Agriculture
`QR removal will affect agri-commodity prices'
CONTRARY to the trends in major industrialised economies, the prices of agricultural commodities in the country have been firming up against that of industrial products. But, all that could soon change with the removal of quantitative restrictions and pr
ogressive tariff reduction in the immediate future.
Aquaculture
`Need to diversify aquaculture output'
WHILE shrimp has remained the mainstay of marine exports for decades, aquaculture production has been an important factor that has helped it to sustain its paramount position.
Commodities
Tobacco growers seek phased ban
TOBACCO farmers are not opposed to restrictions on smoking in public places and other measures contemplated by the Union Government to safeguard public health but the steps would have to be taken in a phased manner over a period of time so that those dep
endent on the crop and the industry are not adversely affected, Mr Ch. Seshaiah, President of the AP Tobacco Growers' Union (Ongole), has said.
Floriculture
Kerala farmers to take over EU project
THE New Delhi-based office of the Counsellor (Development) of the European Union (EU) and the Kerala Government are working out on the smooth transition of the eight-year-long, EU-funded Kerala Horticultural Development Programme (KHDP) into a new autono
mous company, styled Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK), which will be mostly-controlled by farmer members.
Plantations
Spices Board to take part in Shanghai food fair
SPICES Board plans to participate in the Food Ingredients Asia-China exhibition to be held at Shanghai from April 3 to 5.
Cashew prices crash
THE cashew market seems to be no exception to the general decline in the global agri-commodity markets with prices reaching new lows. A gradual slide in cashew prices over the last 4-6 weeks has now led a crash below the psychological level of $2 per pou
nd.
