A series of Value-Chain Financing Conclaves is set to kick off in Assam from October 12 to November 2, with the ambitious goal of bringing about a transformation in the agricultural sector.

 

This innovative initiative, known as the Agri Value-Chain Financing Conclave, aims to bridge the knowledge gap and introduce effective financing tools to ensure seamless financial services in agriculture.

 

Organized by the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services Society (ARIAS) as part of the state-run Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project, these conclaves will be conducted in four key zones: Silchar, Jorhat, Morigaon, and Lakhimpur. The target audience includes farmers, farmer interest groups (FIGs), farmer producer companies (FPCs), self-help groups (SHGs), and traders hailing from 12 different districts of Assam.

 

The primary objectives of these conclaves are to promote value-chain financing models that benefit various stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem.

 

This event will also serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants from diverse sectors. Innovative financial products, digital financial literacy, financial inclusion, Kisan credit cards, and funding for agricultural infrastructure projects will be showcased to enhance access to agricultural finance for all involved in the value chain.

 

These conclaves are not just limited to district officials; they will also feature representatives from institutions such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and other financial entities. Currently, despite a high demand for credit and financial services, there exists a significant knowledge gap and a dearth of suitable financial instruments, which have hindered the widespread provision of these services. Financial institutions often grapple with managing risks and costs associated with agricultural financing, resulting in a substantial gap in meeting the financing needs of the agricultural sector.

 

The Agri Value-Chain Financing Conclave seeks to address these challenges and usher in a new era of financial empowerment for the agricultural community in Assam.

 

Indonesia to import additional 1.5 million tonnes of rice for 2023: minister.

 

Indonesia will import an additional 1.5 million metric tonnes of rice in 2023, its agriculture minister said on Monday (Oct 9), amid rising prices of the staple as drought affects harvests in many production centres countrywide.

 

The additional quota comes on top of a 2 million tonne rice import quota for 2023 and an additional 300,000 tonnes carryover from last year's import plan.

 

'We will do our best for the 1.5 million,' Arief Prasetyo Adi, who is acting agriculture minister, told Reuters.

 

He also said realistically Indonesia may only be able to procure 600,000 tonnes of the new import plan up to year-end.

 

Indonesian officials have previously said the country was looking to import 1 million tonnes from China to bolster stockpiles.

 

It was unclear where the rest of the imports would be sourced.

 

Indonesia typically buys rice from major shippers Thailand, Vietnam and India. Authorities have said talks of potential imports had also been held with Cambodia and Pakistan.

In view of the increasing demand for food, environmental degradation and challenges posed by climate change, there is an urgent need to transform agri-food systems into sustainable enterprises through scientific innovations, said Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala.

 

He was speaking after inaugurating the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) here on Tuesday.

 

Rupala said agricultural scientists should strive to infuse greater mechanisation in the agriculture production process, and develop and popularise specialised farm implements for women in agriculture.

 

The Minister made the observation, during the Sagar Parkirama,drive that marine and inland water pollution has seriously affected aquatic life and coastal ecology. He exhorted scientists to find lasting and sustainable solutions to address this perilous threat.

 

The Union Minister highlighted that traditional farm produce such as pokkali rice need to be promoted and measures be taken to ensure profitability for farmers cultivating the GI tagged rice. He said minimising post-harvest losses is equivalent to boosting production and this can be achieved by focusing attention on advanced technological interventions.

 

The future of India’s agriculture depends a lot on how the accumulated scientific knowledge can be translated to commercial success, he said.

 

The Minister inaugurated the Agri Expo being held on the sidelines of the event which showcases innovative agricultural technologies of public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs.

 

Research on genomics

Himanshu Pathak, Secretary to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said India’s foodgrain demand will rise to 340-355 tonnes by 2033. Research on genomics and genome editing would be the core focus for technological breakthroughs in agriculture and commodities where traditional breeding cannot yield the desired results.

 

Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad stressed on ensuring food and nutritional security for all the citizen of the country, while maintaining the health of the ecosystem and environment intact. He was emphatic that the ‘Poshaka Samrudhi’ scheme recently launched by the Kerala government will contribute towards this goal.

 

It is the time to turn to carbon neutral development pathways, and focus on newer technologies to augment production, he said adding that post-harvest sector also needs urgent attention.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala said that in view of the increasing food demand, environmental degradation and the challenges posed by climate change, there is an urgent need to transform agri-food systems into sustainable enterprises through scientific innovations. He was speaking after inaugurating the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) in Kochi today.

 

Shri Rupala added that the agricultural scientists should strive to infuse greater mechanisation in the agriculture production process and develop and popularise specialised farm implements for women in agriculture.

 

Union Minister shared his observation during the Sagar Parkirama drive that marine and inland water pollution has seriously affected aquatic life and coastal ecology. He exhorted the scientists to find lasting and sustainable solutions to address this perilous threat.

 

Sharing his enthusiasm, Shri Rupala highlighted that traditional farm products such as pokkali rice needs to be promoted and measures are to be taken to ensure profitability for the pokkali farmers. He suggested that minimising post-harvest losses is equivalent to boosting production and this can be achieved by focusing attention on advanced technological interventions.

 

Union Minister further added that the future of India’s agriculture depends a lot on how the accumulated scientific knowledge can be translated to commercial success.

 

Shri Rupala also inaugurated the Agri Expo being held on the side-line of the event which showcases innovative agricultural technologies of public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs. The Union Minister gave away Dr. B.P. Pal Award for Excellence in Agricultural Sciences, Dr. A.B. Joshi Memorial Lecture Award and several other NAAS awards to the recipients.

 

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) delivered the presidential address. He read out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to the Congress. Dr Pathak said that India’s food grain demand will rise to 340-355 metric tonne by 2033. Research on genomics and genome editing would be the core focus for technological breakthroughs in agriculture and commodities where traditional breeding cannot yield the desired results, he added.

 

Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad stressed on ensuring food and nutritional security for all the citizen of the country, while maintaining the health of the ecosystem and environment intact. He was emphatic that the ‘Poshaka Samrudhi’ scheme recently launched by the government of Kerala will contribute towards this goal.

 

The minister also said that it is the time to turn to carbon neutral development pathways, and focus on newer technologies to augment production, adding that post-harvest sector also needs urgent attention.

 

Shri Hibi Eden MP and Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General of ICAR were the guests of honour at the inauguration of the Agricultural Science Congress (ASC). Following this, Prof. Panjab Singh delivered the Dr A B Joshi Memorial Lecture. NAAS Secretary Dr W S Lakra and CMFRI Director Dr A Goplakrishnan spoke on the occasion.

 

Background:

 

Organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the ASC will come out with recommendations that facilitate the agriculture sector for moving towards a path of greater sustainability. Leading agricultural economists, scientists,entreprenuers and other stakeholders will involve in discussions on applications of modern scientific tools and practices,  climate action, advances in genomics, IPR policy, etc.  Over 1500 delegates from India and abroad are attending the four-day event, which is taking place for the first time in Kerala and hosted by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

After allowing procurement of 100 per cent of production in case of tur (pigeon pea), urad (black matpe) and masur (lentil) at minimum support prices this year, the Centre is considering allowing more pulses and some oilseeds under it. However, the official procurement will depend on prices at agriculture market yards (mandis) as currently prices of some of these crops are ruling higher or at par.

 

In the Central Zonal Council meeting recently, co-operation minister Amit Shah is believed to have indicated that agri co-operative Nafed will be asked to buy 100 per cent of farmers’ production this year at minimum support prices (MSPs).

 

On June 6, the Centre announced its decision removing quantitative limit on procurement of tur, urad and masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) for 2023-24 following approval by the committee of secretaries, with the objective to encourage farmers expand the area and increase production.

 

Move to raise acreage

'In order to boost domestic production, the government removes ceiling for procurement of tur, urad and masur under PSS for 2023-24 and farmers are free to sell any amount of their produce this year,' the Consumer Affairs Ministry had said in a release. The decision expected to increase the sowing area of tur and urad during current kharif and of masur in rabi season, it said.

 

However, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s compilation of sowing data from States, the pulses acreage in kharif 2023 was lower by 4 per cent at 123.57 lakh hectares (lh), compared with 128.98 lh in the year-ago period. Arhar, urad, moong, kulthi and other pulses all ended with a lower coverage.

 

The Agriculture Ministry, which manages the PSS scheme, moved the proposal well in advance before the CoS, headed by the Cabinet Secretary as it was apprehensive about production of pulses.

 

Stock limited extended

Under PSS, the government buys maximum 25 per cent of production of pulses and oilseeds from farmers at their minimum support prices (MSPs) when mandi rates fall below these benchmark prices. However, if States request, the ceiling is enhanced to 40 per cent.

 

The Centre had also imposed stock limit in June which got extended until December 31 for tur dal and urad dal, specifying wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers, and importers not to keep these pulses more than the specified limit.

 

Currently, the all India average mandi prices of tur are around Rs.9,561/quintal against its MSP of Rs.7,000, while that of urad at Rs.6,931/quintal against Rs.6,950/quintal MSP and moong Rs.7,877 against Rs.8,558/quintal MSP.

Amid egg shortages caused by the outbreak of avian flu, the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) said table eggs are being diverted from 'industrial' customers and bakeries to store shelves.

 

It also said that it was not expecting to import table eggs, but instead looking to liquid and powder eggs to ensure that more table eggs are available on store shelves. The liquid and powder eggs will be used for industrial use, such as large-scale bakeries.

 

'We have reduced our cross border exports and we will fast track the importation of liquid and powder eggs for industrial purposes and then channel back those table eggs that were meant for industrial purposes to the shelves for the consumers,' said Abongile Balarane, spokesperson for Sapa.

 

According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the total loss due to the outbreaks was around 1.4 million chickens by 21 September.

 

A total of 50 outbreaks – of two strains of avian flu (HPAI H7 and 10 HPAI H5) – were reported.

 

What are liquid and powder eggs?

Balarane said table eggs are the fresh eggs that you buy at the stores. Liquid and powder eggs are processed forms of the food that are usually used in bakeries. They are eggs that come without shells.

 

The liquid eggs are separated from their shells, chilled and then pasteurised. To get the powdered form, the liquid egg is dried and then converted into a powder.

 

Are SA’s poultry products safe to eat?

Although the avian flu has led to shortages in poultry products, the chicken and eggs that are available to South African consumers is safe to eat.

 

'Consumers can also rest assured that any eggs and poultry that they may find at their local

grocers are safe to eat. There are many strict guidelines for safety measures in an outbreak like this

where we can with certainty be comfortable that the eggs that are sold are safe to eat.

 

'In fact, avoiding eggs can do more harm than good for our health as eggs are a cost-effective and nutritious food for any time of the day,' said Balarane.

 

Empty shelves at stores

Meanwhile, at some grocery stores, shelves that usually have eggs remain bare. Some retailers, such as Woolworths, are rationing the number of eggs that can be bought by each customer.

 

'As a temporary measure, we therefore have to limit whole egg purchases to one pack of six eggs per customer,' Woolworths said last week.

 

Government looking to import

Last month, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development said it was looking to import broiler eggs to address the egg shortage in South Africa. Broiler chickens are usually raised for meat rather than eggs.

 

According to spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo, the government is exploring various markets across the world to purchase eggs as a short-term solution to the shortage of eggs on retail shelves. It is considering markets from Africa, Europe, and South America.

 

South Africa already has an import relationship with countries like Brazil, the US, and Argentina. These markets play a significant role in supplying bone-in chicken imports to the local market.

In a bid to tame the overheated market, the government on Sunday gave five more companies permission to import 50 million eggs.

 

With the latest move, a total of 15 companies have so far got permission for bringing 150 million eggs from foreign sources.

 

The five companies that got the permission are M/S Lucky Enterprise, Union Venture, JFJ Paradise Connection, M/S Pinki Traders, and Layek Enterprise.

 

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

 

Later on September 21, six more companies including BDS Corporation, SM Corporation, M/S Ripa Enterprise, Popular Trade Syndicate, Joynur Traders, and Cheese Gallery received permission to import eggs, according to a commerce ministry official.

 

Each of these companies could bring 10 million eggs provided they meet five conditions, including sourcing eggs from countries free from avian influenza and bird flu.

 

However, the companies that obtained permission in September are yet to bring eggs.

 

Cheese Gallery proprietor Zakir Hosain said they got IP from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports last week and completed all formalities of LCs.

 

'We are expecting that Indian eggs will enter within this week,' he said.

 

Meanwhile, the retail price of egg declined to Tk11.70-Tk12.5 a piece in October which was Tk12.5-13.5 in September thanks to the announcement for import, said market insiders.

 

The government fixed maximum price of egg at Tk12 on September 14 last.

 

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

The Indian Embassy in Moscow has shared with Indian exporters a priority sourcing list of consumer goods that Russia is keen on importing, in yet another attempt to increase exports from India in the face of a whopping increase in Russian oil imports following imposition of Western sanctions last year against Moscow.

 

'Various export bodies in India have received communication from the Indian Embassy in Moscow sharing information on priority sourcing list of Grand Trade JSC, one of the leading suppliers in food and non-food consumer goods imported from across the world to Russian retailers. This would give exporters an idea of the items for which there is demand in the country,' a source tracking the matter told BusinessLine.

 

In 2022-23, India’s imports from Russia increased 368 per cent (year-on-year) to $46.2 billion, primarily due to an increase in oil purchase. Its exports in the same year were at $3.14 billion, down 3.3 per cent. Trade deficit was at $43 billion in 2022-23.

 

Tepid exports

Despite Russia’s interest in importing more from India to partly use the rupee balance that has been piling up in the special vostro accounts that Russian banks have opened in India to circumvent West’s sanctions, the figures remain low. 'One of the reasons for India’s exports to Russia not increasing is the fact that Indian exporters are hesitant about exporting items such as electronics and machinery, for which there is a demand, fearing third country sanctions as they may also be dealing with advanced economies that have imposed sanctions on Russia,' an industry official said.

 

'The priority list of items shared by the Indian Embassy mostly includes goods that are unlikely to attract sanctions as food and pharmaceutical items are outside its ambit,' the source pointed out. The food items in the list include onion, grapes, bananas, spices, dried fruits and some other vegetables.

 

Non-food list

The non-food items on the list include home textiles items such as kitchen towels, bath towels, bedding sets, pillowcases, pillows, sheets, bedspreads and blankets. It also has cosmetics and body care products including  shampoos, shower gels, cream, tonics, cleansers.

 

'For items related to natural skin care, hair, bath and body cosmetics, the Russian company is interested in the low and medium price segments  and would give priority to well-known brands,' the source said.

 

Russian importers will have to be less jittery about imports of food and essentials from India as in the past they have been raising quality issues, the industry official said.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has launched a Food Tech Valley to transform the Gulf nation into an international hub for agriculture and food technology, says its project head. 'We are uniting the food ecosystem all in one place with first-class infrastructure, business support and community programming. Our goal is to empower farmers, academics, business owners and entrepreneurs to address global food security challenges and pioneer sustainable food production that will reimagine the way the world produces and consumes food,' said Ahmed Al Shaibani, Project Lead, Food Tech Valley.

 

Launched in 2021 by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the Food Tech Valley aims to be a hub for future cleantech-based food and agricultural products. It will also be an incubator for researchers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and industry experts involved in developing solutions that have the potential to shape the future of the food industry.

 

Awareness

Over the past two years, the Valley has created awareness within the food and agriculture sector by taking part in exhibitions and building a strong ecosystem for its investors. It has helped them to forge partnerships with companies such as PepsiCo, FlyDubai, Tradeline and Emirates Development Bank. 

 

The Food Tech Valley is made up of different zones that encompass all areas within the value chain including production, logistics and processing zone, R&D & innovation centre, business park, academy and residential zone. This covers all aspects from food pre-production all the way to logistics and then food surplus and waste management, he said. 'We have also started site construction with the infrastructure being close to completion in order to accommodate early tenants to the project,' said Shaibani on its progress. 

 

The Food Valley Project has attracted the attention of many countries. It shows the importance of the sector and it has added to 'the success of the Dubai Expo'. The effect has been amplified and it enabled the project officials to begin dialogue and start collaborating (with other countries), he said.

 

Benefits

On the advantages of being part of the Valley, the project lead said it includes many benefits. 'Along with being part of a one-stop-shop which includes all areas of the supply chain, there will also be competitive leasing rates and up to 25-year lease agreements which gives companies more security for them to prosper,' said Shaibani.

 

UAE feels Dubai can be a gateway for Indian companies in the agri and food-processing sector to take its products and services global.

 

The untapped potential of the food sector in bilateral business has strengthened the UAE-India partnership in food trade and can strengthen food security in the entire West Asian and North African (WANA) region.

 

The development assumes significance on the heels of companies such as Waycool and Produze disrupting the market across the WANA region.

UK envoys are due in New Delhi this week as the two countries seek to bring almost two years of trade negotiations to a conclusion, people familiar with the matter said.

 

A team of 30 UK officials including Director General for trade negotiations Amanda Brooks will head to the Indian capital to thrash out remaining issues as part of their 13th round of talks, officials from the UK and India said, requesting anonymity because a deal isn’t yet sealed.

 

At stake is a commercial agreement between two of the world’s largest economies that would represent a landmark for both. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would be able to hold the deal up as a benefit of Brexit, and for India, it would be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he gears up for an election next year.

 

Earlier in the year, the two nations softened positions on most of their points of contention. Indian officials said that they had agreed to slash tariffs on British cars and scotch whisky, with Britain prepared to relax some visa rules for Indian professionals.

 

Sunak and Modi must now make a political call on pending issues, one person said.

 

With almost all outstanding sensitive issues resolved, Modi was due Monday to meet his own team to take a call on concluding a deal, the person said. The Indian premier will decide the position on a handful of critical issues for the South Asian nation, they said without providing further details.

 

The window of opportunity for finalizing the trade deal — India’s biggest and most ambitious to date — is small given next year’s national polls.

 

Two UK officials said significant progress has been made, with the majority of chapters closed, but that some issues are still being resolved. Sunak is regularly taking stock of progress, and he’s preparing to visit India to announce the deal before the end of the year, one of them said.

 

An India trade ministry spokesperson did not respond to an email outside business hours. The UK Department for Business and Trade said in a statement that it wouldn’t comment on the details of live negotiations, but added that the government continues to 'actively engage' with India.

 

'We will only sign a deal that is fair, balanced and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy,' the department said.

 

Modi and Sunak are pushing to double bilateral trade by 2030 through a pact that slashes tariffs and increases market access. The deal would bolster India’s ambition to become a manufacturing powerhouse while helping the UK to highlight the benefits of Brexit.

 

It is also expected to act as a springboard for India to clinch similar deals with other developed nations including the European Union.