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A Maharashtra government committee has proposed the establishment of a large onion terminal in Solapur, aiming to enhance the city’s role as a vital trading hub between North and South India. During a recent meeting chaired by Pasha Patel, president of the Agriculture Costs and Prices Commission, members discussed the terminal's potential to support farmers and bolster both domestic and international onion trade. Solapur, alongside Lasalgaon in Nashik, is a key player in onion pricing and trading, with the proposed terminal designed to include advanced storage facilities to mitigate post-harvest losses. The committee emphasized the economic significance of the onion trade, which is crucial to India's agricultural landscape, particularly with rabi onions comprising 70% of annual production. Solapur APMC chairman Dilip Mane expressed readiness to spearhead the terminal's development, which could further position Maharashtra, responsible for over 35% of India's onion output, as a leader in the sector. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSahyadri Farms, based in Nashik, has emerged as India’s largest integrated platform for fruits and vegetables, redefining agricultural economics amid Maharashtra's ongoing farmer distress. Over 14 years, the cooperative has reversed the typical financial flow, contributing ₹218 crore to the government against just ₹55.49 crore in subsidies. In FY25, Sahyadri reported a turnover of ₹1,955 crore, with a net profit of ₹99.7 crore, showcasing its success as a leading agri-business model. The cooperative procured 3.82 lakh tonnes of produce, including grapes and tomatoes, and has expanded its workforce to over 7,000, with 30% being women. Sahyadri’s inclusive model emphasizes fair compensation for small-holding farmers, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs. With products reaching 42 countries, it exemplifies how collective enterprise can foster agricultural prosperity, according to Chairman Vilas Shinde. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct a market study aimed at establishing qualitative and quantitative thresholds for systemically significant digital enterprises (SSDE) as part of the ongoing efforts to redraft the Digital Competition Bill (DCB). Following the withdrawal of the initial draft last year due to significant opposition from stakeholders, including major tech firms, the MCA seeks an evidence-based approach to inform ex-ante regulations. The study will evaluate proposed thresholds, assess the implications of the DCB on core digital services and their stakeholders, and consider the impact on smaller players like start-ups and MSMEs. The RFP outlines a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan, targeting at least 30 big tech firms and 30 start-ups, alongside input from experts and civil society. This initiative follows extensive consultations with over 100 stakeholders, highlighting concerns over the draft's regulatory framework and thresholds. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inM Salman Baseer has been elected as the new chairman of the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA), the leading organization representing coffee growers in the state. His election took place during the 67th annual general meeting held in Chikmagaluru on Tuesday, where M C Kariappa was appointed as vice-chairman. The KPA also announced the election of several other members to its executive committee, including Yeshwant R Gurjer, Sameer Gurjer, A P Rajaram, A Namitha Rao, P M Pavan Monnappa, K P Appaiah, A Nanda Belliappa, and Krishanth Chowdlu. This leadership change comes as the KPA continues to advocate for the interests of coffee producers in Karnataka, a state renowned for its coffee cultivation. The announcement was made public in a statement issued by the association. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTripura's Industries and Commerce Minister, Santana Chakma, emphasized the significant impact of natural rubber cultivation on the state's socio-economic development during the mRube Best Performer Awards ceremony in Agartala. She highlighted the government's initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission and support for genetically modified rubber, which have bolstered rural employment and progress. The mRube online trading platform, launched by the Rubber Board in 2022, has facilitated the trade of over 43,500 tonnes of natural rubber, ensuring transparency in transactions. The awards recognized top performers in various categories, with Balkrishna Tyres winning in the tyre sector. Each awardee received a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation, aimed at encouraging broader participation in the rubber trade. Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industries & Commerce, reiterated rubber's vital role in Tripura's economy and its potential to enhance the state's GDP. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) are set to host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025-26 in Hyderabad on November 20-21, focusing on the theme ‘Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change.’ NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. emphasized that the summit aims to foster investments, policy outcomes, and cross-sector collaborations to accelerate rural transformation. The event will serve as a global platform for industry leaders to address the intersections of technology, finance, agriculture, and climate action. Following the Hyderabad summit, the second edition will take place in Gandhinagar on December 5-6, 2025, with a third meeting scheduled for New Delhi in February 2026. IAMAI President Subho Ray highlighted the summit's goal of converting local innovations into sustainable and equitable rural economic growth, ensuring their relevance on a global scale. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inDHL Supply Chain India Private Ltd has secured a lease for 430,000 square feet at the Indospace Industrial & Logistic Park in Chennai, committing to a monthly rent of ₹96.64 lakh. The lease, which began in October, includes a deposit of ₹5.80 crore and spans one year, as revealed by documents from Propstack. This move follows DHL's recent acquisition of 417,000 square feet of warehouse space in Bhiwandi, near Mumbai, for over ₹32 crore. The DHL Group has announced plans to invest €1 billion in India by 2030, focusing on enhancing supply chains and warehouses to support sectors such as e-commerce, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, DHL Express has expanded its operations at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, increasing its operational area to 130,000 square feet with a ₹35 crore investment in a new service centre. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNew Zealand and Kenyan courts have dismissed India's attempts to secure exclusive marketing rights for Basmati rice under the World Trade Organisation's Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) sought trademark recognition for Basmati rice, arguing that it holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. However, both courts ruled that TRIPS does not obligate member states to recognize GIs registered in other countries unless they meet local legal requirements. In New Zealand, Justice John Boltd stated that existing laws already protect consumers from misleading geographical claims. Similarly, the Kenyan Court of Appeal emphasized that TRIPS must be implemented through national law, rejecting Apeda's direct invocation of the treaty. The rulings highlight the complexities of international trade law and the varying approaches to GI protection across jurisdictions. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndian seafood exporters experienced a notable surge of up to 11% on Wednesday, following reports that China plans to suspend imports from Japan, potentially redirecting demand towards alternative suppliers like India. This shift could provide much-needed relief to Indian exporters facing challenges from high tariffs imposed by the United States, the largest market for Indian seafood, which includes major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger. Last year, India's total seafood exports reached $7.4 billion, with shrimp comprising 40% of that figure. Analysts, including Vincent K Andrews from Geojit Financial Services, view this development as a positive opportunity for the sector, which has been actively seeking to diversify its markets. Notably, shares of shrimp exporter Avanti Feeds rose 11%, marking its largest intraday gain in over two months, while Coastal Corporation, aiming to boost exports to China, saw a 5% increase, its highest since late October. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inCoir exports from Kerala generated ₹4,343 crore in revenue during 2024-25, with total shipments reaching 1.34 million tonnes. However, a recent increase in US tariffs has resulted in a ₹400 crore loss for the state's coir industry, prompting exporters to call for urgent government intervention. Sajan B Nair, Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Association, highlighted that the tariff hike has diminished the competitiveness of Kerala's coir products, which constitute 57% of US imports. The peak export season around Christmas is at risk, with potential cancellations leading to significant financial strain and job losses, particularly affecting rural women who rely on this industry. Nair urged the state government for direct assistance and called for export subsidies, interest-free loans, and transport subsidies to mitigate the crisis and protect livelihoods, as discussions on India-US trade agreements continue. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 4 pm
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