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India's Mangoes, Millets, Biryani Shine at London Expo

India's participation at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in London, held from March 17-19, showcased a diverse array of organic products, including millets, mangoes, and pomegranates, alongside premium processed foods and Indian liquors. Organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the event featured a delegation of 16 exporters from various Indian states, aiming to secure business deals based on interest from international importers. APEDA's assistant general manager, Harpreet Singh, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting local products and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. The India Pavilion attracted significant attention, offering a wide range of items from basmati rice to ready-to-cook dishes, with sampling sessions allowing visitors to experience authentic Indian flavours. The event underscores India's commitment to enhancing its presence in the global food and beverage market. sources

Published:
Mar 24 2025, 12 pm

Brothers Organic Farms invests in tech for supply-chain transparency

Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF), a certified family-run organic farm based in Chennai, is enhancing supply chain transparency through innovative technologies, including QR code-based product traceability and blockchain authentication. Co-founder Satyajit Hange highlighted that consumers can scan QR codes on products to access detailed sourcing information, while blockchain ensures tamper-proof records of product history. TBOF is expanding its presence in India and the US, launching a direct-to-consumer website aimed at the premium Indian diaspora and engaging influencers to build brand awareness. The company is also focusing on corporate gifting and festive marketing. TBOF employs regenerative agriculture practices, supports women-led processing units, and promotes a zero-waste approach with biodegradable packaging. Additionally, it aims to streamline international organic certification and leverage AI for personalized consumer engagement, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable farming in India. sources

Published:
Mar 27 2025, 9 am

March PV sales expected to rise in low single digits

In March, the Indian passenger vehicle market is projected to experience low single-digit growth, estimated at 3% year-on-year, despite a decline in consumer sentiment and stock market fluctuations. Analysts from Nuvama Institutional Equities attribute this growth to increased discounts and a build-up of inventory at dealerships, with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) responding to market conditions by raising discounts and implementing price cuts. The report forecasts a 20% year-on-year volume increase for MM-Auto, which includes passenger, commercial, and three-wheeler vehicles, while Maruti Suzuki is expected to see a 4% rise, contrasting with declines for Hyundai and Tata Motors. The two-wheeler segment is anticipated to grow by 3%, bolstered by strong export demand, while the commercial vehicle sector may face a slight downturn. Overall, the industry is expected to see a marginal 1% decline in volumes, influenced by selective financing and fleet utilization challenges. sources

Published:
Mar 27 2025, 9 am

Amit Shah announces upcoming cooperative taxi service launch

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced plans for a new cooperative taxi service aimed at competing with established players like Ola and Uber, during a Lok Sabha session on March 26. The service, expected to launch in the coming months, will allow the registration of various vehicles, including two-wheelers and rickshaws, with profits directly benefiting drivers. Additionally, Shah revealed intentions to establish a cooperative insurance company, which he anticipates will become the largest in the private sector. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi,' emphasizing the government's commitment to cooperative development. The announcement follows the passage of a bill to create India’s first cooperative university, highlighting the administration's focus on enhancing cooperative structures in the country. sources

Published:
Mar 27 2025, 8 am

Lok Sabha approves Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat

The Lok Sabha has approved a bill to establish the 'Tribhuvan Sahkari University' in Anand, Gujarat, named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a key figure in India's cooperative movement and co-founder of the Amul brand. Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah highlighted the university's goal to enhance the capacity of employees and board members in the cooperative sector, addressing a long-standing need for qualified manpower. The current educational framework in this sector is deemed inadequate, prompting the need for a comprehensive and standardized approach to training and research. Shah also noted the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh, and mentioned plans for its rollout in West Bengal following the upcoming elections. The establishment of the university aims to ensure a stable supply of skilled professionals across various roles within cooperative societies. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 10 pm

Mother Dairy targets ₹20,000 crore revenue by FY26

Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetables Pvt Ltd has launched a new sub-brand, "Pro," starting with its high-protein product, Promilk, as part of its strategy to meet the growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods. The company aims to achieve revenues of ₹20,000 crore in FY25-26, building on a projected revenue of over ₹17,000 crore for FY25, reflecting a growth of 15-16%. Managing Director Manish Bandlish highlighted the dairy sector's robust growth, with categories expanding at over 20%. To support this growth, Mother Dairy plans to invest ₹1,400-1,500 crore in manufacturing capacity over the next 2-3 years, including new plants in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagpur. Bandlish noted that a significant portion of the Indian population does not meet daily protein requirements, prompting the development of the Pro range to provide convenient, protein-rich dairy options without requiring changes in consumer habits. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 9 pm

CAG and BISAG-N Collaborate to Improve Audits with Geospatial Tech

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to enhance its auditing framework through advanced technologies. The partnership, formalized on March 26, 2025, aims to integrate geographic information systems, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics into audit processes. BISAG-N will provide consultancy services, conduct joint research, and assist in capacity-building programs for CAG officials, focusing on developing customized geo-spatial solutions for audit-related projects. The collaboration will also involve technical guidance on integrating geo-spatial tools into audit methodologies and identifying case studies for practical applications. The MoU was signed by TP Singh, Director General of BISAG-N, and S Ramann, Deputy CTO of CAG, in the presence of K. Sanjay Murthy, the CAG of India. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 9 pm

PSL guidelines reflect RBI's coordinated approach, says SBI Research

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced revised priority sector lending (PSL) guidelines, effective April 1, 2025, aimed at bolstering support for key sectors such as MSMEs, agriculture, and housing. According to SBI Research, the updated guidelines will increase loan limits for housing and expand the classification of loans under renewable energy, while adjusting the PSL target for urban co-operative banks to 60% of their total credit. Notably, the eligibility criteria for borrowers in the 'weaker sections' have been broadened, and the cap on loans for individual women beneficiaries has been lifted. SBI's Chief Economic Adviser, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, highlighted that these changes will enhance affordable housing access, particularly in smaller towns. Additionally, the report suggests including infrastructure loans in PSL calculations and introducing PSL bonds to address shortfalls, thereby improving credit flow to essential sectors. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 8 pm

Chouhan: India can't exploit nature despite GM technology gains

India's Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing domestic agricultural productivity, particularly in soyabean and pulses, despite ongoing debates over genetically modified (GM) technology. Speaking at a Bharatiya Kisan Sangh event in New Delhi, Chouhan acknowledged that countries utilizing GM seeds achieve higher yields and lower production costs, but emphasized India's cautious approach to GM crops. He highlighted the government's focus on developing quality seeds, improving mechanization, and enhancing farmers' access to capital, including a recent increase in short-term crop loan limits via Kisan Credit Cards. Chouhan also noted that the import duty on edible oils, raised to 27% from zero, has not significantly boosted domestic soyabean prices, yet the government plans to continue this policy. He assured that the demands of the BKS, including easing licensing procedures for farmers' producer organizations (FPOs), would be considered for implementation. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 8 pm

US-India to expedite tariff negotiations with fast-track mechanism

India and the United States are accelerating trade negotiations to avert US President Donald Trump's impending reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2. In a meeting in New Delhi, officials from both nations initiated a fast-track mechanism aimed at achieving quick tariff reductions in key sectors, including automobiles, alcohol, and agriculture. The discussions, led by Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and Commerce Additional Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, focus on expediting tariff cuts while balancing sensitive agricultural products. India may agree to lower tariffs on items like almonds and apples, but will likely exclude staples such as wheat and dairy. Trump has emphasized that while some countries may receive exemptions, the overall approach will be stringent. The bilateral trade agreement (BTA) aims to significantly boost trade, targeting $500 billion annually by 2025, with India currently exporting $77.51 billion to the US against imports of $42.19 billion. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 8 pm

Increased crop production may reduce food inflation, says FinMin

The Indian Finance Ministry has projected a positive outlook for food inflation, anticipating a decline in retail inflation to a seven-month low of 3.6% in February, aided by a significant drop in food inflation to 3.75%. The second advance estimates indicate a rise in kharif and rabi foodgrain output by 6.8% and 2.8%, respectively, with kharif rice production expected to increase by 6.6% and wheat output reaching a record 1,154.3 lakh tonnes. However, the Ministry cautioned about potential risks from edible oil prices and highlighted the need for increased private investment to mitigate external growth risks. The report also noted concerns over trade uncertainties, with the Global Trade Policy Uncertainty Index hitting a record high, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and tariff-related developments, which could impact investment and trade flows in 2025. sources

Published:
Mar 26 2025, 8 pm

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