Trump's tariffs will give Indian textile exporters an edge over competitorsPresident Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on all imports into the United States (US) will benefit India's textile industry, as its competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and China will face higher tariffs, experts say.If the trade talks result in zero duty on cotton imports, it could be even more beneficial. A key factor for Indian textile exports will be buyer sentiments in the US. "In the past, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam faced similar tariff structures for cotton apparel exports. However, with the recent changes, India now holds a tariff advantage over these competing countries in comparative terms, which could increase its competitiveness in the US market for apparel exports," said Prabhu Dhamodharan, convener of the Coimbatore-based Indian Texpreneurs Federation.As per Trump's announcement, Vietnam's textile exports will be subject to a 46 per cent tariff, Bangladesh 37 per cent and China 54 per cent.According to US data on textile shipments and bill of lading data for 2024, China's share in its textile imports was about 30 percent, or $36 billion. Vietnam was second with textile imports of $15.5 billion (13 percent share), and India was at $9.7 billion (8 percent share). Bangladesh used to have a large share in US textile imports, but its share fell by 6 percent to $7.49 billion in 2024 due to political turmoil. Total textile imports to the US in 2024 were $107.72 billion. Imports of clothing, which is the bulk of textile imports to the US, increased by 2 percent from $77 billion in 2023 to $79 billion in 2024."If India reduces the import duty on cotton from 11 per cent to 0 per cent, it will benefit both countries. Now the ball is in India's court," said K Venkatachalam, chief advisor, Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association.India's Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has already approached the textiles ministry seeking a 'zero for zero' duty policy on textiles and apparel. It believes that the government should reduce the duty on textile products to zero per cent, which will prompt the US to apply the same duty rate on Indian exports."India is well positioned to increase its market share in the US because of this tariff hike. The ongoing trade talks can further strengthen India's position - especially if India offers zero-duty import of cotton in exchange for sector-specific benefits in apparel exports. This move could prove to be a game changer for the industry," Dhamodharan said.Another advantage for India is that the textile sector contributes only 2 per cent to its GDP, compared to 11 per cent and 15 per cent for competitors Bangladesh and Vietnam."It looks negative for the whole world, and short-term buying will slow down as they will eat up their pipeline inventory in the hope of relief as countries renegotiate tariffs with the US. However, if all this continues, the US will have to buy apparel, and compared to all major global textile suppliers (except the EU), we will be cheaper, and hence India will be the preferred destination for textile and apparel sourcing," said Sanjay Kumar Jain, managing director of textile producer TT Ltd. According to an industry expert, companies such as Trident, Welspun India, Arvind, KPR Mill, Vardhman, Page Industries, Raymond and Alok Industries will benefit as their revenue share from the US market is between 20 per cent and 60 per cent.read more :-Live Updates: Donald Trump's Latest Tariff Announcement
Donald Trump Tariff Announcement Live Updates Mixed bag: Govt analysing impact of 26% Trump tariff on India. Indian-American lawmakers criticise Trump's reciprocal tariffs, call them 'reckless'Indian-American members of the US Congress and the diaspora community criticised the reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, calling them "reckless and self-destructive", urging leaders in both countries to engage in dialogue to address these challenges.On Wednesday, Trump imposed a 26 per cent "discounted reciprocal tariff" on India. While making the announcement, he said "India charges us 52 per cent so we will charge them half of that - 26 per cent."President Trump, in a historic measure to counter higher duties on American products imposed globally, announced reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries.The lawmakers also said that Trump's tariffs will likely make Indian goods less competitive.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said Trump's blanket tariffs are a tax on working families so that he can cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans."These latest so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs are reckless and self-destructive, inflicting financial pain on Illinois at a time when people are already struggling to keep their small businesses afloat and put food on the table."Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic lawmaker from Illinois, said the tariffs isolate the United States on the global stage, alienate America's allies, and empower its adversaries – all while forcing America's seniors and working families to bear the brunt of higher prices.Urging Americans to call on Trump to end his "disastrous" tariff policies before he sends the country into a recession, Krishnamoorthi said the tariffs do nothing to strengthen the American economy or national security.Congressman Ro Khanna said in a video posted on his social media handle that the tariffs announcement "isn't an April Fool's joke."Trump is literally trying to destroy our economy with his Liberation Day tariffs slapped overnight, no strategy, no consultation, no congressional input."What does this mean? Prices are going to go up. Prices for cars are going up. Prices for groceries are going up. Prices for home repairs and home building are going up, and there's total uncertainty," Khanna said.He added that businesses don't know whether to invest, the stock market is down and "people are saying we could have a recession. We could have stagflation, meaning slow growth and higher inflation, all because of Trump's incoherent, incompetent economic policy."Indian-American Congressman Dr Ami Bera said in a post on X "Let me be clear: these tariffs will not make America wealthy again. These costs will be passed onto YOU- the American consumer. This is not a tax cut. This is a tax hike."Former advisor to President Joe Biden and Co-Chair for Economic Subcommittee for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Commission Ajay Bhutoria told PTI that Trump's 'Liberation Day' initiative imposes a 26% reciprocal tariff on India's exports to the United States, alongside new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and Japan, significantly impacting both nations and beyond."This sweeping policy will likely make Indian goods-such as textiles, and pharmaceuticals-less competitive, while tariffs on other major trading partners will drive up the cost of automobiles, groceries, medical supplies, and countless other products, hitting American consumers hard with an estimated additional $2,500 to $15,000 in annual expenses."Bhutoria said India's key industries face declining export volumes and financial strain, threatening millions of livelihoods and potentially weakening the strong US-India economic partnership, while American households grapple with rising prices for everyday essentials."This decision injects market uncertainty and risks disrupting global supply chains, possibly pushing Japan, South Korea, India and others to diversify markets or pursue countermeasures."He urged leaders in both countries to engage in dialogue to address these challenges, "minimising the burden on American consumers and Indian producers alike, and preserving the collaboration that has long driven innovation and prosperity between our nations."Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Wendy Cutler said the reciprocal tariff rates will come as a "shock to our trading partners" and will cause harm to the US economy with higher prices, slower economic growth, and slowed down business investment."Our close partners appear to be treated similarly to our rivals, with China's reciprocal tariff rate just a tad higher than Taiwan. This is difficult to understand given Taiwan's open economy and extensive manufacturing FDI projects in the United States," she said.Cutler added that America's Asian FTA partners were not spared with Korea's rate at 25 percent at the high end of the group. Asian countries in particular have been hard hit causing them shar.read more :-Rupee opened 24 paise lower at 85.75
Against the US dollar, the Indian rupee begins 24 paise lower at 85.75.Indian rupee opened 24 paise lower at 85.75 per dollar on Thursday versus Wednesday's close of 85.51.read more :-Govt Targets High-Tech Growth for Textile 2030: MoS Margherita
Government targets high-tech, high-growth products to achieve textile 2030 vision: Textile MoS Pabitra MargheritaThe government is focusing on high tech and high growth product segment to achieve Textile 2030 vision, Pabitra Margherita the Minister of State (MoS) for Textile said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. While replying to the questions in the lower house, MoS said, the government is leveraging large scale plug and play infrastructure, keeping sustainability at the core, while ensuring large-scale livelihood opportunities.The government's initiatives are providing impetus to traditional sectors including handloom and handicrafts and becoming Atma-nirbhar in raw material value chain by implementing various schemes/initiatives across the country, he added.The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated , world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre (MMF) Fabric.Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicraft artisans. Under these schemes, support is provided for marketing, skill development, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support etc.The textile industry is one of the largest sources of employment generation in the country, employing over 45 million people directly. A total of 35,874 USD million exports of Textiles & Apparel including Handicrafts were reported during 2023-24.A successful Global Mega Textile Event BHARAT TEX 2025 was organized in February, 2025 by Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles to showcase, India's prowess as a premier textile manufacturing hub, encompassing the entire value chain from raw materials to finished products. The event highlighted diversity and richness of Indian textiles, while emphasising the industry's manufacturing strength, global competitiveness as well as its commitment to sustainability and circularity.read more :-Indian Rupee higher 17 Paisa, Ends at 85.51 per Dollar
Rupee higher by 17 Paisa, Ends at 85.51 per DollarThe Indian rupee on wednesday higher 17 paise to close at 85.51 per dollar, while it opened at 85.68in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 592.93 points or 0.78 percent at 76,617.44, and the Nifty was up 166.65 points or 0.72 percent at 23,332.35. About 2755 shares advanced, 1049 shares declined, and 130 shares unchanged.read more :- Punjab Advances Paddy Sowing Date
Punjab extended the date for sowing paddyRecently, Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced change in the agricultural calendar. The state government has decided to advance the paddy sowing date to June 1. This decision aims to help farmers avoid issues related to high moisture content in their crops during the harvest season.Reasons for Advancing Sowing DateThe primary reason for this change is to mitigate complications that arise during the paddy procurement process. High moisture levels in harvested paddy can lead to delays in procurement and reduced payments for farmers. By starting sowing earlier, the government hopes to ensure that crops are harvested in a more favourable climate, reducing moisture levels at the time of sale.Zone-Wise Cultivation StrategyThe Punjab government plans to implement zone-wise cultivation. The state will be divided into four zones for paddy transplantation. This strategy is designed to optimise crop management and address regional agricultural challenges. Regions facing specific issues, such as sub-surface waterlogging, will have tailored cultivation schedules.Historical ContextHistorically, paddy transplantation in Punjab began after June 10. In 2009, legislation aimed at conserving groundwater mandated this delay. Before this, farmers often transplanted in May. The new policy marks a return to earlier practices while considering contemporary agricultural challenges.Impact of Weather ConditionsIn the previous year, heavy rainfall in September led to increased moisture levels in paddy, complicating the procurement process. Farmers reported losses when moisture content exceeded acceptable limits. The average ideal moisture level for harvested paddy is around 21-22%, but it must drop to 17% by the time it reaches mandis. Delays in procurement resulted in overcrowded markets and financial losses.Farmers’ Reactions and ExpectationsFarmers have largely welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a response to their demands for better procurement systems. They believe that advancing the sowing date will allow for a smoother transition between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing. This change could potentially lead to improved moisture levels and timely stubble management.Concerns and ChallengesDespite the positive reception, challenges remain. Farmers expressed concerns over a lack of guidance on suitable seed varieties for the new schedule. Last year, the quick-growing PR 126 variety led to market gluts and increased processing costs. Additionally, there has been insufficient communication with rice millers regarding the new plans.read more :-Rupee opened 22 paise lower at 85.68
In relation to the US dollar, the rupee opens 22 paise lower at 85.68.Indian rupee opened 22 paise lower at 85.68 per dollar on wednesday versus friday 's close of 85.46.read more :- Centre's Cotton Procurement Surpasses 99.4 Lakh Bales
Centre's cotton procurement from farmers exceeds 99.4 lakh bales this seasonThe Centre has procured 99.41 lakh bales of cotton at minimum support price (MSP) directly from farmers till March 25 this year, out of a total arrival of 260.11 lakh bales in the market, Parliament was told on Tuesday.Similarly, the government spent Rs 11,712 crore under MSP operations to procure cotton from farmers during the cotton season 2023-24. Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) supported farmers and procured 32.84 lakh bales under MSP operations, benefiting about 7.25 lakh cotton farmers across all cotton producing states.The government provides MSP to ensure remunerative prices to cotton farmers and protects them from distress selling in any event of prices of fair average quality (FAQ) cotton falling below the MSP. The Minister said that Government procurement can prevent prices from falling below the MSP level.Further, for global branding of Indian textiles, the Government has registered Kasturi Cotton as the Brand Trademark of India, to give a unique identity to premium quality Indian cotton, the Minister said.Support to cotton farmers plays a vital role in promoting the growth of India's textile exports.Listing the Government's efforts to boost textile exports, the Minister said that the global mega textile event Bharat Tex 2025 was successfully organised by Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in February this year and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, showcasing India's potential as a major textile manufacturing hub covering the entire value chain from raw materials to finished products. The event highlighted the diversity and richness of Indian textiles, emphasizing the industry's manufacturing strength, global competitiveness, as well as its commitment to sustainability and circularity.To popularise Indian textiles in global markets and promote Indian textiles, the government is also implementing various initiatives such as PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme, which aims to create a modern, integrated, world-class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man-made Fibre (MMF) Fabrics, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to promote large-scale manufacturing and enhance competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on research innovation and development, promotion and market development; SAMARTH - Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector which aims to provide demand driven, placement oriented skilling programmes, the minister said.read more :-Trump Tariff Fears Sink Market, Nifty & Sensex Fall
Closing Bell: Trump tariff jitters sink market, Nifty below 23,200, Sensex down 1,390 pointsAt close, the Sensex was down 1,390.41 points or 1.80 percent at 76,024.51, and the Nifty was down 353.65 points or 1.50 percent at 23,165.70. About 2651 shares advanced, 1230 shares declined, and 144 shares unchanged.The dollar market is closed todayread more :- Cotton Prices Surge: White Gold Reaches Record High
Cotton Market Update: White Gold Rises; Read in detail the highest price achieved in this marketCotton Market: The buying and selling of cotton had started from November. Meanwhile, farmers felt that prices would increase sooner or later. However, there has been no increase in prices even after the end of February. However, cotton has been getting good prices since mid-March.However, cotton prices have been rising steadily since mid-March and on Monday, prices in the private market reached the season's highest level of Rs 7,930 per quintal.After selling cotton, farmers are expressing displeasure over the price hike. Last year, after the monsoon arrived on time, farmers had completed Kharif sowing by the end of June. Then, after satisfactory rains, the cotton crop bloomed in full.To get good yield, farmers also cultivate by spraying chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, cotton and soybean crops suffered the most in the Kharif season due to heavy rains in August and September.The cotton crop had turned yellow due to waterlogging in the fields for several days. As a result, only one cotton plant was produced in two harvestings. Initially, as the price of cotton was getting very low in the private market, the farmers sold cotton to CCI at a guaranteed price of Rs 7,521.CCI closed the center after buying 3 lakh 91 thousand quintals of cotton till March 15. However, cotton prices have been rising continuously since mid-March. Cotton procurement is going on in the private market of the city. On Monday, the price of cotton reached the season's highest level of Rs 7,930 per quintal. Most of the farmers have initially sold cotton at CCI centers.However, farmers who kept it at home in the hope of rising cotton prices are seen benefiting from the price rise. Meanwhile, the arrival of cotton in the private market has increased due to the daily increase in cotton prices in the month of March. Farmers are expressing some satisfaction over the recent increase in cotton prices.Price rise after saleAt the beginning of the season, cotton prices ranged from Rs 7,200 to Rs 7,300. By the end of March, cotton prices increased significantly. On Monday, the price of cotton reached Rs 7,930 and is heading towards the Rs 8,000 mark. However, there is discontent over the rise in prices after the sale of cotton.read more :-Farmers Shift Focus: From Cotton to New Crops
Cotton cultivation area may decrease, now farmers are turning towards these crops, know everythingUSDA India Post has released a report. In this, a forecast has been made about Indian crops. According to this, India's cotton acreage for the market year (MY) 2025-26 may be 11.4 million hectares, which is three percent less than last year. Cotton acreage for MY 2024-25 was 11.8 million hectares. The report claims that the main reason for the reduction in cotton acreage is the farmers turning to other crops. A large number of farmers cultivating cotton are now turning to more profitable crops like pulses and oilseeds.Acreage decreased, but good yieldEven though the cotton acreage has decreased, due to higher yield, production is expected to remain at 25 million bales of 480 pounds, which is the same as the current year. Based on the expectation of a normal monsoon season, the USDA Post has projected an average yield of 477 kg per hectare for fiscal year 2025/26, which is three per cent higher than the official estimate of 461 kg per hectare for fiscal year 2024/25, due to production in areas with adequate irrigation facilities and water availability.The USDA Post said that the area planted in Punjab is projected to remain stable, while it will decrease by five per cent in Haryana due to a shift to paddy cultivation. Yields are expected to fall slightly in both states, as farmers are diverting water to other crops. The area planted in Rajasthan is expected to be two per cent lower than the previous year, as farmers are shifting to crops such as guar, maize and pulses (moong) due to anticipated higher prices. However, better pest management practices are likely to lead to higher yields.What do the data from other states say?In Gujarat, the largest producer state, acreage is expected to decline by three per cent compared to last year, as farmers are shifting towards pulses, groundnut, cumin and sesame. Though current domestic farmgate prices for cotton have seen less decline than other commodities, its production cost is significantly higher, he said. Besides a short period of rise, strong government support and export demand have made pulses and groundnut the preferred crops this season in Gujarat.In Maharashtra, acreage sown is expected to remain the same as last year as farmers dissatisfied with low soybean prices in the current season may consider cultivating tur (tur) and maize due to better profitability. Madhya Pradesh is estimated to decline by five per cent, as farmers are shifting towards oilseeds and pulses.In the south, strong government incentive schemes for ethanol production may cause farmers to switch acreage from cotton to maize and rice cultivation in the southern states of Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, resulting in an estimated reduction of seven per cent compared to last year.Also knowThe USDA Post estimates that mill consumption in fiscal year 2025/26 will be 25.7 million bales of 480 pounds, up by about 0.8 per cent from last year, as demand for yarn and textiles remains stable in key international markets.Exports for fiscal year 2025/26 are estimated at 1.5 million (480-pound) bales, up seven per cent from last year, as stocks are very high. The continued devaluation of the rupee may provide opportunities for increased exports of cotton and cotton products. Cotton imports for fiscal year 2025/26 are estimated at 2.5 million bales, down four per cent from last year. Indian mills will continue to rely on imports to meet the inadequate domestic supply of machine-picked contamination-free fibre. Further, USDA post estimates that consumption of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton will increase in FY 2025/26 due to improved demand in the international market.Mills are dependent on imported supplies mainly from the US to meet consumption needs. The United States, Egypt and Israel are the major suppliers of the ELS variety, and imports from the United States maintain an average market share of 50 per cent of total imports.More than 47 per cent of US exports to India by value is ELS cotton, and 90 per cent of imported US fibre is re-exported as contamination-free yarn and fabric. In India, ELS cotton is grown in about 2 lakh hectares in central and southern India, mainly under DCH-32 and MCU-5 hybrids. Increasing production remains challenging due to low yields, high production costs and increased susceptibility to sucking pests and bollworms.read more :-India's Cotton Industry Struggles: Aversion to Science & Technology
Why India lagged behind in the cotton race – Aversion to science and technologyIn 1853, Karl Marx famously wrote about how British rule had “broken the Indian handloom and destroyed the spinning wheel”, priced its textiles out of the European market, “brought the twist to Hindustan” and finally “flooded the motherland of cotton with cotton”. Something similar has happened to Indian cotton over the past decade or so. However, in this case it was not due to some grand imperialist scheme, but due to pure domestic policy paralysis and ineptitude.Consider the following: Between 2002-03 and 2013-14, India’s cotton production nearly tripled from 13.6 million to 39.8 million bales (MB; 1 bale = 170 kg). During the three marketing years (October-September) ending 2002-03, its average imports were 2.2 mb which was not even 0.1 mb more than exports. This changed completely in the three years ending 2013-14, with imports falling by half to 1.1 mb and exports increasing a hundredfold to 11.6 mb. India’s production is projected to be 29.5 mb in 2024-25, the lowest since 29 mb in 2008-09. Also, imports at 3 mb will surpass exports of 1.7 mb. In short, we have become a net importer of the natural fibre. A country that had become the world’s No. 1 producer in 2015-16 and the second-largest exporter to the US by 2011-12 is today “inundated” by American, Australian, Egyptian and Brazilian cotton. How did India become a major producer and exporter of cotton? The answer is technology. India has some of the best cotton breeders.This tradition of openness to new technologies and breeding innovations also enabled the commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton hybrids in India. The first of these – incorporating genes isolated from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, producing a protein toxic to the deadly American bollworm pest – was planted from the 2002-03 crop season. This was followed four years later by second-generation GM hybrids based on Bollgard-II technology, deploying two Bt genes to provide protection against the Spodoptera cotton leafworm pest.The widespread adoption of Bt cotton – covering nearly 95 per cent of the country’s total 12 million hectares of cotton cultivation by 2013-14 – led to a second revolution of the fibre: if H-4, Varalakshmi and other hybrids helped double the national average lint yield from 127 kg to 302 kg per hectare between 1970-71 and 2002-03, Bollgard raised it to 566 kg by 2013-14.It is not just cotton or Monsanto-Bayer’s GM technologies that are suffering. Other GM crops and even indigenously developed transgenic crops — from Delhi University’s hybrid mustard and cotton claimed to have higher levels of Bt “Cry1Ac” protein expression than Bollgard, to the Lucknow-based National Botanical Research Institute’s whitefly and pink bollworm resistant cotton — have struggled to cross regulatory hurdles, ostensibly designed to protect the country’s agriculture from “risks” posed by their release.read more :-Weekly Cotton Bale Sales Report - CCI
Weekly Summary Report: Cotton Bales Sold by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) conducted online bidding for cotton bales throughout the week, with the summary of daily sales being as follows:24th March 2025: Highest sales of the week recorded with 17,400 bales, comprising 10,700 bales in Mills session and 6,700 bales in Traders session.25th March 2025: Total 6,700 bales, comprising 6,300 bales in Mills session and 400 bales in Traders session.26th March 2025: Daily sales reached 800 bales, with 800 bales sold in Mills session and no bales sold in Traders session.27 March 2025: A total of 400 bales were sold, of which 400 bales were sold in the Mills session and no bales were sold in the Traders session.28 March 2025: The week concluded with a total of 5,900 bales sold, of which 5,900 bales were sold from the Mills session and no bales were sold in the Traders session.Weekly Total: During the week, CCI sold 31,200 (approx.) cotton bales, successfully using its online bidding platform to streamline transactions and support trading.SiS is committed to updating you in real time on all textile related news.read more :- India Proposes Lower Tariffs on US Farm Imports by April 2
India proposes tariff cuts on US farm imports as April 2 deadline looms In a new development amid US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff threats, India has offered to lower tariffs on import of US farm products like almonds and cranberries, two government sources told Reuters. India agreed upon the tariff cuts on bourbon whiskey and agricultural products such as almonds, walnuts, cranberries, pistachios and lentils in a meeting with Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, a source familiar with the discussion said. Regarding the trade talks, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday, March 27, said that the trade talks are “progressing well”, and a bilateral trade pact is still in progress. However, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not comment on the latest development, while the embassy spokesperson in New Delhi said, “We don’t have anything to share on private diplomatic discussions,” reported Reuters.Unlike many other nations, India has been on the front foot to negotiate tariff cuts and is open to cuts on over half of US imports worth $23 billion, Reuters reported earlier this week. Last month, Goyal also said that the two countries can offer concessions and duty reductions, as their economies complement each other. “We complement each other, we can give mutual concessions to each other, tariff reductions and make it easier to export and import between the two countries,” he said, adding, “We have started working on different ideas, engaging with different stakeholders within and outside the government and preparing ourselves for discussions, (which) we hope we will start soon.” In February, India also slashed the custom duty on bourbon whiskey from 150 per cent to 100 per cent. With the bilateral talks, further adjustment in tariffs can be expected soon. Notably, while Trump has consistently maintained that India’s high tariffs preclude special treatment, he has softened his stance over the past few days. Without naming any country, Trump said that a lot of countries will be given a break on April 2. He has also said that tariffs will likely be more “lenient than reciprocal”.read more :-Govt Sets Bt Cotton Seed Price for 2025-26
Government Notifies Maximum Sale Price of Bt Cotton Seeds for 2025-26New Delhi: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a notification setting the maximum sale price of Bt cotton seeds for the financial year 2025-26 across India. According to S.O.1472(E), issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Cotton Seeds Price (Control) Order, 2015, the Central Government has finalized the prices based on recommendations from the designated committee.The maximum sale price for a 475-gram packet of Bt cotton seeds, which includes 5 to 10 percent non-Bt seeds, has been set at ₹635 for BG-I and ₹901 for BG-II. The decision aims to regulate the seed market, ensuring affordability for farmers while maintaining a balance between industry interests and agricultural sustainability.Industry stakeholders, including seed manufacturers and cotton growers, are expected to align with these regulated prices for the upcoming cotton season. The government’s move is expected to impact both input costs for farmers and the pricing strategies of seed companies, influencing cotton cultivation across the country.read more :-Rupee Strengthens 20 Paisa Against Dollar, Closes at 85.46
Indian Rupee higher 20 Paisa, Ends at 85.46 per DollarThe Indian rupee on friday higher 20 paise to close at 85.46 per dollar, while it opened at 85.66 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 191.51 points or 0.25 percent at 77,414.92, and the Nifty was down 72.60 points or 0.31 percent at 23,519.35. About 1454 shares advanced, 2399 shares declined, and 116 shares unchanged.read more :-PAU Tests New Pink Bollworm-Resistant Cotton Seed
PAU holds field trials to approve new pink bollworm-resistant cotton seedPunjab Agricultural University (PAU) will soon undertake the second round of field trials for pink bollworm-resistant (PBW) genetically modified (GM) cotton in the forthcoming kharif seasons, giving hope to scores of cotton growers facing economic crisis due to repeated crop loss due to pest attacks in the last few years.Scientists at the Bathinda-based regional research station (RRS) of the PAU are engaged in field trials that started last year at undisclosed locations.Strict confidentiality is being maintained to ensure that a genetically engineered seed is sown in confined and controlled conditions and is not exposed to other flora.In 2024, PAU started testing the seeds of Bioseed Research Limited, a Hyderabad-based company of DCM Shriram Group, to examine its defence against the PBW, locally known as gulabi sundi. The pest feeds on the reproductive parts of cotton plants, where the fibre is produced, reducing the yield and quality of the crop.Experts clarified that the outcome of the GM cotton crop trials would take at least three years before the central authorities take a final call for commercial availability of the hybrid.Trials for GM seeds are conducted after approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), a central agency, and a nod from the state government.PAU vice-chancellor Prof Satbir Singh Gosal had earlier confirmed to HT about the Bollgard-III trials being conducted on behalf of the GEAC.Bollgard, a Bt cotton hybrid, was developed by Monsanto more than a decade ago, having a remarkable resistance to pests.In 2002, GEAC approved the use of a genetically modified variety of cotton, the Bt cotton, to combat this pest. However, by 2009, the bollworm began to develop resistance to a toxic protein present in cotton.Crop breeder at RRS, Bathinda, Paramjit Singh, who is leading the trials, said on Thursday, that the ongoing project is significant as the pink bollworm is considered to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton crop worldwide and is a major problem for the cotton industry in India, including Punjab, refusing to disclose the outcomes of the first year’s trials of Bioseed citing protocols.“The deteriorating farm situation warranted the need for continued research in the field of GM cotton. Several institutions are working to develop GM seeds to combat the pink bollworm. During the field trials, our team of researchers evaluated different parameters of the crop, including assessing damages from bollworm infestation, seed cotton yield, along with safety of the crop from mice and rabbits. The team is also studying the impact of the crop on soil microorganisms and fauna and assessing if the crop has any impact on other unrelated organisms in the ecosystem,” Paramjit said who played a crucial role in the development of the Bt1 cotton variety by PAU after a patent held by a corporate seed company ceased in 2016.“Field trials of GM crops have strict rules where only authorised persons have access to the areas of tests. During the experiment of the pink bollworm-resistant seeds in 2024, no cotton was grown in the vicinity of the spot where the GM cotton crop was grown. Approval for trials is required to be renewed every year from the GEAC and sanctioned from a panel of the state government where every detail is recorded for review by the experts,” he added.read more :-Rupee opened 12 paise higher at 85.66
In relation to the US dollar, the rupee opens 12 paise higher at 85.66.Indian rupee opened 12 paise higher at 85.66 per dollar on Friday versus Thursday's close of 85.78.read more :-Rupee closed 13 Paise higher at 85.78 Against US Dollar
Indian Rupee higher 13 Paisa, Ends at 85.78 per DollarThe Indian rupee on thursday higher 13 paise to close at 85.78 per dollar, while it opened at 85.91 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 317.93 points or 0.41 percent at 77,606.43, and the Nifty was up 105.10 points or 0.45 percent at 23,591.95. About 1628 shares advanced, 2247 shares declined, and 79 shares unchanged.read more :-CCI procured 210.19 lakh quintals cotton worth ₹15,556 cr : Kishan Reddy
Kishan Reddy: CCI purchased 210.19 lakh quintals of cotton for ₹15,556 cr.Telangana, which stands third in cotton production across the country, has received strong support from the Modi-led Central Government with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procuring 210.19 lakh quintals cotton worth over worth ₹15,556 crore, providing direct benefit to nearly nine lakh farmers in the current crop season 2024-25, said Union Minister of Coal & Mines and State BJP president G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday (March 26, 2025).In the last 10 years, from 2014-15 till 2024-25, ₹58,000 crore worth of cotton was procured at Minimum Support Prices (MSP), benefiting lakhs of farmers. Every year, based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), the Central Government announces MSP for 22 agricultural commodities, including cotton. The MSP is fixed in such a way that it is at least 50% higher than the cost of production, he said in a press release.In the case of cotton, whenever market prices fall below MSP levels, the Centre steps in through CCI to procure the crop from farmers at the declared MSP, he said, pointing out that 110 cotton procurement centres have been set up across the State for this year’s crop season.The Minister said MSP for cotton, which was ₹3,750 per quintal in 2014-15, has increased to ₹7,121 per quintal by 2024-25. At a time when open market prices for cotton dropped, the Modi Government stood firmly with farming families in Telangana by procuring cotton at MSP on a large scale. The Centre is continuously supporting farmers in every aspect of agriculture—from soil testing, seeds, fertilizers, farm equipment, crop loans, crop insurance, irrigation projects, and storage facilities to MSP procurement, as per the press release.read more :-Rupee opens 21 paise lower at 85.91 against US dollar
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| CCI procured 210.19 lakh quintals cotton worth ₹15,556 cr : Kishan Reddy | 27-03-2025 20:04:24 | view |
