📅 Current Affairs for Unit IX – Managerial Economics, Market Structure & Agri Institutions (March–June 2025)
Stay updated with the most important trade, export, and institutional developments directly relevant to Unit IX of the ICAR AIEEA PG – Agri-Business Management syllabus.
📆 June 2025 Highlights
- ✅ APEDA Jamun Export to UK: India exported the first consignment of fresh Jamun fruit (Kundana variety) from Karnataka to the United Kingdom on June 19, 2025, via APEDA. Sourced from FPOs, farmers reportedly earned ₹110/kg compared to ₹50/kg domestically. (Export Promotion, Value Chain) – PIB (June 20, 2025)
- ✅ India-Central Asia Dialogue (New Delhi): The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue was held on June 6, 2025. Ministers emphasized strengthening cooperation, including in agriculture, and promoting greater financial and transport connectivity. (International Relations, Trade) – MEA (June 6, 2025)
- ✅ "Beej se Bazaar Tak" Philosophy: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare highlighted the 'Beej se Bazaar Tak' (seed to market) philosophy, emphasizing reforms across soil health, irrigation, digital marketplaces, and FPO support, as the Modi government completed 11 years. (Agri Policy, FPOs) – ANI (June 7, 2025)
📆 May 2025 Highlights
- ✅ RoDTEP Scheme Reinstated for Special Categories: Government restored RoDTEP benefits for exports made by Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) effective June 1, 2025, to boost export competitiveness. (Export Policy, WTO) – PIB (May 27, 2025)
- ✅ Odisha Foodgrain Production Target for Kharif 2025-26: Odisha set a foodgrain production target of 137.7 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 Kharif season, an increase of nearly 17% over the previous year, anticipating an above-normal monsoon. (Agricultural Planning, State Policy) – New Indian Express (May 29, 2025)
- ✅ Pharma-Grade Sugar Export Quota Opened: DGFT opened applications for the export of 25,000 MT of pharma-grade sugar under a restricted category for the current sugar season (ending Sep 30, 2025), with applications accepted from June 20 to July 20, 2025. (Strategic Trade, Export Policy) – Pharma Industrial India (June 19, 2025)
📆 March–April 2025 Highlights
- ✅ Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) by EXIM Bank: EXIM Bank's Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) was highlighted by the Finance Minister as a key initiative enabling Indian exporters, particularly SMEs, to access high-risk markets by bridging financing gaps. (EXIM, Trade Infrastructure) – PIB (June 24, 2025 - *event reference, though news is from June*)
- ✅ WTO Agriculture Committee & India's Stance: Discussions continue around India's stance on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and subsidies under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). India consistently advocates for food security and farmer welfare in these negotiations. (WTO Negotiation, Agri Policy) – Modern Diplomacy (Feb 16, 2025 - *contextual article, as specific "March-April 2025 meet" wasn't found for public domain*)
- ✅ Union Cabinet Approvals for Agri & Dairy: Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with additional outlays until 2025-26, emphasizing agricultural development and livestock sector boost. (Institutional Support, Government Schemes) – PIB (March 20, 2025)
- ✅ 10 Lakh Tonnes Sugar Export Quota for 2024-25: The Government of India approved a 10 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) sugar export quota for the 2024-25 marketing year, which runs from October to September. This approval was given on January 20, 2025. (Price Policy, Market Structure) – ChiniMandi (Jan 20, 2025)
🧠Exam Insights
- 🟢 Focus on WTO developments (esp. RoDTEP, subsidies, AoA discussions), trade policies, and export promotion.
- 🟢 Highlight roles of key institutions like NABARD, APEDA, EXIM Bank, and the growing importance of FPOs.
- 🟢 Use real examples and recent statistics to strengthen answers in Unit IX case-based MCQs.
📌 Student Note
This guide is based on official sources (PIB, MEA, ANI, New Indian Express, ChiniMandi, Pharma Industrial India) and is aligned with ICAR AIEEA PG Agri-Business Management syllabus – Unit IX. Always refer to textbooks and ICAR e-course portals for complete coverage, and for the most up-to-date information, regularly check official government press releases and reputable financial news outlets.
