1.   

Commerce ministry to move cabinet note to check export ban on processed food

The commerce ministry will soon move a Cabinet note seeking to allow unrestricted exports of processed food, as it tries to skirt frequent squabbles between ministries over export of farm products. "We have just started working on the note following discussions on the issue with key ministries, including that of food processing," an official told ET. The note will be circulated to all ministries concerned for their comments, the official added.

2.   

India, Pak joint commission may get new lease of life

The India-Pakistan joint commission is set for another revival during external affairs minister S M Krishna's visit to Pakistan, beginning September 7. The joint commission has a long and chequered history since its inception in 1983. It has met only five times since then. The joint commission has eight technical sub-groups dealing with issues such as agriculture, health science and technology, information, tourism and environment.

3.   

Agri ministry pushes for Rs 5,000-cr scheme for post-harvest logistics

The Union ministry of agriculture has planned to ask for a Rs 5,000-crore budget during the 12th five-year Plan (2012-17) for a scheme to allow private companies to collaborate with farmers to produce, harvest, process, transport and market various agro products. Officials said the aim was to ensure availability of farm produce across the country at affordable prices.

4.   

Better marketing strategy raises India’s basmati exports

After occupying Iran, Pakistan’s major rice market, India, equipped with a better marketing strategy, was in the process of capturing the African market, said market sources on Tuesday. An Indian daily reported that basmati was selling at $1,100 to $1,400 per tonne, about 20 percent higher than last year’s prices. “Prices of Pakistani basmati rice are under $1,000 per tonne,” said one analyst.