India has strategic interest in Nepal and Bangladesh so it is possible that export of white non-basmati rice to these countries will be allowed on diplomatic considerations.
The Apple Growers Association of India and Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers estimate output in Kashmir, will drop 50% this year from 1.87 million metric tons a year ago.
Sitharaman, who is only the second woman defence minister in India's history, is expected to work closely with the Finance Minister to take key industry-related decisions