations by improving vessel handling and turnaround times amid rising maritime traffic, aligning with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, emphasized the importance of timely delivery and quality in fostering trust between organizations, while Cmde Girideep Singh, HSL's Chairman, highlighted the shipyard's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The development underscores HSL's technical expertise and dedication to the Make-in-India campaign, crucial for supporting the growing demands of the national maritime ecosystem.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 9 pm
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