The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC), an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of United Nations with 188 member countries, has praised India’s standards on millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.

 

India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet. Codex currently has standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millet.

 

India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet and Little millet as group standards as in case of pulses. The proposal was unanimously endorsed in the session at FAO Headquarters in Rome, which was attended by representatives from 161 member countries, including the European Union (EU).

 

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the Indian delegation on this momentous occasion which coincides with the celebration of 2023, as the international year of millets. He added that India has played a pivotal role in making the millet choice of the common man. India’s proposal will set the benchmark in highlighting millet and its benefits worldwide.

 

The Indian delegation led by the CEO, FSSAI, G Kamala Vardhana Rao had proposed international group standards for millets not only considering that 2023, has been declared as the “International Year of Millets” but also reflecting on the growing international trade in these products. Rao presented the book on Standards of Millets to CODEX chairman, Steve Wearne.

 

With the CAC endorsing the proposal, work on the submission of project documents and development of draft standards will now be initiated by India. The group standards on millets framed by FSSAI for 15 types of millets, which specify 8 quality parameters i.e., maximum limits for moisture content, uric acid content, extraneous matter, other edible grains, defects, weevilled grains and immature and shrivelled grains, will act as an important foundation for the development of global standards. The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be reviewed while making the group standards for millets.

 

The current session marks the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, of which India has been a member since 1964. India has so far chaired 12 EWGs and co-chaired 28 EWGs relating to various Codex standards/texts and guidelines. Important standards proposed by India include Standard for Okra, BWG Pepper, Aubergines, Dried and Dehydrated Garlic, Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika, Fresh Dates, Mango Chutney, Chili Sauce, Ware Potatoes and labelling requirements for non- retail containers.

The United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as International Year of Millets. The total production of Millets (Shree Anna) in the country during 2022-23 is 17.32 million tonnes. The State/UT wise production of Millets (Shree Anna) during 2022-23 is given at Annexure-I.

 

The Government of India is implementing a multi stakeholder approach towards celebration of International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 to achieve the objectives of IYM 2023 and promote Millets (Shree Anna). In order to increase production and productivity of Millets (Shree Anna), the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in all districts of 28 States & 2 Union Territories viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Under NFSM–Nutri Cereals, the incentives are provided to the farmers, through the States/UTs, on crop production and protection technologies, cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of certified seeds of newly released varieties/hybrids, Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management techniques, improved farm implements/tools/resource conservation machineries, water saving devices, capacity building of farmers through trainings during cropping season, organizing events/workshops, distribution of seed minikits, publicity through print and electronic media etc. To make India a global hub for 'Shree Anna', the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad has been declared as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the national and international level.

 

The State/UT wise allocation, release and expenditure of funds (Central Share) under NFSM-Nutri Cereals during 2022-23 is given at Annexure-II.

 

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

With potato exported for the first time from Purvanchal to a Gulf country (United Arab Emirates), Varanasi has achieved a feat as its monthly agricultural exports crossed the 100 metric ton-mark in November, APEDA regional head Dr CB Singh said.

 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday jointly celebrated the feat as the goods were exported via the Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport in Varanasi. Also, APEDA organised a workshop for all stakeholders.

 

The Varanasi airport handled 598 MT of perishable cargo till November 23 against 561 MT last year. 'This remarkable feat marks a significant advancement in the agri-export landscape showcasing the region’s burgeoning potential,' Singh observed.

 

The workshop coincided with the flagging off of a fresh potato batch to the UAE.

 

Singh credited the achievement in the local agriculture industry to the improvement in the infrastructure in the Varanasi region over the last few years. He added that the Varanasi region has transformed into a hub of agri exports by supplying green chilli, peas and several green vegetables to other countries.

 

'With the establishment of a robust quarantine and customs clearance facilitation centre at LBSI Airport, numerous exporters now operate in the region, utilising air routes for agricultural product exports,' he added

 

APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev said: 'The Krishi Udan Scheme will bring an added advantage to farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and exporters. APEDA will be regularly facilitating the FPOs and exporters to gear up agri-exports.

 

National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) has been allowed to export nearly 9 lakh tonnes of broken rice and about 35,000 tonnes of wheat and wheat products to various countries.

According to a recent gazette notification, the government has permitted export of 34,736 tonne of wheat and wheat products and 8,98,804 tonnes of broken rice.

 

Of the total wheat and wheat products export, NCEL has been allowed to export 15,226 tonnes of maida/semolina, 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice to Bhutan this year.

In case of broken rice, the cooperative has been permitted to export 5 lakh tonnes of the grain to Senegal and 50,000 tonnes to Gambia in six month, the notification said.

 

NCEL has been allowed to export about 2 lakh tonnes of broken rice to Indonesia and 1 lakh tonnes to Mali.

India otherwise has banned wheat and broken exports since last year as a measure to check domestic inflation. However, some exports are allowed on a government-to-government basis.

European Union (EU), Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski will be visiting India on 7-9 December 2023, leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector. During his visit, he would be inaugurating the EU Pavilion at the two prestigious exhibitions in New Delhi, SIAL and VINEXPO on December 7, which will host a wide array of agri-food products from across Europe, offering an immersive experience into the quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability standards of European food and beverages. The visit and the participation at the exhibition aims to promote exports of EU agricultural food and beverage products to India, facilitating its presence in the Indian market while enabling matchmaking between the businesses of both sides.

 

During his visit, Wojciechowski will hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, as well as the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and with Niti Aayog. It will be an occasion to exchange on the agricultural policy of the EU and India and raise the market access challenges faced by EU operators on the Indian market.

 

The EU is the Region of Honour of SIAL and VINEXPO 2023 with the EU Pavilions forming part of the ‘More than food’ campaign, with which the EU is actively promoting outstanding European agricultural products to Indian businesses and consumers. Wojciechowski will participate in the opening ceremony of the fairs. The 50+ businesses accompanying the EU Commissioner will not only showcase their products to the Indian buyers from the food distribution, retail, manufacture, and hospitality industries at SIAL and VINEXPO, but will also explore business and matchmaking opportunities with their Indian counterparts. The EU Pavilions will play a crucial role in creating excellent, centralised matchmaking opportunities for Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors. They are meant to lead to the establishment of new business partnerships that are mutually beneficial for both EU companies and their Indian counterparts. The direct interactions during the sessions will also contribute to a better understanding of the specific needs and preferences of the Indian market. This knowledge exchange can contribute to informed decision-making and enhance the potential for successful market entry.

 

'At the EU Pavilions, we offer an immersive journey into the world of European agricultural products, focusing on quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability. We aim to inform and inspire Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors through cooking demonstrations, information sessions, and tastings over three exciting days. The EU Pavilions also offer excellent matchmaking opportunities for Indian buyers, with representatives from more than 50 European companies attending from various food and drink sectors,' said Wojciechowski.

Uttarakhand has become the state in the country to get the maximum number of Geographical Indication Certificates in a single day, 18. Till now, a total of 27 products of Uttarakhand have received GI tags, said an official statement from the government of Uttarakhand on Monday.

The 18 new GI certificates that the state has received include Uttarakhand Chaulai, Jhangora, Manduwa, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar Nainital Litchi, Ramgarh Peach, Malta, Pahari Tor, Gahat, Kala Bhatt, Bicchubooti fabric, Nainital candle, Kumaoni colored Pichhoda, Chamoli Ramman mask and Likhai wood carving are included, added the statement.

 

While nine products from the state including - Tejpat, Basmati rice, Aipan Art, White Rajma of Munsiyari, Ringal Craft, Thulma, Bhotiya Dan, Chiura Oil, and Copper products have already received GI tag.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that it is because of his visionary thinking that today 18 products of Uttarakhand have been able to get certificates with Geographical Indication tag from the Government of India.

 

CM also congratulated the producers of the products which were awarded GI tag certificates and called the day 'historic' for Uttarakhand. 'For the first time in the twenty years since the enactment of the GI law in 2003 till 2023, GI certificates have been issued to 18 products of a state simultaneously in a single day.'

'With this achievement, the hill cuisine of Uttarakhand, along with many other items and the artists related to them will be greatly benefited and Uttarakhand will get a different identity across the world,' he added.

 

He expressed hope that the export of GI-tagged products from Uttarakhand will increase rapidly and will further strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to make India self-reliant.

The Chief Minister said that to promote local products in all the districts of Uttarakhand, work is being done rapidly in the state on 'One District, Two Products' scheme.

Under this scheme, two products are being developed in each district on the basis of skill development, design, raw material, new technology, etc. as per the market demand. The main objective of the scheme is to identify local products and develop traditional industries accordingly in all the 13 districts of Uttarakhand.

With this scheme, on one hand, self-employment opportunities are increasing for local farmers and artisans, while on the other hand, local products of every district are getting world-class recognition. 

The Tripura government has decided to apply for the Geographical Indication certification of some unique product that includes the famed fermented fish product, locally called Shidol, oranges grown in areas like Jampuijala and Killa and scented lemons that are grown in the plain lands of the state.

 

Speaking exclusively to EastMojo, a top official of the state government said, 'The list also includes Peda, a sweet dish that is offered to Maa Tripura Sundari, the indigenous scarf Hrisha and several other crops that are being cultivated here for a long period of time. Some of the products, such as Shidol (The fermented fish) is a unique food traditionally consumed by the people of hilly areas. In Tripura, this particular product has become an integral part of Bengali and tribal food culture. And different varieties of this fermented fish are now found here.'

 

Usually, Shidol is made through a complex process. A specific variety of fish called Puti, or Pungtius, is stuffed inside large earthen pots. After that, the pot is left inside the earthen surface for a particular period of time before the fish develops the smell and taste.

 

Recently, a senior Fishery official of Tripura has developed a different way of preparing Shidol in smaller earthen pots. This specific variety of Shidol is called Langi Berma.

 

'Berma is the Kokborok name of Shidol. The word Langi is used here because the pot in which this variety of Shidol is prepared is actually used for brewing of Langi, one of the most popular variants of rice beer brewed in the houses of indigenous households,' senior scientific officer of Tripura Fisheries Department Raju Lal Debbarma said.  

 

On oranges and scented lemon, Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, 'These two crops are considered as one of the most profit-making crops of all time. This is why the government is very eager to get them GI tagged. Apart from that we are also planning to set up a center of excellence for citrus fruits here in Tripura where Israeli agricultural technologies will be devised for enhancing harvest'.

 

'I have personally met two farmers—Bodhicharan Molsom and Birendra Kaloi—who had earned Rs 9,70,000 thousand and Rs 15,18,000 respectively through oranges. There was a time when orange was essentially a product of Jampui Hills, our state’s only hill station, but now the hotspots of this crops are shifted to Jampuijala in Sepahijala district and Killa in Gomati district. We have helped 224 farmers of Kill area with Rs 20,000 each under MIDS scheme to take care of their orange plantations,' said Nath. He said that 91 hectares of new orange plantations will come up across the state out of which 35 Hectares will be at Killa.

 

According to Nath, a team of four experts from ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute visited Jampui Hills to ascertain as to why the farmers of the area lost interest in orange cultivation. It was found that some other agricultural crops are giving better results there which prompted everyone to switch to the more profitable crop.

 

The orange variety that is produced in Tripura is Khasi Mandarin. Very soon the application for GI tagging of the crop will be filed by the state government. 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with a high level delegation met Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong on Friday. The delegation had reached Singapore after completing its tour of Japan.

 

The tour is being undertaken in the run up to the tenth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGIS) which is scheduled for January.

 

Underlining the development journey of Gujarat, Patel during the meeting emphasized on the state government's focus on fostering investment in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, food processing, and dairy products apart from the importance of Gujarat in the logistics sector, attributing its rise as a logistics hub in India to its global connectivity and extensive coastline.

 

Patel also invited the Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 to foster collaboration between the two nations in various sectors.

 

During the meeting, Minister Gan Kim Yong acknowledged the immense potential for development in India and expressed Singaporean companies' keenness to work in collaboration with the Indian government. He stated that cooperation with capable states like Gujarat could be beneficial for Singapore, especially in establishing a hub for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in the South East Asian region.

 

He also invited the Gujarat delegation to visit the Singapore port to explore potential collaborations, highlighting the importance of fostering partnerships in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.

 

Apart from the meeting with Minister Gan Kim Yong, the delegation had discussions with Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Technology Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Representatives.

 

Earlier, during the last leg of his Japan tour, Patel along with the Gujarat delegation, visited the famous Nokonoshima Island and the historic Kobe Port in Hyogo Prefecture.

 

Patel also held a meeting with Hyogo Governor Shri Motohiko Saito and underlined that the connection between Hyogo and Gujarat is not limited to just two states. Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Kobe in Hyogo are connected as sister cities. Recently, there was an opportunity for Ahmedabad to become the host city for the Urban 20 Summit, which prompted the state government to submit a zero net emissions resilient city action plan.

 

It may be mentioned here that Patel has been leading a high-level delegation to Japan and Singapore for a week-long tour to Japan and Singapore since November 25 with a view to will engage with the Japanese as wells Singapore government, industries, and institutions to discuss and explore areas of mutual cooperation.

India's palm oil imports in November jumped more than a fifth from the previous month as refiners favoured the tropical oil due to steep discounts compared with rival soyoil and sunflower oil, five dealers told Reuters on Monday.

 

Higher purchases by the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils could help lower palm oil stocks in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia and support benchmark futures.

 

India's November palm oil imports jumped 22% from a month earlier to 867,000 metric tons, the highest in three months, estimates from dealers showed.

 

The discount on palm oil to soyoil and sunflower oil has been widening over the past few weeks, encouraging refiners to switch to palm oil, said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage.

 

Higher palm oil imports lifted India's total edible oil imports in November 1.13 million metric tons, up 13% from a month earlier, dealers said.

 

Edible oil stocks in the country have surged close to a record high, prompting refiners to liquidate port stocks before making fresh orders, said Rajesh Patel, managing partner at edible oil trader and broker GGN Research.

 

Domestic stocks of vegetable oil jumped to 3.1 million tons by Nov. 1 from 2.45 million a year earlier, said trade body Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), which is likely to publish its data on November imports by mid-December.

 

Soyoil imports in November rose 7% from a month earlier to 145,000 tons, but far below average imports of 306,000 tons in the last marketing year, dealers estimated.

 

Soyoil imports have been declining for the past two months due to negative refining margins, its hefty premium over rival oils and an increase in local supplies, said Vipin Gupta, chief executive officer of Dubai-based trader Glentech Group.

 

Sunflower oil imports fell by 21% to stand at 122,000 tons, the lowest in 17 months, dealers said.

 

India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, while it imports soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.

The unusually long tamarind, stone-like jowar and a traditional chain made of shells found only in parts of Marathwada are the latest additions to the list of the items granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the country. Also, the the beautiful shaadu (clay) Ganesh idols from Pen in coastal Raigad district have also been given the unique tag.

 

Overall, six items from Marathwada, including the Panchincholi tamarind, Borsuri tur dal and Dagdi jowar have been awarded the GI tag. Panchincholi tamarind, Borsuri Tur Dal and Kasti coriander are found in Latur district of Marathwada, while Kunthalgiri Khoya and Kawdi mal are from Dharashiv district and Dagdi jowar has roots in Jalna district.

The office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), commonly known as the Indian Patent Office, has announced the GI award to these items in its latest journals. The Ganesh idols from Pen share the honour with the Badlapur jamun (Indian blackberry) from Thane district and Bahadoli jamun from Palghar district.

Ganesh Hingmire, an expert in Intellectual Property (IP) and copyrights, who was instrumental in getting the GI tag for these items, said the unique identity for these agricultural and non-agricultural items would increase the demand for these products in the domestic and international markets. 'The GI tag will help the local communities associated with these items reap more financial benefits. These products from lesser known villages and places find a place in the world due to the tag,' he said.

 

Panchincholi village in Nilanga taluka of Latur district has a group of very old tamarind trees that bear unusually long tamarinds. In the same taluka, Borsuri has a cultivation belt of tur dal with unique nutritional composition and great demand from Delhi and Mumbai. Kasti village from Ausa taluka in the same district grows a special variety of coriander that is known for its high aroma.

Kawdi mal is a chain of 64 white natural shells carried by devotees visiting the Tuljabhavani temple at Tuljapur in Dharashiv district.

 

The district also has a place named Kunthalgiri in Vashi taluka, which has several establishments engaged in the traditional business of khoya production. Known for its purity, this khoya is in much demand across Maharashtra and different parts of the country.

The Jalna district witnesses cultivation of a variety of jowar (sorghum) known for its relatively tougher grains. Known for its rich nutritional value, this variety is named as Dagdi (stone-like) jowar due to its peculiar characteristics.

Hingmire said a range of proofs and pieces of evidence related to the entire history, geography and scientific importance of the items was compiled before presenting each case for the GI tag.

Farmers’ leader Govind Joshi of Shetkari Sanghatana Nyas said the GI tag for traditional agricultural and non-agricultural rural products could give impetus to the locals. 'Maharashtra has vast diversity and has several traditional items that can be covered under the GI tag,' he said.