With the arrival of heat processed fish in flexible pouches that do not need refrigeration, the billion-dollar fish processing industry in the country is on the brink of a revolution. The new technology holds out great promise for both domestic and export markets.

Monsoon tops up 63 reservoirs

The southwest monsoon has increased the total live storage in 63 important reservoirs in different parts of the country. It has also brought devastation to lives and property in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Sikkim and West Bengal.

Guidelines for hessian exchange

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Agricultural Developments (UNCTAD) has advised the Jute Corporation of India (JCI) and the raw jute farmers' cooperatives to participate in the futures trading to stabilise price fluctuation in the spot raw jute market.

Rope exporters run from EU markets

At last, European Union confirmed definitiveanti-dumping duty of 53 per cent on exports of synthetic ropes for Garware Wall Ropes and 82 per cent for all other Indian synthetic rope exporters.

Cotton futures trading to be put off

The cotton futures trading scheduled for commencement on July 17, 1998 does not seem to be taking off on the auspicious date fixed by pundits for East India Cotton Association.

Cotton exporters slash prices

The price war is getting more intense in the East Asian markets for cotton yarn as the currency turmoil which started there about a year ago has slowed down demand and many overseas suppliers are trying to have a bigger share of the shrunken market.

Chemexil aims for 3-fold export hike

Exports of drugs, chemicals, dyes and dye intermediates, organic and inorganic and other minor chemicals is projected to jump 30 per cent in dollar terms over the next three years to 2000-2001.

Info on irradiation sought

Over the past few months, there have been enquiries from spice exporters toirradiate hundreds of tonnes of spices for shipment to UK, South Korea and Taiwan.The techno-economic benefits occurring from employing this process both for export and the domestic market will be immense.

WB mango growers irked

Malda's mango growers are irked over the absence of government help in setting up food processing units. However, West Bengal minister for food Abdul Rezzak Molla, says the government is ready to aid private efforts to set up food processing units in Malda.

Potato prices ease in UP

After a spell of lean production and soaring prices, there is finally good news for hapless consumers in Uttar Pradesh. Potato prices, which had become almost unaffordable with wholesale prices soaring from a low Rs 300 per quintal in June last year to an unprecedented high of Rs 1,000 to 1,200 per quintal this year, are expected to come down to reasonable levels following a good crop in the state's hill region.

Malda mangoes dearer

Mangoes from Malda in north Bengal aremuch dearer this season than in previous years, fetching Rs 45-Rs 50 a kg in Calcutta and even more in some other places. Last year, Himsagar sold at Rs 12.50 a kg and Fazli at Rs 22 a kg. For the first time this year, there was a bumper harvest in a fall year.

Tea exports estimated at 200m bags

The tea industry has made conservative estimates of its exports at 200 million kgs for the current year, slashing the targets for European markets in the wake of Kenyan competition and going in for a substantial reduction in its stronghold -- Russian market.

WB chillies lose flavour

Due to lack of processing, the Sundari chillies cultivated in West Bengal, tend to lose their flavour within three to four days of being loaded with a transporter. Traders dealing with the chilli tend to dispose it off fast.

Coffee futures a far cry for growers

For a vast majority of coffee growers in the country, futures contract is still a far cry considering the response on the trading floors in thelast few days.

Kashmiri mongra costly

What makes Kashmiri mongra, a flower which has medicinal property and is used to provide aroma to sweets and milk, costly?

Crisis in Ahmedabad bullion market

Crisis of confidence has squeezed the bullion trade in Ahmedabad. Daily volumes in gold biscuits has plummeted to 3,000 units a day from an average of 100,00 units in the first quarter of 1998.

Granite exports decline in 1997-98

Granites exports in 1997-98 dipped to Rs 1050 crore from Rs 1139 crore in 1996-97, according to figures available. The hope of the industry to grab a 50 per cent share for finished products also did not materialise.

Essar emerges largest HRC exporter

In about two years of working, Essar Steel has come to excel itself in hot rolled steel products, capturing 20 per cent of the domestic market and emerging as the largest exporter of HRC from the country. In 1998-99 Essar wants to capture 23 per cent of the domestic market and step up exports from357,674 tonnes in 1997-98 to about 500,000 tonnes.

Gold still an obsession for Indians

Investment in gold is regarded as one of the best ways to fight inflation. Many investors engage in gold trading to anticipate price fluctuations for monetary gains. However, gold trading involves sophisticated market analysis, trading techniques with prompt, accurate and adequate market research as well as professionalism to ensure a successful investment.