Feb 17, 2026. India’s dynamic spice industry is set to assemble in Kochi for the 9th edition of the International Spice Conference (ISC 2026), taking place from February 23 to 26 at Le Méridien. Hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum, the conference comes at a critical juncture when global trade uncertainties and tightening food safety regulations are reshaping export strategies. With annual exports exceeding $4 billion, India continues to hold its position as the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices. However, evolving tariff regimes and stricter sanitary and phytosanitary standards in major importing countries have prompted exporters to rethink their approach. Industry leaders acknowledge that even short-term tariff hikes can significantly affect sourcing patterns, pricing competitiveness, and profit margins, making diversification and value addition essential for sustained growth. According to AISEF Chairman Emmanuel Nambusseril, the global trade environment has become increasingly compliance-driven and science-oriented. Exporters are now prioritizing laboratory validation, digital traceability systems, adherence to Codex and destination-country standards, and climate-resilient sourcing models. The conference aims to foster dialogue between regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure India remains competitive in this evolving landscape. Adding strategic depth to the event, Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, will deliver a keynote on transforming agro-industry through innovation and global leadership. Joining him, Martin Sonntag, CEO of Oterra, will address the future of collaboration, trust, and responsibility in food and nutrition systems. Over the past year, Indian spice exports have encountered challenges including revised tariff classifications, reciprocal trade measures, and tighter Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Temporary duty escalations in certain markets disrupted cost structures and led to deferred orders and inventory build-ups. While partial policy corrections have offered some relief, exporters continue to adapt to enhanced pesticide scrutiny, mandatory traceability systems, and growing sustainability disclosure requirements. Industry representatives note that exporters are actively strengthening ties with ASEAN nations, West Asia, Africa, and emerging European markets to reduce dependency on traditional destinations. Simultaneously, investments in processing technologies, quality assurance, and stronger farmer linkages are helping build a more resilient and globally aligned spice value chain. As Kochi prepares to host ISC 2026, the gathering signals not just a conference, but a strategic recalibration of India’s spice export ecosystem toward innovation, compliance, and long-term global leadership.

Feb 13, 2026. The United States pistachio industry has wrapped up the largest harvest in its history, producing just over 1.5 billion pounds in the latest season. Although early projections had anticipated an even larger crop, robust international demand ensured that the record volumes were efficiently absorbed across key global markets, including India, Brazil, South Korea and several European countries. According to Rich Kreps, board member of American Pistachio Growers and consultant with Ultra Gro, global consumption trends continue to favour pistachios due to increasing consumer preference for nutrient-dense foods. He noted that California’s production systems, which emphasize soil health management, efficient irrigation practices and comparatively lower pesticide and herbicide usage than many row crops, have enhanced the sustainability profile of American pistachios in international markets. Despite ongoing global trade tensions and tariff barriers, Kreps observed that demand for premium tree nuts such as pistachios, almonds and walnuts has remained resilient. He emphasized that California growers continue to serve markets where nutritional value and product quality strongly influence purchasing decisions. While domestic consumption within the United States has remained relatively stable in volume terms, the industry is undergoing a structural transformation. An increasing share of pistachios is now marketed as kernels rather than traditional in-shell products, reshaping conventional consumption measurements. At the same time, export demand continues to grow, supported by convenient packaging formats and expanded market access. Water allocation remains a pressing concern for growers, particularly in California’s westside farming regions. Even after multiple winters of above-average reservoir levels, some producers began the season with allocations as low as 10 per cent. Kreps explained that uncertainty or delays in water distribution complicate crop planning and operational decisions, even when additional water is eventually released. He also pointed to the broader environmental and financial implications of water policy, noting the carbon sequestration benefits of permanent orchards compared to fallow land, alongside the economic strain growers face when paying for water that may not initially be allocated. Looking ahead, Kreps stressed the importance of agronomic precision as pistachio acreage expands. Managing alternate bearing — the natural fluctuation between high and low yield years — is becoming increasingly critical, particularly for varieties such as Lost Hills and Golden Hills. He advocated a balanced fertility strategy that addresses more than 15 essential nutrients, rather than focusing primarily on nitrogen and potassium. According to him, stabilizing yields requires adaptive management built on soil testing, tissue sampling and water quality analysis, replacing traditional one-dimensional fertilization approaches. The record-breaking harvest reflects the strength and resilience of the U.S. pistachio sector. Continued emphasis on sustainability, efficient water management and advanced agronomic practices is expected to support long-term stability and reinforce the industry’s expanding global presence.

Feb 11, 2026. India’s mustard production during the 2025–26 rabi season is expected to rise by around 10 per cent, supported by an increase in acreage across key producing states and largely favourable weather conditions so far, according to industry estimates and official data. After registering a decline of over 4 per cent last year, mustard output is likely to recover strongly this season as farmers expanded sowing encouraged by better price realisation and improved soil moisture. Major mustard-growing states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have reported a notable increase in area under the oilseed. Official data shows that mustard acreage has risen by 3.2 per cent to 89.36 lakh hectares, compared with 86.57 lakh hectares in the previous 2024–25 season. Production last year stood at 126.67 lakh tonnes, while the government has set an ambitious target of 139 lakh tonnes for 2025–26, reflecting confidence in the crop’s overall outlook. Market analysts note that conducive temperatures and adequate soil moisture during the early and mid-growth stages have helped improve plant health and pod formation, raising expectations of higher yields per hectare. If weather conditions remain stable, the output gain could significantly boost domestic oilseed availability and help reduce edible oil imports. However, there are emerging weather-related concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated hailstorms and rainfall in parts of north-west India due to an approaching western disturbance. According to IMD, hailstorm activity is likely over Jammu & Kashmir during January 26–27, and over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on January 27. Traders and farmers have expressed caution, as hailstorms during the flowering and pod-setting stage can cause physical damage to crops, potentially affecting yield quality and market arrivals in affected regions. Despite these short-term risks, industry participants believe that overall mustard supplies are expected to remain comfortable, provided weather disruptions remain limited. Higher production could help stabilise mustard seed prices and support oil mill operations in the coming months.

Nearly four years after imposing a blanket ban on wheat exports, the Government of India has approved the shipment of 2.5 million tonnes (mt) of wheat along with 500,000 tonnes of processed wheat products, citing comfortable domestic stock levels and a favourable production outlook. The decision marks a significant policy shift after commercial exports were halted in May 2022 to control rising prices and safeguard food security. The approval follows a detailed review of domestic availability and price trends by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. According to official estimates, wheat stocks held by private trade in the 2025–26 season stand at around 7.5 mt, nearly 3.2 mt higher than the same period last year. Additionally, wheat availability in the central pool managed by the Food Corporation of India is projected at about 18.2 mt as on 1 April 2026, ensuring that buffer stock norms will remain intact even after the permitted exports. The government noted that higher stock availability, softening prices, expectations of increased production this season, and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals prompted the calibrated move. Wheat acreage in the ongoing Rabi 2026 season has expanded to 33.42 million hectares, up from 32.80 million hectares last year, pointing towards another strong harvest. Final estimates released by the agriculture ministry for 2024–25 also indicate record wheat output of 117.95 mt, up by 4.65 mt over the previous year. Officials stated that the export window will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and strengthen farmers’ incomes while fully safeguarding national food security. Retail wheat prices have remained stable, with the all-India average price recorded at ₹31.83 per kg on 13 February, slightly lower than ₹32.63 per kg a year ago. India had banned wheat exports on 13 May 2022, amid concerns over reduced output due to a severe heatwave and rising global prices following the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Since then, only limited government-to-government shipments were permitted on humanitarian grounds, while commercial trade remained largely closed. In January this year, the Centre allowed restricted exports of wheat flour and related products—including atta, maida and semolina—under a tightly controlled authorisation mechanism, although these items technically remain under the “prohibited” category, requiring specific government approval. Alongside wheat, the government has also allowed an additional 500,000 tonnes of sugar exports for the ongoing 2025–26 sugar season, over and above the 1.5 mt permitted earlier. The additional quota will be allocated to eligible sugar mills on a pro-rata basis, subject to the condition that at least 70% of the allocated quantity is physically exported by 30 June 2026. The move is aimed at managing surplus stocks and improving the cash flow position of mills. Farmers have largely welcomed the decision, expressing hope that exports will support better price realisation in domestic markets. Growers say wheat prices have been relatively subdued compared to other crops, affecting returns. The reopening of exports, they believe, will boost mandi prices and strengthen farm incomes during the peak procurement season. With stocks comfortable, production prospects strong, and inflation under control, the government’s move signals renewed confidence in India’s wheat supply position while balancing farmer interests and food security priorities.