eznews.inIndia's edible oil imports fell to a four-month low in February 2025, reaching 8.85 lakh tonnes, a 7.64% decrease from the same month last year, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA). This decline marks the lowest monthly import level since May 2020, attributed to a significant drop in palm oil imports, which fell by nearly 25% to 3.73 lakh tonnes. In contrast, shipments of soft oils rose by 8.94% to 5.12 lakh tonnes, driven by high stock levels accumulated until November 2024. Despite a slight increase in total edible oil imports for the first four months of the oil year, the high price premium on palm oil has curtailed both imports and consumption. Trade flows from Nepal have also contributed to the market, with increased exports of refined soybean oil and Vanaspati benefiting from duty-free access. Major suppliers of crude palm oil included Indonesia and Malaysia. 
Published: Mar 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for India's energy sector, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, announced that ethanol blending in petrol by public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) has saved over ₹1.13 lakh crore in foreign exchange over the past decade. The recently released Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2024-25 indicates that while using 20% ethanol blended petrol (E20) may lead to a slight reduction in fuel efficiency for vehicles designed for E10, modifications can mitigate this impact. Vehicles adhering to BS-VI emission norms, manufactured since April 2023, are compatible with E20. The initiative has also contributed to a reduction of approximately 578 lakh metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and has facilitated timely payments to farmers. The government is enhancing ethanol availability by establishing dedicated plants and expanding storage capacities, with long-term agreements in place for substantial ethanol off-take.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inFood Processing Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated BL Agro's ambitious ₹3,000 crore initiative in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on March 8, aimed at enhancing the animal science sector. The project, under the 'BL Kamdhenu' initiative, focuses on breeding indigenous cows to improve milk production through advanced techniques like embryo transfer and artificial intelligence. CEO Navneet Ravikar highlighted plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for cow breeding and dairying technology, initially intended for Gujarat but relocated to Uttar Pradesh due to government support. The initiative will provide farmers with better cow breeds, training, and a feed plant to ensure easy access to pre-mixed feed. Additionally, BL Agro plans to set up chilling plants and a processing unit in Bareilly to produce milk-based products, targeting a processing capacity of 300,000 litres per day within five years. The project aims to foster a sustainable circular economy while minimizing agricultural waste.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inHyFarm, an Ahmedabad-based agri-business, has launched a pilot project in Sonasan village, Gujarat, aimed at enhancing potato farming efficiency while reducing costs. The initiative, known as "HyFarm Paathshala," focuses on three key areas: minimizing seed usage, optimizing water consumption, and decreasing fertilizer application. Farmers participating in the project, like Kalpesh Bhai, report savings of approximately ₹25,000 per acre. By employing modern techniques such as IoT sensors and AI-driven tools, the project aims to provide tailored agricultural practices across 17 micro-pockets in the region. The Paathshalas serve as knowledge centers, offering hands-on training and real-time guidance to farmers, thereby promoting regenerative agricultural practices. HyFarm plans to invest ₹1,000 crore over the next three years to further enhance quality and innovation in potato farming, ultimately aiming to produce larger-sized potatoes suitable for the French Fry market.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn response to queries from Rajya Sabha MP R. Dharmar regarding airport infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that no proposal has been submitted for a Greenfield Airport in Hosur. A prefeasibility study conducted by a multi-disciplinary team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and TIDCO in September 2024 indicated potential sites, but the central government has noted that a new airport cannot be developed within 150 km of Bengaluru until 2033. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin previously announced plans for a greenfield international airport in Hosur, alongside another in Parandur, with the latter receiving site clearance approval in August 2024. Currently, Tamil Nadu has six operational airports, and ongoing modernization efforts are underway at Chennai and other airports, with project timelines dependent on various regulatory and financial factors.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inMergers and acquisitions in India's cement industry have surged following the ownership change of the country's second-largest cement player in FY23, with over 130 million tonnes of capacity changing hands between FY23 and FY25. This trend is expected to continue as larger firms pursue aggressive expansion plans, putting pressure on regional and smaller players to maintain market share amid financial stress and heightened competition. Notable expansions include Ramco Cement's plan to double its capacity by 2026 and Sagar Cement's acquisition of Andhra Cement. However, many tier-2 companies, particularly in South India, face challenges due to oversupply and pricing pressures, with 15% of listed firms reporting low interest coverage ratios. Despite these difficulties, some regional players are diversifying and expanding their geographical reach to improve profitability. The fragmented southern market remains a target for acquisitions, with significant opportunities for consolidation as larger firms seek to enhance their competitive edge.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn its latest annual report, CBRE South Asia revealed that greenfield construction costs in India rose by a modest 2-4% in 2024, a significant decrease from the 6-8% increases seen in 2021-22. This shift is attributed to easing supply chain issues and stabilising inflation. The report highlighted a decline in costs for key materials such as cement (6-8%), steel (3-5%), and aluminium (0-2%), while wood and stone prices increased by 3-6% and 0-2%, respectively. Despite these material cost reductions, a 5% rise in labour expenses, driven by ongoing workforce shortages, has kept overall construction costs elevated. Major cities like Mumbai experienced the highest fit-out cost increases of 4-6%, with Delhi-NCR and others seeing 3-4% growth. Looking ahead, construction costs are expected to align closely with inflation, with only marginal increases anticipated for 2025, underscoring the importance of understanding cost dynamics for project feasibility.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inIndia's venture capital (VC) landscape experienced a significant rebound in 2024, with total funding rising 43% to $13.7 billion, according to Bain & Company's _Venture Capital Report 2025_. This resurgence is attributed to strong domestic fundamentals, regulatory advancements, and increased public market activity. Despite a soft start to 2025, investor optimism remains high, particularly towards India as a leading growth market. Tech sectors, especially consumer tech, software, and fintech, dominated funding, with consumer tech alone attracting $5.4 billion. Quick commerce emerged as a standout theme, bolstered by consumer adoption and profitability prospects. The report also highlights a stable deal environment, with increased volumes across various deal sizes, and anticipates growth-stage investments to rise in 2025. Emerging sectors like semiconductors and energy transition are expected to gain traction, further enhancing India's position as a key player in the global VC ecosystem.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inMahindra Agri Solutions Limited (MASL), a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, aims to achieve a revenue target of $200 million by 2030, with an expected revenue of $100 million for FY25. The company, which has been exporting table grapes to markets in North America, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia since 2005, contributes 20% of its overall Agri business revenue, amounting to ₹150 crore. Ramesh Ramachandran, Managing Director and CEO, emphasized the importance of scalability and profitability, with plans to double revenue in five years. MASL is also looking to expand its export network and introduce grapes to the domestic market, while exploring other horticulture categories like apples and pomegranates. The company collaborates with over 500 farmers in Maharashtra and is open to partnerships and inorganic growth opportunities to enhance its fruit business.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn February 2025, India's tractor industry continued its growth trajectory, with domestic sales rising year-on-year for the third consecutive month, despite a slight month-on-month decline. Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 36% increase in domestic sales, totaling 58,797 units, driven by robust rabi sowing and government support. However, this was down from January's 61,923 units. Escorts Kubota and Sonalika Tractors also saw increases of 10% and 11%, respectively. Total tractor production fell to 65,996 units, down from 71,607 units a year earlier. Exports improved, reaching 8,954 units, up from 7,847 in January. Industry experts anticipate a 7% growth in FY25, buoyed by favorable weather, increased agricultural credit, and a positive rabi crop outlook, as noted by Mahindra's Hemant Sikka and Elara Capital's Jay Kale.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 8 pm
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