Agri-business

Food security is at stake in a nation self-sufficient in rice production. The unregulated market risks artificial shortages, where hoarding drives spikes despite ample harvests. Without intervention, experts warn of potential vulnerabilities to climate shocks or global disruptions, as the system lacks resilience.

In an era of interconnected global challenges, initiatives like this remind us that food security is a shared responsibility. As Sanjeev Chopra aptly put it, India is committed to ensuring “no one goes hungry,” a pledge that resonates far beyond its borders.

Farmer organisations have indicated that the February 12 protest could mark the beginning of a sustained campaign if their demands are not met or if the trade agreement proceeds without further consultation.

Gulfood 2026, being held across the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, serves as a crucial platform for global food industry stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses.

Over 30 exporters, nine importers and around 50 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Assam participated in the conclave, reflecting growing interest in the region’s export potential.

The initiative’s cornerstone is the Training and Capacity Building Programme Calendar prepared by the National Fisheries Development Board in coordination with Indian Council of Agricultural Research fisheries institutes.

A production-based model, per September 2025 talks, could align incentives, but unions fear diluted guarantees. The government eyes hybrid funding, yet delays breed unrest.

If the framework is standardised nationally and backed with logistics, cold-chain infrastructure and digital procurement platforms, it could become a transformative element in India’s food-economy ecosystem.