Category business

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Introduction to the Agro Economy

The agro economy encompasses a vast array of activities and sectors directly related to agriculture’s contribution to economic and social development. It not only refers to the traditional agricultural practices but also includes allied industries such as food processing, agrochemicals, and agricultural machinery. In developing and emerging economies, particularly India, the agro economy plays a critical role in driving growth and improving the standard of living. This sector is a pivotal contributor to the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP), emphasizing the significance of agriculture and agro-based industries.

India, with its diverse agro-climatic conditions, hosts an extensive range of crops and agricultural practices. The agro economy in this region comprises various components such as crop production, livestock farming, and fishery-related activities, which all contribute to enhancing food security and nutritional standards. Furthermore, the sector has become instrumental in generating rural employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities.

The importance of the agro economy extends beyond mere economic metrics. It embodies the principles of sustainable development by ensuring that agricultural practices are not only profitable but also environmentally friendly. With the growing demand for food due to population growth, the agro economy must adapt by embracing sustainable farming techniques. This will not only help in meeting the global food security challenges but also alleviate poverty levels in rural areas. Thus, understanding the agro economy is crucial for devising policies and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable growth and ensuring equitable resource distribution. As the backbone of numerous economies, the agro economy serves as a steering wheel for achieving long-term developmental goals.

Understanding Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economics is a crucial discipline that examines various economic aspects of agriculture, focusing explicitly on production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods. This field integrates core economic principles to analyze how agricultural resources are utilized, ensuring optimal productivity and sustainable growth within the agro-economy. By employing a range of economic theories and quantitative methods, agricultural economics enables stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and researchers, to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and agricultural practices.

The scope of agricultural economics extends beyond mere production methods; it encompasses the intricate interplay of market forces, technological innovations, and environmental factors that influence agricultural output. For example, the application of econometric models helps determine the most effective practices for maximizing yield while minimizing costs. Furthermore, agricultural economists assess the impact of government policies, subsidies, and international trade agreements on the agricultural sector, guiding policy formulation that enhances food security and promotes equitable resource distribution.

Food economics, a critical subset of agricultural economics, plays a vital role in understanding food production and consumption patterns. This area of study focuses on analyzing supply and demand dynamics, studying consumer behavior, and exploring the impact of economic variables on food prices. By understanding these patterns, stakeholders can make better decisions regarding food production strategies, marketing, and distribution channels, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of the entire agro-economy.

In summary, agricultural economics serves as the foundation for optimizing agricultural production and ensuring sustainable growth. Through the lens of economic theory and quantitative analysis, this discipline provides essential insights into resource allocation, market behaviors, and policy implications, making it indispensable for addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector today.

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The Role of Agro-Based Industries

Agro-based industries play a pivotal role in shaping the agro economy, significantly influencing agricultural productivity and rural development. These industries primarily focus on processing raw agricultural materials into valuable products, thus providing essential services that entice economic growth and employment. In India, various types of agro-based industries contribute to the overall economy, bolstering the livelihoods of countless individuals in rural areas.

One major category includes input manufacturing units, which produce fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. These inputs are crucial for enhancing farm productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. By supplying farmers with necessary resources, these units help improve crop yields and quality, directly impacting the agro economy and food security.

Another vital sector consists of produce processing units, which focus on transforming raw agricultural products into consumable goods. This includes activities such as milling grains, dairy processing, and fruit preservation. These units not only extend the shelf life of perishable items but also add value, thus increasing the overall profitability for farmers. Through these processes, they efficiently enhance rural infrastructure by creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Produce manufacturing units encompass industries involved in the production of packaged foods and other consumer goods derived from agricultural inputs. These units contribute to a diversified agro economy by catering to the growing demand for processed products, facilitating innovation while generating employment opportunities across various demographics.

Lastly, agro-service centers provide necessary support services, such as equipment rental, technical assistance, and agricultural consultancies. These centers empower farmers with knowledge and tools essential for modern farming, contributing significantly to productivity and sustainability.

Ultimately, agro-based industries not only enhance the agro economy but also create a ripple effect, fostering rural development and improving the quality of life for many communities.

Challenges Facing the Agro Economy and the Path Forward

The agro economy faces a myriad of challenges that threaten its sustainability and growth. Among the most pressing concerns is climate change, which has caused unpredictable weather patterns that adversely impact agricultural productivity. Crop failures and livestock losses due to extreme weather events not only affect food security but also reduce income for farmers, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.

Another significant challenge is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Many regions, especially in developing countries, suffer from poor transportation networks, inadequate storage facilities, and insufficient access to markets. This infrastructural deficit hinders farmers’ ability to reach consumers effectively, resulting in high post-harvest losses and limited market access. Without proper infrastructure, the potential of the agro economy remains severely untapped.

Price volatility is also a significant concern within the agro economy. Fluctuating prices for crops and livestock can leave farmers in precarious positions, resulting in inconsistent income and making it difficult for them to plan for the future. Moreover, low mechanization levels in agriculture further exacerbate these issues, as traditional farming methods are often less efficient and yield lower outputs, affecting overall productivity.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement targeted policy reforms that empower farmers and incentivize sustainable practices. Increased investment in research and development can drive innovation, leading to the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices and technologies. Furthermore, building robust infrastructure and enhancing access to markets are essential steps toward boosting the agro economy’s resilience. By addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts among stakeholders, it is possible to foster sustainable growth and ensure the long-term viability of the agro economy.

India October 16, 2025: Cashify, India’s leading re-commerce marketplace, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated ‘Cashify Dhamaka Sale’, starting October 17th. The sale promises up to 50% off on a wide range of high-quality refurbished smartphones, including popular iPhone models starting at just  24,999.

With the ongoing festive season, Cashify is making premium smartphones more accessible than ever, ensuring consumers can upgrade without stretching their budgets.

This sale builds on Cashify’s recent momentum as an exclusive reseller partner for leading brands, including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi, reinforcing its position as India’s most trusted platform for certified refurbished gadgets.

“India’s appetite for premium tech is growing fast, but affordability remains the deciding factor. With the Dhamaka Sale, we’re bridging that barrier by making premium smartphones accessible to everyone,” said Nakul Kumar, Co-founder & CMO, Cashify. “For those who held back during earlier sales, the Dhamaka Sale offers a second opportunity to get those flagship-grade devices at prices that make upgrades desirable and feasible.”

With this sale, Cashify continues to strengthen its position as the go-to destination for reliable refurbished gadgets. Each device on the platform undergoes a rigorous 32-point quality check 

and comes with up to a 12-month warranty and a 15-day refund window, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Sunnyvale, CA| Pune, India — 16 October, 2025 — Xoriant, a global engineering and technology services company, today announced that it has officially advanced to the Global Summit Partner level within the Salesforce ecosystem, the highest recognition awarded to partners worldwide, via its subsidiary Fexle. This milestone reinforces Xoriant’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation across industries and multi-cloud environments by combining Salesforce’s pedigree with Xoriant’s applied intelligence approach and deep engineering expertise.

As a Salesforce Global Summit Partner, Xoriant joins an elite group of organizations globally recognized for their proven expertise, scale, and innovation across Salesforce’s multi-cloud offerings. It reflects a strong delivery track record, certified experts, and measurable customer success, bringing together consulting, design, engineering, and managed services expertise under one roof.

“Our elevation to Global Summit Partner is testament to the value we are realizing for our customers,” said Mukund Rao, President, Xoriant. “Together with Salesforce, we are helping enterprises simplify processes, unlock agility, and turn their transformation goals into measurable business impact.”

As a Global Summit Partner, Xoriant will further strengthen its strategic collaboration with Salesforce by bringing together:

· A global delivery model that connects strategy, design, and execution seamlessly.

· Proven multi-cloud and industry expertise across Manufacturing, Hi-Tech, Financial Services, and Healthcare.

· A unified Salesforce Center of Excellence, integrating AI, Data Cloud, MuleSoft, and Industry Cloud capabilities to deliver next-generation transformation programs.

· Closer alignment with Salesforce field and partner teams across geographies, enabling faster innovation and joint go-to-market initiatives.

This advancement builds on Xoriant’s expanding Salesforce practice, which has delivered end-to-end platform modernization, AI-driven personalization, and industry-specific solutions to enterprises globally.

At Dreamforce 2025, Salesforce’s flagship global event, Xoriant will showcase its latest industry relevant and intelligent solutions, including Health Sight, Wealth View, User Intel, and others, which are designed to help enterprises unlock agility through AI-driven digital engineering, data modernization, and secure multi-cloud transformation.

Panasonic India marks International E-Waste Day with 500 kg collection drive and sustainability awareness initiatives

New Delhi, 15^th October 2025: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, celebrated International E-Waste Day 2025 as part of its flagship sustainability program, Harit Umang.  The program addresses important issues linked to e-waste & plastic management, afforestation/ biodiversity and energy conservation.

This year’s International E-Waste Day focused on the theme ‘Critical Raw Materials’ resources of high economic importance that are essential to the functioning of modern technologies and industries. The theme resonated strongly with Panasonic’s global sustainability commitment, GREEN IMPACT mission– aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 300 million tons globally by 2050.

Reinforcing its Extended Producer Responsibility, Panasonic encouraged its employees to take part in #DiwaliWaaliSafai, a special collection drive urging them to contribute e-waste from their homes for responsible recycling. Extending the awareness beyond the workplace, Panasonic also partnered with over 10 institutes, 8 schools, and 2 colleges, engaging students in interactive learning sessions on sustainable practices. Through exhibitions and a ‘Gallery Walk’, participants discovered how critical raw materials are embedded in everyday appliances and explored the importance of responsible collection and disposal of e-waste.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD and CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), said, “Sustainability lies at the heart of Panasonic’s philosophy and guides every action we take. This International E-Waste Day is a reminder that tackling the global e-waste challenge requires shared responsibility. While Panasonic continues to design for longevity and maximize resource recovery, we urge every consumer to take that critical final step, that is, don’t hoard, recycle. Together, we can close the loop and protect our shared environment for future generations.”

The initiative successfully collected over 500 kilograms of e-waste, all of which was responsibly handed over to authorized recyclers for metal extraction and recovery.

ECCO Steps Into South India with First Bengaluru Store at Phoenix Mall of Asia

India ,14th October 2025: ECCO, the premium Danish footwear brand known for its innovation, craftsmanship, and comfort, continues to strengthen its footprint in India with the launch of its first store in South India at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, with 1195 sq. ft. space. This marks ECCO’s 7th store in India, furthering its commitment to bringing global retail experiences to the discerning Indian consumer.

Strategically located at one of Bengaluru’s most anticipated and upscale retail destinations, the new ECCO store offers a complete assortment of men’s and women’s footwear collections, ranging from casual and formal styles to performance-driven outdoor and golf shoes. Designed in line with ECCO’s global retail identity, the store provides a minimalist, Scandinavian shopping environment that allows the product to take center stage.

In a first for the Indian market, the Bengaluru store also features an exclusive preview of ECCO’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection–

• Cozmo – Classic Nordic sandals designed for all-day comfort, blending minimal design with a cushioned and supportive sole for effortless wear.

• Biom – Modern biomechanical sneakers engineered to guide your natural stride with lightweight support and anatomical precision.

• Sculpted – Contemporary block-heeled shoes crafted for 24-hour comfort, featuring anatomical support, soft foam soles, and elegant leather uppers.

• Soft – Classic comfort sneakers that offer exceptional softness, flexibility, and foot-hugging support with a modern, versatile look.

• Metropole –  City shoes crafted in premium leather, offering sleek modern design with lightweight comfort and versatile wear for every occasion.

Reinforcing the brand’s position as a forward-thinking leader in comfort-driven, design-first footwear.

Commenting on the new store launch, Sumeet Lodhia, Country Manager  ECCO India, said, “The launch of our first ECCO store in Bengaluru is a defining moment for our growth in India. As we bring our globally trusted comfort and innovation to South India, Phoenix Mall of Asia offers the perfect setting to introduce customers to our premium experience. This store reflects ECCO’s commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary design, and we look forward to welcoming Bengaluru’s dynamic audience.”

With this launch, ECCO establishes its seventh store in India, reinforcing its focus on catering to high-potential urban markets. The new store’s location in Phoenix Mall of Asia, one of the region’s largest and most premium shopping destinations, makes it a strategic step in ECCO’s broader vision to connect with discerning consumers across India.

The store’s design, layout, and assortment have been planned to align with ECCO’s global retail strategy while catering to India’s growing demand.

Mumbai, October 15, 2025: Integrated communications firm SGA PR has strengthened its North India leadership with two senior appointments. Divyata Kalhans joins as Senior Vice President & Head , North, while Nehha Gupta takes on the role of Vice President  Client Delight. The consultancy firm, which partners closely with the founders’ team to solve business challenges through strategic communications and bespoke narratives that shape companies’ brand image and perception, aims to scale its presence in new-age emerging sectors like Fintech, Deeptech, Traveltech, Travel & Tourism, among others.  

Divyata Kalhans brings over 18 years of experience in strategic communications. She spent a decade at Adfactors PR, driving strategic storytelling and reputation-building for leading fintech, edtech and other technology brands. Her career includes stints at Edelman, Ogilvy PR, and Hindustan Times, where she began her journey in communications. At SGA PR, she will head North India operations and spearhead the firm’s expansion along with focus on  strengthening fintech and new economy technology brands.

Nehha Gupta, with nearly 18 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, joins from Value 360 Communications, leading high-impact campaigns along with focus on driving strategic storytelling for consumer, travel, VCs and technology brands across sectors. Her career spans reputed organizations including Weber Shandwick, IKEA India, Citi. At SGA PR, Nehha will focus on client strategy, delivery excellence, and strengthening stakeholder engagement across the North India region.

Commenting on the appointments, Rahul Jain, Partner and Joint CEO at SGA PR, said: “SGA PR is growing significantly owing to its consultative thought process and bespoke, business-led approach. Today SGA PR partners with over 60 clients across fintech, BFSI, technology, chemicals, pharma, real estate, auto-ancillary PE/VC and new-age sectors. The firm has delivered industry-first narratives for its clients. Divyata and Nehha bring the right mix of experience and sector expertise to help clients navigate complex business challenges through problem-solving communication strategies. Their leadership will be key to scaling SGA PR’s operations in North India.”

With a growing client base and experienced talent joining the team, SGA PR remains focused on building a new-age communications firm that combines strategic insight, sector expertise, and creativity to deliver real business impact across India. 

14th October 2025: India has always been a land of festivals – vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture. But this year, the celebration extends beyond rituals and lights, it’s about celebrating India itself. Across the nation, families are reuniting, communities are reconnecting, and a renewed sense of pride and belonging is shaping how India comes together. At the center of this movement stands Phoenix Malls, the country’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, where commerce meets culture, and every visit transforms into a festival of connection, experience, and joy.

Reflecting the Nation’s Vision

Phoenix Malls mirror the spirit of a rising India — the world’s fastest growing country, where pride, progress, and cultural vibrancy converge. This vision aligns closely with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, celebrating self-reliance while embracing global aspirations.

From lighter, happier shopping experiences with GST benefits to moments of pride and national optimism, Phoenix symbolizes India’s spirit. And when it’s Diwali, there is truly only one place where India comes together to celebrate: Phoenix Malls.

Where India Comes Together

With 13 iconic destinations across 8 cities, Phoenix has transcended the idea of a mall. Each year, over 15 crore visitors walk through Phoenix’s doors — 25 times the population of New Zealand — not just to shop, but to immerse themselves in a world where aspiration meets accessibility, and culture becomes community. With 25 lakh annual car visits (over 5 times the number of cars sold in India last year), and 4 lakh ticketed show attendees across its venues annually, Phoenix has become a true cultural and economic powerhouse.

Its portfolio brings together the best of Indian and international brands — from global icons like Uniqlo, Bershka, Sephora, Nike, and Michael Kors to beloved Indian names — reflecting the diversity and ambition of India itself. Beyond retail, Phoenix fuels progress by generating 50,000 jobs directly and indirectly, powering livelihoods and opportunities across the country.

More than a Mall – Creating occasions for the country to Celebrate

Reflecting this spirit, Phoenix Malls brought the festive grandeur alive across the country, from Lucknow to Indore to Mumbai, turning each destination into a hub of joy, culture, and connection. Actor Neha Sharma celebrated Diwali at Phoenix Palassio, Lucknow, while Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta inaugurated the magnificent installation “Divine Bloom of Brahmakamal – The Lotus of Gods” at Phoenix Citadel, Indore. Meanwhile, Chitrangada Singh joined the celebrations at Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai, amidst its majestic Diwali décor “The Chariots of Time.”

• 75+ live concerts across 7 malls, and art showcases that bring communities together
• Grand festive décor with 7 unique immersive installations, redefining visual spectacle on a national scale.
• Mega giveaways for every shopper, ensuring that every visit is as rewarding as it is memorable
• Shop for a Cause in association with the Aakar Charitable Trust, blending celebration with social responsibility
• Celebrity visits and festive décor unveilings, making Phoenix the stage for unforgettable moments
• Global dining experiences, where visitors can savour cuisines from around the world alongside beloved Indian favourites

Where Global Brands Create India’s Festive Canvas

This season marks a historic collaboration with Armani x Phoenix Palladium, unveiling a first-of-its-kind festive décor partnership. Bringing the elegance of Armani’s global design language to India’s most iconic retail destination, this collaboration sets a benchmark for creativity, luxury, and cultural storytelling — making Phoenix a true canvas for global brands to shape the festive spirit of the nation.

This festive season, Phoenix stands as the heartbeat of celebration in India — where every visit turns into a memorable experience, every moment reflects the nation’s spirit, and every celebration brings people together.

At Phoenix, it’s not just about festivals; it’s about celebrating India itself.

Commenting on the festive celebrations, Shashie Kumar, President & Retail Director at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., said: “Phoenix has always been about bringing people together. Our malls are spaces where communities meet, traditions are celebrated, and moments turn into memories. This festive season, we are delighted to provide experiences that go beyond shopping, reflecting the spirit of togetherness across the nation.”

Mayank Lalpuria, Director – Marketing (North, Central & West) at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., said: “Phoenix has always been about more than shopping — it’s about creating spaces where communities come together. This festive season, with collaborations like Armani x Phoenix Palladium, we are proud to offer experiences that combine international creativity with India’s rich traditions, making every visit a celebration of culture, connection, and joy.”

This festive season, as millions of visitors step into the vibrancy of Phoenix Malls, the brand reinforces what it has meticulously cultivated over decades — a trusted ecosystem of experiences that reflects the pulse of a nation, where families gather, friends reconnect, and moments turn into lasting memories.

Mumbai, 14 October 2025: This festive season, immerse yourself in indulgence with the Nykaa Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Collection, a bodycare experience that feels as luxurious as it smells. Infused with the luscious sweetness of pear and the enveloping warmth of amber, each product caresses the skin with rich hydration and a lingering, velvety fragrance. It’s a limited collection crafted for the season of celebrations, perfect for all the upcoming parties and gatherings where you want to look, feel, and smell your best.

A Collection That Captures Luminescence:

Whether you’re dressing up for the big night or indulging in a self-care ritual that feels like luxury, the Sparkling Stars Collection transforms everyday moments into something truly radiant. Each product brings its own kind of radiance to give you everything from a soft scent to a gentle sheen.

Sparkling Stars Shimmer Shower Gel

Elevate your shower into a radiant ritual with this golden, shimmer-infused gel. Enriched with Vitamin E and Glycerin, it gently cleanses while hydrating and leaving the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Perfume Body Lotion

Feather-light. Festive-ready. This serum-in-lotion melts effortlessly into skin, delivering deep hydration with a silky, weightless feel. The fragrance blooms softly, leaving behind a delicate trail of warmth and elegance that perfectly complements your festive glow.

Wanderlust Sparkling Stars Hair & Body Mist

The ultimate festive finisher. One spritz wraps your skin in a soft, seductive scent while leaving it supple and subtly radiant for 8 hours. Light-as-air and long-lasting, it’s effortless elegance in a bottle,  all it takes to step into the spotlight and turn heads.

“Bath & body and fragrances remain one of the fastest-growing and most experiential categories in beauty, and at Nykaa Wanderlust, we’ve consistently focused on understanding how consumers want to celebrate self-care in everyday moments. The Sparkling Stars Collection responds to a growing demand for products that combine indulgence, festive sensorial experiences, and effortless usability. This launch builds on Nykaa Wanderlust’s commitment to premium, performance-driven formulations while creating products that resonate with modern routines and celebratory lifestyles. As a brand, we continue to set benchmarks in innovation that are meaningful, relevant, and future-ready.”  Adwaita Nayar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Nykaa and CEO of House of Nykaa and Nykaa Fashion

New Delhi, Oct 14, 2025: In a major step towards expanding India’s digital payments footprint globally, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTT DATA Japan to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Japan.

This strategic partnership aims to streamline digital transactions for Indian travellers visiting Japan by enabling them to use their familiar UPI apps to make payments at a wide range of Japanese merchant outlets. The move is set to significantly enhance convenience and ease of spending abroad, offering seamless QR-code-based payments at checkout counters.

With the collaboration, both entities will work together to integrate UPI into merchant ecosystems acquired by NTT DATA across Japan. This means Indian tourists will be able to make quick, secure payments without needing international cards or cash conversion.

The partnership is especially timely, as tourism between India and Japan is seeing a sharp rise. Between January and August 2025, over 208,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan — a 36% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights the growing need for easier, more accessible payment methods for Indian tourists.

By introducing UPI in Japan, Indian travellers will enjoy faster checkouts, greater transparency, and reduced dependence on foreign exchange, while Japanese merchants benefit from increased footfall and enhanced customer experience.

This initiative also aligns with India’s broader vision of positioning UPI as a globally trusted digital payment platform. In recent years, UPI has expanded its presence in countries like the UAE, Singapore, France, and Sri Lanka — bringing with it a seamless, secure, and efficient way to transact.

For Japan, which has traditionally relied on card-based systems, the adoption of UPI signals a growing openness to QR-based and mobile-first payment methods. It also opens new opportunities for local businesses to cater to a tech-savvy Indian customer base.

As digital travel experiences become the new norm, this collaboration between NIPL and NTT DATA marks a milestone in cross-border payment integration, setting the stage for a future where Indian travellers can use UPI as easily abroad as they do at home.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for September 2025 (Provisional), showing that the annual inflation rate stood at 0.13 percent compared to September 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the WPI declined by 0.19 percent, reflecting continued moderation in wholesale price pressures, said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI in a press statement issued here today.

The low overall inflation in September was primarily driven by declines in food and primary article prices, even as manufactured product prices showed a mild increase. In the Primary Articles category, prices fell largely due to lower prices of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and non-food articles such as fibres and oilseeds, which is also reflected in CPI for September 2025, he said.

He added the moderation in wholesale prices was mainly due to lower food and energy costs, a strong agricultural output, and stable commodity prices globally. Improved supply-side conditions following a good monsoon, alongside government interventions to check retail prices of essential commodities, also contributed to the decline.

However, the manufactured goods sector continued to witness moderate price rises due to elevated input costs, particularly for raw materials like metals and chemicals, and steady domestic demand in industrial sectors such as cement, steel, and consumer durables, he said.

International crude oil prices showed mild volatility during the month, but remained range-bound, preventing a significant pass-through to domestic fuel inflation. Meanwhile, favourable currency movements and easing global commodity prices (particularly in edible oils and industrial inputs) further reduced cost pressures on producers, he said.

Looking ahead, wholesale inflation is expected to remain benign in the coming months, supported by adequate food supply, stable global commodity prices, and government measures to control inflation in key sectors. The harvest of kharif crops and the expected arrival of rabi produce in the next quarter are likely to keep food inflation contained, says Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI.