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A price protection scheme launched by NABARD and the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has begun to assist farmers, particularly those cultivating turmeric, in managing price volatility through options trading. The initiative, which subsidises premiums for put options for farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) across seven states, has already covered 80 FPOs and 1.34 lakh farmers, leading to a significant turnover increase for some, such as the Rashtronnati Farmer Producer Company in Maharashtra, which reported ₹1 crore in revenue in just nine months. The scheme has contributed to a rise in turmeric prices, currently around ₹14,355.05 per quintal, due to tight supplies and strong demand. FPOs are now actively engaging in market strategies, tracking price movements closely, and benefiting from guaranteed floor prices, although challenges remain in terms of awareness and costs. Overall, the scheme aims to empower farmers and stabilise their incomes in a volatile market. 
Published: Feb 15 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's beverage industry is facing significant challenges as it grapples with rising raw material costs, particularly for sugar and packaging, amid unpredictable supply chains. Dependence on rainfall and fluctuating crop yields have made production planning increasingly difficult, while price volatility in key commodities has shifted from cyclical to a strategic risk. Sugar prices, influenced by factors such as climate disruptions and government policies, create a complex environment for manufacturers, impacting margins and pricing strategies. Additionally, packaging costs are affected by global commodity cycles, prompting firms to explore sustainable alternatives despite higher expenses. As logistics pressures mount, beverage companies are adopting flexible, data-driven planning models and diversifying their product portfolios to mitigate risks. This evolving landscape necessitates disciplined risk management and strategic procurement to maintain competitiveness in a volatile market.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 8 ameznews.inA farmer who understands the journey of their food would never compromise its quality, and an informed eater would treat it with respect. This vital connection between farmers and consumers has been eroded by modern food systems, which prioritize yield over flavor and sustainability. At Foodstories, the focus is on traceability, ensuring that every piece of produce carries its story, from the soil it was grown in to the practices used in its cultivation. This approach fosters accountability and trust, as customers learn why certain foods taste different each week and appreciate the value of seasonal produce. By working closely with dedicated farmers who prioritize quality over quantity, Foodstories aims to close the loop between the field and the plate, promoting long-term food security and soil health. Ultimately, when farmers and eaters know each other, food transforms from a mere commodity into genuine nourishment.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's agricultural exports have seen a significant increase, rising from approximately $41 billion in FY 2020-21 to an estimated $51-52 billion by 2024-25, with a bold target of reaching $100 billion in the coming years. Achieving this ambitious goal necessitates a collaborative effort between the government and industry, focusing on systemic improvements rather than short-term incentives. Key challenges include inadequate cold chain infrastructure, high post-harvest losses, and complex regulatory frameworks. To address these issues, experts suggest establishing public-private cold chain clusters, co-creating investment roadmaps, and enhancing market access through targeted task forces. Additionally, developing tailored financial products and building a network of quality testing labs are crucial for supporting exporters. Regular monitoring of key performance indicators will be essential to ensure progress towards the $100 billion target, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy to unlock India's agricultural export potential.
Published: Feb 15 2026, 8 ameznews.inThe Indian government has launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, designed to provide cashless emergency care for road accident victims and enhance survival rates during the critical "golden hour." Approved by the Prime Minister as a priority initiative, the scheme allows eligible victims to receive treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days post-accident, with stabilisation care for up to 48 hours depending on the severity of injuries. The initiative aims to tackle the high road fatality rates in India, where timely medical intervention can significantly reduce deaths. Integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, the scheme facilitates quick access to hospitals and ambulance services. A digital platform will streamline accident reporting, hospital admissions, and claim processing, with reimbursements managed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. Claims are expected to be settled within ten days, ensuring prompt financial support for hospitals.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 8 pmeznews.inUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced at the Munich Security Conference that India has increased its climate action spending from 3.7% to 5.6% of GDP over the past six years, underscoring the nation's commitment to meeting its carbon emission reduction goals. She emphasized that India is proactively investing in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, with significant funding allocated in the Union Budget for 2026-27. Notably, India has already achieved two-thirds of its renewable energy commitments, four years ahead of schedule. Sitharaman also advocated for a differentiated approach to climate action costs, arguing that less polluting nations should bear a smaller financial burden. She highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptation in climate strategies, stressing that no single solution can address all climate challenges effectively. The Finance Minister's remarks reflect India's ongoing dedication to sustainable development amid global climate discussions.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 8 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Assam on Saturday, inaugurating the region's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran, a strategic development aimed at enhancing defense and disaster response capabilities. Arriving aboard a C-130J aircraft from Chabua airfield, Modi landed on a 4.2-km reinforced stretch of National Highway-37, which will serve both civil and military purposes, acting as an alternative to Dibrugarh airport during emergencies. The ₹100-crore facility is expected to bolster logistics and security in the Northeast, a region historically sensitive to geopolitical tensions. Modi expressed pride in the facility's establishment, emphasizing its importance during natural disasters. He was welcomed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other officials, and later witnessed an aerial display by the Indian Air Force. Sarma highlighted the event as a transformative moment for the region, reflecting Modi's commitment to securing the Northeast.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 5 pmeznews.inAdani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has expressed confidence that its flagship Mundra Port in Gujarat will maintain its market share despite the impending Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), which aims to enhance freight efficiency across northern and western India. APSEZ argues that Mundra's structural advantages, including shorter hinterland distances, integrated logistics, and superior vessel turnaround times, will keep it competitive. CEO Ashwani Gupta emphasized that the DFC's impact on Mundra's cargo volumes will be negligible, as the port's operational efficiencies and cost advantages remain unmatched. He noted that even with the DFC's improvements, Mundra retains a significant distance advantage over competing ports, which translates to lower costs for customers. Divij Taneja, CEO of Logistics at APSEZ, echoed this sentiment, projecting steady container volumes and targeting double-digit growth for Adani Logistics, despite potential shifts from road to rail transport.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian government has launched the second phase of the Startup India Fund of Funds (FoF 2.0), with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore aimed at fostering innovation in non-metro areas and mitigating early-stage startup failures due to funding shortages. Announced following a Cabinet meeting, the initiative seeks to mobilise venture capital for high-tech sectors requiring long-term investment, while also enhancing the domestic venture capital landscape. Since the inception of Startup India in 2016, the ecosystem has expanded dramatically, growing from under 500 to over 200,000 recognised startups. The previous FoF 1.0 successfully allocated its entire corpus to 145 Alternative Investment Funds, which in turn invested over ₹25,500 crore in various sectors. Additionally, the Cabinet approved eight infrastructure projects, including an extension of the Noida Metro Rail Project and multitracking initiatives across several states, with a combined investment exceeding ₹20,000 crore.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 4 pmeznews.inThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the successful development of a physics-based soil moisture retrieval algorithm at the Space Applications Centre (SAC-ISRO), which promises scientific robustness and operational accuracy. Utilizing data from the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), the algorithm systematically images the Indian landmass in S- and L-bands, generating high-resolution soil moisture products at 100m every 12 days. This data is crucial for monitoring crop health, irrigation needs, and drought risks, thereby playing a significant role in India's agricultural and water management strategies. The soil moisture products, which provide consistent estimates across diverse agro-climatic regions, will be generated at the National Remote Sensing Centre and made accessible through the Bhoonidhi Portal, facilitating support for farmers, planners, and researchers nationwide.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 4 pm
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