1.   

Centre readies plan to revive exports, says secy

The government is asking exporters to fill the gap created by the exit of Chinese players from the lower-end of the manufacturing space, while readying measures, including an end to the "stop-and-go" policy on export of value-added farm commodities and minerals and a more flexible regime for special economic zones to reverse the trend of falling shipments from the country.

2.   

Government mulls setting minimum quantities for export of agri-commodities

To overcome inconsistencies in farm export-import policy, Food Minister K V Thomas today said the government is considering allowing a minimum level of quantity for export of select agri-commodities to help India become a stable player in the global market. "We are working on a mechanism to have a stable export-import policy on select agricultural commodities such as sugar, wheat and rice," Thomas said at the Kingsman 4th Indian Sugar Conference here.

3.   

Rice exporting firm seeks patent for parboiling unit

The wheat-eating belt of north India likes it raw when it comes to rice. Even as parboiled rice, that is soaked, steamed and then dried, now accounts for over 90 per cent of rice exports from the country and over 60 per cent consumption in the southern states, north India still needs to develop an appetite for it. A Karnal-based rice company, Chaman Lal Setia Export, has now filed for patenting a novel technology to make parboiling more water-economical and cost and fuel effective.

4.   

Canadian Foreign Minister to visit Delhi tomorrow

During his visit, Baird will hold discussions with External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discuss ways of enhancing and intensifying the relationship, especially in areas of mutual interest and complementary synergies such as energy, minerals, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, advanced technology, higher education and people-to-people ties.