The conclusion of the long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand has drawn fresh attention to Kashmir, India's largest apple-producing region, as growers and policymakers assess its implications. Under the agreement, New Zealand apples will gain limited preferential access. read more

The Citrus Research Institute (CRI) in Sargodha has started developing seedless and pigmented kinnow varieties to better meet global market demand, marking a significant change in Punjab's efforts to improve its citrus industry. Punjab has 358,000 acres dedicated to citrus cultivation, with anticipated production this... read more

The dwuspotted cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a species native to the Indian subcontinent and has become an invasive pest of cotton, okra, eggplant, and hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus; Malvaceae) in the southeastern United States. read more

Terra Nova Nurseries has received recognition for some of its top breeding varieties at the 2025 Penn State University Flower Trials and the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville. Three of Terra Nova's new introductions—Echinacea Revelation 'Coral', Echinacea Princess 'Bride', and Heuchera... read more

A new cross-border logistics network is revolutionizing the trade of fresh produce between northwest China's Xinjiang region and Central Asia, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative. Refrigerated trucks now transport fruits and vegetables from Xinjiang to markets in Kyrgyzstan and other countries in Central Asia. read more

Bright prospects are expected for South African pomegranates in 2026, with improving exports and recently established orchards set to increase export volumes significantly over the next five years. Recent developments in Turkey and Italy have also contributed to this positive outlook. read more

Sukanta Paul of Sukanta Overseas, a fresh produce exporter in Tripura, reports that the region's orange orchards are currently yielding good volumes, with the harvest expected to continue until February-March. He attributes this stable production to favorable weather conditions and improved orchard management practices by local farmers. read more

The business community in Afghanistan has suffered significant losses as a result of prolonged closures of vital border crossings with Pakistan, which has led to the spoilage of around $50 million worth of Afghan grapes. Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, expressed concern over the situation. read more

"I am delighted to offer my congratulations to The Hon. Mick Veitch on his appointment as the new Chairperson of AgriFutures Australia," said Hamish McIntyre, President of the National Farmers' Federation. Mr. Veitch brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience in agriculture and rural communities that will be invaluable." read more

The banana is the most widely consumed fruit in Russia, surpassing apples (9.8 kg per capita per year in 2024). However, banana prices have sharply increased since 2022 due to sanctions, reliance on imports, and logistical challenges. Bananas are primarily imported from Ecuador. read more

MSC is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to its IROKO service with a new direct call at Cape Town, connecting Asia, South, and West Africa. This improved service will support various sectors, particularly the retail industry and other end-consumer industries. read more

New Zealand's pipfruit and kiwifruit industries have welcomed today's announcement of a free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, which provides significantly enhanced market access for both sectors. read more

An enduring passion for floriculture culminated in a floral tribute as Narayan Shastri (85), a city-based rose expert and veteran hybridizer, unveiled a new hybrid tea rose variety named 'Gadkari', gifting it to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on the occasion of his. read more

Pistachio demand in China has been steadily rising due to growing consumer awareness of their health benefits and the increasing popularity of nuts as a snack. This trend has made China one of the largest global importers of pistachios, with the majority of imports coming from the United States. read more

From January to November 2025, Uzbekistan experienced a substantial increase in banana imports. According to preliminary data from the State Statistics Committee, the country imported 161,400 tons of bananas during this period, amounting to a total expenditure of $54.3 million. This represents a significant rise compared to the same period last year. read more

Monoprix officially returned to Lebanon on December 17th with the opening of its first store in Antélias, located in the Metn region. Originally planned for Hamra, the opening was postponed by a year and the location was changed. The franchise of the French brand, owned by the Casino group, was acquired. read more

Breedx recently organized its inaugural tomato open day for Israeli growers, providing insights into the company's breeding focus, greenhouse assessment methods, and global expansion plans. The event was held at Breedx's demonstration greenhouse in Israel, and was attended by growers from various regions. read more

Pakistan's kinno exports continue to fall short of potential due to regional tensions, high freight costs, and weak government support. Despite being a leading global citrus producer, the country is expected to export only 400,000–450,000 tonnes of kinno in the 2025–26 season, far below its true capacity. read more

Chile aims to expand its fruit exports to India, which it sees as a market with significant growth potential. Iván Marambio, President of Frutas de Chile, stated that the objective is to position India as the sector's third most important market, following the United States and China. Achieving this goal will depend on enhancements in trade relations. read more

India and New Zealand have agreed on a free trade agreement. The agreement is meant to boost trade and investment, with New Zealand looking for increased market access for dairy and fruit products, while India is focusing on facilitating the movement of skilled professionals and IT services. read more