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10 Aug, 2023 News Image Indian parboiled rice prices surge as global buyers look to shift from white rice.
Prices of Indian parboiled (boiled) rice have increased by over $50 a tonne over the last couple of weeks on export demand following the government’s ban on shipments of non-basmati white (raw) rice. 
 
Exporters were quoting prices between $460 and $500 a tonne (free-on-board), though some are wary of signing new deals as prices are swinging up and down on a daily basis. 
 
On the other hand, trade sources said at least 1.7 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice are being shipped out of the Kakinada port this week, while many vessels have booked to call at the port to load rice shipments.
 
Thai continues to gain
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA)  in its report on Thailand rice said export prices for all grades of rice increased by 5-10 per cent due to the strengthening of the baht and panic buying in the global market following India’s white rice shipments ban. 
 
Thai rice export prices continue to increase with prices ranging between $15 and $45 a tonne higher than Vietnamese rice, compared to the typical price difference of $15-25/tonne, the USDA said.
 
'Parboiled rice is quoted at $475 a tonne. There is good demand for it from buyers of white rice, who are trying to shift since white rice prices are ruling over $550 a tonne,' said Delhi-based exporter Rajesh Paharia Jain.
 
'Parboiled prices were up until last week. They have cooled now to $460 as supply has increased. The downtrend will gain further over the next week,' said BV Krishna Rao, President, The Rice Exporters Association (TREA).
 
Daily price change
'F.o.b prices have touched $500 a tonne for parboiled rice. The market has gone crazy. Every day, prices are changing due to which not many transactions are taking place,' said VR Vidya Sagar, Director, Bulk Logix. 
 
'Not many are willing to sign contracts with overseas buyers as they could get caught once prices change if they have commitments to meet,' said a trading source, without wishing to identify.
 
Sagar said he wasn’t signing any deals as prices are changing on a daily basis. 'Parboiled rice is quoted at ?40,000 a tonne ex-mill domestically,' he said.
 
'We got parboiled rice at ?37,100 a tonne. Export prices till top $500 a tonne over the next 7-8 days,' said Jain. 'We are seeing a shift from white rice as buyers are finding parboiled cheaper,' he said.
 
'There will certainly be a shift to parboiled rice but not fully. The current demand could be to test the variety, but not all will get converted to parboiled,' said TREA’s Rao. 
 
Inflation control
There could be a 2-3 million tonnes (mt) of shift from white rice to parboiled, while Thailand and Pakistan could gain 2-3 mt of white rice market share. 'Another 2-3 mt could be lost out to demand restriction,' he said. 
 
On July 20, the Government caught the global rice market by surprise, banning exports of white rice as part of its efforts to control rising foodgrain prices. The move is also seen as a measure to overcome any supply shortage.
 
Over the last two years, India has exported at least 17 million tonnes of non-basmati rice. On the other hand, rice stocks in the Central pool maintained by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) dropped to a seven-year low of 25.34 million tonnes in July. The agency has an additional 23.3 mt of unmilled paddy (15.72 mt of rice). The ban could result in rice shipments dropping by at least 6-7 mt.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
10 Aug, 2023 News Image Govt has started trade with neighbouring countries in INR, says Anupriya Patel.
The government has started trade in the rupee with neighbouring countries, including Nepal and Bhutan, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said a significant part of the India-Nepal trade is being carried out in Indian Rupee (INR) and all bilateral trade with Bhutan is also transacted entirely in INR.
 
'Rupee trade mechanism has been initiated to facilitate trade in national currency with Russia. As of July 2, RBI has approved 34 applications from different Russian banks for opening SRVA in 14 Indian commercial banks,' the minister said in a written reply.
 
RBI has issued guidelines for opening Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) by foreign banks in Indian commercial banks.
 
She said Sri Lanka has included INR in its list of designated foreign currencies.
 
Authorised dealer (AD) banks in India have been permitted to open rupee vostro accounts.
 
Accordingly, these accounts 'of eight corresponding banks from Sri Lanka have been opened with respective AD banks in India, with prior approval of the RBI,' she added.
 
With Iran, she said that an arrangement to facilitate bilateral trade payments between India and Iran was adopted on November 5, 2018.
 
India and Bangladesh have also formally launched a new mechanism to settle trade in INR on July 11.
 
Two Indian and Bangladeshi banks each have been designated to settle bilateral trade in INR.
 
These are SBI and ICICI Bank from India; and Sonali Bank PLC and Eastern Bank Ltd from Bangladesh.
 
'To formally launch trade in INR, a formal Exchange of the Letters of Credit, i.e, LC documents in INR between the first exporter and importer through their banks was also carried out on July 11, 2023,' she said.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
10 Aug, 2023 News Image Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority promotes export of millets.
The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has the mandate to promote export of millets. APEDA provides assistance to registered exporters of millets under Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA. The assistance is provided under various components of the schemes viz. Infrastructure Development, Quality Development and Market Development.
 
The Government has been working to leverage partnerships with start-ups, academic & research institutions, Indian missions, processors, retailers and exporters to promote Indian millets in the global markets. An Export Promotion Forum (EPF) dedicated to promoting millets in the international market has been established. The EPF provides a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore opportunities in the global millet market. APEDA is also actively engaged in capacity building, awareness creation and knowledge sharing amongst international stakeholders by organizing virtual Buyer Seller Meets (BSMs), capacity building programs, collaborating with state millet mission programs, conducting FPO meets etc.
 
A separate millet-specific web portal has been developed containing information about millets, their health benefits, production and export statistics, millet exporter’s directory etc. APEDA has also organized a comprehensive global marketing campaign showcasing India’s potential and accordingly E-catalogues of 30 importing countries and 21 millet producing states have been released.
 
A Virtual trade fair (VTF) for millets has been developed and made available for exporters and importers from across the globe providing a single platform to interact and negotiate business deals. VTF is operational for 24X7, 365 days.
 
APEDA has also organized  participation in international trade fairs like BIOFACH - Germany, Gulfood - Dubai , Natural Products Expo West - USA , International Food and Drink (IFE) and BSM - UK , SIAL Food - Canada, Seoul Food & Hotel – South Korea etc. facilitating exporters to present and promote their millet products in global markets. APEDA is also associating with Indian Missions in importing countries to promote millets and value-added products.
 
State-wise details of India’s millet exports during the year 2022-23 including Uttar Pradesh are at Annexure.
 
The Government of India is implementing a multi-stakeholder approach towards celebration of International Year of Millets (IYM) -2023. The action plan of IYM-2023 focuses on strategies to enhance production and productivity, consumption, export, strengthening value chain, branding, creating awareness for health benefits etc. Further, a year-long action plan for monthly activity has been prepared by Central Ministries, State Governments and Indian Embassies to create awareness about millets. In addition, states such as Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are implementing State Millet Missions to increase production and consumption.
 
The Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference was organised on 18th to 22nd March 2023 at New Delhi to stimulate the exports of millets from India, to provide market linkage to the producers and to create awareness, especially among youth and children, about the benefits of consumption of millets. More than 20,000 students from various schools and colleges attended the event to see the wide range of value-added innovative millet products, which were showcased at the event.
 
In order to encourage consumption of millets among Government employees/officers, all Government offices have been advised to include millet snacks in all departmental trainings/meetings and millet-based food items in departmental canteens. Vending machines for millet products have also been installed in buildings, housing various Ministries/Departments.
 
This information has been provided by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
 

Annexure referred to in reply to Part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3250 for answer on 09.08.2023.

Annexure

State-wise Details of India's Exports of Millets during 2022-23

Qty. in MT; Value in USD Millions

State

Qty

Value

Gujarat

78106.15

34.19

Maharashtra

50486.43

24.07

Bihar

19917.76

5.53

West Bengal

12587.49

3.52

Telangana

1680.25

3.30

Tamil Nadu

2952.63

2.48

Andhra Pradesh

1319.78

0.61

Haryana

301.59

0.42

Karnataka

429.25

0.35

Madhya Pradesh

345.76

0.28

Kerala

326.95

0.27

Rajasthan

405.71

0.26

Uttar Pradesh

112.14

0.11

Punjab

50.64

0.07

Other States

26.69

0.02

Total

169049.22

75.48

 


 Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Aug, 2023 News Image Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal participates in the 13th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal attended the 13th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held yesterday under the BRICS Presidency of South Africa virtually. The theme of BRICS this year is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”. Shri Piyush Goyal, touched upon issues related to WTO, Supply chain, Digitalisation, MSMEs and on the issue of Mispricing and under-invoicing in the meeting.
 
The Minister lauded the South African Presidency on having an ambitious Agenda and successfully completing outcome oriented activities under the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI). He extended strong support to BRICS spirit of equality, openness, inclusiveness, consensus, mutual respect and understanding.
 
Shri Piyush Goyal stressed upon building trust among each other and expressed strong belief in small, achievable, incremental steps towards WTO Reform. He also expressed how India wishes to see invigorated, improved, inclusive WTO as it completes three decades, talking about ’30 for 30’, which is an effort to bring at least 30 operational improvements to the WTO before the Organization completes 30 years, i.e., by 1 January 2025.
 
Reflecting India’s efforts to meet its commitments towards global efforts to fight the climate related challenges, the Minister apprised the BRICS Member countries about India’s achievement and its recent ranking at 5th position as per Climate Change Performance Index, published by German Watch. In this context, he also mentioned that India was the only G20 country in the top 10 rank. As BRICS members are also a part of G20, he sought cooperation for significant outcomes under the ‘Trade and Investment Working Group’ of G20 under India’s Presidency.
 
Shri Goyal also made it clear that for collective efforts amongst the BRICS countries, the utmost important issue would be to work in a trust based open atmosphere through transparency and sharing information. In this context, he also expressed disappointment that even within BRICS membership, a few Members had expressed concerns on Transparency. There are concerted efforts to bring in non-tariff barriers through the use of non science based Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures to stall the collective efforts of the BRICS countries, which is the core of collaborative efforts for trade. Our efforts to get the agreement amongst the Members to be fair under the prevailing system, unfortunately did not bring in the desired result. He made it clear that unless trade and investment activities are carried out cooperatively in a transparent manner, it would not yield the desired results.
 
On Supply Chains, Shri Goyal stressed that the principles of trust and transparency along with security and diversification being the most important factors for resilient and robust supply chains. This will be the foundation for an ensuring early warning system amongst BRICS countries which would play an important role in preventing wide ranging disruptions as were experienced during COVID-19.
 
On digital economy, while acknowledging that technology is a great equalizer and not a source of division, the Minister expressed deep concern over deprivation of the access to virtual platforms, tele-medicine, distance education and e-payments. He mentioned about pro-active actions and concerted decision taken by India to adopt whole- of-society approach to digital technology and improved public services. Shri Goyal mentioned the initiatives taken by India under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, aiming at bridging the digital divide by leveraging cost-effective technology-based solutions.
 
As MSME’s are an integral part of the BRICS Members, Shri Piyush Goyal brought the importance of cooperation and collective efforts to the foreground for MSME’s. He expressed the need to focus on key areas like, exploring cooperation in the form of Research and Development, Technology transfers and joint Ventures as well as the Business development opportunities for possible partnerships in the future.
 
On Mispricing and underinvoicing, the Minister expressed his concern about the negative impact trade mis-pricing and under-invoicing has on the economies. He even mentioned that India had acknowledged its importance under its Chairship in 2021 and included it as an outcome through Capacity Building Workshop. He commended the efforts made by the South African Presidency for conducting a workshop in the continuity on the initiative taken by India.
 
In conclusion, the Minister laid stress upon the importance of collaborative efforts and commitment along with resilience, unity and transparency to face challenges under the principles of compassion, empathy and understanding, for a common brighter future.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Aug, 2023 News Image Increasing Agricultural Production under National Food Security Mission.
In order to increase the production and productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals (maize and barley), nutri-cereals (Shree Anna) and to fulfil the objectives of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), assistance is being provided to the farmers through States/Union Territories for interventions like cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices, demonstrations on cropping system, seed production and distribution of high yielding varieties/hybrids, improved farm machineries/resource conservation machineries/tools, efficient water application tools, plant protection measures, nutrient management/soil ameliorants, processing &post-harvest equipment, cropping system based trainings etc. Initiatives like distribution of seed minikits of newer varieties of pulses, production of quality seed, creation of seed hubs at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes/ State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)/ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), technological demonstrations by KVKs have also been included under NFSM.
 
To meet the objectives of NFSM-Oilseeds,incentives/ subsidies are being provided for purchase of breeder seeds, production of foundation seeds & certified seeds, distribution of certified seeds, distribution of seed mini kits, demonstrations (block demonstrations /front line demonstrations /cluster front line demonstrations), farmers field school, training, supply of water carrying devices, plant protection equipments, soil ameliorates, micro-nutrients, weedicides, insecticides, bio-fertilizer/bio agents, etc. 
 
Government of India has launched a separate Mission i.e. National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation with the aim to augment the availability of edible oil in the country by harnessing area expansion, increasing crude palm oil production and productivity with the aim to reduce the import burden.
 
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) is being implemented from 2015-16 in the country to focus on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation namely Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation systems. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed cost effective, location specific scientific technologies viz. rainwater harvesting and recycling, precision technologies for irrigation and farming practices, adoption of modern agronomic practices, diversifying cropping pattern from water guzzling crops like low land rice and sugarcane to pulses, oilseeds, maize and agro-forestry etc. Further, ICAR imparts training and organizes field demonstrations to educate farmers in these regard.
 
Under the Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) programme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), lined field channels are constructed and wherever possible underground pipeline network is laid for providing last-mile connectivity to the irrigation system to enhance irrigation efficiency. The DoWR, RD & GR has set up Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) on 20.10.2022 for promotion, regulation and control of efficient use of water in irrigation, industrial and domestic sector. The Bureau facilitates promotion of improving water use efficiency across various sectors namely irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, industries etc. in the country. National Water Mission (NWM) launched the ‘SahiFasal’ campaign in 2019 to nudge farmers in water stressed areas to grow crops which are not water intensive but use water efficiently and are economically remunerative, healthy and nutritious and suited to the agro-climatic-hydro characteristics.
 
The net irrigated area in the country has increased from 692.70 lakh hectare in the year 2016-17 hectare to 777.29 lakh hectare in the year 2020-21.
 
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Aug, 2023 News Image Promotion of Organic Farming.
Government has been promoting organic farming on priority in the country since 2015-16 through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management. Training and Capacity Building are integral part of the scheme. Incentives to farmers for producing and using organic fertilizers/manure are inbuilt in these schemes as on-farm and off-farm organic inputs.  Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is provided to the farmers for using organic inputs including organic fertilizers. PKVY is being implemented in all the States other-than North Eastern (NE) States across the country whereas MOVCDNER scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States.
 
Under PKVY, an assistance of Rs.50,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to States including States of Tamil Nadu & Rajasthan for promotion of organic farming to cover different components like Training & Capacity Building, Data Management, PGS Certification, Value Addition, Marketing and Publicity. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 31,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to farmers through DBT for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Whereas under MOVCDNER, an assistance of Rs. 46,575/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of FPO, support to farmers for organic inputs, quality seeds/ planting material and training, hand holding and certification.  Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs under the scheme including Rs. 15,000 as DBT to the farmers and Rs. 17,500 for the planting material to be given to the farmers by State Lead Agency  (SLA) in kind.
 
In view of the increasing demand of organic farming products of India in the global market, Government is facilitating value addition, certification and marketing. As per requirement of International market, Government has initiated third party certification under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2001.
 
Under PKVY assistance @ Rs 8800/ha for 3 years is provided to facilitate value addition, marketing and publicity to all the states/UTs including Tamil Nadu. Assistance is provided for certification and training, handholding & capacity building respectively @ Rs 2700/-ha for 3 years and Rs 7500/- ha for 3 years under PKVY for farmers of all the States including Rajasthan. Where  as under MOVCDNER scheme assistance is provided @ Rs 10,000/-ha for 3 years for training, capacity building & certification.
 
The scheme-wise and state-wise details of funds allocated, released and utilized under organic farming (under PKVY & MOVCDNER) schemes during the year 2022-23 are given at Annexure –I.
 
A long-term experiment, at selected sites, for comparative evaluation of organic and conventional management conducted by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) indicated that yield was found to be higher during kharif and rabi /summer crops for coarse/ basmati rice based cropping systems, soybean-based systems compared to inorganic approaches indicating better suitability of these systems under long-term organic management approaches. Soil organic carbon was found to be significantly higher under long-term organic approach for coarse rice, basmati rice and soybean-based systems.
 
To disseminate information on organic and natural farming as well as on on- farm production and use of various kinds of organic fertilizers, National Center for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center for Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF) located at Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal and Bhubaneswar are organizing various trainings namely, One Day Farmers’ Training, Two Days Training for Extension Officers/Staff, Two Days Training on PGS, 30 Days Certificate course, One day Jaivik evam Prakratik Kisan Sammelan for 500 participants, One Day Stakeholder consultations/ conferences on Natural Farming for 100 participitants, Orientation Program on Natural Farming and awareness programmes across the country. NCONF and RCONF also organize online awareness campaign and training programmes on organic and natural farming and production and use of organic and bio-fertilizers.
 
The ICAR also imparts trainings, organizes front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on organic farming and organic fertilizers.
 
Scheme-wise (PKVY & MOVCDNER) and State-wise details of funds allocation, released and expenditure under organic farming during the year 2022-23.
 

Rs in lakh

S. No.

Name of the State

2022-23

Allocation

Release

Expenditure*

PKVY

1

Andhra Pradesh

826.35

0.00

0.00

2

Bihar

2830.65

1547.68

789.75

3

Chhattisgarh

3504.93

0.00

571.03

4

Gujarat

20.50

0.00

0.00

5

Goa

1025.10

0.00

283.05

6

Haryana

10.25

0.00

0.00

7

Jharkhand

1397.27

pib.gov.in

09 Aug, 2023 News Image New Scheme in Public Private Partnership Mode.
Government has constituted a Screening Committee on leveraging agriculture innovations for farmer to facilitate combined implementation on pilot scale of selected technologies/interventions by Private companies/startups to develop and refine products based on field-level observations, data and inferences for a fixed period.
 
Further, government has built Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture as an open source, open standard at interoperable public goods as per budget announcements for the 2023-24. In this regards, Architecture of three core registries i.e. Farmer registry, Geo referencing of village map registry, crop sown registry has been finalized. These registries can be used to develop various farmers centric solutions by the state governments as well as private sector entities.
 
Expenditure Finance Committee has approved a Central Sector Scheme for blended Capital Support to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprise relevant for Farm Produce Value Chain.
 
Looking into the unique advantages of Drone technologies in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for use of drones in pesticide and nutrient application in public domain in December 2021, which provide concise instructions for effective and safe operations of drones. In order to make this technology affordable to the farmers and other stakeholders of this sector, financial assistance @ 100% for purchase of agricultural drones and its attachments (actual cost of expenditure and its attachments or Rs. 10.00 lakhs, whichever is lower) together with the contingent expenditure is extended under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to the Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and @ 75% to FPO’s for its demonstration on the farmer’s fields. In order to provide agricultural services through drone application, financial assistance @ 40% of the basic cost of drone and its attachments or Rs. 4 lakhs, whichever is less also provided for drone purchase by existing and new Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) and also a general category farmers and @ 50% of the basic cost of drone and its attachments or Rs. 5 lakhs for SC/ST/women/small and marginal farmers and the agriculture graduates.
 
A component called 'Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development' has been launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) in 2018-19 with the objective of promoting innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. Under this programme, start-ups are encouraged to use innovative technologies to resolve challenges faced in agriculture and allied sectors. A total of 1176 start-ups have been selected in various areas of agriculture and allied sectors under this programme for providing financial support through Knowledge Partners and Agri Business Incubators appointed by the Department for implementation of this programme.
 
The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has been supporting Agri-based startups under the project called National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF) initiated in year 2016-2017. It has two components viz. (I) Innovation Fund; (II) Incubation Fund and National Coordinating Unit (NCU):
 
Component I: 10 Zonal Technology Management Units and 89 Institute
Technology Management Units (ITMUs) established in 99 ICAR institutes provide a single-window mechanism to manage innovations, showcase intellectual assets, and pursue matters related to intellectual property (IP) management and transfer/commercialization of technologies in these institutes.
 
Component II: Agri-business Incubator Centres (ABICs) are set up to speed up the delivery of the new technologies to stake holders. The ABICs are the nodal point to provide the desired link for Agriculture Research &Development (R&D) Institutions for incubation/ commercialization of the validated technologies. So far, 50 Agri-Business Incubation Centers have been established and are operational in the ICAR network under the NAIF scheme.
 
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Aug, 2023 News Image Over 4 lakh hectares brought under natural farming in 8 states: Govt.
About 4.09 lakh hectares have been brought under natural farming in eight states with Andhra Pradesh leading the group, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on Tuesday.
 
The eight states are Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu, the minister said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
 
The Centre is promoting natural farming since 2019-20 through a sub-scheme, Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
 
'So far, 4.09 lakh hectare area has been brought under natural farming in 8 states,' Tomar said.
 
About 1 lakh hectares have been brought under natural farming in Andhra Pradesh, 99,000 hectares in Madhya Pradesh, 85,000 hectares in Chhattisgarh, 84,000 hectares in Kerala, 24,000 hectares in Odisha, 12,000 hectares in Himachal Pradesh, 3,400 hectares in Jharkhand, and 2,000 hectares in Tamil Nadu, he said.
 
Natural farming is chemical-free and based on the integrated agriculture and animal husbandry approach using livestock and local resources. The method relies on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, and the use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations from local livestock.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
09 Aug, 2023 News Image India exported Ayush, Herbal products worth $1,240 mn in last two years: Govt to Rajya Sabha.
India has exported a total of 1,240.6 million dollar Ayush and Herbal products in last two years (2021-2022 to 2022-23), the Central government told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
 
A total of 612.1 million dollar Ayush and Herbal products were exported in 2021-2022 while 628.25 million dollar Ayush and Herbal products were exported in 2022-2023, Union Minister for Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal informed through a written reply in the Upper House while responding to the query of a member.
 
Citing the data provided by India Exim Bank, the Minister said Ayush and Herbal products are exported in different dosage forms such as tablets, powder, gel, ghee, paste, pills, eyedrops, nasal drops, body lotions, skin and hair care products.
 
The Minister also said that 'India’s exports of Ayush and herbal products have witnessed an increased growth during the last few years.'
 
Asked by MP Kartikeya Sharma about the schemes being implemented by the government and proposal for the future to increase the export of Ayurvedic medicines, Sonowal said 'Several schemes are being implemented by government to increase the export of Ayush and herbal products'.
 
'The Ministry has developed a Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Co-operation in Ayush (IC Scheme) under which the Ministry of Ayush provides incentives to drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs, Ayush institutions and Hospitals for international propagation of Ayush by participating in international exhibitions, trade fairs and road shows, and registration of Ayush products (Market Authorisation) at regulatory bodies of different countries for export; support for international market development and Ayush promotion-related activities,' said the Minister.
 
Ministry of Ayush has signed 24 Country-to-Country MoUs, 46 Institute level MoUs, 15 Chair MoUs with different countries and has established 39 Ayush Information Cells in 35 foreign nations to enhance the export of Ayush and herbal products, he said.
 
'Ministry of Ayush and other Ministries such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare all are engaged in bilateral and multilateral dialogue with different countries and forums like G20, SCO, and ASEAN,' the Minister said.
 
The Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) has been registered under section 8(4) of the Companies Act 2013 on January 4 last year under the Ministry of Ayush in support of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to tackle the obstacles for registration of Ayush products abroad, undertaking of market studies and research activities abroad.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
09 Aug, 2023 News Image PLI schemes for food processing.
The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 31st March 2021 with a budget of Rs. 10,900 crores, to be implemented from 2021-22 to 2026-27. It consists of three components: incentivizing manufacturing in four major food product segments, promoting Innovative/Organic products of SMEs, and supporting branding and marketing abroad for Indian brands. Additionally, the PLI Scheme for Millet-based Products (PLISMBP) was launched in FY 2022-23 with an outlay of ?800 crore, utilizing savings from PLISFPI. The scheme boosts the capacity of the food processing industry by supporting food manufacturing entities that are willing to expand their processing capacity, incentivizing the growth of strong Indian brands, enhancing the presence of Indian food brands in the global market, creating more employment opportunities, and ensuring higher income for farmers.
 
The Ministry is actively implementing three major schemes to promote the food processing sector: Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. These schemes offer comprehensive support across the entire food processing value chain, aiding the food industry in meeting international quality and safety standards for their food products. One of the objectives of the R&D scheme under PMKSY is to promote research and development in the field of food quality and safety standards in the food processing sector. Through this scheme, financial support is provided through grant-in-aid, covering 50% of equipment costs in general areas and 70% in difficult areas. Under another component scheme of PMKSY, known as 'Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure,' financial assistance is provided to Central/State Government and private sector organizations/universities for the establishment and enhancement of food testing laboratories across the country. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations, which, in turn, facilitates the maintenance of high-quality and safety standards of processed food products to meet global demands.
 
To increase ethanol production, the Government is implementing the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme nationwide. Various Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes were introduced from 2018 to 2022, encouraging entrepreneurs to establish new distilleries or expand existing ones. The scheme offers an interest subvention of 6% or 50% of the interest charged by banks/financial institutions for five years, whichever is lower, along with a one-year moratorium, to promote ethanol production growth. Ethanol production from grain was also included under these schemes in 2021 to further promote ethanol production.
 
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which addresses the infrastructure challenges being faced by SMEs and promotes technology adoption in the food processing sector. PMKSY supports establishment of cold chains, and other processing facilities, which contribute to improving the supply chain and storage capabilities in the food processing sector. 1,281 projects have been approved under PMKSY.
 
The PMKSY provides significant support and incentives to food processing SMEs, encouraging their growth and development. Through financial assistance and other benefits, PMKSY facilitates the establishment of modern infrastructure/ technology, and capacity expansion for SMEs. This has led to increased processing levels, improved product quality, and enhanced market access for these SMEs. The Yojana has significantly boosted employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, assisting in the generation of jobs for 13.09 Lakh people.
 
The Ministry is implementing three major schemes – PMKSY, PMFME scheme, and PLI Scheme - to promote the food processing, thereby reducing food losses and promoting sustainability. The R&D Scheme under PMKSY aims to enhance production, including tech- based food processing innovation, quality, safety, and trade while promoting sustainability. The PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry incentivises MSMEs that focus on innovative products, boosting innovation in the food processing sector. Additionally, the PLI Scheme for Millet-based Products promotes millets, which are special grains that need less resources to grow, provide excellent nutrients, and can withstand changes in the weather, which helps in achieving the goal of sustainability.
 
 To promote 'Brand India' globally, the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry supports companies with branding and marketing abroad, boosting emergence of strong Indian brands. Companies receive 50% financial incentives for expenditure on international branding, capped at 3% of food product sales or ?50 Crore per year, whichever is less. Presently, 77 applications are covered under this PLI component.
 
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Ministry of Food Processing Industries Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

 Source:  pib.gov.in

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