Did you know we have a stress hormone called ‘cortisol’? In humans, it is the main stress hormone. Doctors suggest that the imbalance of this hormone can cause sleeplessness and extreme anger issues.
But wait, why are we discussing it here?
Because India holds the cure for such disorders. Yes, one such cure is Ashwagandha.
India has a deep connection with medicinal plants that dates back thousands of years. Ayurveda, the country’s traditional system of medicine, has long relied on herbs to maintain health and balance.
Among these herbs, Ashwagandha wears a special crown with a lot of nutritional benefits. It is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve strength, and support overall well-being.
Recently, Nagauri Ashwagandha from Rajasthan received the Geographical Indication or GI tag, marking a major achievement for Indian agriculture and traditional medicine.
The GI tag for Ashwagandha has brought national and international attention to the Nagaur region. It has not only recognised the quality of this medicinal plant but also strengthened the identity of farmers who have been cultivating it for generations. This recognition highlights India’s growing importance in the global herbal and wellness industry.
Unique Identity of Nagauri Ashwagandha
Nagauri Ashwagandha is majorly grown in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. The region has dry weather, sandy soil, and low rainfall, which together create ideal conditions for cultivating this medicinal crop. These natural factors play a major role in improving the quality and strength of the roots.
Compared to other varieties, Ashwagandha from Nagaur contains a higher level of active compounds. This gives it stronger medicinal value and makes it more effective for use in Ayurveda. The plant grows naturally with limited water and minimal use of chemicals, which makes it suitable for sustainable farming.
Because of these qualities, Nagauri Ashwagandha has always been in demand. However, the GI tag has now given it official recognition and legal protection. It has helped establish a clear identity for this variety and has increased its value in both domestic and international markets.
GI Tag for Ashwagandha and Its Significance
A Geographical Indication tag is given to products that originate from a specific location and have unique qualities linked to that region. In India, GI tags are issued by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
When Nagauri Ashwagandha received the GI tag, it became a protected product of Rajasthan. This means only Ashwagandha grown in the Nagaur region can be sold under this name. The tag prevents misuse and ensures that buyers receive authentic produce.
The GI tag also improves consumer trust. It assures quality, originality, and traceability. For farmers, it offers legal protection and helps them receive better prices for their crops. For buyers, it guarantees that they are purchasing genuine Ashwagandha from a trusted source.
Role of Government and Medicinal Plant Institutions
The success of Nagauri Ashwagandha is closely linked to the efforts of government bodies and research institutions. The National Medicinal Plants Board has played a major role in promoting medicinal plants and supporting farmers. It has helped in spreading awareness, improving cultivation practices, and encouraging scientific research.
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted the GI tag after careful study of soil quality, climate conditions, and traditional farming methods. Agricultural universities and research centers also contributed by providing data on the medicinal value of Ashwagandha grown in Nagaur.
These institutions continue to support farmers through training programs and technical guidance. Their involvement has strengthened the medicinal plant sector and ensured that cultivation remains sustainable and profitable.
Benefits for Farmers and the Local Economy
The GI tag has brought significant economic benefits to farmers in the Nagaur region. Earlier, many farmers faced low returns due to lack of recognition and limited market access. After receiving the GI tag, the demand for Nagauri Ashwagandha increased sharply.
Farmers now receive better prices for their produce and have access to wider markets. The recognition has reduced the role of middlemen, allowing farmers to earn directly from buyers and herbal companies. As a result, income levels have improved and interest in medicinal farming has grown.
The cultivation of Ashwagandha has also created employment opportunities in rural areas. From farming to processing and packaging, the crop has generated new sources of livelihood. It has encouraged young farmers to adopt medicinal plant cultivation as a sustainable career option.
Importance in Ayurveda and the Global Herbal Market
Ashwagandha is one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurveda. It is known for boosting immunity, reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing energy levels. Nagauri Ashwagandha is especially valued because of its high potency and purity.
With the GI tag in place, the demand for this variety has increased in the global herbal market. Pharmaceutical companies and wellness brands prefer GI-certified Ashwagandha because it meets quality standards and ensures authenticity.
As interest in natural and plant-based medicine grows worldwide, India’s role as a supplier of medicinal herbs has become stronger. The GI tag has helped position Nagauri Ashwagandha as a premium product in international markets.
The future of Nagauri Ashwagandha looks very promising. With rising awareness about herbal medicine and natural health solutions, demand is expected to grow further. The GI tag has opened doors for exports, value-added products, and research-based developments.
This recognition has also helped preserve traditional farming knowledge while encouraging modern agricultural practices. It has empowered farmers, improved rural livelihoods, and strengthened India’s position in the medicinal plant sector.
In conclusion, the GI tag for Nagauri Ashwagandha is more than just a certification. It represents the hard work of farmers, the richness of Ayurveda, and the importance of protecting regional products. It stands as a proud symbol of India’s agricultural heritage and its growing influence in the global wellness industry.
India is once again making headlines in the global agricultural sector. This time it’s not about a shortage or supply disruption, but about a record paddy harvest that’s set to reshape global markets. According to recent reports, India’s bumper paddy crop is adding a huge supply of paddy grains to the global market at a time when international demand is already soft. That combination is driving down global prices and creating challenges for farmers and traders alike.
A Historic Harvest
India has produced an unprecedented amount of paddy grains in the 2025–26 crop year. The record output comes after favourable monsoon rains and effective agricultural planning. Estimates suggest India’s paddy production reached its highest level ever, with millions of tons of grain now ready for domestic use and export.
Because India grows so much paddy crop , this harvest has a significant impact on global paddy grain supplies. The country is already the world’s biggest paddy grains producer and exporter, with a share of the global market that far exceeds most other nations. When India produces more than usual, the global cereal balance shifts noticeably.
Falling Prices on World Markets
One of the most immediate effects of India’s large paddy grains downward pressure on global paddy grains prices. Prices are already under stress because demand from major buyers in regions like Africa and the Middle East has cooled. These countries are traditionally big importers of rice from Asia, but tighter import policies and smaller immediate buying commitments have slowed the usual flow of trade.
With so much grains available, sellers are feeling the squeeze. Analysts now expect global paddy grains prices to decline by as much as $15 to $25 per ton by the spring months. That’s a significant shift in a commodity market where small price changes can have major effects on trade and livelihoods.
Why Demand Isn’t Keeping Up
The world’s need for paddy is not growing as fast as the amount of rice available because of a few things. Important countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are making it harder to bring cereal in, as their governments want to help their own farmers and use up the grains they already have before buying more from other places.
Also, because some parts of the world are having money problems, those buying the cereal grain are being careful, since money issues and changing values of money often cause them to wait to buy large amounts of basic foods until the costs become stable.
On top of this, many countries have already saved up a lot of grains over the last few years, so they don’t need to buy more right away. Because of these things, those who buy paddy grains are checking out the market and holding off to see how low costs might go before they agree to big purchases, and this is making world prices drop even further.
How This Affects Indian Farmers
Falling international prices are a mixed blessing for Indian farmers. On the one hand, India’s agricultural economy has thrived with record production and export volumes. On the other hand, lower grains prices mean that growers may earn less per ton of rice sold on world markets.
Paddy is a major crop for millions of Indian farmers, and price shifts at the global level eventually filter down to domestic markets. When world prices decline, traders and exporters often offer lower prices to growers. That can squeeze farm incomes unless domestic support mechanisms like minimum support prices (MSPs) or government procurement absorb some of the impact.
Exports Are Still Strong
Despite the price challenges, India’s paddy export volumes remain high. With export restrictions lifted, shipments of both basmati and non-basmati grains have rebounded. In 2025, paddy grains exports climbed sharply, nearing all-time highs. That shows global buyers still see value in Indian paddy grains, especially in markets that rely heavily on imports to meet food needs.
India’s competitive pricing has helped it capture markets traditionally held by rivals like Thailand and Vietnam. Cheaper Indian paddy grains is attractive to importers in Africa and parts of Asia, helping offset some of the downward price trends.
The Bigger Picture: Global Surplus
India is not the only country with abundant the grain stocks. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation forecasts record global paddy grains production, driven by strong output not just in India but in other major paddy growing regions too. When supply outpaces demand around the world, prices naturally decline.
This oversupply affects not just paddy grains , but the broader cereal market. When staple paddy grains are plentiful and affordable, consumers who depend on paddy grains can benefit. Lower prices can help reduce food costs in importing countries and improve food security in vulnerable regions.
What Comes Next
There’s no simple answer to where the cereal prices will go from here specially paddy. Much depends on how demand recovers, especially in big importing regions. Seasonal demand patterns, changes in import policies, and broader economic conditions will all influence future price movements.
India’s government and agricultural policymakers will also play a role. By managing domestic stocks, adjusting export strategies, and supporting farmers with procurement or incentives, they can help buffer the impact of price swings.
For growers, traders, and consumers alike, this period is one of adjustment. A record harvest brought plenty of grains to the world, but matching that supply with demand has proven challenging. As markets find balance and demand patterns shift in the months ahead, the effects of India’s bumper crop will continue to unfold.
Presently, India is the top rice producer in the world, going past China, with a total amount of 150.18 million tonnes, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday, when he launched 184 new types of 25 crops.
These new seeds that produce more crops would help increase crop production and improve farmers’ earnings, he stated, while telling the ministry officials to make sure the farmers get these new types quickly.
The minister presented 184 better types of 25 farm crops created by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at an event in the country’s capital, according to an official announcement.
Yield success story
Speaking at the event, Chouhan mentioned that the country has had great success in creating seeds that produce more crops. Since the official process started in 1969, there have been 7,205 types of crops officially recognised, including rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and fibre crops, among others.
Post-2014 boost
Chouhan shared that the government led by Narendra Modi has approved 3,236 types of high-yielding crops, which is more than the 3,969 types recognised between 1969 and 2014. The minister pointed out that India has changed from a country that did not have enough food to one that provides food to the world.
Chouhan said, “India now makes more rice than China and is the biggest producer in the world.” India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, while China’s is at 145.28 million tonnes, he said, calling it an amazing accomplishment. India is now selling rice to other countries, he mentioned.
Chouhan stated that the country has lots of food stored, which ensures India has enough food for its people.Talking about the 184 new types launched on Sunday, the minister said that farmers will gain because they will help produce more crops of better quality. He stressed how important it is to make sure that every farmer gets good seeds.
Pulses, oilseeds focus.
The minister also requested farm scientists to concentrate on growing more pulses and oilseeds so that India can provide enough for itself.
Crop-wise breakup
Chouhan stated that the country has started a new era of agricultural progress, pushed by creating seeds that produce more and can handle different climates.
The Union minister stated that this achievement is because of the joint work of the ICAR’s All India Coordinated Projects on crops, agricultural universities at the state and central levels, and private seed companies.
The 184 types recently launched include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane, 24 cotton (including 22 Bt cotton), and one each of jute and tobacco.
These types, made by ICAR institutes, agricultural universities at the state/central levels, and private seed companies, can handle different climates, produce a lot, and resist major pests and diseases.
According to the announcement, these modern varieties were developed to tackle challenges like climatic shifts, highly saline earth, water scarcity, and similar environmental pressures, alongside promoting ecological and sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi mentioned that the rates of seed growth have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times to make more seeds available. National and state seed companies are making sure there are good seeds at prices people can afford, he added.
US, India Rush to Finalize Tariff-Reducing Trade Deal as Disputes Over Dairy and Agriculture Persist
With just days left before a major tariff deadline, the United States and India are working around the clock to finalize an interim
trade deal that could lower tariffs and boost economic ties. However, talks remain stuck on sensitive issues—especially agriculture and dairy—where both sides are refusing to back down.
What’s at Stake?
The US has threatened to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 26% if a deal is not reached by July 9. Currently, a temporary 10% tariff is in place to allow time for negotiations.
Both countries want to avoid these higher tariffs, which would hurt exporters and consumers on both sides.
Key Disagreements
The US is pushing India to open its markets for American farm products, including genetically modified crops and dairy. These are politically sensitive in India, where the dairy sector supports over 80 million people, many of them small farmers.
India has firmly refused to allow more US dairy imports or genetically modified crops, citing risks to food safety and the livelihoods of rural families. “There is no question of conceding on dairy. That’s a red line,” said a senior Indian official.
India also wants the US to lower tariffs on its labor-intensive exports like garments, footwear, and leather, which are important for jobs in India.
Progress and Hopes
Despite the deadlock on agriculture, negotiators have made progress in other areas, such as reducing tariffs on walnuts, cranberries, medical devices, automobiles, and energy products from the US.
Both sides see this interim deal as a first step towards a broader agreement that could double trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Why Is This Important?
The deal is not just about economics. Both countries see it as a way to strengthen their partnership at a time of global uncertainty and competition.
US President Donald Trump has said he is optimistic about reaching a deal that will help American companies compete in India’s vast market of 1.4 billion people.
What Happens Next?
Indian negotiators have extended their stay in Washington, hoping to bridge the gap before the July 9 deadline.
If no deal is reached, tariffs will rise, making many products more expensive and possibly straining relations between the two countries.
As the clock ticks down, both Washington and New Delhi are under pressure to find common ground, without compromising on their core interests. The outcome will affect not just trade, but the broader relationship between two of the world’s largest democracies.
In a move to boost agricultural cooperation, India and Ukraine held their first Joint Working Group meeting on June 18, 2025. Key discussions focused on seeds, food safety, digital tech, and Ukraine’s agricultural exports to India—including apples, meat, and dairy.
India and Ukraine have taken a significant step in strengthening their agri-sector partnership. The first-ever India-Ukraine Joint Working Group on Agriculture met virtually on June 18, 2025, opening new avenues for collaboration in seed production, oilseed cultivation, horticulture, agricultural mechanisation, digital technologies, fisheries, and food safety.
Hosted online, the meeting was co-chaired by Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, and Ajit Kumar Sahu, Director at the Indian Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The session brought together key representatives from ministries and regulatory bodies of both nations, including India’s FSSAI, Department of Animal Husbandry, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
One of the highlights was the successful delivery of the first trial shipment of Ukrainian apples to India—marking a fresh beginning in Ukraine’s agricultural exports to the Indian market. Both sides discussed future prospects for importing meat and dairy products, showing India’s growing interest in diversifying its agri-import sources.
Ukraine was also invited to participate in World Food India 2025, a major agri-food event to be held in New Delhi from September 25 to 28. This exhibition could open new business doors for Ukrainian agri-companies and give Indian stakeholders access to high-quality Ukrainian produce and technology.
The meeting set the tone for deeper collaboration ahead of the 7th session of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) planned later in 2025. Ukraine welcomed India’s willingness to engage practically in the agri-sector and sees this partnership as critical, especially amid global food supply disruptions and climate challenges.
This new partnership offers a win-win for both nations—India can gain access to Ukraine’s rich agricultural outputs and machinery, while Ukraine taps into one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today affirmed India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of its farmers amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. Speaking on the sensitive issue of agricultural market access, Minister Chouhan stated unequivocally that any potential bilateral trade agreement would be finalized only after a meticulous assessment of its gains and losses, with farmer protection as the paramount consideration.
The Minister’s remarks come as negotiators from both nations work towards establishing the framework for the first phase of a bilateral deal, anticipated to be signed by September-October 2025. The United States has been actively pushing for greater market access for its agricultural and horticultural products, including key commodities like corn, soybeans, and animal feed. However, these efforts face significant hurdles due to India’s comparatively high agricultural tariffs, which can range from 39% to 50% on average.
Minister Chouhan underscored that while discussions with the US are ongoing, the fundamental principle guiding India’s stance remains clear: “One thing is clear, we will protect the interest of our farmers. When we talk about two nations, we need to see the overall trade.” This pragmatic approach acknowledges the broader economic relationship while prioritizing the livelihoods of India’s vast rural populace.
According to a report from NITI Aayog, “Promoting India-US Agricultural Trade under the new US Trade Regime,” the agricultural trade balance currently favors India. In the triennium ending 2024, US agricultural and allied product exports to India stood at approximately $2.22 billion, while India’s agricultural exports to the US were significantly higher, at $5.75 billion. India’s main agricultural exports to the US include valuable commodities such as frozen shrimp, basmati rice, spices, and processed cereals.
India’s cautious approach to fully opening its agriculture and dairy markets stems from legitimate concerns about potential backlash from rural communities and the imperative to shield domestic producers from the volatility of global prices. The government aims to strike a balance that fosters international trade while ensuring the stability and prosperity of its agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of its economy and a crucial source of employment.
