Fijian govt takes swift action to help cyclone-affected farmers

Speaking during the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India opposes attacks on merchant shipping "from any quarters" and confirmed that several Indian nationals have been affected in recent incidents.

Pakistan's fruit and vegetable supply remains dominated by traditional middlemen and the "mandi" system, with digital platforms handling only 2-3% of trade. Restrictive provincial laws and lack of infrastructure force farmers into dependency on commission agents, stalling modern technological transformation in the agricultural sector.

India has extended humanitarian assistance to Madagascar following widespread devastation caused by tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani earlier this year, reaffirming its support for the island nation during the ongoing relief efforts.

Although restrictions have now been partially eased, the situation in the region remains tense. Daily wage labourers have been among the worst affected, as many rely on day-to-day earnings to support their families. During the strict curfew, residents expressed frustration over the closure of markets and the difficulty in accessing essential supplies.

Fruit and vegetable prices in Punjab surged during Ramazan, exceeding official rate lists and straining consumers. Vendors cite higher wholesale costs, while farmers face rising production expenses. Weak enforcement and supply-demand pressures continue to challenge Pakistan's price control system.