The government permitted another 10 companies to import 50 million eggs on Monday, bringing the total number of companies with the permission to 25 and the total number of eggs to 200 million.

 

The latest decision came at a time when 15 companies, which had previously received permission to import 150 million eggs, were yet to bring in a single piece of egg into the country.

 

The new companies that received permission to import eggs are Siam International, Karim Dairy, Khan Sons Corporation, Mahima Enterprises, Karima Consignment, Neela Trading Co, Ahmed Business & Commerce Pvt Ltd, Atcom International, JBS Food Products & Industries Ltd and Arif Sea Food.

 

On October 8, five companies got permission to import 50 million eggs. They were Lucky Enterprise, Union Venture, JFJ Paradise Connection, Pinki Traders and Layek Enterprise.

 

On September 17, four private companies -- Mim Enterprise, Tiger Trading, Prime Energy and Arnab Trading -- received permission to import 40 million eggs.

 

Later that month, six more companies -- BDS Corporation, SM Corporation, Ripa Enterprise, Popular Trade Syndicate, Joynur Traders, and Cheese Gallery -- were granted egg import permission.

 

Each of the 15 companies that received permission in September and October is allowed to import 10 million eggs. The 10 new companies that received permission on Monday are allowed to import 5 million eggs each.

 

The import condition includes bringing in eggs from bird-flu and avian influenza-free foreign sources.

 

Cheese Gallery proprietor Zakir Hosain said they received permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports last week and have completed all formalities of the letters of credit (LCs).

 

'We are expecting that Indian eggs will enter the country after the Durga Puja festival as ports are now closed,' he said.

 

Meanwhile, the retail price of eggs is currently Tk 13.5-14 a piece, against the government-fixed rate of Tk 12.

 

According to the commerce ministry, Bangladesh has a daily demand for 40 million eggs.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Sh. Piyush Goyal  will be attending the 7th Edition of Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 24th to 25th October 2023. During the course of the event, the Minister would meet Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) dignitaries including the Energy Minister of KSA, His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Al-Saud; Commerce Minister, His Excellency (H.E.) Majid bin Abdullah AlKassabi; Investment Minister, H.E. Khalid A. Al Falih; Industry and Mineral Resources Minister, H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef; and Governor Public Investment Fund (PIF), H.E. Yassir Rummayyan among others.

 

Shri Piyush Goyal will co-chair a conclave session on the theme 'From Risk to Opportunity: Strategies for Emerging Economies in the New Industrial Policy Era' along with the KSA Investment Minister. He will interact with the Indian community that forms an influential part of the Saudi economy. He is also expected to meet business leaders and leading CEOs from across the world.

 

FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation, launched by KSA. It aims to gather Government and business leaders from around the world to discuss new pathways for investment with the goal to create a global 'Impact On Humanity'. Its four areas of focus are Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.

 

Theme for the 7th Edition of FII is 'The New Compass' that focuses on the New Global Order. The event is expected to witness participation from world’s leading investors, business leaders, policymakers, inventors, and explorers. In subsequent meetings, the attendees will come together to deliberate and discover the new markets and navigate new frontiers of economic growth and prosperity.  

 

KSA is one of India’s most important strategic partners. The trade between both countries reached an all-time high of USD 52.75 billion in FY 2022-23. Cooperation between the two countries can also be witnessed with the establishment of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). Established in 2019, it aims to enhance the relationship between the two countries and has two main pillars: the ‘Committee on Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Cooperation’ and the ‘Committee on Economy and Investments’. India is the fourth country with which Riyadh has formed such a partnership, after the UK, France, and China.

 

In September 2023, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and KSA Crown Prince, HRH Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud co-chaired the first summit-level meeting of SPC. The meeting focused on critical areas such as energy security, trade and investment, defence and security, healthcare and food security. The Prime Minister envisions cooperation between the two large and fast-growing economies of the world as this mutual cooperation is important for peace and stability in the entire region.

 

In this context, the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in the 7th FII is expected to further enhance the strategic partnership and joint cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

A 1 billion ($1.2 billion) corner of the UK economy is fearing for its future as Britain and India close in on a long-awaited free-trade agreement.

 

British rice millers such as Tilda and Veetee Rice have thrived for decades by importing low-tariff unmilled brown rice from the likes of India and Pakistan and 'polishing' the grains into the white product loved by UK consumers.

 

But with India pressing for tariffs on white rice to be slashed, and little feedback from British trade officials, concerns are mounting for an industry that employs more than 3,000 people at 16 mills and processing plants scattered from Kent in southern England to Yorkshire in the north.

 

'It is crucial that existing tariffs on milled (white) rice are maintained,' Alex Waugh, outgoing director of The Rice Association, said at a private event in the House of Commons last month attended by rice industry leaders and government officials. 'If access on milled rice is conceded, the basis of operations will be undermined, the incentive for future investment in the UK will be lost and ultimately jobs will go.'

 

A spokesperson for the UK Department for Business and Trade said officials were working towards an 'ambitious trade deal.'

 

'We have always been clear we will only sign a deal that is fair, balanced and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy,' the spokesperson said.

 

One person with knowledge of the UK dialog said the question of tariffs on rice was yet to be fully addressed, adding that it was a contentious issue and that the two sides were still some way off ironing out the more 'difficult' details of a trade deal.

 

A separate source with knowledge of the Indian negotiating team confirmed that the subject of tariffs on rice was very sensitive, and that an agreement had not yet been reached.

 

Currently, the UK imports vast quantities of brown rice from India around 150,000 metric tons, or a quarter of its total rice imports, originate in the country. Import tariffs make this cost-effective. The levy on brown basmati is 25 a ton, or zero if it's included in a list of special varieties. That's much lower the levy on white basmati, at around 121 a ton.

 

Slashing the tariff on white rice would leave UK mills redundant, industry leaders claim, while bringing negligible price benefits for consumers, threatening security of supply and potentially risking a drop in quality.

 

Waugh contends there would be little gain for India from lower UK tariffs. Farmers in the country already tend to get a better price from UK mills than from domestic players for their brown rice, he said, since those buyers need to secure pesticide compliance and are increasingly keen to source rice with improved sustainability credentials.

 

For Indian millers, meanwhile, the quantities of their milled rice which would be exported to the UK are likely to be too small to really move the dial on their profits.

 

The downsides for the UK extend beyond lost jobs and production, Waugh added.

 

India has validated exports of rice to seven countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Guinea and Seychelles several months after banning the export of the crop in view of meeting the needs of the domestic market and reducing increasing prices.

Per the decision to lift the ban, ‘Sika Finance’ reports, India will send 1.34 million tons to the seven countries. 474,000 tons of the shipment will go to the African countries, 190,000 tons to Cameroon and 142,000 tons for Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.

The Asian country which is also world’s leading rice exporter, in July 2023 banned the export of NBW (Non-basmati white) rice (semi-milled or wholly milled, whether polished or not, glazed).

The move sent shock waves through the Asian market and global market for the staple food.

Côte d’Ivoire, the African continent’s largest importer, 41 per cent of Indian exports felt the blow with rice prices shooting up. Cameroon is the second market of the Indian rice exports on the continent, 25 per cent. The country’s Trade minister Magloire Mbarga Atangana, ‘Sika Finance’ reports, said the new shipment to Cameroon will cover three-month needs.

Both Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon have pledged to reduce their dependence on India or imports. Yaounde in May 2023 proposed $620 million to support rice production. The central African country expects to produce 750,000 tons of rice by 2030.

Côte d’Ivoire on the other hand rolled out a 2020-2030 plan backed by a $241 million budget in view of reaching self-dependence by 2025.

According to US almond industry officials, the formal removal of retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products going into India will boost demand in that nation. Agreed to in June, the tariff removal took effect in early September, bringing the tariff rate back down to Rs 35 per kilogram on inshell and Rs 100 per kg on kernels. The tariffs had been Rs 41 per kg on inshell and Rs 120 per kg on kernels.

 

Julie Adams, the Almond Board of California’s vice president for technical and regulatory affairs, stated: 'We are very happy to see the retaliatory tariffs removed, which will both help increase demand in India and reduce the cost to consumers there. The almond industry has been working hard along with government officials to reduce the impediments for exports of California almonds to India, which is our largest export destination. We continue to discuss further opportunities to improve export conditions related to tariffs and technical barriers.'

India has told the World Trade Organization (WTO) that there is no evidence that its wheat exports were harming the food security of other countries or distorting trade.

 

At an agriculture negotiation meeting on Thursday, New Delhi said that the global trade body's 13th Ministerial Conference next year should centre around a food security package, with a solution for public stockholding at its core.

 

'India said that gone are the days when we were the discipline taker and had no knowledge and wisdom to talk about a subject that concerns us,' said a Geneva-based official. India's statement comes ahead of a senior officials meet of the 164 members of the WTO on October 23-24 which would provide political direction to negotiators for MC13. 'India also asked some members to set aside arrogance by denying its way of contributing to food security in its own country and others,' the official said.

 

At the meeting, New Delhi said that it has never been a wheat importer but managed to provide its neighbors with around 200 tonnes of wheat in 2020-2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

'India said there is no evidence from challengers that its wheat exports were either harming the food security of other countries or distorting trade,' the official said.

 

India's ask for a food security package has found support from around 80 countries including China, South Africa, G33 and the African Group who emphasized the urgency of delivering a permanent solution on public stockholding at MC13. Public stockholding is a policy tool used by governments to purchase, stockpile and distribute food when needed. Developing countries' food subsidies are protected by an interim peace clause, which shields food procurement programmes against action from WTO members in case the subsidy ceilings-10% of value of food production in the case of India and other developing countries-are breached.

 

As per the official, the EU reiterated its support for India and the proponents' attempt to find a permanent solution to the public stockholding issue.

Russia is considering a formal Indian request to expand the list of Indian suppliers for buffalo meat, seafood and other livestock products amid ongoing talks to open mutual access for agricultural products, Russian trade commissioner Alexander Rybas said.

 

The two countries, Rybas said in an email interview, are also discussing the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to serve as an alternative transportation route for goods to Asian markets. 

 

What are the plans for boosting agri trade?

Russia and India have been conducting long-term negotiations on the mutual opening of access to crop and animal husbandry products. There is some progress here. In January 2023, regulatory authorities of the two countries agreed on veterinary certificates for the export of sheep wool, leather raw materials and animal feed from Russia to India.

 

This year, we plan to open mutual access for a number of agricultural products. Currently, Russia is considering India’s application to expand the list of Indian suppliers of buffalo meat, seafood and aquaculture, as well as other livestock products. In addition, negotiations are underway between major Russian importers and Indian producers of tropical canned fruit (mango, pineapple, avocado, etc.).

 

India and the Eurasian Economic Union planned to resume talks on an FTA. What has been the progress?

The Union is ready to resume negotiations with India on concluding a free trade agreement. Currently, it is difficult to make any forecasts on the timing of the conclusion of the agreement, but even now we see and understand the significant benefits of concluding a free trade agreement for both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India, including in terms of the possible implementation of future joint projects. Businesses of the Union countries also actively support the transition to preferential treatment.

 

Are India and Russia exploring the possibility of creating a new sea corridor similar to the Northern Sea Route?

The Indian side expressed interest in participating in the project for the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). In fact, this is a continuation of the Chennai-Vladivostok sea route, and the NSR may become an alternative way of delivering goods to Asian markets in the future. Already, in the context of the rapid growth of cargo traffic (in 2021, cargo traffic amounted to 34.9 million tons, and by 2024 it is planned to reach the figure of 80 million tons), the Indian side has requested from the Russian side an assessment of the current economic feasibility in terms of transport costs compared to alternative transport routes and long-term prospects for the development of the NSR, including the possible participation of India in specific projects. Moreover, in May 2023, an Indian delegation visited the ports of Vladivostok, Vostochny, Nakhodka and Kozmino, which contributed to understanding the requirements for the full-scale commissioning of the Eastern Sea Corridor. In general, it should be noted that India has a special interest in the Russian Far East. The area, a vast territory designed to become Russia’s calling card in Asia, is open to Indian business and, as expected, should become one of the platforms for deepening economic partnership between the two countries.

 

What are the engineering goods Russia is looking to import from India?

The Russian industry is confidently following the path of import substitution, which has intensified after many Western companies left our market. This process requires some time, which provides good opportunities for further increasing Indian imports, as well as investments.

 

Russia has formed a significant competence in the infrastructure of roads and railways, ports and airports and is ready to offer the necessary technologies, equipment and experience to help India implement its infrastructure project.

European Union member states want to close a free trade deal with India, but only if it grants real access to the Asian country's markets, Spanish Deputy Trade Minister Xiana Mendez said on Friday at an EU meeting chaired by her country.

 

The EU and India last year revived negotiations to forge a free trade agreement that could act as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, but the bloc has deemed India's proposals so far as too soft to lead to a comprehensive pact.

 

'We've felt a political impetus on India's behalf and we want to reinforce the negotiations,' said Mendez who represented the Spanish rotating presidency of the European Council at a meeting of trade ministers in the Spanish city of Valencia.

 

'There is an enormous interest from the member states, but only if there will be an access to the real market, without which the deal would be emptied.'

 

The EU is seen wanting greater access to Indian markets for its cars, alcoholic drinks and agri-food products such as cheese, while India is seen benefiting more in services and would like easier visa access to the EU for Indian professionals.

 

The European Union also expects to reach an agreement with the United States on steel trade by the end of the year, said Mendez.

 

'We knew it wouldn't be possible to reach a solution today (at an EU-U.S. summit in Washington)...The solution has to be sophisticated and complex. The main proposal is to finalise the deal with the United States before the end of the year,' she said.

 

The United States has suspended import tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, but on condition that both sides agree by the end of this month on measures to address overcapacity in non-market economies, such as China, and promote greener steel.

 

Mendez said the sides reached a definitive solution on the issue of duties, as opposed to a temporary fix, but were still negotiating on the problem of excess capacity and decarbonising the industry.

In recent years, India has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences towards ready-to-eat (RTE) and convenience foods. Various factors, including busy lifestyles and urbanisation drive this transformation in dietary choices. However, one of the most notable drivers of this growth is the increasing demand for sustainable packaging.

 

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods have gained immense popularity in India, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. Urbanisation, the rise of working couples, and hectic schedules have led to an increased demand for convenient but healthy meal options. RTE products, which range from instant noodles to authentic Indian cuisines as microwaveable dinners, cater to these needs by offering quick and easy meal solutions.

 

While convenience is a major driver, consumers in India are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices. Therefore, brands are now concentrating on sustainability in packaging to reach environmentally conscious customers. The consumer today is looking for products that align with their values, including sustainable packaging. This has incentivised RTE brands, including many mass-produced brands, to shift to green packaging.

 

Sustainable packaging, which includes materials like biodegradable plastics, paper-based packaging, and reusable containers, offers several advantages. Sustainable packaging materials have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics. They decompose more easily and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, brands that embrace sustainability in their packaging are viewed more favorably by consumers. It signals a commitment to responsible business practices.

 

This shift in consumer preferences has propelled ready-to-eat (RTE) and mass-produced food brands to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. However, balancing sustainability with cost-effectiveness remains a significant challenge. Here’s how RTE food brands are addressing this challenge, highlighting innovative approaches and strategies to cater to eco-conscious consumers.

 

Material and Efficiency

To meet sustainability requirements cost-effectively, RTE food brands are prioritising material selection. Switching to eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics, recycled paper, or compostable packaging helps reduce the environmental footprint. Brands also focus on optimising material use through efficient packaging designs, min-imising waste and costs simultaneously.

 

reducing - Many brands are adopting minimalist packaging, reduc-ing excess materials and unnecessary features. This not only aligns with sustainable principles but also reduces production costs. Streamlined packaging often appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who appreciate the simplicity and reduced waste.

 

Innovative Packaging Technologies - RTE food brands are embracing cutting-edge packaging technologies like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging. These techniques extend product shelf life, reducing food waste and the need for excessive packaging.

 

Locally Sourced produce - Brands are reevaluating their supply chains by sourcing ingredients locally. This not only reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation but also supports local economies. Shorter supply chains enhance food freshness, reducing the need for excessive packaging and preservatives, making it a cost-effective, sustainable solution.

 

The intersection of the ready-to-eat market and sustainable packaging is a prime example of how consumer preferences can drive positive change. As India’s middle class expands and environmental awareness grows, the demand for convenient yet eco-friendly options will continue to rise.

 

The RTE market in India has taken note of the sustainability imperative and is adapting accordingly. Companies are investing in research and development to find sustainable packaging alternatives. This includes experimenting with compostable materials, plant-based plastics, and reusable containers. Brands are highlighting their sustainable packaging choices in marketing campaigns to attract environmentally conscious consumers. Packaging is becoming a significant selling point. Some RTE manufacturers are partnering with packaging companies specialising in sustainable solutions. These collaborations allow for the integration of innovative packaging into the product supply chain.

 

Meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers in a cost-effective manner is a challenge that RTE food brands are actively addressing. Through material efficiency, minimalist packaging, innovative technologies, local sourcing, recycling, and consumer engagement, they are striking a balance between sustainability and affordability. These strategies not only satisfy eco-conscious customers but also con-tribute to long-term cost savings and a positive brand image. In a world increasingly concerned about the environment, embracing sustainability is not just an option—it’s a necessity for RTE food brands to thrive in the market.

Made with raw full fat milk, Kalari is our Indian version of Mozzarella cheese. This culinary dairy product is indigenous to Udhampur and popular in the district along with Jammu. While this is there, it is on the cusp of speeding wings in other parts of the country as the product has got GI (Geographical indicator) Tag.

 

While speaking to Indian Masterminds DC Udhampur Ms. Saloni Rai said, 'GI tag indicates the origin and special qualities of any product that comes with that.

 

Now that Kalari got GI tag, we are hopeful that in future it will continue to be the identity of the district.' When asked about the role of administration in getting the GI tag she said that application was pursued by a local. However, later it was supported by the Union Territory administration.

 

'It is quite happy news as such a unique product has been branded. This wouldn’t have beene possible without the help of locals and top leadership', said the collector.

 

ROLE OF SELF HELP GROUPS

 

Kalari cheese is a perishable item. It can only be stored at sub zero temperatures that too for a very dirty period. That’s why, even though it is popular in Jammu & Udhampur, the rest of the country is not aware about it.

 

Currently more than thousand people are involved in making and selling of this product. The collector said that they are going to encourage more and more people to get involved in the business of Kalari. They are also promoting Kalari among the self-help groups who can sell to other areas also. Besides this, the local branding of the product has already started. District administration is taking to the social media to increase awareness about this product.

 

The product will be given more identity and recognition in the coming festivals & fares. 'Lot of brading has started locally also. There are many cafes which promote Kalari like ‘Kalari Factory’, ‘I Love Kalari’. Now, our focus is to provide it more national recognition', said the collector.

 

HOW IS KALARI PREPARED

This food snack is made from raw milk separated by using soured milk. Then the solid part is turned in small flat pancake shape and dried in the sun. This process makes it dry from outside and yet moisture is retained on the inside. It is served after adding a little bit of salt and dry roasting in a flat pan using the fat container inside the cheese. It is mainly made and consumed in the Ramnagar sub-division of Udhampur. Usually, the cheese is eaten with chutney like chaat but sometimes, it is served with Kulcha too.

 

Ms. Rai believes that Kalari will give the name & recognition to Udhampur which it lacked till now.