Allied Sectors in India

India’s agricultural growth is increasingly supported by the allied sectors such as livestock, dairy, poultry, and fisheries, which play a crucial role in income generation, employment, and food security. Growth of Allied Sectors The allied sectors have shown consistent and stable growth in recent years. Livestock and fisheries have recorded annual growth rates of around 5&nda

Central Silk Board (CSB)

Recently, the Government of India increased the financial approval limit of the Central Silk Board from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore by amending Rule 22 of the Central Silk Board Rules, 1955. This step is intended to improve administrative efficiency and speed up decision-making for projects related to the development of the silk industry in India. About Central Silk Board The Central Silk B

APEDA

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recently launched a new initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups. The initiative aims to promote innovation, encourage young entrepreneurs, and create new opportunities in agricultural exports. About APEDA APEDA is a statutory body establis

India’s Green Energy Transition

The agriculture sector in India holds significant untapped potential to drive the country’s green energy revolution. With more than half of India’s population dependent on farming and rural livelihoods, integrating clean energy into agriculture can simultaneously address challenges of energy access, food security, employment generation, and climate change. India’s Agricult

National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)

The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) reflects India’s strong commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by aiming to transform the edible oil sector from a highly import-dependent system to a self-reliant one. The mission seeks to reduce India’s edible oil import bill while strengthening domestic production. About the National Mission on Edible Oils The National Mis

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has stated that the PMFME Scheme has steadily expanded its reach, with significant progress achieved across major components as of 31 October 2025. About PMFME Scheme The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched on 29 June 2020 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

India’s honey sector is undergoing a major transformation through the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), which aims to expand scientific beekeeping across the country while strengthening its role in enhancing rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity. What is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission? About the Scheme The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (N

India’s Agreement with ADB for Horticulture Productivity

India’s Agreement with ADB for Horticulture Productivity   India has signed a $98 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at improving horticulture productivity. This initiative focuses on enhancing plant health and providing disease-free planting materials to farmers, thereby improving crop yield, quality, and climate resilience. Key Aspects of the L

Centre Plans Interest-free Loans for Andhra’s Cyclone-hit Tobacco Farmers

Context: The Central government is considering a proposal to provide interest-free loans to tobacco farmers of Andhra Pradesh impacted by Cyclone Michaung. News: Interest-Free Loans for Andhra Tobacco Farmers: Loan Details: Andhra Tobacco farmers are set to receive interest-free loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, with a repayment period of six months. These loans

Mayurbhanj’s Red Ant Chutney Receives GI Tag

Context:  Recently, the Similipal Kai Chutney made with kai pimpudi (red weaver ants) by the tribal people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received the geographical identity tag. News: The application was made by The Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd in 2020 for registration in Class 30 under sub-section (1) of section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Re

India’s great grain mystery

Context: India's cereal production, mainly rice and wheat, crossed 300 million tonnes for the first time in 2022-23, reaching 304 million tones.There is a large and growing gap between cereal production and the known uses of it. Data gaps make an assessment more difficult. The gap: The latest estimates of per capita cereal consumption (PCCC) pertain to 2011-12, with figures ranging f

A strawberry success story from Odisha

CONTEXT: The idea to switch to strawberry farming was put forward by Chuktia Bhunjia Development Agency (CBDA), a body set up by the Odisha government in 1994-95 for the welfare of the Chuktia Bhunjia tribes. Chuktia Bhunjia farmers in Odisha's Nuapada district have successfully transitioned to strawberry farming, improving their income significantly. The switch to strawberry farming w