1.   

Developing countries forced US, EU to cede ground in WTO talks: Anand Sharma

Developed countries tried to isolate India at the WTO ministerial in Bali, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said in a statement in Parliament on Tuesday, but the country managed to protect its interests with the support of many developing countries. Sharma mentioned a number of countries that backed India's stance on food security, but the list did not include China, Indonesia and Pakistan, which apparently deserted the G-33 halfway through the talks.

2.   

Trade policy: Commerce Ministry proposes long-term vision document

The Commerce Ministry on Tuesday proposed to develop a long-term vision document regarding India's trade policy. He was inaugurating a two-day round table on future contours of India's trade policy, organised by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). Mr Rao said that the document should be based on inputs on different variables that could affect the trade policy. "It is crucial to identify relevant variables, establish a mechanism for monitoring developments in respect of each variable and inputing the variables in the process of trade policy formulation."

3.   

Over RS. 1.34Lakh Crore Allocated in Twelfth Plan to Department of Agriculture and Cooperation

For the XII Five Year Plan Period (2012-17), an outlay of Rs.1,34,746 crore has been approved. Rs.17,868.32 crore and Rs.21,609 crore have been provided during the years 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively. Actual expenditure incurred during the year 2012-13 was Rs.17,730.72 crore. During 2013-14 and expenditure of Rs.13000 crore (approximately) has been incurred so far. An amount of Rs.61,527.90 crore was allocated for all schemes (around 50) during XI Five Year Plan period viz.2007-12.

4.   

International Cooperation in the Field of Food Processing

Ministry of Food Processing Industries has entered into agreements with some developed countries viz. Germany and France for bilateral co-operation in the field of Food Processing, which generally include processed food segments including fruits & vegetables. Besides, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has entered into number of umbrella agreements with some developed countries like USA, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Brazil for bilateral co-operation in the areas of agriculture and allied sectors which generally include agro and food processing, cold chain etc.