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Over the past two decades, India’s political landscape continues to hinder the developments in agriculture biotechnology. Bt cotton (Bacillus thuringiensis) approved in 2002 remains the sole biotech-derived crop approved for commercial cultivation.

FAS New Delhi forecasts India’s total milk production in 2025 to rise to 216.5 MMT, attributable to the growing herd size of animals in milk, increased government support for the dairy sector, the expected continuation of good weather, high milk prices, and an absence of a major disease outbreak.

FAS Mumbai forecasts marketing year (MY) 2024/25 coffee production (Oct/Sep) at 6.2 million 60-kilogram bags, four percent higher than the previous forecast due to plentiful southwest monsoon rains that will improve Robusta crop yields.

A heavy 2024 southwest monsoon season has caused flooding and water logging in several central India states, leading to crop damage and expected lower agricultural production. India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that monsoon withdrawal was delayed by a week to September 23 and is likely to further exacerbate crop damage during harvest.

India's retail food sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased household purchasing power, rising awareness of gourmet products, and a growing economy.

On August 1, India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an above normal rains forecast for the second half (August to September) of the southwest monsoon. Cumulative rainfall as of August 11 was seven percent above the long period average (LPA), with central and southern India receiving 16 percent and 23 percent above normal rainfall respectively.

India is at a crossroads as it seeks to achieve its goals of becoming a top three economy, a significant supplier of value-added products, and a global political leader in the next 20 years. The road India is pursuing will require significant changes and improvements in its legal system, infrastructure, and domestic support policies, especially for agriculture.

On July 15, 2024, the Government of India’s Department of Consumer Affairs, Weights and Measures Unit/Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, published its proposal to amend Rule 3 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

On August 7, India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) published Office Memorandum L-11/1/2019-Trade (E-11542) granting another three-month extension in the implementation of the integrated veterinary health certificate for import of milk and milk products.

This report provides a list of consultants conducting market research and handling inquiries into Indian agriculture, agribusiness, food retail, food/agricultural economics, and rural affairs.