Government Extends Plant Variety Protection to Mesta and Hibiscus
The Central Government has further expanded the scope of plant variety protection under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001, to include Mesta and Hibiscus/China Rose. This amendment was officially notified through a gazette notification dated April 25, 2025.
Government Extends Validity of Tobacco Grower Registrations and Barn Licenses to 3 Years
The Government of India has decided to extend the validity of the Certificate of Registration for Virginia tobacco growers and the License for operation of a barn from the current one year to three years to ease the burden on tobacco farmers and promote ease of doing business.
UP Issues New Minimum Wages for Vacuum Sugar Mills Workers
Uttar Pradesh updates VDA for vacuum sugar mill workers, effective April 1, 2025, based on CPI average of Nov 24 to Jan 25 at 9453.18 points
Govt Mandates Aadhaar for Farmers’ Benefits Under PM-AASHA
Centre mandates Aadhaar for availing support under PM-AASHA; alternate ID options allowed for those without Aadhaar. Notification effective immediately.
Kerala Releases Feb 2025 CPI for Labourers & Workers
Kerala’s Feb 2025 CPI shows slight rise in living costs for labourers and workers, with highest index in Kasargod and steady trends in many regions.
India’s New CPI Inflation Hits 5-Year Low at 3.34% in March 2025
India’s CPI inflation drops to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest since Aug 2019. Food inflation also declines sharply, driven by lower prices in key items.
FSSAI Seeks Public Input on Clear Labelling of ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ Products
The FSSAI is now requesting stakeholders to furnish their comments and suggestions on consultation paper on compliance with the provisions of ‘analogue in the dairy context’. The deadline for submitting comments and suggestions is June 15, 2025.
India Intensifies Efforts to Combat Avian Influenza Outbreaks
Secretary DAHD has emphasized the critical importance of protecting the poultry sector for food security and rural livelihoods, stressing the need for strict biosecurity, scientific surveillance, and responsible industry practices.
Jute Commissioner Sets Maximum Ex-Factory Price for Jute Bags for April 2025
The Jute Commissioner has announced the fixed maximum ex-factory price for 580gm “Type-A” and “Type-B” jute bags for the month of April 2025. This decision was notified on April 9, 2025 and aims to regulate the pricing of essential jute packaging materials.
Government Bans Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans in Food-Producing Animals
The Indian government, through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (Veterinary Division), has issued a notification prohibiting the import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans in any food-producing animal rearing system. This ban, effective immediately, comes in response to concerns about potential risks to human health. This notice was issued on April 2, 2025.
