AAPI: April 2025

DELHI, April 2025

Index of this Newsletter

INDIA

INDIA & THE WORLD

21. Efforts are afoot to reduce logistics costs to single-digit competing with China & US: Nitin Gadkari
22. India on path to cross $800 billion this year with major share of services exports: Piyush Goyal
23. America’s Retreat, China’s Rise, India’s Tightrope: As the global order unravels, what are India’s strategic choices
24. BIMSTEC Summit 2023: PM Modi offers linking UPI with payment systems of BIMSTEC nations
25. Global Agricultural Outlook: USDA Estimates Record Rice and Wheat Production in India

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DELHI, April 2025

NEWSLETTER, April 2025

INDIA

– GENERAL POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURES, COUNTRY FINANCES, ETC.

1. Bank of Baroda to drive Madhya Pradesh’s growth with tailored financial solutions: ED Sanjay Mudaliar

ET Gov. 25 Mar. 2025

As one of India’s leading public sector banks, Bank of Baroda looks forward to working in close coordination with all departments of the Madhya Pradesh government and, especially, MPIDC.

BHOPAL: With Madhya Pradesh emerging as a key investment hub across sectors like IT, electronics, and renewable energy, Bank of Baroda is poised to support this economic expansion with a comprehensive suite of banking solutions.

In an exclusive interview with ETGovernment, Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director of Bank of Baroda, outlined the bank’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, facilitating green financing, and enhancing financial accessibility through digital banking and supply chain finance. With 272 branches across the state and strategic collaborations with the government, the bank aims to be a catalyst for Madhya Pradesh’s sustainable growth and job creation.

Edited excerpts:

With Madhya Pradesh attracting significant investment across sectors like IT, electronics and renewable energy, how is Bank of Baroda planning to cater to the financial needs of these industries?

Madhya Pradesh holds immense economic potential and with a focus on industrial development, support to MSMEs and empowering the agri ecosystem in the state, the state is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable growth and development.

Bank of Baroda will provide the entire gamut of banking and financing products for MSMEs and entrepreneurs investing in the state. We have robust platform for assessment of loan proposals, Supply Chain Finance to provide immediate liquidity and a fine-tuned system to expedite MSMEs loan processing. We offer state-of-the-art supply chain finance and cash management services. Further, green/renewable financing is one of the priority areas of the Bank.

Bank of Baroda has a network of 272 branches in Madhya Pradesh with an equal mix across the state’s metro/urban and semi-urban/rural locations. This includes specialised MSME and Mid Corporate branches with significant presence and niche products. Our aim is to support the proposed inflow of business to augment the economy of the State which is demonstrating strong growth of 11% per annum.

The state has secured investments totaling INR 25,640 crore, leading to approximately 1,83,400 employment opportunities. How does Bank of Baroda plan to support this economic growth, especially in terms of providing financial services to new businesses and employees?

Bank of Baroda will actively participate by offering a range of banking and financing solutions to businesses, industries and MSMEs setting up or expanding operations in the state, which in turn will foster asset creation and significant job generation. Employment generation will have multiplier effect on the economy.

For meeting the requirements of the business sector, we have dedicated resources to support MSMEs, a dedicated team at GIFT City Gandhinagar for import/export deals/transaction processing where customers can also submit their requirement for Letter of Credit/Bank Guarantee through online mode.

Employees can avail a range of retail loans such as Auto Loan and Housing Loans at very competitive pricing. We have multiple touch points, including Business Correspondents, onsite TAB Banking by visiting the premises of the business and Video KYC facility, through which accounts can be opened from the ease of one’s home. All these initiatives are focused on making banking a hassle-free experience for our customers.

What specific banking products or services is Bank of Baroda offering to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region?

Bank of Baroda offers a range of off the shelf products along with specific tailored solutions to cater to high-end/ focused industrial units. Being a Global bank, we offer reach as well as business/technical knowhow to meet every existing as well as new developing business ideas/entrepreneurs.

How does Bank of Baroda plan to further collaborate with the Madhya Pradesh government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the investment projects announced during the summit?

As the state embarks on its transformative journey, we look forward to collaborating with the government, businesses, and communities to contribute to the state’s success.

As one of India’s leading public sector banks, Bank of Baroda looks forward to working in close coordination with all departments of the Madhya Pradesh government and, especially, MPIDC. We are also closely supporting the industry clusters developed by the government.

The Madhya Pradesh Investor Summit has attracted a lot of attention of industries. We have received some good enquiries for business loans during the investor summit and we will work as a business enabler to the industry and facilitate ease of doing business.

2. AI solutions for linguistic accessibility can bring a billion Indians into digital economy: Nandan Nilekani.

ET Gov. 14 Mar. 2025

NEW DELHI: There is an urgent need to build artificial intelligence (AI) solutions suited for India’s language diversity, to bring a billion Indians into the AI-driven digital economy, Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect, Nandan Nilekani, has said.

Open-source AI models, such as AI4Bharat, are working to create Indian language datasets that can power AI-driven services in agriculture, education, and healthcare, he said during an event by Arkam Ventures.

The government is planning an initiative called the ‘Open Agri Network’, which will use AI to deliver real-time agricultural insights to farmers.

According to him, another major shift will come from affordable smartphone access.

"This is a big unlock where we use technology, DPI, and AI to reach a billion Indians," Nilekani told the gathering.

Nilekani also spoke about the return of Indian startups to domestic markets. "It’s the perfect setup for more IPOs and rapid expansion," he noted.

On the growing Indian startup ecosystem, he said that successful founders are reinvesting in the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Nilekani said that while the Indian economy grows at 8 per cent, the number of startups would grow by a 20 per cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) and reach the 1-million mark in the next decade.

Additionally, he highlighted the need to enable 10 million MSMEs with better access to technology, markets, and credit.

India’s rapid technological leap over the past decade was enabled by digital public infrastructure (DPI) such as Aadhaar and UPI.

With over 500 million smartphone users and 530 million WhatsApp users, India has built an unprecedented digital base, he noted.

“There’s a need for India to go all-in on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, ensuring its benefits reach a billion people. For this, key focus areas are Indian language accessibility, MSMEs, agriculture, health, and education,” he emphasised.

3. Nature’s Perfect Packaging: Sustainable Solutions to Reduce Waste and Environmental Impact

ET Gov. 25 Mar. 2025

Nature has long provided the perfect food packaging solutions—ones that ensure longevity and sustainability.

Nature has perfected food packaging over millions of years, equipping fruits, vegetables, and grains with protective coverings designed to preserve freshness and shield against environmental threats.

Peels, husks, shells, and pods serve as natural barriers, preventing dehydration, microbial contamination, and physical damage. However, modern food processing and artificial packaging have disrupted this balance, leading to severe environmental consequences.

Nature’s Ingenious Packaging Solutions

Each food item comes with a built-in protective layer suited to its specific preservation needs. Bananas, oranges, and watermelons have thick rinds that minimize moisture loss and block microbial invasion, while nuts, coconuts, and eggs are safeguarded by hard shells.

Grains and legumes rely on husks and pods for protection against pests, and waxy coatings on apples, cucumbers, and grapes reduce moisture loss and inhibit microbial growth. These natural adaptations are finely tuned to environmental conditions—coconuts, for instance, possess fibrous husks that enable them to float on water for seed dispersal, while tropical fruits like mangoes have thick peels to withstand high humidity.

The Environmental Cost of Artificial Packaging

Despite these naturally efficient protective systems, modern food industries strip away these coverings and replace them with synthetic packaging. Plastic wraps, cans, and vacuum-sealed containers have become the norm, contributing significantly to global waste.

The world generates over 400 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with food packaging accounting for approximately 36% of this total. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that humans consume about 5 grams of microplastics each week due to contamination from packaging.

Paper packaging also exacts a heavy toll, with an estimated 15 billion trees cut down annually for its production. Additionally, the carbon footprint is alarming — manufacturing just one kilogram of plastic releases six kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Global Consequences and Responses

The environmental impact of artificial packaging is evident worldwide. India generates approximately 3.5 million metric tons of plastic packaging waste annually, with less than 60% being recycled.

The UK produces 2.2 million metric tons of plastic packaging waste each year, yet only 39% is recycled, leading to increased landfill overflow and ocean pollution. However, some nations have taken bold steps to counteract this crisis. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive has successfully reduced plastic use in supermarkets by 40%, demonstrating the effectiveness of policy-driven change.

Embracing Sustainable Alternatives

The contrast between natural and artificial packaging underscores the urgent need to embrace nature’s solutions. Natural packaging is 100% biodegradable, free, and environmentally sustainable, whereas artificial packaging takes centuries to decompose, pollutes ecosystems, and demands immense resource consumption.

A shift towards biodegradable alternatives—such as banana leaves, cornhusks, and coconut shells—can significantly reduce waste. Traditional storage methods like earthen pots and bamboo baskets should also be revived. Additionally, innovations in edible and compostable packaging made from seaweed, cornstarch, and sugarcane pulp present promising alternatives.

Governments must enforce strict regulations on single-use plastics while incentivizing businesses that invest in eco-friendly packaging solutions. A global commitment to reducing packaging waste by 50% by 2030 is an achievable and necessary goal.

Conclusion: Learning from Nature

Nature has long provided the perfect food packaging solutions—ones that ensure longevity and sustainability. The modern obsession with excessive processing and artificial repackaging has led to an environmental catastrophe.

By embracing natural packaging, adopting sustainable alternatives, and supporting strong policies, we can mitigate the damage and move towards a greener future. The message is clear: nature knows best, and it’s time to rethink our approach to food packaging by harnessing the wisdom of the natural world.

(The author is Director General, Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, Amity University; Views expressed are personal)

4. Handy handbook for health

The New Indian Express, 1 Apr. 2025

HYDERABAD: Each one of us has loved ones — we’d do anything to ensure they are in the pink of health, wouldn’t we? We want to keep them safe from accidents, diseases, and the smallest health issues. But over the course of a life, anything can happen. So, it is best to be prepared and armed with information on the entire medical system in your city. Keeping this in mind, Milaap, the premier crowdfunding platform, has launched a guidebook titled ‘Making Healthcare Accessible in Hyderabad: A Caregiver’s Handbook’.

The Milaap co-founder was always very clear that the guide should not just cover private hospitals but all hospitals across the city. He credits IAS Divya Devarajan, saying, “She was very encouraging and we were able to get access to hospitals and collect the required information. In the guidebook, we also have a separate section on financial assistance.

Speaking about the idea behind the handbook, Milaap co-founder Anoj Viswananthan says, “For 15 years, Milaap has been a platform for patients to raise money for their treatments, primarily critical care. While the clinical aspect is taken care of by hospitals, we wanted to make people aware through a comprehensive guide book with firsthand information on how to get to a hospital, accommodation options, commuting to the hospital everyday, available blood banks, pharmacies, discounts, ambulances, and so on.”

Anoj elaborated on the contents of the handbook, pointing out that there is information about transportation, apart from a list of major hospitals in Hyderabad. “We have listed 15 government hospitals, a couple of trust hospitals, and private hospitals. For those who come from other countries, we have also provided details on currency exchange processes,” he adds.

That’s when the Prajavani team and Telangana Social Impact Group (T-SIG) had a meeting with several organisations, including Milaap. Divya adds, “All these like-minded organisations came together and found what problems people were facing in terms of healthcare facilities. The handbook is a great guide for caregivers.”

For example, what government schemes exist, the associated conditions, income criteria, and how to apply. A lot of this wouldn’t have been possible without her support.” He emphasises that the guide book is a non-commercial initiative and that it should reach as many patients as possible.

IAS Divya, the CEO of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and Prajavani State Nodal Officer, states that Prajavani, the CM’s grievance redressal system, was receiving several cases where individuals needed emergency medical support.

“We could cover 99% of the cases through the Arogyashree scheme. We also have the CM relief fund. But there were cases that schemes did not cover and those patients had to go to Bengaluru for treatment. The injections cost crores of rupees,” she recalls.

5. PSBXchange: 4 public sector banks unite to drive inclusive MSME financing

ET Gov. 4 Apr. 2025

Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, and UCO Bank have signed up for the world’s largest unified Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform, PSBXchange by PSB Alliance, developed and powered by Veefin Solutions.

MUMBAI: In a significant step towards transforming MSME financing in India, four leading public sector banks - Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, and UCO Bank have signed up for the world’s largest unified Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform, PSBXchange by PSB Alliance, developed and powered by Veefin Solutions. This collaboration marks a critical milestone in enabling broader financial inclusion for MSMEs in the country.

This platform is on track to become the common technology bridge for all banks and NBFCs in the country to source and provide supply chain finance and small business loans. This unified platform is a global-first that will connect Fintechs, B2B marketplaces, Accounting Service Providers, new-age data providers with the core banking system of multiple lenders.

As India’s MSMEs form the backbone of its economy, this collaboration between the PSB Alliance and Veefin will play a pivotal role in supporting their financial needs, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital transformation of credit delivery.

Anjali Mohanty, Managing Director, PSB Alliance, said, “Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank have now signed up for the PSBXchange platform, accelerating our mission of inclusive credit delivery. By integrating with this unified digital infrastructure, the banks will actively be extending credit to a broader and more diverse base of SMEs across India. Their wide reach, combined with PSBXchange’s digital capabilities, is bringing structured supply chain finance to MSMEs that have traditionally remained outside the formal credit system. Powered by Veefin’s technology at the backend, we are ensuring that access to working capital remains equitable, data-driven, and accessible across tiers and geographies.”

Raja Debnath, Chairperson, Co-Founder & CEO at Veefin Group, said, “Powering the PSBXchange platform is as integral to the economy as powering its very backbone. With MSMEs contributing over ~30% to the GDP, this platform is set to redefine financial inclusion. By offering MSMEs faster access to higher-quality credit, the PSBXchange platform accelerates their growth while strengthening the entire lending process. The platform Veefin has built is now opening doors to unprecedented opportunities, and the potential it holds for reshaping the lending landscape is immense. This platform will not only transform the way MSMEs borrow but redefine the very nature of borrowing in the country”

Eric Anklesaria, Advisor, PSB Alliance, said, “PSB Alliance was formed with a mission to develop effective propositions, whether it was with how we revolutionized doorstep banking or building the World’s Largest Unified SCF Platform – PSBXchange. This consortium has taken up projects that are transforming the banking industry by increasing accessibility and inclusivity across the ecosystem.”

- Agriculture, Fishing and Rural Development

6. Apples from Thar: Rajasthan farmers cultivate a taste of Himalayas

ToI, 21 Mar. 2025, Ashish Mehta

JAIPUR: The Thar in Rajasthan stretches duney and dry. Summer temperatures climb to a blistering 49°C. But the desert is changing. A fruit synonymous with the Himalayas has found an unexpected home in this sea of sand and scorching sun. Apples - red and ripe: What seemed impossible is now a flourishing reality for farmers in Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts, defying conventional wisdom about the fruit's need for cool climates.Santosh Devi Khedar of Beri village in Sikar has 100 plants of apples. Each plant yields 60kg fruit every year in June.

Santosh Khedar, a farmer from Beri village in Sikar, never imagined her small experiment would turn into a successful apple orchard. A single sapling given to her in 2015 by National Innovation Foundation in Gujarat has multiplied into a thriving apple farm yielding more than 6,000kg of fruit each season.

"Since we have a certificate of organic farming from Rajasthan Organic Certification Agency, if the market price for apples from Himachal and Kashmir is Rs 100 a kg, we are selling it at Rs 150/kg," said Santosh's son Rahul, who studied agriculture, determined to ensure the family farm continued to thrive.

The family had long grown lemon, guava, and sweet lime on their 1.25-acre farm, but an apple tree seemed like a fantasy. "We were initially sceptical," Santosh said.

"We watered the plant and used organic fertilisers as needed. A year later, we saw apples growing on it."

Her neighbours laughed at the idea. Apples? Here? They shook their heads at the thought. But Santosh's tree did not care for their disbelief. In its second year, it bore nearly 40kg of fruit.

The secret to this unexpected success lies in the HRMN-99 apple variety, specifically developed to withstand extreme temperatures. "This variety can grow in arid regions where summer temperatures exceed 40°C," Rahul said. Encouraged by the results, Santosh and her family acquired more saplings and used grafting techniques to expand their orchard to 100 trees. "Ab to paani bhi koni laage jyada (Now, we barely need extra water)," she said.

Apple trees require minimal irrigation once they mature. "By the time the plant is five years old, it only needs watering once every two weeks," deputy director of horticulture Madan Lal Jat said. "Flowering begins in Feb and the apples are ready for harvest by June."

Those who once scoffed at Santosh are now eager to follow in her footsteps. "Jo manya konya ve ib podho maange hai," she said in her native dialect, meaning: "Those who didn't believe now ask for a sapling." In nearby Katrathal village, farmer Mohit Chaudhary has cultivated 50 apple trees.

Horticulture official Jat sees a growing trend. "Ten years ago, people in Barmer cultivated dates and pomegranates. Now, we have farmers growing strawberries in Chittorgarh and Bhilwara," he said. "In five years, apple farming could spread across more regions," he said.

7. UPSC preparation took a twist. Now, his family is selling India’s most expensive mangoes at Rs 10,000 per piece

ET, 21 Mar. 2025

An unconventional gift from her son two years ago has now proven to be very ‘fruitful’ for Sumanbai Gaikwad. The farmer, who hails from Bhosi village in Bhokar taluka, Telangana, now has a bunch of the world’s most expensive mangoes and is on her way to earning a fortune.

A Rare Mango Turns Heads At The Agricultural Fair

With a woven basket in hand, filled with the prized Miyazaki mangoes, Sumanbai made her way through the bustling agriculture fair that kicked off on March 17. All eyes were drawn to her vibrant display of the exotic fruit, sparking curiosity and perhaps even a tinge of jealousy among fellow cultivators.

The Beginning Of An Unexpected Journey

According to a report by ETV Bharat, Sumanbai’s venture into cultivating the world-renowned Miyazaki mangoes was made possible by her son, Nandkishore Gaikwad. A dedicated aspirant preparing for the UPSC exams, Nandkishore found his career trajectory shifting in an unforeseen direction when the pandemic brought life to a standstill.

He had relocated to Pune to focus on his civil service studies, but when lockdowns forced his coaching center to shut down, he returned to his hometown and continued studying through online platforms. One day, while navigating the internet, he stumbled upon information about Miyazaki mangoes, a luxurious fruit known to be among the costliest globally.

A Celebration Of Agricultural Innovation

In recognition of these ground breaking advancements, the District Agriculture and Grain Festival 2025 was recently launched in Nanded under the supervision of the District Collector’s Office, Zilla Parishad, and the Agriculture Department. The festival was designed to champion sustainable farming methods that also ensure financial growth for cultivators.

A total of 29 innovative farmers excelling in fields like horticulture, organic cultivation, dairy production, and agricultural exports were honored for adopting cutting-edge techniques.

During the event, Collector Rahul Kardile told ETV Bharat, “Agriculture offers immense opportunities for those willing to innovate. Farmers must integrate modern techniques to secure their financial future and promote sustainability in farming.”

The festival featured 82 stalls where farmers directly engaged with buyers, offering a diverse range of organic grains, fresh vegetables, herbal supplements, and artisanal delicacies.

What Makes Miyazaki Mangoes Special?

Hailed as one of the world’s most premium mango varieties, Miyazaki mangoes can fetch up to Rs 10,000 per piece due to their exceptional quality, nutritional richness, and soaring demand in global markets.

These mangoes are packed with beta-carotene and folic acid, which protect cells from damage and enhance skin health. With high concentrations of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, they boost immunity, improve vision, and aid digestion. Despite their sweetness, Miyazaki mangoes are recognized for their balanced sugar content, making them a source of instant energy.

For more news like this visit The Economic Times.

8. From Sikkim with ‘love’: Empowering women with Himalayan skincare

New Indian Express, 21 Mar. 2025

SIKKIM: In Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, an impactful skincare brand using ingredients exclusive to the mountains is making a big difference. ‘Agapi Sikkim’, founded by Rinzing Bhutia in 2019, is more than just a business – it is a movement that sustains the local environment and its people.

Agapi’s products are lab-tested, certified, and sold through their e-commerce portal to customers in India and the United States. The brand has also gained international recognition, including a training programme at Bradley University, Illinois and a 15-second advertisement on Times Square.

“We were selected by Empowering Women Globally to attend the training in Illinois,” Varsha shares. “It was an incredible experience.”

She says through its innovative approach, Agapi Sikkim is transforming lives by offering natural skin care, empowering women, preserving indigenous knowledge, and promoting sustainable living. It’s a story of love, resilience, and the power of community, proving that business can be a force for good.

Agapi is proof enterprises with social responsibility can drive positive change, “creating a ripple effect of empowerment and sustainable development”.

9. US Tariff Relief Offers Lifeline to Indian Shrimp Exports Amid Market Turmoil

Team RuralVoice, 12, 2025

A sudden tariff rollback by the US government has eased pressure on Indian shrimp exporters, with total import duties slashed from 26% to 18.26%. The move - triggered by US President Donald Trump's unexpected 90-day pause on newly enacted reciprocal tariffs - has narrowed Ecuador’s competitive edge while plunging the global shrimp market into uncertainty. For India, the world’s largest shrimp supplier to the US, the relief comes just in time to salvage ongoing shipments and reassess trade strategies in an increasingly unpredictable trade landscape. S&P Global has stated this in its latest commodity insights.

Based on market sources and analysts, the report says that the US President Donald Trump's 90-day pause of just-enacted reciprocal tariffs led to a shift in shrimp markets and uncertainty. Trump paused the tariffs on April 9 just a week after issuing them April 2. A 10% blanket tariff on all countries will remain in place, along with a 145% tariff on China. The quick change in tariffs came as a shock to many exporters.

India, the largest supplier of shrimp to the US, saw relief, as many analysts believed the sector could lose viability with the previous tariffs of 26%. In February, India supplied 40% of US shrimp imports, according to figures from the US Census Bureau. Few offers from India have been seen, as exporters were still rethinking their strategies.

India's shrimp exports are conducted on a delivery duty-paid basis, where the exporter is responsible for bearing the costs associated with tariffs. Therefore, previously contracted shipments that have not yet been delivered would incur additional costs for them.

The 90-day pause provides India-based exporters with the opportunity to deliver these orders without the extra cost. It quotes an importer, "It gives relief to existing contracts. But it only gives the packers 45 days to ship the containers they are holding, calculating 45 days of transit," adding that new orders are frozen until there is more clarity.

Considering existing countervailing and antidumping duties, India now faces an 18.26% import duty on shrimp, a rate that still presents challenges, according to Max Bouratoglou, seafood and aquaculture analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

"Despite the decrease in the tariff rate, processors are expected to remain hesitant about sourcing raw products,"he said. "Additionally, with the spring harvest boosting supplies, it appears unlikely that we will see any significant changes in Indian farmgate prices in the short term."

India is a main supplier of value-added shrimp to the US, responsible for 60% of US peeled and deveined shrimp imports in 2024, according to Bouratoglou. The country's focus on processed shrimp makes it difficult for other suppliers to replace their role in the US market.

Ecuador, the second-largest supplier of shrimp to the US, has a more limited capacity to produce value-added. Even so, the tariff change reduced the country's advantage against India. "I have never seen a similar situation before," an Ecuador-based shrimp exporter said. "Such measures cause reactions and consequences in markets."

In Ecuador, sellers were quick to increase prices to US buyers by 10%, reflecting the tariff change. Most importers accepted the change, fearing that prices could rise even further.

Trump's unpredictability should continue to weigh on the market, whether or not the tariffs are maintained, and the situation could lead to inaction among buyers and sellers, according to analysts.

10. Digital Agriculture Mission: Govt to generate 11 crore Farmer IDs by 2027, conduct digital crop survey in all states/Uts

ET Gov., 3 Apr. 2025

The government has set an ambitious target of generating Farmer IDs for 11 crore farmers by 2026-27 and conducting a Digital Crop Survey in all States and UTs starting from Kharif 2025.

NEW DELHI: The government has taken a significant step towards modernizing India's agricultural sector with the approval of the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) in September 2024. With a total outlay of ₹2,817 crore, the mission aims to build a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture to support farmer-centric digital solutions and ensure timely, reliable crop-related information for all farmers.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, shared this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Key Features of the Digital Agriculture Mission

The mission focuses on creating essential digital infrastructure such as AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System, and a comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map. This initiative will facilitate better decision-making for farmers, ensuring efficient resource utilization and improved productivity.

A major component of the AgriStack DPI includes three foundational databases:

Geo-Referenced Village Maps

Crop Sown Registry

Farmers Registry

These databases are being developed and maintained by State Governments and Union Territories to streamline agricultural data management across the country.

Target and Progress

The government has set an ambitious target of generating Farmer IDs for 11 crore farmers by 2026-27 and conducting a Digital Crop Survey in all States and UTs starting from Kharif 2025. As of March 28, 2025, a total of 4,85,57,246 Farmer IDs have already been generated.

Additionally, the Digital Crop Survey was successfully conducted in 436 districts during Kharif 2024, while 461 districts covering over 23.90 crore plots were surveyed during Rabi 2024-25.

Government Support and Funding

To ensure the effective rollout of the mission, the Government is providing both technical and financial assistance to States and UTs, including:

Development of software for Farmer ID generation and Digital Crop Survey.

Training programs for state officials.

Hiring of personnel to create a Project Monitoring Unit.

Cloud infrastructure for project implementation.

Under the Scheme for Special Central Assistance (SCA) to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, the Department of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance, has allocated ₹5,000 crore. As of March 28, 2025, ₹1,076 crore has been disbursed to six states—Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Camp-Mode Approach and Incentives

To accelerate the creation and verification of Farmers’ Registry, the Government has advised states to adopt a Camp-mode approach, with a financial incentive of ₹15,000 per camp to encourage local administrative participation.

Additionally, ₹10 per Farmer ID has been allocated from the PM KISAN Scheme’s administrative fund to compensate field functionaries involved in Farmer Registry creation.

Impact and Future Prospects

The Digital Agriculture Mission is expected to revolutionize India’s agricultural landscape by fostering digital transformation, enabling efficient government interventions, and empowering farmers with real-time data and insights. With millions of farmers already benefiting from digital identification and structured agricultural surveys, this initiative paves the way for a smarter, data-driven agricultural ecosystem in India.

- Industry and Manufacture

11. Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme-II with a total outlay of ₹6839 crore

ET Gov. 5 Apr. 2025

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) as a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding), furthering its commitment for the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 for ‘Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders’. The programme would help in the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I, an official release said.

With a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29, the programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in the states/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the FY 2028-29.

The objective of the programme is to create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and assimilate the border population with the nation and inculcate them ‘as eyes and ears of the border guarding forces’, crucial for internal security.

The programme shall provide funds for infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages, value chain development (through cooperatives, SHGs, etc), border specific outreach activity, education infrastructure like SMART classes, development of tourism circuits and works/projects to create diverse & sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas.

The interventions would be border-specific, state and village specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach.

All-weather road connectivity for these villages shall be undertaken under the already approved PMGSY-IV under the MoRD. A high-powered committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary shall consider suitable relaxations in schematic guidelines for effective implementation of schemes in the border areas, it said.

The programme aims to achieve saturation in existing individual and household level welfare schemes in the identified villages under convergence as per scheme norms. The programme also aims to saturate all villages in such blocks in 4 thematic areas, namely all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms, it said.

The programme emphasizes enhancing vibrancy in these villages by organizing activities including fairs and festivals, awareness camps, celebration of national days, regular visits by ministers, senior government officers from Central and state/UT government and night stays in such villages. This would boost the tourism potential and promote the local culture and heritage of these villages.

Technology would be leveraged and information databases like PM Gati Shakti shall be used for effective implementation of the project.

VVP-II along with VVP-I is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant, it added.

12. Price Ain’t Right! US Garment Cos Bargain Shopping in India

ET, 5 Apr. 2025

US garment retailers and brands have reached out to Indian apparel manufacturers, exhorting the latter to partly absorb a likely product price increase due to US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The US companies are striving to ensure that American consumers do not experience a steep price rise after Trump slapped India with a 26% reciprocal tariff. The tariff hit on India is however lower compared to Vietnam’s 46%, Bangladesh’s 37%, Cambodia’s 49% and Pakistan’s 30%—all major textile exporters to the US. “The US buyers have reached out to us to negotiate prices,” said KM Subramanian, president of the Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA).

“They are telling us that since the rupee has weakened against the dollar, there is room to relook into the prices to bring down the impact of the 26% reciprocal tariff, which is going to pinch the pockets of American consumers,” he said. Tiruppur is considered as India’s knitwear hub with manufacturers there supplying basic apparels to many countries at $2 -$5 per piece.

"The US buyers have already knocked on the doors of Indian exporters with offices in the US. We can, at best, give a discount of 5% as our margins are slim. But they have to give us higher business compared to Bangladesh,” added Lalit Thukral, president of Noida Apparel Export Cluster. The Noida cluster comprises 4,000 units producing fashion embroidered garments at $5-$30 per piece.

Apparel exporters from Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur are meanwhile set to seek capital subsidy from the government to expand capacity, modernise factories and set new plants. They will also seek interest rate subvention on exports so that they do not lose any business to Bangladesh.

“Wewill be reaching out to the commerce ministry next week when there will be more clarity. To leverage the lower tariff (compared to other exporting countries), we need to increase our production. For doing so, we need capital subsidy, where the government should give us support,” Subramanian said.

13. PLI Schemes Power India's Manufacturing Boom: ₹14 lakh crore production, 11.5 lakh jobs, export surge

ET Gov. 24 Mar. 2025

The impact of PLI schemes has been significant across various sectors in India.

NEW DELHI: Keeping in view India's vision of becoming 'Atmanirbhar', production linked incentive (PLI) schemes for 14 key sectors are under implementation to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities and exports, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement on Saturday.

The impact of PLI Schemes has been significant across various sectors in India. These schemes have incentivized domestic manufacturing, leading to increased production, job creation, and a boost in exports. They have also attracted significant investments from both domestic and foreign players, it said

As on date, 764 applications have been approved under PLI schemes for 14 key sectors. 176 MSMEs are among the PLI beneficiaries in sectors such as Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles & Drones, it said.

Actual investment of around ₹1.61 lakh crore (US$ 18.72 billion) has been reported till November 2024 which has generated production/ sales of around ₹14 lakh crore (around US$ 162.84 billion) against targets of ₹15.52 lakh crore up to FY 2024-25 and direct and indirect employment of over 11.5 lakhs, it said.

PLI schemes have transformed India’s exports basket from traditional commodities to high value-added products such as electronics and telecommunication goods, processed food products, etc. PLI schemes have witnessed exports surpassing ₹5.31 lakh crore (around US$ 61.76 billion), with significant contributions from sectors such as Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, and Telecom & Networking products.

Incentive amount of around ₹14,020 crore disbursed under PLI schemes for 10 sectors namely Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom & Networking Products, Food Processing, White Goods, Automobiles & Auto components and Drones & Drone Components.

Individual cases have been approved over a period of time, through a transparent mechanism. Projects are implemented over a period of time ranging from 2 years to 3 years, depending on the nature of manufacturing and claims are usually made after 1st year of production. Hence, most of the projects are at implementation stage and will be filing incentive claims in due course.

In the PLI scheme for specialty steel, about ₹20,000 crore of investments have been made by companies out of ₹27,106 crore committed and these projects have given a direct employment of 9000. Incentive of ₹48 crore has been released to the industry so far. The Ministry of Steel estimates that an incentive of ₹2,000 crore will be disbursed by the end of the scheme tenure. 14 of 58 projects withdrew from the scheme either because of change in business plans of the company and project execution delays.

As many as 35 companies have shown interest in the second round of the PLI scheme for specialty steel. A further commitment of ₹25,200 crore investment has been committed by these companies. The Ministry of Steel is in the process of selection and signing MoUs with these companies. An incentive of ₹3,600 crore is estimated to be disbursed to these projects.

Under the PLI scheme for the Food Processing Industry, the deadline for filing claims is November 30 for Millets and December 31 for other categories. Most approved beneficiaries submit their claims in the second half of December, after which they are processed, and disbursements occur between January and March. Therefore, assessing incentive disbursements between April and October does not provide an accurate representation. For the FY 2022-23 claim year, an incentive of ₹474 crore has been disbursed. For FY 2023-24, the disbursement target is ₹700 crore, which is on track to be achieved.

The PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFI) currently has 171 active beneficiaries across all categories. Given this large number, the withdrawal of six beneficiaries is not significant. Moreover, these applicants withdrew primarily due to their inability to meet their committed investment or expenditure on Branding & Marketing abroad.

The PLI Scheme has created immense impact across sectors and areas of the economy:

Strengthening India’s position in Global Value Chains: India is now a part of key global value chains instead of being an importer of advanced/intermediate products and components.

Under the PLI Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices, 19 green-field projects have been commissioned and production of 44 products including high end medical devices such as Linear Accelerator, MRI machines, CT-Scans, Mammograms, C- Arms, Ultrasound machines etc., which were previously imported into the country has started.

84 companies under the PLI scheme for white goods (ACs and LED lights) are set to bring investments of ₹10,478 crore, strengthening domestic capacity in AC and LED segment. For ACs, the selected companies will be manufacturing components like, compressors, copper tubes among others.

Similarly, for LED Lights, LED Chip packaging, LED Drivers, LED Engines, LED Light Management Systems and Metallized films for capacitors etc. will be manufactured in India instead of being imported.

Promoting Domestic Industry: More companies are setting up manufacturing units in India, including MSMEs and startups.

The drone sector has experienced rapid growth, with turnover increasing seven-fold under the PLI scheme for Drones Drone Components. Driven by MSMEs and startups, this success has attracted significant investments and job creation, positioning India as a global leader in drone manufacturing.

India has achieved 60% import substitution in telecom products under the PLI scheme for Telecom & Networking Products. Global tech companies have set up manufacturing units, turning India into a major exporter of 4G and 5G telecom equipment.

Boosting Exports and Reducing Imports: India is progressing towards its goal being an advanced industrial, manufacturing-led economy and becoming self-reliant.

India’s electronics manufacturing sector has flourished under the PLI scheme, transforming from a net importer to a net exporter of mobile phones.

India’s position in the global pharmaceuticals market has expanded and it is the third-largest player by volume. Exports now account for 50% of production, and the country has reduced reliance on imports by manufacturing key bulk drugs like Penicillin G.

The purpose of the PLI Schemes is to attract investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiency and bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make Indian companies and manufacturers globally competitive. These schemes have the potential of significantly boosting production, increasing manufacturing activities and contributing to economic growth over the next five years or so.

PLI Scheme is to give a kick start and to lay the foundation for creating a manufacturing ecosystem. All the approved sectors identified under PLI Schemes follow the broad criteria of focusing on key technologies where India can leapfrog and multiply employment, exports and overall economic benefits for the economy. These sectors were approved after vetting by NITI Aayog and after detailed deliberations with concerned ministries/ departments.

14. Will develop India as a production hub for IKEA, create India-specific range: IKEA India Country Commercial Manager

Indian Express, 24 Mar. 2025, Aggam Walia

After launching online delivery in Delhi-NCR and other northern cities—and with two large stores under construction in Gurgaon and Noida—IKEA is now eyeing smaller format stores in the region. In a conversation with Aggam Walia, IKEA India’s country commercial manager, Adosh Sharma discusses what these stores might look like, the company’s growth levers amid a consumption slowdown, and its expanding focus on food.

IKEA’s expansion into north India comes amid a slowdown in consumption. How do you read the current scenario?

We are still in an expansion phase. This phase allows us to generate the kind of growth we’ve been searching for. Secondly, our entire pricing bandwidth is quite large. A thousand products for under Rs 200, going right up to the sofas coming for around Rs 50,000, you're able to attend to a much larger diaspora. Thirdly, our products are not limited to a certain product class, whereas in some other places you would get only accessories or a certain type of furniture. We start from a spoon going up to a kitchen, so the choice that people have is far and wide. It helps us as people then experiment and take in the products much more. Lastly, our online business has been doing fairly well. That's really helping us penetrate much better.

15. India's semiconductor market set to reach over $150 billion by 2030: Report

ET Gov. 2 Apr. 2025

ATMP which stands for Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging focus on the final assembly and packaging of chips.

BENGALURU: India's semiconductor market is set to reach over USD 150 billion, with AI semiconductor will present over USD 21 billion market opportunity by 2030, according to a report by Basic Roots Consulting.

The report added that two third of Indian semiconductor startups operate out of Bengaluru while the half of the semiconductor manufacturing cost setup to be fulfilled by the central government.

India has over 100 semiconductor startups operating in the country while 20 per cent of global semiconductor integrated circuit design workforce is from India.

As per the report, accelerating demand for electronics and semiconductors in India is driven by rising incomes, increasing digital adoption, and a large domestic market projected to reach USD 110 billion by FY30.

According to the report India now has 100+ semiconductor design startups, growing 2.4x since 2014, with continued momentum expected.

Talking about the semiconductor manufacturing landscape, the report noted that the strong semiconductor design and talent are among a major strengh.

The report adds that the with USD 18 billion invested across five projects, India's semiconductor ambitions are taking shape. India contributes 20 per cent of the world's chip design workforce.

Growing OSAT and ATMP ecosystem is another major factor in the semiconductor growth, the report said, adding that companies like Tata, Micron, and Keynes are actively investing in advanced chip packeging and testing.

ATMP which stands for Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging focus on the final assembly and packaging of chips.

The OSAT, on the other hand, involves outsourcing these processes to specialised companies.

It also highlights the incentives by the government will push the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem.

On challenges for the Indian entities, the report says that the lack of advanced founderis, supply chain dependencies and capital incentive industry will emerge as the major hurdle in the development of the ecosystem.

India lacks cutting-edge semiconductor fabs, the space is still dominated by the foreign companies such as TSMC, Samsung etc.

It adds that the heavy reliance on import for wafers, photomasks, specialty gases and chemicals present a challenge.

Another emerging hurdles in the development of the ecosystem is lack of huge investments, as the Semiconductor fabs require multi-billion-dollar investment.

India has announced Semicon India programme with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore for the development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in our country.

The programme aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem. This will serve to pave the way for India's growing presence in the global electronics value chains.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has been setup as an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation having administrative and financial autonomy to formulate and drive India's long term strategies for developing semiconductors and display manufacturing facilities and semiconductor design ecosystem.

- Services (Education, Healthcare, IT, R&D, Tourism, etc.)

16. Kaynes set to deliver India’s first packaged chip by July

ET, 1 April 2025, Suraksha P

Mysuru-based Kaynes Semicon could emerge the first company to produce packaged semiconductor chips in the country by July, marking a milestone for the India Semiconductor Mission 1.0.

Kaynes chief executive Raghu Panicker and a senior government official confirmed the timeline.

“We have signed a definitive multi-year agreement with them, and they will consume almost 60% of our capacity in the first phase,” Panicker told ET.

Kaynes projects revenues of multi millions over the multi-year contract.

It is one of the four firms to have received approval for chip assembly plants. The others are CG Power, Tata Electronics, and Micron. Tata Electronics is also setting up India's first wafer fabrication unit.

While Micron received the cabinet approval for its ATMP in June 2023, Tata Electronics received the cabinet approval for its OSAT and fab in February last year. CG Power also received the cabinet approval for its OSAT in February last year.

ET reported last month that Micron’s earlier deadline of making its ATMP operational in 2024 has been pushed to early 2025.

Besides Alpha Omega, Kaynes has four customers, including in Japan and the US, lined up, Panicker said, adding that its second customer will be announced soon. The firm will focus on high voltage packages for air-conditioners and satellites.

Kaynes is also expanding its footprint with a new PCB factory in Tamil Nadu and additional projects in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. The Tamil Nadu facility will focus on bare board PCBs, marking Kaynes' entry into the state with this segment.

“We are contemplating what we should do in Odisha and in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh),” Panicker said, indicating that these projects will also be within the semiconductor sector, but not PCB manufacturing.

The Centre will contribute 50%, or Rs 1,653.5 crore, of the investment in Kaynes chip assembly plant, with another 20% coming from the Gujarat government. The remaining 30% of the investment, which is Rs 992.1 crore, is being made by the company.

The fiscal support agreement between the company and the central government is yet to be signed, though. Kaynes raised funds in December 2023 for the same.

For more news like this visit The Economic Times.

17. India’s software and IT services exports reach $200 billion in 2023-24: Report

ET Gov. 14 Mar. 2025

The steady growth highlights the sector’s resilience and its crucial role in India’s digital economy.

NEW DELHI: India's software and IT services exports continued to grow in the financial year 2023-24, reaching an estimated $200 billion, a new report said on Thursday.

This marks a 3.63 per cent increase from the $193 billion recorded in the previous year, according to a report by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).

The steady growth highlights the sector’s resilience and its crucial role in India’s digital economy.

The report also sheds light on the regional contribution to software exports across India.

The southern region remains the largest contributor, accounting for $131.1 billion, which is about 65.55 per cent of the total exports.

The western region follows with $34.1 billion (17.05 per cent), while the northern region contributes $30.78 billion (15.39 per cent). The eastern region has the smallest share, with $4.02 billion (2.01 per cent).

India’s IT and electronics industry has seen remarkable growth, attracting major global companies due to its skilled workforce, cost advantages, and a favourable business environment, the report said.

The rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing is further boosting India’s status as a global digital leader.

"India’s skilled managerial and technical workforce is meeting global standards, particularly in the IT sector, which is transforming the country into the world’s outsourcing hub," ESC Chairman Veer Sagar said.

He added that the growth in IT Software and Services, Software Product Development, and BPO Services is a key driver of this trend.

"The major countries for India’s software exports in 2023-24, with the USA leading at US$ 109.40 billion (54.70 per cent), followed by the UK at US$ 28.70 billion (14.35 per cent), Singapore at US$ 7 billion (3.50 per cent), and China at US$ 5.50 billion (2.75 per cent)," the ESC's Chairman, Global Outreach, Sandeep Narula, said.

Narula further stated that this underscores the Indian IT industry's position as a global leader in software exports.

18. IT sector MSMEs to play key role in achieving $450 bn services export target: Piyush Goyal

ET Gov. 22 Mar. 2025

NEW DELHI: Recognizing the rapid growth of MSMEs in IT, tourism, business accounting, and financial services, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the sector’s key role in driving services exports and creating jobs.

Speaking at the Global Confluence 2025 organized by Nasscom in New Delhi on Thursday, Goyal expressed confidence that the IT sector can achieve an ambitious $450 billion services export target in the next financial year. He underscored the critical role of the IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) sector in India’s economic growth. He noted that the services sector exports reached approximately $340 billion last year, with IT and ITES contributing nearly $200 billion. This year, services exports are expected to reach between $380 billion and $385 billion, further solidifying India’s global presence.

Highlighting the importance of innovation and adaptability in maintaining India's competitive edge, Goyal hailed Nasscom for fostering a culture of continuous learning, stating that the IT sector has consistently remained ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

He also stressed the need to attract Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to India, leveraging the country’s vast talent pool. Encouraging businesses to operate from India rather than relocating talent abroad, he said this would enhance foreign exchange earnings and fuel domestic economic growth.

Discussing India’s expanding middle class and rising consumption levels, Goyal outlined the cascading benefits of IT-led growth, including increased demand for commercial real estate, housing, and infrastructure. He called it a “virtuous cycle of growth” where a thriving services sector strengthens the overall economy.

Nasscom plays an omnipresent role across industries and must continue reskilling and retraining IT professionals to remain relevant in today’s fast-evolving landscape. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding global partnerships through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and bilateral engagements, emphasizing that numerous global markets are eager for India’s arrival, the minister said.

19. Heartening News: Device Made in India to Help Transplant Patients

ET, 24 Mar. 2025

India is planning to develop left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), which help the heart pump blood, people familiar with the matter told ET.

This will help patients with end-stage heart failure as they wait for a donor heart. According to government estimates, every year, some 50,000 patients in India need a heart transplant, but only about 200 such operations are done because of shortage of donor hearts.

The average wait time for a heart transplant is about 36 months. Also, an imported LVAD could cost anywhere between ₹70 lakh and ₹1 crore. Surgery and post-treatment care are added expenses.

Indigenously developed LVADs will lower the dependency on imported machines and the cost of heart transplant for such patients in India, a senior government official said, adding that it could also push up the numbers of those visiting India for medical treatment.

According to the official, talks are on to firm up funding.

“The research and testing of the project will need close to Rs 100 crore and a decision could soon be taken to fund this either through the department of science and technology or through Anusandhan National Research Foundation, set up in 2023,” the official said.

A 2024 Niti Aayog Mission Document on development and commercialisation of an indigenously developed ‘artificial human heart,’ submitted to the department of science and technology, suggests the setting up an overarching committee for guidance and timely completion of the project, with powers to approve proposals and monitor progress.

It has also proposed the setting up of a mission directorate to supervise the technical and financial aspects of the project.

Policy think tank Niti Aayog estimates it could take more than five years to develop the LVADs after the necessary approvals are in.

The report said IITs of Kanpur, Kharagpur and Delhi, as well as Sri Chitra Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, are at various stages of developing low-cost LVADs and a ‘total artificial heart,’ which could provide life-saving treatment to individuals suffering from end-stage heart failure.

20. A nation’s pledge, a people’s war: The vision of drug-free India is within reach

ET Gov. 8 Apr. 2025

The government’s mission is clear. Those who profit from drug trafficking and send the earnings to fund terrorist activities will not be spared. Days are really numbered for drug dealers.

Drug abuse is cancerous to society; it destroys a nation and all its constituents. Unfortunately, 7% of the country's population uses narcotics. Unless tackled on a war footing, the menace can escalate into a major crisis for a nation aspiring to join the league of developed nations.

As such, this is a challenge of gigantic proportions for drug enforcement agencies, the government, and society. Although there is still a long way to go, the government's pragmatic approach instills hope and soothes the soul.

Let's see the progress. A comparison is inevitable. Between 2004 and 2014, 25 lakh kg of drugs worth ₹40,000 crore were seized. This increased to one crore kg in the next ten years, valued at ₹1.5 lakh crore. Between 2014 and 2024, 31 lakh kg of drugs were burned, a ten-fold increase over the previous ten years.

Against 1.73 lakh narcotic cases registered in the previous government, 6.56 lakh cases were registered during the ten years of the Modi government, HM Amit Shah recently said in Parliament.

The rise in the number is not to be confused with the deterioration of the scenario; it actually tells the tale of a government ruthlessly committed to ending the menace and saving the country from an impending disaster. Drug traffickers often use the funds for terror financing. Tightening the noose also puts a lid on insurgent activities.

The Home Ministry has adopted a “Whole of Government, Whole of Nation” approach, mobilizing the entire government machinery. The ministries of home, finance, education, health and social welfare at the Centre and all state governments are working in cohesion to fight the menace. The ministry has also adopted a new investigation method that works from top to bottom and bottom to top.

To illustrate, if a drug packet is found, the investigation is carried out from the source it came to the country. If drugs are seized at international borders, ports, or airports, the government machinery is equipped to trace the packet's destination. These strategic steps have yielded excellent results.

However, the fight against drugs can not be fought by the government or its agencies alone. The government has introduced numerous initiatives to engage citizens. It is reaching out to colleges to raise awareness. In the drug trade, those who use drugs are the victims of the problem; the real criminals are those who trade in drugs. The drug trade has a detrimental effect on the nation’s economy and security and creates a breeding ground for extremism, terrorism, and separatism.

Observing these multifaceted attacks, the government has adopted a like-for-like strategy to confront and dismantle these threats.

In 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a four-tiered NCORD mechanism. At the top level is the Central NCORD, which is part of the Government of India. Below that is the operational level, where the Secretary, Chief Secretaries, and DGPs are involved. Then, at the state level, a mechanism is headed by the Chief Minister, and finally, at the district level, the District Magistrate (DM) oversees the process. Over the past five years, 7 top-level meetings, 5 executive-level meetings, 191 state-level meetings, and 6,750 district-level meetings have been held.

The entire system is being monitored through secure channels to facilitate the sharing of information across different levels. Where necessary, JCCs have been set up at the state level. The NCB cadre has also been strengthened. Additionally, five new zonal offices, four new regional offices, and 15 sub-zonal offices have been established. The maritime routes have been fully secured through coordination between the navy, coast guard, state police, and customs authorities, all working together in a unified effort.

Moreover, various institutional frameworks have been created to exchange information on narcotics offenders. A database has been set up, the NCORD portal has been created, and the National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (NISAG) has been established to further strengthen the mechanism. The drug network chart has also been mapped. Drones, satellites, and modern technology are being used to trace the cartel.

India is situated between the world’s two major drug-producing regions—the Golden Crescent, comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran —and the Golden Triangle, comprising Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Drugs were produced in these regions, and cartels were transported throughout the world from them. On India’s initiative, these are now referred to as the Death Crescent and Death Triangle. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are actively engaged in dismantling these smuggling networks despite the challenges posed by the expansive maritime domain.

Through Mission Spandan, the government has launched a massive campaign to identify drug addicts, help them overcome addiction, and rehabilitate them. The Departments of Social Welfare and Health run this initiative. The government has also started a toll-free helpline number and launched the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' pledge. More than three crore youths have taken the pledge online.

Home Minister Amit Shah recently highlighted the seriousness of the issue. "Now is the time when we can contribute to this fight and win it. If we miss this opportunity today, there will be no chance to reverse it later," Shah said at a conference on “Drug Trafficking and National Security.”

The government’s mission is clear. Those who profit from drug trafficking and send the earnings to fund terrorist activities will not be spared. Days are really numbered for drug dealers.

(The Author is the Former Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India; Views expressed are personal)

India and the World

21. Efforts are afoot to reduce logistics costs to single-digit competing with China & US: Nitin Gadkari

ET, 21 Mar. 2025

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasized on Thursday that India is committed to reducing logistics costs from the current 14-16 per cent to single digits, positioning the country to compete effectively with global economic powerhouses like China and the US.

With the rapid development of infrastructure, the government aims to bring down logistics costs by more than 5 percentage points to less than 10 per cent of GDP so that India becomes more competitive with China and the USA, Gadkari said while speaking at 32nd Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo in New Delhi.

This year's expo features advancements in 5G & 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Embedded Tech, Fintech, Urban Mobility, and Smart City Solutions.

Attendees will also have access to the latest developments in Digital Gaming, Mobile Devices & Accessories, OTT Platforms, Security & Surveillance, E-commerce, Mobile Apps, Drone Technology, and more.

Chandrika Behl, Managing Director of Exhibitions India Group, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "Our focus is to create an engaging experience for the participants and visitors alike and help them explore the immersive world of technology. We invite all to visit, indulge and expand your horizons at this technology extravaganza."

A key highlight is the inaugural AI Bharat Expo, which explores AI's role in industrial and retail applications. Another major attraction is the Startup Hub, featuring over 250 startups showcasing cutting-edge solutions in ICT and Smart City technologies.

The hub offers mentoring sessions led by industry pioneers, curated conference discussions, a Startup Pitch competition, and opportunities for investors and startups to connect.

Additionally, the event includes the Smart City & Fintech Innovation Awards, which recognize exceptional contributions in these sectors.

Attendees can participate in approximately 40 conference sessions over the three-day expo, where policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators discuss the latest trends shaping India's digital transformation and urban development.

During one such session, Sanket Bhondve, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, highlighted India's vast energy data capabilities, stating, "India has one of the world's largest energy data sets, monitoring 3 lakh circuit km of transmission lines and 4 lakh MW of generation capacity, offering unmatched insights to enhance grid efficiency and drive data-driven decision-making."

22. India on path to cross $800 billion this year with major share of services exports: Piyush Goyal

ET Gov., 15 Mar. 2025

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal has assured all export promotion councils (EPCs) and industry bodies that government is working elaborately to ensure a good future for Indian exporters, both merchandise and service and to protect the interest of the country.

While addressing EPCs and industry associations on Thursday in New Delhi, Goyal complimented the positivity amongst the exporter community and their optimism to convert this crisis that the world is facing today into an opportunity.

Informing that India is on the path to cross $800 billion this year with the major share of services exports, the minister has urged the merchandise exporters to remain ahead of the curve and increase their exports. Additional increase in exports in the last fortnight will usher in the confidence of the exporters to try and aspire to cross 900 billion dollars exports in the coming year.

Allaying the concerns of the industry with regard to the US, the Minister has called on the EPCs to reflect on their strengths and share their demands and interests with the Government for better engagement with the US.

The Minister has reminded the EPCs and Industry that the budget has provided for Export Promotion Mission particularly focusing on new products, new markets and new exporters. He has urged the industry to come forward with suggestions to effectively shape the schemes to achieve the desired goal.

On the ongoing efforts on bilateral agreements, the minister said the government is concurrently acting on several tracks each one of which is aimed at ensuring best interest of the Indian exporters. Indicating that the government has reached final stages in free trade agreements (FTAs) with few in particular, the minister was positive that it will lead to much better opportunities for Indian exporters and will also bring in higher investment.

The minister was optimistic that the stakeholder consultations and engagements with EPCs and the industry will result in mutually beneficial arrangements for a glorious future for Indian Exports and to expand India’s footprint in newer and bigger markets.

Reflecting on the reciprocal tariffs, he cautioned the EPCs to come out of their protectionist mindset and encouraged them to be bold and ready to deal with the world from a position of strength and self-confidence.

The objective of the Viksit Bharat Mission to make India a prosperous Nation is only possible when the collective commitment of Industry converges with the aspirations of Indian consumers at large for access to goods and services at competitive prices.

23. America’s Retreat, China’s Rise, India’s Tightrope: As the global order unravels, what are India’s strategic choices

ET Gov. 15 Aprt. 2025

Major General B. K. Sharma, Director General of the United Service Institution of India (USI)

As the world grapples with the accelerating fragmentation of global power, Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency has injected a new wave of uncertainty into an already volatile international landscape. From the weakening of traditional alliances to the emergence of contested multipolarity and dysfunctional multilateralism, the global order appears to be in strategic flux.

To understand these complex transitions, Anoop Verma, Editor-News, ETGovernment, spoke to Major General B. K. Sharma, Director General of the United Service Institution of India (USI), one of the country’s oldest and most respected national security policy research institutions. With deep expertise in national security, strategic affairs, and geopolitical risk assessment, Major General Sharma offers a comprehensive and candid evaluation of Trump 2.0’s implications for global stability, the future of international institutions, and its impact on India’s strategic security.

In this wide-ranging conversation, he unpacks the forces driving multi-domain contestation involving big powers —and outlines what India must do to navigate the treacherous waters of this emerging uncertain world order.

Edited Excerpts:

Trump 2.0 is characterised by disruptive policy shifts that challenge long-standing geopolitical norms. In your assessment, how will this approach reshape the global order?

Trump 2.0’s defining features—disruption, deal-making, decoupling, and deterrence—fundamentally alter the global strategic landscape. What we’re witnessing resembles a revival of Social Darwinism exhibited by nation-states, where national interest reigns supreme and global politics turns into a zero-sum game.

The result is an increasingly contested world order marked by ideological polarisation—between so-called liberal democracies, including Trump-led America with its assertive unilateralism on one side and authoritarian regimes on the other. This reminds us of Thucydides' Trap, where a rising power (China) threatens an established one ( USA), raising the risk of conflict.

The global scramble for geographic domination makes this phase even more dangerous—whether in the Indo-Pacific, the Arctic, the Panama Canal, or Greenland. Simultaneously, a fierce contest over resources—semiconductors, rare earth elements, data, and algorithms—leads to economic warfare, supply chain disruptions, and deepening protectionism. We are also witnessing a new arms race, now spilling over into cyberspace, outer space, and even the cognitive domain—where the mind becomes both a weapon and a target.

Most concerning, however, is that the United States—once the architect of the rules-based international order—is now dismantling it. Its retreat from key global institutions like the UN Human Rights Council, WTO, WHO and Paris Climate Accord marks a profound shift in global governance.

You mentioned strategic geography and resource control as core to Trump 2.0. Could you elaborate on how this might manifest?

We’re entering a phase of hyper-assertiveness over strategic locations. Trump has already floated controversial ideas similar to neo-imperialism —like greater U.S. control over the Panama Canal, incorporating Canada as the 51st state, and expressing interest in purchasing Greenland. These aren’t just symbolic—they reflect a deeper push for geostrategic dominance.

This also extends to contested maritime zones like the South China Sea, where domination translates to control over undersea resources, vital sea lanes and regional influence.

Then there’s the battle for resources. We're already deep into a “chip war,” with control over semiconductors, rare earth minerals, and emerging technologies becoming central to national security. Domination over data and algorithms will shape the next phase of geopolitical power.

How do you see these shifts' economic and military implications playing out under Trump’s leadership?

"Trump’s policies will likely accelerate the decoupling of global supply chains, with cascading effects on worldwide trade and inflation": Major General B K Sharma

We are already amid economic warfare—tariffs, protectionism, and trade restrictions are just the beginning. Trump’s policies will likely accelerate the decoupling of global supply chains, with cascading effects on worldwide trade and inflation. Parallel to this is a rapidly escalating arms race. Nuclear brinkmanship is back on the table.

Most of the arms control treaties stand abrogated, atomic powers are enhancing and modernising their arsenal, and the rise of nuclear aspirational states is palpable. But the contest is broader now—multi-domain wars and the rise of proxies are playing out in grey zone environments. The cognitive domain is emerging as a new strategic frontier—where shaping public perception and psychological operations and deepfake become critical components of statecraft. Military application of AI, deployment of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, and disruptive technologies radically alter the character of war.

Meanwhile, Trump’s domestic policy disruptions—targeting immigration, education, judicial frameworks, and the federal structure—are weakening the U.S. internally. This internal volatility and external aggression could erode America’s diplomatic and economic influence and heighten the risk of a global recession reminiscent of the 2008 crisis.

The U.S. was once the chief architect of the post-WWII world order. With its withdrawal from global institutions, what does the future hold for international organisations?

The institutions that once anchored global governance—the UN, WTO, WHO, and IMF—are now in retreat or dysfunction. Ironically, the very country that created this liberal international order is now dismantling it.

This erosion of multilateralism undermines global efforts to address collective challenges—from trade disputes to climate change to conflict resolution. The UN Security Council is often deadlocked, peacekeeping missions are winding down, and WTO arbitration is paralysed with disputes worth over $150 billion still pending.

This vacuum is being filled by alternative power centres and parallel institutions—many spearheaded by China—which threaten to fragment the global governance structure entirely.

What does the weakening of NATO and East Asian alliances mean for the global security architecture?

It’s profoundly destabilising. NATO, once the key balancer to rising Chinese and Russian assertiveness, is under immense strain. The U.S. currently funds nearly half of NATO’s budget. If that support is withdrawn or reduced, NATO could wither. Europe neither has the resources nor the time to create an effective European national security architecture.

In East Asia, Trump’s insistence that allies like Japan and South Korea pay more for their security has created unease. Likewise, its strategic ambiguity on Taiwan has compounded. If a confrontation arises with China—in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea—there’s no guarantee the U.S. will step in.

This has prompted hedging propensity in the East Asian states: Europe, too, may renew its energy imports from Russia and cosy up to China for commerce and trade. Ironically, Trump’s ‘America First doctrine may enable China to great again moment – potentially shifting the global balance in Beijing’s favour.

And what would this mean specifically for India’s strategic environment?

India will find itself under increased pressure. A weakened NATO emboldens China, which may intensify assertiveness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The South China Sea could become a “Chinese lake,” China might push territorial claims more aggressively, including in the East China Sea.

We may also see the emergence of regional spheres of influence—America retreating to Euro-Atlantic priorities, Russia doubling down on Eurasia, and China pushing for a Beijing-centric Asian order. None of these scenarios is favourable to India.

There is growing talk of a shift toward contested multipolarity and dysfunctional multilateralism. How do you interpret this transition?

The post-World War II order is unravelling, and we’re moving toward a fragmented multipolarity. New power centres are rising—militarily or economically- in technology and ideology. While Western blocs like NATO and the EU remain, they’re being challenged by China-led initiatives like the Belt and Road, Global Security Initiative, and new financial institutions.

Organisations like SCO and BRICS+ represent significant populations and landmass. Competing trade and transport corridors—such as IMEC, INSTC, and the Vladivostok–Chennai route—signal a reshaping of global supply chains.

Yet, this transition is marred by dysfunction. The UN Security Council is paralysed. Climate commitments are backsliding. More agile players like the New Development Bank and AIIB are outcompeting institutions like the IMF and World Bank. We are caught in an interregnum—the old order is dying, but the new one hasn’t been born. That’s a dangerous and unstable moment in history.

What are India's strategic ramifications in this fractured global environment?

India’s vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047 depends on a conducive global environment. We need stable foreign direct investment, reliable technology transfers, and robust exports. But all of these are under threat.

Our neighbourhood remains turbulent, with unstable regimes and persistent threats from the China-Pakistan axis. Energy security is a concern—two-thirds of our energy needs are sourced from volatile West Asia. Defence modernisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat hinges on foreign collaboration and MSME funding, which could suffer in this disorder.

Moreover, India’s leadership aspirations in the Global South depend on our ability to offer economic support — through loans, aid, or development initiatives. If our economy falters, we risk ceding influence to China and Russia. Without 8% plus economic growth, we miss development goals and weaken our defence and diplomatic capacity.

How do you see the U.S.-China rivalry unfolding under Trump’s return, and what does it mean for middle powers like India?

The U.S.-China rivalry will define the next phase of global geopolitics. There’s bipartisan consensus in Washington that China could overtake the U.S. by 2050—economically and technologically. Containment of China is now central to U.S. strategy.

Technological rivalry is fierce. The U.S. has curbed semiconductor exports, prompting China to pour over $100 billion into domestic chip manufacturing. Despite sanctions, China is nearing breakthroughs in advanced AI and 5-nanometer chip production. Trade tensions are intensifying—U.S.-China trade could shrink by $200 billion by 2026.

Militarily, the Indo-Pacific is the key battleground. The U.S. has earmarked $30 billion in Indo-Pacific defence funding, while China’s $310 billion budget prioritises naval expansion. If tensions over Taiwan escalate, a miscalculation could lead to a direct conflict—especially given the lack of conflict-resolution mechanisms and prevailing hyper-nationalism on both sides.

This is a precarious but strategic moment for middle powers like India. We must carefully balance our partnerships and avoid entanglement in significant power conflicts while advancing our interests on the global stage.

24. BIMSTEC Summit 2023: PM Modi offers linking UPI with payment systems of BIMSTEC nations

ET Gov. 5 Apr. 2025

BANGKOK (Thailand): Seeking to impart fresh impetus to the BIMSTEC grouping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed linking India's UPI with the payment systems of the member nations, a move that could boost trade, business and tourism within the region. Addressing the sixth BIMSTEC Summit here, the Prime Minister also proposed to set up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, organise annual business summits and explore promoting trade in local currencies within the region.

At the outset, the Prime Minister offered his condolences for the loss of lives and property in Myanmar and Thailand in the devastating earthquake on March 28.

Modi also proposed establishing a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to collaborate on disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation.

The BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand, is attended by leaders from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

The BIMSTEC Summit adopted the Bangkok Vision 2030 to realise the shared commitment to prosperity, security, and inclusivity in the Bay of Bengal region.

"BIMSTEC serves as a bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is emerging as an effective platform to open new avenues of regional connectivity, cooperation, and prosperity," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to continually expand the scope and capabilities of the BIMSTEC grouping, welcomed the institutionalising of the Home Ministers Mechanism and offered to host the first meeting in India.

"This forum can play a vital role in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, and drug and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose to host its first meeting this year in India," he said.

The Prime Minister said he was happy to share India's experience in setting up digital public infrastructure (DPI) with BIMSTEC countries and suggested conducting a pilot study to understand the specific needs of member nations in this regard.

"Additionally, I propose linking India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with the payment systems in the BIMSTEC region. This will benefit trade, industry, and tourism at all levels," Modi said.

Noting that trade and business connectivity were also crucial for progress, the Prime Minister proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and to organise a BIMSTEC Business Summit every year.

"I also suggest conducting a feasibility study on promoting trade in local currencies within the BIMSTEC region," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is our shared priority.

"The Maritime Transport Agreement signed today will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport and accelerate trade," he said.

Modi also proposed establishing a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India.

"This Centre will focus on capacity building, research, innovation, and coordination in maritime policies. It will also promote cooperation in maritime security," he said.

25. Global Agricultural Outlook: USDA Estimates Record Rice and Wheat Production in India

Team RuralVoice, Apr 12, 2025

India is projected to harvest a record 147.0 MMT of milled rice in 2024/25, fuelled by a historic 51.0 million hectares of planted area. Farmers shifted from cotton to rice due to its more favourable returns and lower climate risk, especially across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its April update on global agricultural production, detailing shifts in output for key commodities including soybeans, rice, corn, cotton, sunflower seed, and palm oil. A mix of weather extremes - from droughts to torrential rains - has significantly shaped yields across continents. USDA estimates record rice and wheat production in India.

Rice: India Sets Record as Cambodia Expands Dry-Season Crop

India is projected to harvest a record 147.0 MMT of milled rice in 2024/25, fueled by a historic 51.0 million hectares of planted area. Farmers shifted from cotton to rice due to its more favorable returns and lower climate risk, especially across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Cambodia's production estimate also rose to 7.8 MMT, buoyed by expanded dry-season planting. Dry-season rice saw an 8% increase in sown area, supported by better water management and seed technologies.

Wheat: India and China Bolster Global Totals

Global wheat production for 2024/25 is projected at 796.8 MMT, relatively stable from last month. India stands out with a record 113.3 MMT, as favorable weather and increased area continue to support output.

China’s wheat harvest is also robust at 140.1 MMT, aided by good yield recovery. However, Russia's wheat outlook dropped sharply to 81.6 MMT, down from last year’s 91.5 MMT, due to reduced area and lower yield in both winter and spring wheat.

Corn: EU and South America Show Mixed Results

The European Union is expected to produce 59.3 MMT of corn, an increase from last month but still 4% below last year. Poland, Croatia, and France saw notable upward revisions, while Romania’s outlook declined.

Brazil’s 2023/24 corn production was revised upward to 154.5 MMT, while 2024/25 estimates remain strong. However, Argentina faces weather setbacks, with 2024/25 output estimated at 50.0 MMT, down from earlier projections due to excessive rains during critical development stages.

Soybeans: Record Highs and Rain-Soaked Struggles

Brazil continues to dominate the global soybean scene, with the USDA maintaining its record production estimate of 169.0 million metric tons (MMT) for marketing year 2024/25. Despite some drought in southern states, beneficial rainfall in the Northeast and Center-West regions boosted yields. National yield estimated at 3.57 tons/hectare, up 6% from last year.

South Africa also showed strong growth, with production estimated at 2.4 MMT, a 30% increase from last year, thanks to La Niña-fueled rainfall and an expansion in soybean area to a record 1.2 million hectares. In contrast, Bolivia's soybeans suffered under heavy March rains, with flooding slashing yields by 10% month-over-month. The estimate now sits at 3.7 MMT, down 3% from last year.

Sunflower seed: Argentina Shines Despite Delays

Argentina’s sunflower seed crop is pegged at 4.2 MMT, up 5% from last month and 8% from last year. Despite some harvest delays from March rains, yields have been exceptional in the northern provinces, with a national average of 2.15 tons/hectare. Buenos Aires, while delayed, continues to perform strongly.

Palm Oil: Heavy Rains Hamper Malaysia and Indonesia

Southeast Asia’s palm oil output faces pressure from prolonged rains. Malaysia’s estimate dropped to 18.7 MMT, a 5% year-over-year decline. Yields have been hit hard in key regions like Sabah and Sarawak due to flooding.

Indonesia’s output is also trimmed slightly to 46.0 MMT, though still 7% higher than last year. Riau, the top-producing province, has recorded some of the wettest conditions in decades, impacting logistics and harvests.

Coarse Grains: Output Steady but Below Average in the EU

The USDA expects 1,495.3 MMT of total coarse grain production globally. In the EU, corn accounts for the bulk of improvement, but barley and oats face minor reductions. In Africa, countries like South Africa and Tanzania are showing production recovery in maize and millet thanks to improved rainfall.

Cotton: Argentina Takes a Hit from Dryness

Argentina’s cotton output fell to 1.5 million 480-lb bales, a 10% drop from last month, as dry conditions and extreme heat during boll formation took their toll. Yield declined to 544 kg/hectare, despite a stable area.

The report highlights the fragility of global agriculture amid climate variability. From La Niña recovery in Africa to excessive rains in Southeast Asia and droughts in parts of South America, production estimates remain sensitive to evolving weather conditions. Analysts expect further revisions in May as final harvest data becomes available in several regions. Meanwhile, global food markets will be watching closely, especially in commodities like rice and palm oil where tight supply chains and weather extremes intersect.

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AAPI

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