The US has asked India, at the WTO, to lift its export ban on non-basmati rice with immediate effect as it created an 'unnecessary trade barrier'. India, on its part, argued that the new ban was a regulation rather than a restriction, which was crucial for the food security of 1.4 billion people.

 

'India pointed out at the WTO agriculture committee meeting on Wednesday that it granted exemptions from the export ban to those in need upon their governments’ request and was committed to ensuring food security in those countries,' a Geneva-based trade official told businessline. 

 

India was confronted on its rice export policy by a group of WTO members, led by the US, that argued that the export ban had a detrimental impact on countries heavily reliant on imports, particularly during times of crisis, as it accounted for roughly 40 per cent of global exports. The other members questioning India included Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand and the UK.

 

India placed a ban on export of non-basmati rice on July 20 this year to ensure domestic prices do not rise, especially during the festival season. The government banned the export of broken rice and wheat respectively in September and May, last year.

 

Citing information from its Department of Agriculture, the US stated that India was likely to have a record estimated rice production of 134 million tonnes and stocks of 36 million tonnes for the 2023-24 period.

 

'The US said that under the conditions of ample domestic supply, the new export ban created unnecessary trade barriers and hindered the flow of food to areas where it is most needed. It said that it would encourage India to lift the export ban with immediate effect,' the official said.

 

India stressed that its export ban on non-basmati rice was a regulation, and not a restriction, and it was very important to secure the food security of its 1.4 billion people. The measures are temporary and are regularly reviewed to allow necessary adjustments based on domestic demand and supply situations, it added.

 

On the issue of providing advance notifications for restrictions, India argued that it could not do so as it may lead to private players manipulating market conditions.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) is attempting to balance plans for boost organic food exports with ongoing food safety concerns by mandating all state-authorised laboratories to adopt organic testing capabilities.

FSSAI had initiated strategies to improve organic standards and governance in India in June this year, but reinforced this order in the third quarter amidst continuing public concern over adulterated organic products in the market.

 

This was also driven by increased government emphasis on growing organic exports earlier in September, which was announced by India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

 

'The global market for organic foods is around US$135bn, of which India is only taking a US$700mn share,' he said via in a formal address.

 

'There is a lot of potential for growth here in organic foods, and this is a very important area [to India] so we are focusing on growing this sector.?

 

'[Right now], more awareness must be generated regarding India’s organic food standards, and [to comply] with the standards of importing markets – one important thing to do is to promote our India organic logo to help improve the credibility of our organic products in the international market.'

 

India already has a wide range of organic food items from fruits such as avocado and passion fruit to grains such as rice and millets. All organic foods need to carry the local logo with the wording Jaivik Bharat in order to be legally recognised as organic.

 

This organic logo was established in India back in December 2017 and was widely publicised by the government, but food safety concerns have continued to run rife over potential adulteration despite its use.

 

Earlier this year, an FSSAI crackdown revealed over 170 cases of adulteration amongst products being sold in India within just six months, covering multiple areas usually requiring certification such as health supplements and organic foods.

 

In light of increased government focus and consumer fears surrounding the organic sector, FSSAI has responded by mandating that more organic testing and analysis be made available in all state-authorised laboratories.

 

'The Government has decided to promote organic products in India [and the] success of this ?depends on reliable testing, to ensure the authenticity of organic products,' FSSAI Quality Assurance Advisor Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda stated via a formal statement.

 

'Therefore, all food testing laboratories will need to optimise their facilities and procedures [to prepare to] handle organic testing efficiently and accurately.?

 

'All FSSAI Notified laboratories are hereby directed to review current capabilities [in this area [and take] the necessary steps to enhance organic product testing, as well as to apply to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) as a recognised laboratory for organic testing.?

 

'Labs must also apply to the APEDA National Referral Laboratory to take part in proficiency testing, as a pre-requisite to qualify as a laboratory that can conduct pre-export testing for organic product exports.'

 

India’s organic potential?

It should come as no surprise that India is hoping to capitalise on organic food exports due to its already significantly large presence in the sector.

 

According to government data, the country has some 5.71 million hectares of certified organic land for crops, and ranks ninth globally for organic land area. It also has the largest number of organic food producers in the world, generating some 1.35 million MTs of organic foods for export yearly.

 

Expand the reach of exports from this sector would undoubtedly be a profitable and valuable move for India – but before significant growth can be achieved here, there is definitely a strong necessity to build up consumer trust and confidence – for both local and overseas consumers - in organic products originating from India.

India's vegetable oil imports are likely to drop 6% in the new marketing year beginning November, due to higher carryover stocks of oilseeds from the current year, a leading industry figure said on Wednesday.

 

India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils, is likely to buy 15.6 million metric tons of cooking oils in the 2023-24 oil year, down from 16.6 million in the current year to Oct. 31, 2023, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a Mumbai-based vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy firm.

 

The country is likely to import 9.5 million metric tons of palm oil next year against 10 million in 2022-23, he told a global conference on vegetable oils in Mumbai.

 

Palm oil constitutes the bulk of India's vegetable imports.

 

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Indian refiners imported more than 1 million metric tons of palm oil in August - the second consecutive month of higher purchases to build stocks for the festival season that kicks in next month.

 

India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It imports soybean and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.

 

India is likely to buy 3.2 million metric tons of soyoil in 2023-22 against 3.5 million in 2022-23, Bajoria told the conference.

 

Purchases of sunflower oil are expected at 2.9 million metric tons in 2023-22, down from 3.1 million this year, he said.

 

Bajoria said carryover stocks of between 1.2 and 1.5 million metric tons of soybeans, and 1.2 to 1.4 million metric tons of rapeseed, would help reduce vegetable imports next year.

 

Imported stocks still stuck at ports would also boost local supplies, lowering next year's imports, he said.

Union Minister of Minister of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) Pashupati Kumar Paras emphasised the benefits of millets.

 

At the three-day International Conference on 'Millets for Achieving Nutritional and Economic Security', the minister encouraged the participants in various competitions organised during the event by Niftem Kundli,.

 

Winners of the competitions were conferred awards with best wishes for their future.

 

He invited the food processing professionals, innovators, and food enthusiasts to the upcoming mega food event World Food India to be held from November 3-5, 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Maneesh Gobin, Mauritius' Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security says, 'In the 1990s India was a country with a closed economy. And look now where India has come. But India has not forgotten the other countries. This is not a country saying bye-bye... India is bringing the Global South together at the decision-making table. This is illustrated by the participation of a country like Mauritius at the table of the G20

 

In a remarkable display of collaborative effort, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare spearheaded by the National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), continues its dedicated mission to sensitize cold chain stakeholders across the nation. The resounding success of their recent endeavor, the India Cold Chain Conclave organized in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment.

 

Attended by a distinguished assembly of around 400 delegates, including luminaries such as Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta and Advisor to Governor Shri Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, the conclave served as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange. This grand assembly organized on 20th September, was further graced by the esteemed presence of J.S (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Priya Ranjan Verma; COO, NCCD, Sh. Asheesh Fotedar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Sh. Ghulam Rasool; Chairman PHDCCI-Kashmir, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Sh. Ganai and several other concerned officials.

 

The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta lauded the approach of bringing this important conclave to Srinagar and pressed for increasing the capacity of CA stores in valley to benefit the growers. Advisor to Governor Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar pointed out the importance of the event and extended full support to farmers, growers and CA enterprise.

 

The Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Sh. Priya Ranjan spoke about the importance of sustainable cold chain and how NCCD is propelling the development of Cold chain sector with focus on energy, technology, climate which in turn will bring more investment opportunity to the UT of J&K.

 

Joint Secretary, Sh. Priya Ranjan articulated the pressing need for sustainable cold chain development in the Himalayan region. He emphasized the strides made in establishing comprehensive guidelines and executing extensive studies, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. These concerted efforts are crucial considering the challenges we face in a world where resources are under threat due to a burgeoning global population.

 

As we stand at the precipice of a future fraught with challenges, the imperative to balance economic progress with environmental preservation has never been more pronounced. The vision of sustainable development resonates deeply, offering a blueprint for a harmonious coexistence between progress and the protection of our precious ecosystems.

 

In this era of rapid technological advancement and heightened consumer expectations, the cold chain sector assumes a pivotal role. Preserving the integrity of perishable goods with environmentally conscious and energy-efficient cooling solutions has become paramount. The urgency to address climate change concerns and mitigate the impact of conventional refrigerants on our environment has never been more acute.

 

The COO, NCCD, Sh. Asheesh Fotedar spoke about the work NCCD has been doing relentlessly in the development of Cold Chain and how importantly this event was designed and brought to Srinagar by NCCD to cater to the sustainable development of Cold chain in Valley, which has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last six to seven years.

 

The JS along with Director Horticulture, and COO NCCD visited the IIKSTC at Pampore to see the infrastructure that has been created for the benefit of farmers and reiterated Government’s commitment to holistic development of saffron sector.

 

Under the able guidance of JS (Horticulture, MOA&FW) Sh. Priya Ranjan along with Sh. Asheesh Fotedar, COO of NCCD, Director Horticulture Sh. Mir visited IGC-Lassipora which has become a major hub of modern CA stores in South Asia to bear witness to the transformative strides taken for the benefit of farmers.

 

This hands-on approach showcases a dedication to progress that transcends rhetoric, underscoring the tangible impact of their initiatives.

 

The Directorate of Horticulture, represented by Sh. Mir, along with Sh. Priya Ranjan and Sh. Asheesh Fotedar extended their gratitude to JKPICCA for their invaluable support to the 1st India Cold Chain conclave – Himalayan Chapter which was concluded at SKICC on 20th September 2023. Sh. Priya Ranjan lauded their collective vision for sustainable cold chain development in the valley as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more environmentally-conscious future.

 

Sh. Asheesh Fotedar reiterated that NCCD stands committed to providing unwavering support and technical assistance to the association, Cold Chain owners, growers, and other stakeholders, ensuring the continued growth of the cold chain sector in the region.

 

The JKPICCA president, Sh. Majid Wafai, Sh. Izaan Javeed and other young entrepreneurs of the valley thanked NCCD for bringing a National Level Conference to Kashmir valley. They also lauded the way NCCD brought international speakers, financial institutions, energy specialists, etc. to Kashmir for this conclave and put the development of CA stores valley on an international map. The president of JKPICCA also requested to make this event a yearly event in Kashmir for the benefit of local farmers, growers, and enterprises who otherwise have limited access to global changes that are happening on the Cold chain industry. The JKPICCA also requested NCCD that JKPICCA represents the largest local Cold chain enterprise in Valley and next event should be allowed to be organized by JKPICCA.

 

The COO NCCD assured that NCCD is working hard to bring awareness among masses and it would be given a thought and decision regarding this would be taken at an appropriate time keeping in mind the benefits of local farmers, growers and NCCD’s vision of making this industry more energy efficient and climate-friendly.

 

The conclave received invaluable support from key partners, including the JKPICCA directorate of horticulture, BEE, and ISHRAE, all of which contributed to the resounding success of the program. This collective effort underscores the growing recognition of the vital role played by sustainable cold chain development in India.

A delegation of senior officials from Brazil on Tuesday met Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde here and held discussions with him on agriculture, agricultural trade and investment.

 

The members of delegation included Secretary of the Brazilian Embassy and Head of the Department of Trade & Investment Wegner, Ambassador of Brazil in India Kenneth Nobrega, Consul General Joao Mendona, Angelo Quiroz of the Department of Agriculture and other officials.

 

In the meeting, there were discussions on ways to maximise production of soybean in low rainfall, experiments on climate change and in agriculture, its research, more production of sugarcane in less water and reduction of import duty on currants in view of huge demand in Brazil, the study of all things that are useful to farmers due to mechanisation with Brazil.

 

There was also discussion on sending researchers of the University of Agriculture to Brazil on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra.

 

Munde informed the visiting delegation about traditional agricultural practices in Maharashtra and the new experiments being done in it and also gave information about the investment opportunities in agricultural sector in the state.

 

The delegation invited Munde to Brazil in November. Apart from this, he has been invited to attend an event in Delhi as well.

The country is maintaining an increasing trend in food grain production since 2015-16. This was stated by Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), Shri Manoj Ahuja during the inauguration of  National conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2023-24 here today. In his address, Shri Manoj Ahuja highlighted that as per 3rdAdvance Estimates (2022-23), production of foodgrains in the country is estimated at 3305 lakh tonnes which is higher by 149 lakh tonnes than the production of foodgrain during 2021-22. Record production is estimated of rice, maize, gram, pulses, rapeseed and mustard, oilseeds and sugarcane. Total pulses and oilseeds production during 2022-23 is estimated at record 275 and 410 lakh tonnes, respectively.

 

 Secretary (DA&FW) said that total food grain production has increased by 31% in last 8 years from 251.54 to 330.54 million tonnes. Oilseeds and pulses have followed the same trend of Exports of agricultural products (including marine and plantation products) for the year 2022-23 which have crossed USD 53.145 billion, highest level ever achieved for agricultural exports. This achievement over the past two years will go a long way in realizing the Prime Minister's vision of improving farmers income.

 

The objective of this conference is to review and assess the crop performance during the preceding crop seasons and fix crop-wise targets for rabi season in consultation with State Governments, ensure supply of critical inputs and facilitate adoption of innovative technologies with a view to enhance production and productivity of the crops.  The priority of government is agro-ecological based crop planning for diversion of land from excess commodities like rice and wheat to deficit commodities like oilseeds and pulses and high value export earning crops. 1st National Conference of Chief Secretaries at Dharmshala under the Chairmanship of  Prime Minister has set the agenda for crop diversification and self sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds in consultation with states. This conference will take the agenda towards logical conclusion.

 

Millets were an active component during India’s G20 Presidency, as part of gift hampers, exhibitions and meals across meetings through IYM 2023. A visit of Spouses of G20 leaders was organized at IARI campus, PUSA on 9 September 2023 during which millet startups, farmers and live cooking dishes garnered central focus.

 

National targets for total food grains production has been set at 3320 lakh tonnes for the year 2023-24, rabi season will contribute 1612 lakh tonnes out of this. Similarly share of rabi crops will be 181 out of 292 lakh tonnes for pulses and 145 out of 440 lakh tonnes for oilseeds.  The strategy would be to increase area through inter-cropping and crop diversification and productivity enhancement through introduction of HYVs and adoption of suitable agronomic practices in low yielding regions.

 

Mustard production has jumped by 37% from 91.24 to 124.94  lakh tonnes in last 3 years.  The productivity saw 7% jump from 1331 to 1419 kg/ha. The area under rapeseed & mustard increased by 28% from 68.56 in 2019-20 to 88.06 lakh ha in 2022-23. The farming community and the State Governments deserve special appreciations for this commendable achievement. Increased mustard production is helping to tide over some of the crisis being faced in imports of palm and sunflower oil.

 

All technical and input related issues concerning rabi season were deliberated in details. Secretary, Fertilizers, Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra stressed on need of timely supply of fertilizers. He shared various steps taken by Fertilizer department to ensure timely supply of fertilizers. Secretary (DARE) and DG, ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak highlighted need for adopting climate resilient practices. He presented global perspective of climate change and adaptation strategies being put in place. Indian experience of combating climate change was shared by NICRA team. Large number of studies conducted under NICRA project have identified climate resilient technologies for different agro-ecological regions.

 

The conference raised concern at large yield gaps in crop production with farmers practice compared to improved technologies. JS (Crops & Oilseeds), Smt. Shubha Thakur gave vision for pulses and oilseeds for next 5 years to make country self sufficient in these commodities. For pulses, it is proposed to achieve the target of 325.47 lakh tonnes by 2025. Special projects like inter-cropping, targeting rice fallows, expansion in high potential districts and non-conventional regions will bring additional area under oilseeds. All this will increase domestic production of annual edible oilseedsfrom current level of 362 to 541 lakh tonnes and edible oilproductionfrom 85 to 136 lakh tonnes by the end of 2025-26. The renewed focus will help in reducing the import dependency from 56% to 36% in next 5 years. Additional Secretary (Agriculture) and senior officers from DA&FW, ICAR and officers of different State Governments participated in the National Conference.

Dragon fruit has recently garnered considerable attention from cultivators in Mexico, Thailand and India, due to the fruit’s economic value and its vast health benefits that have led to high demand.

 

In several districts of Uttar Pradesh, numerous farmers are opting to cultivate this exotic fruit alongside traditional crops. They are attracted by the promising returns on investment and government subsidies, a shift from the fruit’s previous exclusive growth in the southern and eastern states of India.

 

'Dragon fruit yields rapid returns with economic production within the first year of planting, reaching full production in 3-4 years. Once planted, a dragon fruit plant continues to produce for 20-25 years, with an average economic yield of 10 tons per acre after two years,' revealed Meva Ram, the district horticulture officer (DHO) of Mirzapur, who introduced the concept to farmers in 2015.

 

'The demand is so high that farmers are struggling to keep up. Even local markets are unable to meet the export demands,' mentioned the DHO, who claimed his region produces the highest number of dragon fruit in the state to his knowledge.

 

According to the Department of Horticulture, the cultivation of exotic fruits such as avocado, blueberry, strawberry, and dragon fruit is rapidly gaining traction among farmers in Uttar Pradesh, with the Mirzapur, Prayagraj, and Sonbhadra regions leading the way.

Hoping to stabilize potato prices, the government of Bangladesh is considering imports. Currently, retail rates are defying the government-set maximum retail price of Tk 36 per kg, according to a top official.

 

'We are closely monitoring the situation. If potato prices do not stabilise within the next two to three days, we will proceed with import,' said AHM Safiquzzaman, additional commerce secretary and head of the consumers' right directorate.

 

The government set the maximum retail price of potatoes at Tk36 per kg on September 14. Despite interventions, Dhaka city continues to see prices ranging from Tk 48 to Tk 55 per kg, surpassing the government rates by a large margin.

 

Director General of the consumers' right directorate AHM Safiquzzaman said the Commerce Minister is actively exploring import options to restore market stability.