Krishi Jagran – Online

India’s basmati rice exports increased by 17% in volume during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, with exporters earning at least 20% more on average in overseas markets, where Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates purchased half of India’s total shipments of the aromatic rice. In terms of value, however, the increase was 40% to $3.34 billion from $2.38 billion. Because of the depreciating rupee, the growth in Indian currency is even higher – 50.5 percent – at 26,591 crore versus 17,664 crore. In fact, basmati rice export realisation increased to $1,044 per tonne this fiscal year from $868 per tonne the previous year.

Hindustan Times – Online

Exports of agricultural produce through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in first the three quarters of the ongoing financial year touched a record $20 billion, registering a 12.6% rise on-year, latest figures show, with their growth propelled by higher global commodity prices and resilience of the farm sector. Overseas shipments were boosted by basmati rice, which registered a 16% increase in value terms, a surprising 92% jump in exports of pulses and 25% in fresh vegetables, mainly to demand from the US, UAE and China, latest data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority show.

Mint Lounge – Online

Transforming how countries produce and finance food in ways that protect both nature and poor farmers will be one of the biggest challenges of a landmark global deal to halt biodiversity loss agreed late last year, said U.N. officials who led the process. At the COP15 biodiversity summit in Montreal in December, about 195 countries adopted ambitious targets to halt and reverse harm to plants, animals and ecosystems, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples. The “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” – delayed two years by the pandemic and slow-paced talks – has been welcomed by environmentalists, who have urged governments now to develop national plans and policies to meet the pledges.