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India's push to bolster local solar module production, spurred by pandemic disruptions and strained ties with China, has led to a dramatic 13-fold increase in capacity since 2020, now nearly tripling domestic demand, according to BloombergNEF. However, this surge has prompted government warnings for banks to exercise caution, as capacity utilization at module-assembly plants has plummeted to around 40%. While India previously imported 80% of its solar modules, recent tariffs and local manufacturing mandates have shifted the landscape. Despite a record installation of 38 gigawatts of solar power in 2025, domestic demand lags behind the burgeoning manufacturing capacity of 154 gigawatts. Industry experts warn of an impending glut, with many mid-sized companies at risk as technology evolves and less advanced firms struggle to keep pace. To navigate this, some suggest exploring overseas markets, particularly in Africa, to leverage Indian-made modules. 
Published: Feb 17 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia could save up to ₹20,000 crore by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in cargo handling at its ports, according to Gourav Vallabh, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit, Vallabh emphasized the need for India to adopt new technologies to enhance port efficiency, noting that the country’s logistics costs, currently at 7.97% of GDP, must be reduced to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted that while 95% of India's trade is maritime, the country's ports lag in handling capacity compared to global leaders. Vallabh called for accelerated policy initiatives and outlined various AI applications to improve port operations. Other industry leaders, including Subrat Tripathy and Susanta Kumar Purohit, echoed the sentiment, discussing the potential of AI in enhancing interactions and governance within the maritime sector. Legal considerations regarding AI deployment were also addressed.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's spice industry will convene in Kochi for the 9th International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) from February 23 to 26, hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF). The conference arrives amid challenges such as tariff uncertainties, stricter residue regulations, and shifts in global supply chains. As the world's largest spice producer and exporter, India is adapting its trade strategies to navigate these complexities, with AISEF Chairman Emmanuel Nambusseril highlighting the need for market diversification and enhanced regulatory preparedness. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Amitabh Kant and Martin Sonntag, focusing on innovation and collaboration in the agro-industry. With spice exports exceeding $4 billion annually, exporters are increasingly facing hurdles from revised tariffs and stringent sanitary requirements, prompting a shift towards engagement with new markets and investment in processing technologies to ensure compliance and sustainability.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 3 pmeznews.inWest Bengal is poised for a record potato production of 140-150 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 season, marking the highest output in five years, driven by favourable weather conditions and a slight increase in cultivation area. Last year's production was approximately 115 lakh tonnes, also a bumper yield. Patit Paban De from the West Bengal Cold Storage Association noted that harvesting has commenced, with expectations of over a 20% year-on-year increase. The state, which has 580 cold storages with a capacity of 70-80 lakh tonnes, may face storage challenges due to the anticipated surplus, as average monthly consumption is around 6 lakh tonnes. To mitigate distress sales among marginalised farmers, the government has mandated that 30% of cold storage space be reserved for them. The harvesting season will continue until March, with the government facilitating inter-state trade to manage the excess production.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 2 pmeznews.inIndia is projected to experience approximately three more years of job volatility before reaching a significant upswing in its job market, according to Sehraj Singh, Managing Director of Prosus India. Speaking to *businessline*, Singh shared insights from the white paper “AI for All: Catalysing Jobs, Growth, and Opportunity,” launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The report, based on extensive consultations, highlights job prospects in key sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. Singh outlined a six-year job cycle, predicting an initial phase of job losses followed by a period of adjustment, ultimately leading to a surge in job creation. He emphasized that while automation may displace some roles, it will also necessitate upskilling and create new opportunities, particularly in AI supervision and logistics, thereby reframing AI as a driver of productivity and employment rather than a threat.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 1 pmeznews.inThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns regarding Mumbai airport's plan to temporarily suspend cargo aircraft operations from August 2026 to May 31, 2027, to facilitate infrastructure upgrades. IATA, which reached out to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) in January for clarification, has yet to receive a response. The airport operator cited operational safety and capacity constraints as reasons for the suspension, including the risks associated with mixed passenger and freighter movements during concurrent taxiway construction. MIAL's planned upgrades include significant enhancements to airside and landside infrastructure, aimed at supporting future operational growth. Despite the impending suspension, MIAL assured that Apron G remains operationally viable for the next four years, contingent on regular maintenance and inspections. IATA emphasized the need for effective communication from MIAL with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on cargo operations.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inSaffron production in Jammu and Kashmir remains vulnerable to climate change, with adverse weather events significantly impacting yields despite government efforts to revive the industry. Assembly data reveals that while the National Mission on Saffron has improved productivity in rejuvenated fields, extreme weather conditions—such as floods and droughts—have led to substantial output declines in recent years, particularly during critical flowering periods. Historical data shows saffron yields plummeted to as low as 1.3 to 1.8 kilograms per hectare in the early 2000s, but revival measures have since raised yields to over 5 kilograms per hectare in some seasons. However, fluctuations in output have persisted, with recent figures indicating production dropped to just 10-15% of normal levels last season, according to local farmers. Experts emphasize the crop's sensitivity to climate, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by saffron cultivators in the region.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 9 ameznews.inUnion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch "Bharat-VISTAAR," an AI-based digital platform aimed at supporting farmers across India, during an event in Jaipur. Announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the platform will provide crucial information on weather, market rates, pests, soil health, crop advice, and government schemes via phone calls, chatbots, and a dedicated app. Initially available in Hindi and English, it will expand to include Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada within three months, with plans to support a total of 11 languages. Bharat-VISTAAR will integrate resources from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to offer tailored agricultural advice, enhancing decision-making for farmers. The initiative is part of a broader "AI for Agriculture Roadmap," reflecting a significant shift towards data-driven farming practices, which experts believe could substantially boost agricultural yields in India.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe India Energy Stack (IES), a set of open protocols designed to enhance interoperability in the power sector, is poised to revolutionize distributed renewable energy (DRE) initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM programs, according to JVN Subramanyam, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he highlighted that India has significantly increased its DRE capacity, adding nearly 18 gigawatts (GW) in just 15 months, compared to the previous decade. With a current solar power capacity of around 140 GW, of which 35 GW is DRE, India is investing approximately $9 billion in rooftop solar and $4 billion in agricultural solarisation. Subramanyam emphasized the need for AI to enhance predictability in energy generation and distribution, while International Solar Alliance Director General Ashish Khanna noted that only 15% of India's solar capacity is decentralized, indicating substantial growth potential in the sector.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 9 pmeznews.inDuring the AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, particularly in enhancing crop yields and farmer incomes. However, experts raised concerns about the unregulated nature of AI advisories in the sector, emphasizing the need for established standards to ensure accountability and quality. Santanu Chaudhary, former director of IIT-Jodhpur, stressed the importance of traceable and contestable AI guidance, warning that without proper protocols, claims of high accuracy could be misleading. The fragmented nature of Indian farmland poses additional challenges, as AI models may not perform consistently across different plots. International Telecommunication Union representatives noted the existence of over 200 approved AI standards for digital agriculture, which could aid countries in implementing effective AI solutions. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch the Bharat-VISTAAR scheme, aimed at addressing these challenges.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 9 pm
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