There is good news for orchardists and apple growers, the Horticulture Department Kashmir is planning to enhance cold storage facilities from 2.06 lakh MT to 5 lakh MT in the coming years aimed to counter the post-harvest losses and financial difficulties for apple growers.

Over the years the department has been working to improve the cold storage facilities that are aimed to felicitate the farmers and save the fruit crop to gain good profit in the market.

Subject Matter Specialist, Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir, Mohd Amin Bhat said the department is planning to add more cold storage facilities in the valley for the benefit of the growers.

'We will improve it from 2.06 lakh MT to 5 lakh MT in the coming years.  It is expected to improve further capacity storage which would be a major boost for the farmers,' he said.  

Interestingly, the Subject Matter Specialist said the horticulture department has extended the cold storage facilities from 1.8 lakh mt in 2022 to 2.06 lakh metric tonnes this year (2023). He said that the number of cold storage facilities has been improved from 42 in 2022 to 44 this year.

He said that the department is more focused on the extension of cold storage facilities. 'By providing more cold storage facilities, our apple produce could be stored for more months, which will help get a good price in the market,' Bhat said.

Bhat said that the department plans to improve cold storage facilities to store apples in huge quantities. 'Kashmir produces apples in bulk. In case of a decrease in rates farmers need to store apples for months. The increase to 5 lakh mt cold storage facilities will ease farmers,' he said.

He said that as the high density apple would increase it would require more cold storage facilities as in high density there is more than 80 percent of fruit A-Grade.

'These days, whatever the CS stores are being constructed, each store has 2,000 to 5,000 MT capacity. Now, we are also going to set up the cold storage facilities in north Kashmir as most of the cold storage facilities are located in Pulwama and Shopian districts,' he said.

Officials also said that the UT government, under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), has taken several steps to construct cold storage facilities in both the public and private sectors, with priority given to apple-producing regions.

'To incentivize entrepreneurs, they are offered a reward of Rs 10,000 per metric ton of cold storage space under the MIDH and PMDP schemes. Moreover, under the UT Capex program, a top-up incentive of Rs 14,520 per metric ton of cold storage space is provided for activities that are not covered under central schemes by the beneficiary,' they said.

Additionally, the beneficiary can take advantage of interest subvention under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund or Industrial Development Scheme.

Annually Kashmir produces over 20 lakh mt of apple and in some years touches 25 lakh mt. The 2017 Economic Survey in J&K had said that half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry and over 3.5 lakh hectares are under apple cultivation.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new system to streamline the process of obtaining food safety licences. Applicants ,who choose the online application route, would have to pay only Rs.1,000, District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati said here on Saturday.

 

Once the online applications are verified and approved, the applicants can obtain the food safety licence online through the email address they have provided.

 

The new procedure eliminates the previous penalty of Rs. 100 a day for renewing food safety licences online within 30 days. Under the new system, licences can be renewed online for a duration of one year. Extension of food safety registration certificate for up to five years can be done online for an additional fee of Rs.100 a year.

 

Additionally, the renewal process allows a six-month grace period for applications beyond the expiry date. The renewal process can also be completed online without the need for an inspection.

 

India and Sri Lanka have relaunched the negotiations for the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) after a five year hiatus, the government said Wednesday.

 

The two sides held the 12th round of negotiations on the ETCA in Sri Lanka from October 30-November 1. They had held 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018. after which the talks were paused.

 

'During this round, both sides reviewed the progress on implementation and decided to drop nine issues as being resolved,” commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.

 

Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.

 

As per the statement, both sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round and engaged in discussions on various chapters including trade in goods and services, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and dispute settlement, and identified the areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions.

 

'On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in past, while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments,” the ministry said.

 

The conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries and would be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.

 

The government, over the last two days, has given permission to import 49,755 tons of potatoes.

 

The government gave such permission against 77 applications, according to a press release of the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Following the permission for allowing import of potatoes given on Monday, permission for importing 49,755 tons of potatoes was given till Wednesday.

 

Earlier on September 14, the government fixed the prices of potatoes at Tk26-27 per kg at the cold-storage level and Tk35-36 per kg at the retail level. 

 

However, there have been reports of potatoes not being sold in kitchen markets at government-fixed prices. 

 

In such circumstances, the government issued a directive to deputy commissioners to stabilize the potato market. 

Calling the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that this is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India.

He said that Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle, and added that the internal trade between India and Bangladesh has tripled in the last 9 years.

 

In a video conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today, PM Modi said, 'In the last 9 years, our internal trade has tripled. Today the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a historic moment. This is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle I am happy that we have inaugurated the second unit of the Maitree Thermal Power Project'

PM Modi further highlighted that in order to establish peace and security at the border, India and Bangladesh have also signed a Land Boundary Agreement and that in the last nine years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata.

 

He also noted that three new train services have also started in the last nine years.

'For establishing peace, security and stability at the border, we signed the Land Boundary Agreement which had been delayed for decades. We also solved the maritime boundary... In the last 9 years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata... 3 new train services have also started in the last 9 years. Since 2020, parcel and container trains are also running between India and Bangladesh... By starting the world's biggest cruise, Ganga Vilas, between India and Bangladesh, tourism has been boosted,' PM Modi said.

On the inauguration of three development projects between India and Bangladesh, PM Narendra Modi said, 'It is a matter of joy that once again we have connected to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation. Our relations are reaching new heights continuously.'

'The work we have done together in the last 9 years was not done even in the decades before this,' he added.

'We have considered our approach of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' for our neighbour country Bangladesh also. We take pride in being the biggest development partner for Bangladesh. In last 9 years, an aid of USD 10 billion has been given. The list of our achievements is very long... We took the decision of the three projects that are inaugurated today and we got the chance of inaugurating them too. I express gratitude to PM Sheikh Hasina for the success of our joint efforts,' PM Modi said.

The Akhaura-Agartala railway is a new commercial opportunity between Northeast India and Bangladesh.

The Agartala-Akhaura International Railway is an internationally recognized project to connect the two countries.

The Akhaura-Agartala dual gauge railway is located in Bangladesh. The whole portion has been lined

with railroad tracks. Whereas, the station platform and the Customs and Immigration building still need renovation.

 

Owing to land acquisition challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic, the project's 2020 completion date was pushed back. An international immigration station would be situated on the 15-kilometer railway line that connects Bangladesh's Akhaura to Nischintapur, the border between India and Bangladesh.

When the railway is put into operation, it will take 10 hours instead of 31 to get from Agartala to Kolkata, creating a plethora of opportunities for tourism, commerce, and intercultural exchange.

India and Bangladesh customs officials have extended time for border trade via Changrabandha in Cooch Behar district by two hours in the morning.

 

From now, exporters and importers of both countries get a 12-hour window from 6am to 6pm.

 

The decision was made at a high-level meeting held in Changrabandha on Monday between senior Customs officials of India and Bangladesh, and senior officials of the Border Security Force and the Border Guard Bangladesh.

 

A number of officials from Bangladesh including Abdul Alim, a deputy commissioner of Bangladesh Customs, Abdul Latif, the superintendent of Customs posted in Burumari as well as the officials of the BSF and the BGB were present at the meeting.

 

The transit route, through which goods from India and Bhutan are sent to Bangladesh by road and vice-versa, connects Burimari on the other side of the border in Bangladesh.

 

'So far, the movement of trucks through the border was allowed from 8am to 6pm. In today's (Monday's) meeting, it has been decided that trucks can cross the border on both sides from 6am to 6pm. The decision, we feel, will boost bilateral trade among the countries through this border,' said Nima Lhamu Sherpa, the assistant commissioner of Customs posted in Changrabandha.

 

Every day, around 300 trucks from India carry various goods to Bangladesh using this route. Also, another 100 trucks from Bangladesh use the same route to bring goods to India.

In a bid to give further boost to bilateral trade ties between India and Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan officially opened the India Pavilion at the B2B Food Exhibition, held under the banner of InFlavourExpo in Riyadh today. With the event being organized with the facilitation of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations  

 

The India Pavilion at the InFlavourExpo showcased the participation of more than 20 Indian exhibitors, each keen to explore the vast opportunities presented by the burgeoning Saudi Arabian food market. For many of these exhibitors, this marks their inaugural foray into the Saudi market, highlighting the growing interest in expanding India’s footprint in the Kingdom’s food industry.

 

The decision by several first-time exhibitors to participate in the exhibition reflects their eagerness to leverage the increasing demand for Indian food products in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has long considered India as one of its most reliable and robust partners in ensuring food security, given India’s diverse and rich agricultural resources.

 

The India Pavilion at InFlavourExpo is anticipated to serve as a key platform for fostering greater trade collaboration between Indian and Saudi businesses. As both countries continue to explore new avenues for cooperation and investment, this initiative signifies a promising future for the food industry within the bilateral relationship. With the ongoing growth of the Saudi Arabian market, the exhibition provides a timely opportunity for Indian businesses to establish a robust presence in the Kingdom, ultimately contributing to the food security goals of both nations.

 

InFlavour Expo is a global food and beverage (F&B) event that is being  held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from October 29-31, 2023. It is the first government-backed F&B event in Saudi Arabia, and is expected to attract over 40,000 visitors, 200 speakers, 600 exhibitors, and 200 international investors and VCs.

India's G20 Presidency has opened doors for global investment and sustainable economic growth, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Saturday. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant developments were made with world leaders, he said at an event organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

'India's G20 presidency has opened doors for global investment. We know that the G20 will support the financial sector in ensuring sustainable economic growth and the stability of financial markets,' he said.

 

Speaking on digitisation, he said, the development of digital infrastructure is an important step in enhancing trade and commerce in the country.

 

The adoption of digitalization in our capital markets have increased efficiency, transparency and accessibility, he said.

 

Further, he said, by reducing intervention and embracing technology, we can improve the integrity and security of our capital markets.

 

Over the past few years, especially after the pandemic, the capital markets and investment services industry have experienced significant growth, he said.

 

Retail participation with new individual investors joining the stock market have increased, he said.

 

Dutch greenhouse experts see numerous opportunities to improve local food systems in India. Recently, it became clear that Indian vegetables and fruits contain alarmingly high levels of pesticides and chemicals due to outdated agricultural practices. The Netherlands, known for its expertise in food safety solutions, holds the key to producing healthy food in India. This week, the Dutch partnership of leading horticultural companies, 'NLHortiRoad2India,' is embarking on its third journey to India. During World Food India, the Dutch delegation eagerly looks forward to connecting with Indian retailers, growers, and investors interested in investing in a healthier, more sustainable, high-quality, and profitable food system.

 

The trade mission to India begins with participation in World Food India, taking place from Friday, November 3, to Sunday, November 5, at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. At this promising event, the Dutch horticulture sector will showcase its solutions for profitable food systems inside a captivating demo greenhouse. This greenhouse is not just an exhibit; it's designed to provide visitors with a firsthand experience of the advantages of high-tech horticulture. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the high-tech greenhouse, observe the cutting-edge technology up close, and truly immerse themselves in the innovative world of Dutch horticulture.

 

The cluster is also represented at The Netherlands Pavilion on the exhibition, where they are keen to engage in discussions with pioneers, early adopters, influencers, and potential partners regarding the implementation of innovative technologies to meet the growing market demand for high-quality fresh food.

 

Desh Ramnath, Director of Dutch Greenhouse Delta and Coordinator of NLHortiRoad2India, explains, 'The Netherlands collaborates with countries around the world to improve local food systems. Combining India's local expertise with our global knowledge and expertise, we can assist India in achieving greater self-sufficiency in food production. Profitably upscaling Indian horticulture with high-tech solutions is the primary focus of our consortium, NLHortiRoad2India, in collaboration with the Indian industry.'

 

Invitation to the Knowledge & Ideation Session on November 4

In collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in India, a session on Indo-Dutch cooperation in Indian Horticulture will be held on Saturday, November 4, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. This event will take place at World Food India and has limited seats. It is tailored for retailers interested in making a positive impact on health, sustainability, quality, taste, and profitability, growers prepared to invest in advanced systems for cleaner, safer, and more profitable crops, and investors enthusiastic about supporting the future of Indian horticulture. Interested individuals can register here.

 

Trade Mission to Uttar Pradesh and Goa

The trade mission proceeds to Uttar Pradesh, where the local government is investing in new economies, knowledge, and collaboration to accelerate economic growth and prosperity. NLHortiRoad2India has been invited to explore how Indo-Dutch cooperation can enhance the economy in this state. Finally, the delegation will visit Goa to assess the opportunities presented by the robust infrastructure of this prosperous state. Discussions with the hospitality industry will focus on sustainability and improvements in the food supply chain to make a positive impact and enhance food quality in line with market demands. The significant tourism in this region also offers substantial economic opportunities.