1.   

Horticulture export reached Rs 9,000 cr in FY'12: Sharad Pawar

Export of horticulture products jumped to Rs 9,000 crore mark in 2011-12 from just Rs 150 crore in 1991-92, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today. Addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry, Pawar said horticulture sector will see a double-digit growth rate during the 12th plan period (2012-17). "The Minister said the enhanced production of fruit and vegetable in the country has increased the per capita availability of these items.

2.   

Dairy exports set for major growth this year

Dairy product exports in the current financial year are poised for a major growth, driven by demand for skimmed milk power from traditional markets in South Asia and Africa. “The demand is strong and we expect our milk powder exports to be between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes this fiscal,” said R.S. Sodhi, Managing Director, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the Amul brand. GCMMF exported about 4,000 tonnes last year.

3.   

Taking steps to ensure compliance with EU food norms: Govt

Admitting to increased stances of rejection of food consignments by EU in the last three years, government today said it is taking steps to ensure compliance with the European norms. To a question that whether reports about increase in notifications by the European Union against food exports from India due to presence of contaminants are correct, Minister of State for Commerce D Purandeswari said: "Yes".

4.   

India looking at benefits of currency swaps with trade partners

India is exploring possibilities of entering into currency swap agreements with trade partners aiming to shore up exports and bring down trade deficit, which is putting pressure on the rupee. “A need arises to examine the issue of currency swap agreement and its impact on the Indian trade policy ... the matter is of particular interest to Ministry of Commerce,” a senior government official said.