The first-ever shipments of 77 tonnes of potatoes have arrived from India for domestic consumption in Bangladesh - traditionally an exporter of the root vegetable - amid government efforts to ease the price.

 

A company named Gore International of Chapainawabganj brought two trucks of potatoes through Sona Masjid land port on Thursday after getting the government’s approval.

 

The company did not want to disclose the import cost. The agriculture ministry said the government has granted permission for imports of 107,000 tonnes of potatoes in three days starting on Tuesday.

 

Abu Bakar Siddique, the manager of Arham Nitex which is among the firms that got the permission to import potatoes, said they would start imports after analysing the volatile market by taking into consideration a 33 percent duty on potato imports.

 

Potatoes are now being sold at Tk 60 to Tk 80 (USD 0.55 to 0.73) per kg in Dhaka markets – the highest in the country's history. In India, one kg of potato costs 20 rupees. Potato prices have seen a sharp increase recently despite "sufficient" production in Bangladesh.

 

It produced 11.1 million tonnes of potatoes last season against the annual demand of around 8 million tonnes. Traders also exported 13,000 tonnes of potatoes at the beginning of this year.

 

Earlier, 68,773 tonnes of potatoes were exported in the 2020-21 season while the government approved permission to export 78,910 tonnes in 2021-22. This time the government has given permission to import 50,000 tonnes of potatoes in two days.

The Maharashtra State Onion Producer Farmer Organisation is launching onion markets in key cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to combat the alleged 'exploitation' of farmers at the APMCs and enable direct sales of onions to consumers.

 

Bharat Dighole, President of the organisation, announced that these markets would commence operations after Diwali and would be under the organisation’s control. Dighole emphasised that farmers have the freedom to sell their produce anywhere in the State, thus obviating the need for government permission to establish these markets. He underscored that farmers grow onions for consumers, not APMCs, and they will determine the produce’s price, minimising the role of intermediaries between farmers and consumers.

 

State onion growers have resolved not to bring their produce to the APMCs and private mandis. Instead, they will exclusively sell their onions in their own markets, with APMC traders, retail traders, and exporters having the option to purchase the produce from these farmers’ markets.

 

The first market will come up in Pune and farmers are holding meetings to discuss the details of establishing a chain of markets across the State.

 

The root of the issue

Over the past two years, onion farmers in the State have expressed their dissatisfaction with the functioning of APMCs, including Lasalgaon, recognised as Asia’s largest onion market. Farmers have alleged that Lasalgaon APMC has done little to improve returns for farmers and establish a benchmark for enhanced prices in the regional commodity market. Founded on April 1, 1947, Lasalgaon APMC handles substantial trade volumes, ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 tonnes of onions.

 

Traders in Lasalgaon argue that India’s daily demand for onions falls within the range of 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes, with the crop’s pricing being contingent upon its arrival in the market. In contrast, farmers dispute this claim, contending that traders wield significant influence over market prices by manipulating the supply of onion stocks.

 

Market control

The Lasalgaon market stands as the central onion trading hub in India, and local farmers assert that around 125 primary traders from 25 families hold trading licenses and maintain a firm grip on the market. Farmers claim that the APMC refrains from issuing new licenses without the consent of these established traders.

 

A study conducted by the Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre at the Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bengaluru had earlier revealed that a select group of influential traders, boasting extensive networks, played a substantial role in hoarding onions and artificially driving up prices.

In response to the poultry crisis brought on by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak, South Africa has taken significant steps to ensure a sufficient supply of poultry products for its consumers during the festive season. The South Africa Poultry Association (Sapa) has welcomed the decision by the government to allow the importation of fertile eggs, including products like powder and liquid eggs. This move aims to address the challenges faced by the local poultry industry and ensure that consumers have access to poultry products during these trying times.

 

Minister of Agriculture Thoko Didiza announced the decision to allow imports of poultry products, including fertile eggs, to alleviate the impact of the HPAI outbreak. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) has been actively working with stakeholders in the poultry industry to manage the crisis. Reggie Ngcobo, the DALRRD spokesperson, stated that the department had granted permits for various poultry products, including 115 permits for fertile eggs, 48 permits for egg powder, 2,406 permits for poultry meat, and 24 permits for table eggs.

 

Abongile Balarane, the general manager of Sapa’s Egg Organisation, expressed support for these measures, calling them 'good steps' to assist the industry during this crisis. He highlighted the severe impact of the HPAI outbreak on South Africa’s layer hen population, with millions of hens being culled or suspected to be affected. In response, the industry has agreed to import powder and liquid eggs, primarily used for industrial purposes, while prioritizing the supply of fresh table eggs to consumers. Balarane emphasized the importance of this strategy as the industry rebuilds its flock size and awaits the approval of vaccines in South Africa.

 

Regional Assistance

 

To supplement the domestic supply, South Africa is looking to its neighboring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and Malawi, which are bird-flu free, to provide essential supplies. This collaborative effort will help meet the demand for poultry products in South Africa while ensuring the highest quality and safety standards are maintained.

 

Revisions to Regulations

 

The poultry industry in South Africa has learned from past experiences. In 2017, during a previous avian influenza outbreak, poor-quality eggs were imported from South America, leading to reputational damage and consumer dissatisfaction. In response to this, regulation R.345 was revised to establish clear rules for anyone wishing to import shell eggs and products into South Africa. This includes a requirement that eggs must not be sold after 40 days from the date of lay. This regulation aims to protect consumers from poor-quality eggs that may have been stored at low temperatures during transportation.

 

Balarane stressed that the poultry industry supports these regulations, including the 40-day rule, and emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s laws. Importers are encouraged to work within the established framework to ensure the safety and quality of imported eggs and poultry products.

 

As the industry rebuilds its flock size and awaits vaccine approvals, these measures provide a lifeline for both producers and consumers during these challenging times.

Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the pavilion of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the World Food India event 2023 organised from 3rd to 5th November 2023 at New Delhi. The Department  participated as partner department in the event. Minister for State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Dr. L. Murugan was also present during inauguration. The World Food India event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3rd November 2023.  The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest of valedictory function.

 

In the pavilion Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying exhibited its major schemes, programs, new initiatives, and innovative technologies in the livestock and dairy sector. Pavilion also featured 20 stalls, including the National Dairy Development Board, start-ups, and companies working in Animal Husbandry and Dairy sector. The main attractions at the pavilion were the 'Selfie Point' and live demonstrations of various innovative products by start-ups and companies. The exhibition highlighted the department's commitment in promoting technological advancements and facilitating the growth and development of the sector.

 

On the inaugural day of World Food India 2023, Secretary Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Smt. Alka Upadhyaya participated in a Roundtable discussion. The discussion was attended by CEOs representing more than 70 prominent companies operating in the food processing and allied sectors.

 

On 4th November, the Department organized a knowledge session titled 'Fostering Women Leadership: Advancing equality and empowerment for effective change in animal husbandry & dairy.' The session aimed to emphasize the significance and the valuable contributions of women in the food processing industry, particularly in the primary production of milk, meat, and eggs.

 

The session was moderated by Additional Secretary (DAHD), Ms. Varsha Joshi and featured distinguished speakers including Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Abhijit Mitra; Dr. Jyothy Mistry from the Food and Agricultural Organization, Principal Scientist at ICAR – Central Institute for Women in Agriculture Bhubaneswar, Dr. Biswanath Sahoo, Founder of Siddhi Vinayak Poultry Breeding Farm & Hatcheries Private Limited, Dr. Anju Deshpande, Chairperson of Shreeja Milk Producing Company, Shreedevi Kuntapalli and Pooja Kaul Founder of Organiko-Beautifying Life. The knowledge session played a crucial role in acknowledging and encouraging the meaningful participation of women in the development and progress of the sector.

The 'World Food India 2023' event, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, concluded on 5th November at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, graced by the esteemed presence of the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. The valedictory session encapsulated the event's resounding success, with the President acknowledging its pivotal role in showcasing India's vibrant culinary heritage and fostering robust partnerships among various industries. She emphasized the country's potential as a global culinary hub and underscored the importance of enhancing food distribution to combat global hunger.

 

 The event was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3rd November disbursing Seed Capital Assistance for over one lakh SHG members. He emphasized the event's role in presenting India as the 'food basket of the world' and commemorating 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Applauding the technology and startup pavilion and food street, the Prime Minister emphasized their role in shaping the future economy. Recognizing the food processing sector as a 'sunrise sector,' he highlighted its attraction of over Rs 50,000 crore in foreign direct investment over nine years. He underscored the impact of the PLI scheme and ongoing projects under the Agri-Infra Fund, emphasizing investments of thousands of crores in processing infrastructure for fisheries and animal husbandry.

 

The Mega Food Event, held with the support of ten Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, six commodity boards, and 25 states, attracted significant attention from international and domestic stakeholders. The event featured a remarkable turnout of 1208 exhibitors, 14 country pavilions, and notable participation from 715 international buyers, 218 domestic buyers, and 97 corporate leaders. Spanning an expansive area of 50,000 square meters across seven exhibition halls, the event provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the food processing industry. 14 country delegations, including seven Ministerial delegations participated in the event. The event's global appeal was further reinforced by the distinguished participation of The Netherlands as the Partner Country and Japan as the Focus Country.

 

A distinguished CEO Roundtable marked the inaugural day of World Food India 2023, co-chaired by Union Minister Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles. This significant gathering brought together CEOs representing over 70 leading companies in the food processing and allied sectors. Key deliberations during the Roundtable encompassed facilitation of business operations, investment strategies, sourcing interests, and a comprehensive examination of the existing gaps within the value chain of the Indian Food Processing Sector.

 

During the event, Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras participated in six G2G meetings. He held discussions with Ministers of Fiji, Mauritius, focusing on global partnerships in the food processing sector. He also engaged in talks with dignitaries from Greece and Lebanon, highlighting the event's commitment to international cooperation. Discussions with the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security from Mauritius and a Member of Parliament from Australia emphasized the event's emphasis on knowledge sharing and international ties.

 

The three-day event comprised 48 sessions, featuring Thematic, State, Allied Ministries, and Country & Organization sessions. Notably, 16 Thematic Sessions delved into crucial subjects such as Financial Empowerment, Quality Assurance, Innovations in Machinery and Technology, e-Commerce, and Logistics in the food processing sector. Moreover, 12 State-focused panel discussions and 11 specialized sessions by Allied ministries, including DPIIT and FSSAI, addressed pertinent industry challenges. The sessions were graced by Ministers from  Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

 

The event also hosted knowledge sessions by The Netherlands and Japan, promoting knowledge exchange and best practices. Additionally, successful focused meetings with The Netherlands, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Brazil, and the UAE highlighted growth opportunities in India's food processing sector.

 

Among the event's highlights was the Technology and Sustainability Pavilion, which spotlighted cutting-edge innovations in the food industry, signaling a shift toward more eco-friendly and resilient food production practices. The experiential Food Street, curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, proved to be a delightful attraction, offering an immersive experience of India's rich culinary heritage and diverse regional cuisines. 200 chefs, including prominent names like Chef Sarah Todd and Chef Kunal Kapur, participated, conducting cookery demonstrations. The event also featured ICC23, an international culinary competition, celebrating excellence with categories like pre-millet dishes and live pasta cooking, along with masterclasses and an awards ceremony.

 

The event concluded with a substantial surge of investment interest, resulting in the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 33,129 crore underscoring the event's significant impact on propelling India's food processing sector. Companies such as Amul, ITC, Mondelez, Kellogg’s, AB InBev, IB Group, Balaji Wafers, Ananda Dairy, Fertis, and Bikanerwala were among the signatories. More than 15200 B2B and B2G meetings conducted during the event fostered meaningful dialogues and partnerships, creating an environment conducive to knowledge exchange and industry growth.

The government will continue promoting the export of processed food products in place of raw agriculture commodities, said Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal while highlighting that the share of processed foods in the agri export basket has increased to 27 per cent from 14 per cent in the past decade.

 

After visiting stalls at the ongoing World Food India 2023 exhibition in Delhi, Barthwal said that over 1,000 buyers from abroad have come from 80 countries, including about 135 from the Middle East, at the invitation of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), Marine Products Export Development Authority (Mpeda), Spice Board, Tea Board and Coffee Board.

 

He said the priority will always be for the government to ensure sufficient availability for the 1.4 billion people of the country, and only the surplus has to be exported. Since the better price realisation comes from processed foods, the government would like exporters to process those raw products in the country and ship them after converting them to value-added products as per global demand.

 

Apeda, government’s key agri export promotion body, on Friday, signed an MoU with LuLu Hypermarket to work together to form a closer association as strategic partners to promote India’s agri products in the global market.

 

According to Apeda data, India’s export of 27 categorised products promoted by the agency has dropped 11 per cent to $ 10.54 billion during April-August of the current fiscal mainly due to curbs on wheat and non-basmati shipments.

 

Surpassing the target of $ 23.56 billion, exports of major agriculture and processed products (broadly divided under 27 categories) promoted by Apeda jumped 8.74 per cent to $26.72 billion during the last fiscal from $24.57 billion in 2021-22.

Stating that the US is committed to an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen said that Washington is increasing its trade with countries like India, Vietnam and Mexico reducing its dependence on China.

 

Yellen said that she along with President Biden will head Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week later this month in California.

 

'Recognizing this big picture, the Biden Administration is pursuing an approach to the Indo-Pacific that furthers our country's long history of engagement and does justice to the region's importance for our and the world's future,' Yellen said in a statement.

 

'US is committed to an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,' she added.

 

The US Treasury Secretary said that the Biden administration is working to tackle challenges and seize opportunities and is also deepening economic integration and harnessing technological transformation.

 

She further highlighted three priorities to showcase the US' economic strategy in the Indo-Pacific region; increasing trade and investment, bolstering our economic resilience, and cooperating on global challenges.

 

'First, the Biden Administration is committed to expanding our trade and investment with Indo-Pacific countries. Trade between the US and the Indo-Pacific region has steadily increased over the past decade, reaching USD 2.28 trillion in 2022. It has increased over 25 per cent since just 2019, despite a pandemic dip. Indeed, trade in most sectors recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021 and then continued to grow.

 

It added, 'Across sectors from auto parts to electronics, the US is importing more from key partners like India and Vietnam, as well as from Mexico, and is less dependent on one single country, in this case, China'.

 

She further said that the economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific is needed to address the urgent global challenges of our time.

 

'The Indo-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to climate change. A significant majority of the region's population is dependent on the oceans. And Pacific Islands face the increasingly likely possibility of losing land due to sea level rise, with severe potential consequences for their people and economies. The interconnectedness of our economies and our shared goal of a viable future on this planet leaves us no choice but to support Indo-Pacific countries in addressing these challenges and realizing the opportunities of the energy transition,' she said.

 

Stating that the Indo-Pacific is at the center of the 21st-century global economy, the US Treasury Secretary said that the growth and innovation in the US, paired with its engagement in the region, is helping realize the tremendous potential of the region.

 

'From the Quad to IPEF, from Vietnam to India, we are increasing trade and investment, bolstering our supply chains, and addressing global challenges. And at APEC later this month and far beyond it, we will only continue to expand and deepen our engagement. Jobs and security at home in the United States, the growth and resilience of Indo-Pacific economies, and the strength of our global economy depends on it,' Yellen added.

Mega food show will continue till Nov 5 at Bharat Mandapam

 

APEDA inks MoU with Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and LuLu Group

 

As a part of its initiatives to give a push to export promotion of agricultural products, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, has actively participated in second edition of World Food India (WFI) 2023and showcased a varied range of agricultural products at its pavilion.

 

While inaugurating the second edition of the ‘World Food India 2023: Processing for Prosperity of Mega Food’, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced providing seed capital assistance to over one lakh Self Help Group (SHG) members on November 3, 2023.

 

Along with the Hon’ble PM, who take a tour of the exhibition, Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri. PiyushGoyel, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri. ParshottamRupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandary, and Dairying and Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Food Processing, participated in inaugural event.

 

The mega food show, which is being organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is being held at Bharat Mandapam, PragatiMaidan, in New Delhi and will continue till November 05, 2023.

 

In an interactive session at WFI 2023, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said that along with the raw agricultural produce of farmers, value added products are also equally important as it has a huge demand in the international markets. On the occasion, APEDA and Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) signed an agreement for the export of agri products from India to Saudi Arabia.

 

The agreement was signed by Mr. Sami S. AI Sager, Vice President, SFDA and MrAbhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA. Besides, APEDA also entered into an agreement with global retail giant Lulu Hypermarket LLC. The MoU was signed between Mr Yusuf Ali MA, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of LuLu Group and APEDA Chairman at the WFI 2023.

 

Twelve export companies from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state such as M/s. Kavya Agro, M/s Terra Firma Organics Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd.M/s. Frumar Agri Food Pvt. Ltd.,M/s. Basani Agro Innovations Pvt. Ltd.,M/s. Sam Agri Tech Pvt. Ltd.,M/s. Al-Sami Agro Products Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Yeruka Naidu Agros,M/s. RN Galla Family Pvt. Ltd., Galla Foods Division, M/s. JYJ Trade and Exports, M/s. DP Chocolates and M/s. Anakapalli Agriad Horti Farmer Producer Company Limited have participated and exhibited their products at the WFI 2023.

 

Women entrepreneurs and one FPO from Andhra Pradesh participated in the event. The GI products of BandaruLaddu from Andhra Pradesh and TandurRedgram from Telangana have also been exhibited in the APEDA pavilion.

 

Mr. R P Naidu, AGM and Regional Head for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State have participated in World Food India 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

At a time when the country is facing a serious sugar crisis, India has allowed to export 25,000 tonnes of sugar to Nepal with immediate effect.

 

The same facility is given to another South Asian country Bhutan that is vastly dependent on India in sugar and facing a similar kind of crisis like Nepal.

 

According to a decision taken by India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Thursday, the release of 25,000 tonnes of sugar will be made available through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).

 

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in an October 18 notice had extended the restriction on sugar exports beyond October 31 until further notice. However, a Committee of Ministers formed to review the price and availability of essential commodities decided to allow the sugar export to Nepal and Bhutan through NCEL.

 

Consumers in Nepal have been facing serious sugar shortages during festive seasons due to the export ban. The allotted export by the Southern neighbour may meet demands for three to four months, say Nepali officials.

 

India has been halting shipments of sugar for the first time in seven years saying that lack of rain has cut cane yields. India allowed mills to export only 6.1 million tonnes of sugar until September 30, after letting them sell a record 11.1 million tonnes during the last season.

 

Directorate of Sugar, Vegetable Oils, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in exercise of powers conferred by section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1995 read with the clauses 4 and 5 of sugar (control) order, 1996, grants permission to the NCEL to export 25,000 tonnes of sugar each to Nepal and Bhutan till September, 2024, reads the export release order seen by the Post.

 

A senior official at the Ministry of Agriculture said that although they are aware of India’s decision, they are yet to receive formal information.

 

'Once we receive a formal notice on the decision, we will correspond with NCEL and move forward with the imports as soon as possible given the urgency of the matter,' the official told the Post.

 

Two government agencies— Salt Trading Corporation and Food Management and Trading Company– had called separate international tenders for importing sugar but they were not sufficient. The decision of the Indian government comes as a huge relief to us but not sufficient, the official added.

 

On September 13, the Finance Ministry approved the import of 20,000 tonnes of sugar for the festive season.

 

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies had asked to import 60,000 tonnes of sugar to meet the anticipated festival demand. Despite these approvals, sugar imports are dismal and the general public is forced to pay almost double the price to get sugar from the market or there is no availability of sugar.

 

Ahead of the Dashain festival, sugar was available for Rs88 per kg a few weeks ago, but now it costs Rs140 per kg in the black market, according to consumer rights groups.

 

Nepal’s annual sugar requirement is around 270,000 tonnes.

 

The country faces a deficit of about 100,000 tonnes of the sweetener annually which is fulfilled through imports by the private sector and sometimes by the two government companies.

 

Nepal used to produce 155,000 tonnes of sugar annually till a few years ago, which has now declined to 120,000 tonnes after sugar mill owners failed to pay sugarcane growers on time, according to the Salt Trading Corporation.

The Union Health Ministry plans to introduce a Bill in Parliament to amend the FSS Act of 2006, which is aimed at revamping the functioning and specifying the jurisdiction of FSSAI.

 

According to Sudhansh Pant, Chairman, FSSAI, and Secretary, Health, Government of India, the Union Health Ministry shall soon introduce an amendment Bill in Parliament that would focus around reforming the functioning of the food authority.

 

Reports suggest that through the amendment, the FSSAI shall be given more powers thereby strengthening the food authority for ensuring compilation of the food safety & quality norms.

 

Meanwhile, in 2020, the food authority had introduced draft rules for public comments with respect to designated officers proposing it to be at par with the rank of ‘Sub-Divisional Officer’ or equivalent.

 

The draft also proposes to give powers to Commissioners of Food Safety in the state to appoint Sub-Divisional Officers of the area on additional charge as designated officers for a specific period with the approval of the state government.

 

Also, amongst duty list for Food Safety Officer, it was proposed that a FSO shall ‘examine the label of any article of food to be sent for analysis in accordance with the requirements of labelling, advertisement and claims as specified in the relevant Food Safety and Standards Regulations and send the report of non-compliance, if found, to the designated officer for scrutiny so as to take further proceedings as per the provision of the Act, or rules made thereunder.’