1.   

President Inaugurates the BGRI Technical Workshop for 2013

President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, inaugurated the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) Technical Workshop for 2013 here today. Over 400 scientists, crop experts and farmers from all over the world are participating in the workshop. The President said that a country’s development depends on the productivity of its people. Progress is possible only if the health of its population is secured.

2.   

Organic farmers to get export boost

In a major boost to farmers in north Karnataka, organic produce from this region will soon be exported to European markets. Many farmers here have switched to organic farming method and are selling their produce in local markets through various organizations. To meet the huge demand of organic products, traders from European countries have approached Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). Buoyed by the new demand, KCCI in Hubli has started collecting data of organic farmers in north Karnataka.

3.   

Business leaders from BRICS will meet to discuss trade barriers in SA

Business leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) are meeting here Monday to identify specific measures to eliminate barriers to growing trade and investment. Prominent business leaders from 19 other African countries are also taking part in the first BRICS Business Council meeting at the Sandton Convention Centre. The Council was established by the BRICS heads of state and government during their summit in Durban in March 2013, to develop and grow business, trade, manufacturing and investment ties amongst the group countries and between them and Africa.

4.   

Measures to promote MSME export on anvil

The government is contemplating additional incentives for the MSME sector with a view to boost exports and to help arrest the decline in value of rupee, which has breached 63 to a dollar mark today. "The Committee of Secretaries (CoS) will meet tomorrow. Officials from DIPP will be there to discuss the report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for boosting exports from MSME sector," an official said.