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The budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA and FW) for the fiscal year 2025 has seen a modest increase of 1.73%, rising to ₹1,17,528.80 crore from ₹1,15,531.79 crore in FY24. In a report submitted by the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, there are calls for a more significant enhancement of this budget to ensure agriculture receives its rightful share, thereby improving the effectiveness of ongoing schemes. The committee also stressed the urgency of expediting the recruitment process in research institutions to address existing vacancies, which is crucial for bolstering research efficiency. The government has indicated that filling these positions is a continuous effort, with regular monitoring of retirements and tenure completions. The ministry noted that budget allocations are influenced by various factors, including scheme approvals, past expenditures, and the department's financial needs. 
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA Technical Report from IIT Bombay has raised concerns over a proposal by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to shift to monthly data collection for the housing index, suggesting it would impose unnecessary costs on both the government and respondents without enhancing informational value. The proposal is part of MoSPI's effort to revise the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base from 2012 to 2024, which is crucial for the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy. The report's authors, Praggya Das and Ashish Das, argue that collecting rent data monthly from over 25,000 dwellings, rather than the current six-month panel survey of about 4,000, would significantly increase costs and workload while risking data quality. They advocate for maintaining the existing methodology, which they deem robust and effective, emphasizing that the proposed changes could be counterproductive.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is set to enhance trade relations by eliminating customs duties on imports of gems and jewellery from India to Oman. Currently valued at $35 million, India's gem and jewellery exports to Oman are projected to soar to $150 million over the next three years, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This surge is attributed to improved price competitiveness and expanded product offerings. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized that the CEPA will bolster direct trade ties and encourage Indian exporters to source directly, particularly in polished diamonds and gold jewellery. India is already Oman’s largest supplier of gold jewellery, with exports experiencing an impressive 80% growth in 2024-25, underscoring the strong demand for Indian craftsmanship in the region.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA white paper from the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) proposes a transformative roadmap for Indian agriculture, advocating a shift from subsistence farming to a resilient, export-oriented model. The strategy is built on four pillars: first, a ₹10,000 crore investment to expand permaculture practices across 5 million hectares, aiming for a 25% reduction in synthetic fertiliser use by 2030. Second, a ₹15,000 crore initiative to diversify exports, targeting $100 billion by establishing 50 agri export zones and promoting organic products. The third pillar focuses on preserving agro biodiversity with a ₹5,000 crore allocation to enhance indigenous seed varieties. Lastly, the plan emphasizes improved access to credit for small farmers, proposing ₹50,000 crore in annual disbursements through innovative financing models. By integrating AI and sustainable practices, the framework aims to create a competitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSaudi Arabia remains a key player in India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, accounting for approximately one-third of the total 20.67 million tonnes imported in FY25 and 10.84 million tonnes in the first half of FY26. However, Indian public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) are diversifying their sources, increasingly turning to the US for competitively priced LPG. Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, confirmed that a one-year structured contract has been established to import 2.2 million tonnes per annum from the US Gulf Coast, marking a significant shift in India's sourcing strategy. This move aims to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers, who traditionally provided 91-93% of India's LPG, and mitigate risks associated with regional supply volatility. The recent decline in both Saudi contract prices and Mont Belvieu benchmarks has further enhanced competitive pricing options for Indian importers.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndiGo has maintained its flight operations from Delhi and Mumbai while implementing a 10% reduction in its overall schedule, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 9. The airline is now utilizing higher-capacity Airbus A320 aircraft on routes previously serviced by ATR planes to comply with the directive, which aims to alleviate congestion on high-demand flights. Currently, IndiGo operates 2,200 flights under the revised schedule, having submitted a new 15-day plan to airports. While reductions have been noted in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, cancellations in Delhi and Mumbai remain minimal. CEO Pieter Elbers expressed confidence that the worst disruptions are behind them, emphasizing a focus on resilience and operational stability. He acknowledged the airline's long-standing commitment to safety and customer service, stating that IndiGo will continue to connect India effectively. A government review of the airline's operations is expected in the coming weeks.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Indian government is contemplating the establishment of a sugarcane development board following a recommendation from the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) amid rising cane payment defaults, which have reached ₹2,000 crore in the early months of the current season. This situation echoes the 2018-19 season when cane arrears hit ₹20,000 crore, prompting a government intervention to raise the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra indicated that the government is considering various measures, including a revision of the MSP, increased export allowances, and higher ethanol allocations, to support the struggling sugar mills. The outgoing ISMA president, Gautam Goel, emphasized the need for an MSP adjustment to reflect production costs, while Chopra assured that timely payments to farmers are a priority. With sugar production projected at 34.3 million tonnes for the 2025-26 season, the government aims to prevent surplus stock accumulation and ensure farmers receive their dues promptly.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe arabica coffee harvest is currently underway in Karnataka, India's largest coffee-producing state, but growers are hesitant to sell due to volatile prices influenced by global trends. Following a peak, farmgate prices for arabica have declined, attributed to improved production forecasts in Brazil. Bose Mandanna, a prominent grower, noted that recent rains caused issues like fruit splitting, but clearer weather has aided the harvest. Approximately 30-40% of the arabica crop has been collected, with expectations of a higher yield this year, as it is an "on-year" for arabica. The Coffee Board estimates arabica output for the 2025-26 season at 1,18,125 tonnes, surpassing last year's figures. However, prices have dropped, with arabica parchment now selling for ₹26,000-27,000 per 50-kg bag, down from ₹29,000-30,000. Meanwhile, robusta harvesting has begun but is expected to gain momentum in January.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia is experiencing a significant decline in reservoir storage, with levels dropping for the sixth consecutive week to below 85% of capacity, as the country faces a lack of rainfall. Between October 1 and December 18, only 20% of the 730 districts reported deficient post-monsoon rainfall, primarily affecting Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the northeast. Currently, major reservoirs hold 151.452 billion cubic metres (BCM), or 82.51% of their total capacity, which is 7% higher than last year but 22% above the normal levels of the past decade. While the western region's reservoirs are at 90.41% capacity, the southern and northern regions are below 80%. With ongoing fog and cold conditions, further declines in storage are anticipated in the coming weeks, raising concerns about water availability across the country.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has made significant strides in crop development, releasing 23 new varieties cultivated through radiation techniques over the past five years. Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary, announced that ICAR is also advancing genome editing in 24 field crops and 17 horticultural crops, with two genome-edited rice varieties already developed. Additionally, the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council has created a low glucosinolate mustard line, currently under evaluation. ICAR's Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology in Ranchi, with a budget of ₹23.89 crore, is focusing on genome editing in various crops. The new varieties, designed for diverse agroclimatic conditions, boast traits such as increased yield and disease resistance. Furthermore, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture project is assessing climate change impacts and promoting adaptive technologies across 651 agricultural districts, enhancing farmers' resilience to climate variability.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 6 pm
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