NZ Seeks Opposition Support to Advance India Free Trade Agreement
New Zealand’s push to advance a proposed free trade agreement with India has entered a critical political phase, with Trade Minister Todd McClay seeking support from the opposition New Zealand Labour Party to ensure the agreement passes Parliament. The move comes after coalition partner Winston Peters signalled opposition to the deal, primarily over concerns linked…
Strengthening Agriculture and Allied Sector and Market Access
Transforming India’s Livestock and Fisheries Sector Introduction India’s agricultural progress is increasingly supported by the expansion of allied sectors such as livestock, dairy, poultry, and fisheries. These sectors have become major contributors to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and rural employment. Over the last decade, agriculture and allied sectors have witnessed a steady 3-5% CAGR, fuelled by extensive government efforts, private innovations, and sizeable…
India’s Dairy Climate Paradox: Production Triumph Meets Methane Time-Bomb
India’s rise to the top of the global dairy league board has been one of the most remarkable agricultural success stories of the 21st century. With milk production surpassing 247 million tonnes per year and household incomes rising in hinterland India, this narrative of abundance is rightly a source of pride. Yet beneath the figures…
Govt Firm on India–US Trade Pact: Farmers & Dairy Fully Protected
In a decisive clarification amid ongoing discussions on the India–US Trade Agreement, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphatically rejected speculation that agricultural and dairy products would be opened up to US imports. Speaking from Jaipur, the minister reiterated that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s directives, farmers’ interests remain paramount and there will…
India’s First Cow Culture Museum in Mathura
India’s first national “Cow Culture Museum” is set to be established in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University, announced the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad. The project, initiated with state support, aims to showcase the religious, cultural, spiritual and scientific significance of cows and their products, promoting…
UK dairy farmers could face import pressure from India
Dairy farmers could face increased import competition under the UK’s new trade deal with India, MPs have warned during a debate in parliament. Concerns were raised that the agreement could open the British dairy market to Indian products without delivering meaningful new export opportunities for UK cheeses and other dairy goods in return. The debate…
Unilever Ice Cream Sees Turnaround in India; Focus on Growth
Unilever’s ice cream business in India — anchored by the Heartbrand portfolio including Cornetto, Magnum and Kwality Walls — is reporting a notable turnaround after a challenging period marked by pandemic-era disruptions and competitive pressure. The unit’s CEO said the business has regained momentum through expanded distribution, category innovation and strengthened operational execution, contributing to…
India to host World Dairy Summit 2027 in Mumbai
In a significant move for the global dairy sector, India is set to host the prestigious IDF World Dairy Summit (WDS) 2027. An agreement to this effect was formally exchanged on Thursday between Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Laurence Rycken, Director General of the International Dairy Federation (IDF)….
India–US Trade Deal Criticised as Costly for Farmers
Several farmer groups and political critics have slammed the recently announced India–US trade pact, warning that it could be detrimental to India’s farm economy if agricultural and dairy products are included in the liberalised market access framework — a fear echoed from earlier trade negotiations. Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other unions have stated that…
Nepali Dairy Farmers Gain from Rising Milk Prices in India
With milk prices rising in India, Nepali dairy producers are finding better market opportunities across the border, reversing a trend that previously saw cheaper Indian milk flooding Nepal and squeezing local producers. Earlier seasons forced Nepali farmers to struggle with surplus or process excess milk themselves due to illegal imports; this year, higher Indian milk…