India and Israel are planning a slew of initiatives to bolster their cooperation in agriculture, said Ohad Nakash Kaynar, Deputy Chief of Mission at Israel’s Embassy in New Delhi. The two countries are planning to push high-level agricultural technology cooperation between Israeli institutions and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). In recent years, both sides have worked closely on water reuse, fertigation, soil management, drip irrigation, desalination, advanced filtration, advanced water leakage detection, soilless agriculture, rainwater collection and treatment systems and water security technologies.

 

Israel also plans to dramatically step up its presence in the country.

 

Representatives of Israel in India keep visiting universities and all 14 ICAR centres across the country and provide technology-based courses for students and farmers. 'Last year, we trained about 170,000 students and farmers about our technological solutions on greenhouse, drip irrigation, canopy irrigation and mulch,' said Israel Agriculture Attache Yair Eshel.

 

Mulch is one of the effective technologies that is benefitting Indian farmers in saving water and protecting crops from weeds, so that they can save on chemicals and reduce weeds, while ensuring more moisture and increasing productivity and quality.

 

Mulch is very cheap and recyclable. This can be used for 2-3 years if you maintain it properly. 'We introduce the idea of the technology to farmers, and they can adopt it by purchasing it from anywhere they want or find it cheap,' said Kaynar.

 

'The yield of crops may increase up to 30-35% by using all tools, including drip irrigation, canopy irrigation and mulch,' Kaynar added.

 

With the Israeli technological intervention in the greenhouse segment, sustainability can be achieved as those are recyclable. 'We have the simplest greenhouse technology of several different greenhouses across the globe. It is not because it is cheap but it benefits farmers,' Eshel said. 'We have a total of 72 plans to improve yields of flowers, vegetables and fruits.'

 

Additionally, Israel plans to expand its Villages of Excellence Programme. The programme, which was announced in 2022, aims to convert 150 villages into model villages through Israeli technical support on key agri-technologies.

 

According to Eshel, Israel hopes to expand the number of villages to 270 by next year. Eventually, the number of villages is expected to grow to around 1,500 by 2026.

 

Israel may also expand the number of its Centres of Excellence for agriculture, which stand at around 30 at present. The Israeli Centre of Excellence, an Indo-Israel Agriculture Project, seeks to bring best practices and useful agricultural technologies to Indian farmers.

 

These centres are spread across the country, with a strong presence in Haryana and Maharashtra.

 

Over 50% of the aid budget of Mashav, Israel’s development cooperation agency, comes to India, and they are willing to set up as many Centres of Excellence as India requires. India and Israel are also in the 'very late stages' of work on a new framework agreement on agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The agreement is pending before the Israeli Cabinet and should be signed after approval is given, said Ohad Kaynar, the Israeli DCM. India and Israel currently cooperate under the aegis of the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project, which is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2006.

 

Before chief minister Yogi Adityanath flags off the first consignment of mango and green chilli packed at Kashi's Integrated Pack House (IPH) for export to Gulf countries, the figures of export of agriculture and horticulture products reveal that east UP has emerged as a major hub of agri export.

 

Since the time IPH became functional after inauguration by PM Narendra Modi on March 24, Varanasi's export has risen from 4 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 561 MT in 2022-23, ensuring growth of 420%. Lucknow, which had export figure of 111.47 MT in 2020-21 had exported 703.30 MT of agri products in 2022-23 and its growth percentage was 6%.

 

Busy in preparations for the flagging off ceremony at IPH in Karkhiyao area on Sunday, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) deputy general manager CB Singh said, 'After IPH's inauguration by the PM, process to operationalise it has been intensified in Varanasi in order to achieve the goal of developing east UP as a hub of export of agriculture and horticulture products.'

 

He said, 'With flagging off by the CM, the IPH Varanasi packed first consignments of mango and green chilli will leave for markets of Gulf, including Dubai and Doha via air and sea routes, respectively.'

Recalling the journey of ma king East UP region a hub of agri export, Singh said, 'Till 2019, there was nil export of agri cargo from Varanasi airport and negligible export from Lucknow airport. Now, flights are fully loaded with agri air cargo at Varanasi and Lucknow.'

 

Highlighting the trend of growth in export of agri products from international airports of UP, he said, 'In 2019-20 Lucknow had exported 99 MT of green vegetables and mangos while export from Varanasi was nil. In 2020-21 Lucknow exported 111.47 MT while only four MT vegetables were exportedfrom Varanasi. I n 2021-22 export of these agri and horticulture produces from Lucknow was 661.50 MT and Varanasi exported 157 MT. In 2022-23 Lucknow’s export was recorded as 703.30 MT while Varanasi’s export figures jumped to 561 MT.'

'The growth percentage of agri export from Varanasi airport in 2022-23 was 420% compared to 2021-22 figures while this growth at Lucknow airport was 6%', said Singh adding that between April and Jun this year Varanasi’s export figure was 120.5 MT while Lucknow has exported 169.9 MT of agri products. He also referred the measures initiated to achieve the goal of developing East UP as an export hub by making Varanasi its centre. The IPH established here fulfils requirements of international standard, which i s a must, especially for exporting agri products to European Union, Japan and Korea.

BBQ Jack isn't what it sounds. It is actually jackfruit impersonating as meat. It was one of the items in India's largest shipment of plant-based meat sent to the US recently. Wakao Foods' shipment of jackfruit products, weighing 13 tonnes, is the first of two containers being sent to the USA. The shipment includes, besides BBQ Jack, Raw Jack, Indian Gravy, Continental Jack burger patties, Jack Supreme burger patties, American herbs sausages, hot and spicy sausages, and Teriyaki Jack.

 

Plant-based meat, a trend that caught on in the West in the past decade, has also reached India in the past few years. And Indians are now eyeing Western markets. Last year in September, India sent its first shipment of plant-based meat products to the US. The consignment of manufacturers Greenest and Wholesome Foods included momos, mini samosas, patties, nuggets, spring rolls, burgers, etc.

 

Plant-based meat is made of soya, mushrooms, peas, jackfruit, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, millets, wheat, rice, etc. It imitates the texture, taste, looks and smell of actual meat. People who want to cut down on meat consumption or give it up completely, and vegetarians who want to increase protein intake are the target customers of manufacturers of plant-based meat.

 

The export potential for plant-based meat in India by 2030 is projected from Rs 2,194 crore to Rs 6,824 crore, according to a report by The Good Food Institute (GFI) India and Deloitte India. The number range for plant-based dairy is Rs 459 crore to Rs 1,889 crore. The export potential for plant-based eggs in 2030 is between Rs 266 crore to Rs 631 crore

 

A United States Department of Agriculture report says a large vegetarian population and greater demand for healthy foods are fueling the rapid expansion of plant-based meat substitutes in India which offers opportunities for American exporters in both consumer-oriented products and raw materials to support local manufacturers. However, Indian companies are eying the American market because they have several advantages over American companies.

 

In the case of lab-grown and cultured meats, Indian companies cannot compete with Americans because India lacks the required technology. But plant-based meat is different. Indian exporters can leverage India's strong tradition of plant-based foods. Traditionally, Indians know how to make vegetarian food tasty.

 

India has a large and growing workforce, low wages, and abundant raw materials, which together help to keep the cost of plant-based food production low compared to other countries. Food technology in India is already developed enough to create the best quality plant-based meat that tastes, looks and smells like real meat. India's indigenous crops such as millets can be used to make plant-based food. Even traditional crops such as chickpeas are available aplenty.

 

Pulses are powering the plant-based protein industry, according to the GFI . Of the variety of crops grown around the world, pulses’ high protein content make them some of the most promising for use in plant-based meat, egg, and dairy products, says a GFI report. While pulses are commonly consumed as a whole food, the global trend toward plant-based eating provides an exciting growth opportunity. Demand for alternative protein products — and the growing need for more sustainable protein production methods — is creating new market possibilities for pulses and ingredients derived from them.

 

'For plant-based products, millets and other indigenous Indian crops provide an excellent opportunity to diversify the global inputs for plant-based meats, eggs, and dairy. Using these crops would create lucrative markets for farmers and strengthen value chains into which the government is already pouring significant investment,' says a GFI report.

 

Another factor that favours Indian exporters is a growing domestic market. It's easier for companies to reach scale in India since India has a very large population of vegetarians and even those who eat meat could be willing to try plant-based options. A strong domestic market boosts exports too as it helps innovation in quality, design and range of products.

 

India's apex export promotion body, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Authority (APEDA), is trying to add more plant-based meat products in its export basket, without disturbing the conventional animal-based meat export market. It has planned to promote a variety of products to Australia, Israel and New Zealand. APEDA Chairman Rajesh Agrawal says India's growing market for plant-based meat alternatives presents an opportunity to leverage the country's crop biodiversity.

 

India's growing domestic market

Plant-based meat is catching on fast in India. Last year, coffee chain Tata Starbucks tied up with plant-based food company Imagine Meats to sell its products. Imagine Meats was launched by Bollywood celebrities Ritesh and Genelia Deshmukh in 2020. Blue Tribe, another plant-based meat company, is funded by cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma. Dozens of companies have sprung up in the plant-based meat segment in the past few years such as Good Dot, Shaka Harry, Urban Platter and Vegeta Gold,

 

While so far plant-based meat is largely a Western trend where it is promoted for environmental and ethical reasons, India is a natural market for it due to nearly 30 percent of its population being vegetarian. Even meat-eaters are willing to try the plant-based option sometimes to reduce meat consumption or for religious reasons. That's why there is a sudden growth in this segment.

 

Researchers from the University of Bath, the Good Food Institute, and the Center for Long Term Priorities collaborated on the first quantitative comparison of consumer attitudes towards plant-based and cultivated meat across China, India, and the US. They found that 33 percent of U.S. consumers, 62 percent of Chinese consumers, and 63 percent of Indian consumers were 'very or extremely likely to purchase plant-based meat regularly.' Cultivated meat clocked in at 30, 59, and 56 percent, respectively.

 

Not just startups and small companies, even the big ones are stepping into the plant-based meat sector.

 

Last year, online meat retailer Licious entered the plant-based meat business with a new brand called Uncrave. Unlike typical mock-meat brands that sell to vegan customers, Licious planned to offer Uncrave to its core meat-consuming customers as an alternative for occasions when they abstain from eating meat, such as Navaratri.

 

Tata Consumer Product Ltd too announced its entry into the plant-based meat products category last year, under a new brand 'Tata Simply Better' and introduced four variants: Nuggets, Burger Patty, Awadhi Seekh Kebab and Spicy Finger. Beyond Meat, a leading player in the US for plant-based meat, entered India last through a partnership with Allana Consumer Products.

 

India’s market for plant-based meat is estimated to increase dramatically, from a current estimate of $30-40 million to $500 million, according to a recent Assocham report. The plant-based dairy sector is expected to see a rise from $21 million to $63.9 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.7%. The overall vegan food market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 11.32% between 2022 and 2027.

 

The challenges

The biggest challenge for exporters as well as domestic companies is high prices of plant-based meat products. Often, the price of such a product is more than double the price of the real meat product. This problem can be solved with the expansion of the market. Low prices can give a sharp edge to India's exports.

 

Another challenge is taste. Consumers in the West can be lured to try plant-based meat only if it tastes like real meat. Indian companies will have to invest in technology to achieve similarity in taste, texture and appearance to real meat. Wakao Food, which has sent a consignment to the US recently, worked for eight months to decode the taste and palate of the US market and develop specifically suitable products.

 

The American market for plant-based food has slowed down in recent years due to various factors such as supply chain issues. Many also say that plant-based meat was just a fad which is now wearing off.

 

But a Bloomberg Intelligence report in 2021 painted an optimistic future for the plant-based proteins. The plant-based foods market could make up to 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, with a value of over $162 billion, up from $29.4 billion in 2020, said the report.

 

However, it says, the Asia-Pacific region will grow more than the West. It is particularly vulnerable to limited food supply, with an expected population of 4.6 billion by 2030. As a result, the region is likely to dominate the plant-based protein market reaching $64.8 billion by 2030, up from $13.5 billion in 2020. The majority share of that market in Asia-Pacific will be of alternative dairy products, at 57% by 2030. Comparatively, Europe and North America will see roughly $40 billion in sales, with Africa, the Middle East and Latin America all seeing between $8-9 billion each.

A senior American official on Wednesday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden state visit to the United States was very successful and the Biden administration will continue to work closely with partners in India to deepen and strengthen this very important bilateral relationship.

 

At the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, PM Modi visited the US from June 20-24. Modi was accorded a red-carpet welcome at the White House by President Biden. On June 22, the two leaders held a historic summit, followed by Modi's address to the Congress and a state dinner hosted at the White House by the Bidens in his honour.

 

Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said, 'This is not about just a moment in time. What this is about is steps and efforts to deepen and strengthen our relationship and our partnership with India. And we believe that last week's visit was very successful.'

 

'There were a number of announcements made between our two countries, including steps to strengthen semiconductor supply chains. You also saw the President and the Prime Minister and our two countries speak about engine co-production as well as university research partnerships,' Patel said, as per news agency PTI.

 

Patel also added that the US will continue to work closely with its partners in India to further deepen, and strengthen this very important bilateral relationship.

 

Earlier, a joint statement issued after a meeting between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden, said that the two countries have taken steps towards deepening bilateral cooperation to strengthen economic relationship, including trade ties.

 

'The US-India trade and investment partnership is an engine for global growth, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 191 billion in 2022, nearly doubling from 2014,' it said.

 

'The leaders support continued for active engagement between the US Treasury Department and the Indian Ministry of Finance under the Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue,' the joint statement said.

 

Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have committed their administrations to promoting policies and adapting regulations that facilitate greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between the US and Indian industry, government, and academic institutions, the statement said.

Around 500 farmers on Thursday took part in a workshop aimed to produce pesticide residue free basmati to enhance the export of the aromatic rice.

 

The event was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the ministry of commerce in coordination with All India Rice Exporter Association (AIREA) at Kotkapura in Faridkot district.

 

Dr Ritesh Sharma, principal scientist, APEDA, said that India earns maximum foreign revenue by export of rice and 'the quality of the basmati produced in Kotkapura is excellent.'

 

'We earned Rs.38,542 crore by the export of Basmati during 2022-23 in 150 countries. We have very good demand from the globe, but due to excessive use of pesticides, the residue defected in basmati consignment affect the export. We are providing training to the farmers to produce pesticide residue free basmati with the support of the state governments,' Sharma said.

 

Dr Brajendra, principal scientist from Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, spoke about the soil health. He has demonstrated a rapid soil testing kit developed by him and trained the farmers for soil testing in Kotkapura.

 

Vinod Kaul, executive director, AIREA, explained about the export scenario and challenges in basmati export. He asked the farmers to use pesticides only after consultation with scientists. 'Right dose, right time and right pesticide need to be sprayed only when it recommended,' Kaul said.

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the Ministry of DoNER, has authorised 250 Naga Sweet Cucumber and Tree Tomato farmers in Nagaland to use NERAMAC processed Geographical Identification (GI) certification during a GI awareness programme held at Kohima on Wednesday. GI initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, protect the rights of farmers and enhanced the country’s agricultural exports.

Speaking at the programme, managing director (retired), NARAMAC commodore, Rajiv Ashok, said that GI initiative was a significant step towards promoting and protecting the traditional agricultural practices and products of the North Eastern Region.

He said GI tagging of Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber would provide recognition to the unique qualities and reputation of the two products and protect them from misuse and imitation. Ashok explained that GI authorization would enhance the competitiveness of the produce in domestic and international markets and create opportunities for increased income and livelihood.

A short presentation was also made about the work being undertaken by NERAMAC in the North Eastern Region in general and Nagaland in particular. About 100 Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber farmers attended the seminar.

NABARD Kohima general manager, Tiakala Ao, said GI is a form of intellectual property rights that identifies a product originating from a specific geographical location, possessing qualities, reputation or characteristics that are attributable to that location. Therefore, she said GI protection can play a significant role in promoting and safeguarding the traditional and unique products of a region.

Tiakala informed that at present the GI tagged products in Nagaland include: Naga Mircha (King Chilli); Naga Tree Tomato; Naga Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl.

Horticulture department director, Meyasashi, give a presentation on Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Cucumber, explaining about the advantages of these products.

Agriculture department deputy director, James Chawang, requested NERAMAC to collaborate with the state departments of Agriculture and horticulture for processing and marketing.

The event was also graced by senior official and GI Expert from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who spoke about the importance of North Eastern Region-specific GI products and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to promote the region-specific GI products.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reaffirmed his commitment to a 'truly ambitious' free trade agreement (FTA) with India and indicated his plans to visit New Delhi for the G20 Summit in September.

 

Hosting a special reception to celebrate India Global Forum’s UK-India Week 2023 in the garden of 10 Downing Street in London, Sunak said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he agrees that there is a huge potential to step up bilateral trade ties.

 

The 43-year-old British Indian leader interacted with business leaders and celebrities, including boxing champion Mary Kom, musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain, Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi, on Wednesday evening as part of what he dubbed as a 'big moment' in the bilateral calendar and the start of an Indian summer for the UK.

 

'Prime Minister Modiji and I agree there’s huge potential here. We’re making great progress together on the 2030 Roadmap and we want to strike a truly ambitious trade deal that benefits both our nations, bringing tremendous opportunities to businesses and consumers, both in India and here at home,' said Sunak.

 

'It’s not just UK-India Week, but a whole Indian summer. And I don’t just mean the hot weather we’re having, I mean that over the next few weeks, the eyes of the world will be on India. There’s the G20 in New Delhi, I can’t wait to be there,' he said.

 

India and the UK recently concluded the tenth round of FTA negotiations and an 11th round is set to begin in the next few weeks.

 

At the UK-India Week reception, the British Prime Minister was joined by his wife Akshata Murty and joked that the garden party was also in honour of his mother-in-law Sudha Murty, who is visiting from India.

 

'There is so much to celebrate. The links between our two countries are closer than ever. Just look at the Coronation of His Majesty the King. On that most historic day, people of Indian heritage were at the heart of proceedings, presenting the Coronation regalia and as part of the delegation of faith leaders,' he said.

 

'It shows the depth of the bonds we share, the living bridge between our two nations, the thriving business links, and the flow of ideas and investments, all stronger than ever. But of course, we want to do more,' he said.

 

'Here we are, in Downing Street, with a Prime Minister of Indian heritage, with all of you at the top of your game, leaders in your fields showing that anything is possible. So, let’s keep raising our sights and let’s keep scoring boundaries as we build this partnership,' added Sunak, using a cricketing metaphor as he also referenced the cricket World Cup to be hosted by India later this year as the 'biggest event of all'.

 

The India Global Forum’s (IGF) fifth annual UK-India Week, which runs until Friday, brings together ministers, business leaders and policymakers to deliberate on the key sectors of focus within the bilateral relationship.

 

'We are all here, from such diverse backgrounds, experiences and journeys, yet what unites us is our passion and contribution to enhancing what I describe as the winning partnership between the UK and India,' said IGF founder Manoj Ladwa.

Basmati growers and traders are likely to reap a rich harvest over the coming Kharif marketing season 2023-24, as the prices of all aromatic long grained varieties of rice witnessed an increase in domestic and international market.

 

As per reports from rice exporters following a demand in the international market, the prices of Basmati rice have reached to above Rs.90,776 per metric tonne (MT) from Rs.83,068 of the last year.

 

Following a jump in the rice export from the country, the price of basmati rice in the domestic market has reached above Rs.80 to Rs.120 a kg against Rs.70 to Rs.100 of the last year.

 

Figures released by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) revealed that in April, 2023-24 India has exported 4.24 lakh MT basmati rice against 3.19 lakh MT of the last year, thus India’s total rice export has reached to Rs.8,204 crore including Rs.3,855 crore of Basmati, in April 2023-24 against Rs.6,144 crore during the same period in 2022-23.

 

The rise in export has helped traders earn handsome profits as prices in the international market have also witnessed an increase of around Rs.7,000 per MT. Traders are predicting that the prices may rise further following the increasing demand of Indian rice in the international market.

 

There is also a surge in the export and prices of the parmal or non-basmati rice as India has exported a total of 14.2 lakh MT non-basmati rice this year against 13.52 lakh MT last year. The prices of the non-basmati rice also reached an all-time high of Rs.30,576 per MT in April this year, up from Rs.29,265 per MT last year.

 

All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) former president Vijay Setia termed it a great sign in the interest of farmers and traders saying, 'Yes the prices of both basmati and non-basmati rice have increased following a surge in demand in the international market. Even India’s Basmati rice export has increased and there is a strong possibility that the farmers will get a good price for their produce this year.'

 

Setia, however, demanded the government to lift levy from the procurement of basmati paddy in mandis of Haryana as the move will boost the competition and the farmers will benefit from it.

 

Since farmers of Haryana and Punjab are the biggest producer of basmati rice and contribute around 80% of the country’s total produce,the benefit from rising prices will benefit them most.

 

Traders said the basmati prices are likely to remain above Rs.3,000 per quintal again this year, thus helping the farmers to reap a good harvest for the second consecutive year.

 

Even the arrival of super early sowing varieties of paddy has already started in mandis of Haryana’s Karnal as farmers from Uttar Pradesh have started harvesting of early sown paddy. 'PUSA 1509 is being sold for around Rs.3,000 a quintal and there is a strong possibility that the price may increase further with the arrival set to pick up in the next couple of days,' Ahrtia Association Karnal president Rajneesh Chaudhary.

 

Wheat export slides

 

On the other hand, India’s wheat export has declined drastically, falling to a paltry 1,631 MTs in April 2023-24 against 14.72 lakh MTs for the corresponding period last year. The same comes amid a drop in the wheat production in the country and corresponding ride in demand.

 

According to AIREA, at 130.5 MT, India is the second largest producer of rice in the world after China. The country produces around 9 MT of paddy from around 17 lakh hectares of land, with around 7 lakh hectares of area being under Basmati cultivation. Haryana’s share in total basmati production remains around 42%, followed by Punjab’s 36% and Uttar Pradesh’s 17%.

India has vast resource of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock forms an important livelihood activity, supplementing incomes, offering employment opportunities. Agriculture diversification through animal husbandry is one of the primary drivers of growth in rural incomes.

 

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala said while addressing media that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has taken several important initiatives during the last nine years for improvement of per animal productivity. Increase in productivity will help in production of more Milk, meat and livestock products for the domestic market and export market. Department is implementing several programs for complete control and eradication of major livestock diseases and Infrastructure Development. The Department is also dovetailing and synergizing efforts with other Ministries and stakeholders especially in the context of common objective of helping the farmers increase their income through the livestock sector.

 

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying stands committed to work with all the stakeholders and will provide maximum support for delivering the Quality Services at Farmers’ Doorstep.

 

Key achievements and initiatives of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under various Schemes, Programmes are as follows:

 

Livestock Sector

 

Livestock Sector is an important subsector of agriculture in the Indian economy. It grew at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.93 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices). The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross v12:11:5027-06-2023alue added (GVA) (at constant prices) has increased from 24.38 per cent (2014-15) to 30.87 per cent (2020-21). Livestock sector contributed 6.2 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21.

 

Livestock Population

 

            There are about 303.76 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun and yak), 74.26 million sheep, 148.88 million goats, 9.06 million pigs and about 851.81 million poultry as per 20th Livestock Census in the country.

 

Dairy Sector

 

            Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5 per cent of the national economy and employing more than 8 crore farmers directly. India is ranked 1st in milk production contributing 23 percent of global milk production. Milk production has increased by 51.05% over the past 8 years from 146.3 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 221.06 million tonnes during 2021-22. Milk production is growing at the annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% over the past 8 years whereas world milk production is growing at 1.2% per annum. The per capita availability of milk is 444 grams per day in 2021-22 as against the world average of 394 grams per day during 2021.

 

Egg and Meat Production

 

            According to Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) production data (2020), India ranks 3rd in Egg Production and 8th in meat production in the world. Egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 129.60 billion Nos. in 2021-22. Egg production in the country is growing at the rate (CAGR) of 7.4% per annum.  The per capita availability of egg is at 95 eggs per annum in 2021-22. Meat production in the country has increased from 6.69 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 9.29 million tonnes in 2021-22.  

 

Animal Husbandry and Dairying Schemes

 

RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION: For development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds

 

Major Achievements/Interventions of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

 

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme- Delivery of Artificial Insemination Services at Farmers Doorstep: As on date, 5.71 crore animals have been covered, 7.10 crore Artificial Insemination have been performed and 3.74 crore farmers benefitted under the programme. 

Promotion of IVF Technology in the country: So far, 19248 viable embryos produced, 8661 viable embryos transferred and 1343 calves are born under the programme.

Sex sorted semen production:  Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only female calves upto 90% accuracy.  Under the programme, subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sorted semen on assured pregnancy is available to farmers.

DNA based Genomic selection: National Dairy Development Board has developed INDUSCHIP for selection of elite animals of indigenous breeds and 25000 animals have been genotyped using the chip for creating referral population. For the first time in the World, BUFFCHIP has been developed for genomic selection of buffaloes and so far, 8000 buffaloes have been genotyped for creating referral population.

Animal Identification and traceability: 53.5 crore animals (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs) are being identified and registered using  polyurethane tags with 12 digit UID No.

Progeny testing and Pedigree selection: Progeny Testing Programme has been implemented for Gir, Shaiwal indigenous breed of cattle and Murrah, Mehsana indigenous breed of buffalo.

National Digital Livestock Mission: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India has taken up a digital mission, 'National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with NDDB. This will help in improving the productivity of the animals, control diseases that affect both animals and humans, ensure quality livestock and livestock both for domestic and export markets.

Breed Multiplication Farms: Subsidy of 50% (up to Rs 2 crore per farm) on capital cost (excluding land cost) is provided to private entrepreneurs under this scheme for establishment of breed multiplication farms. Till date, 76 applications has been approved by DAHD and an amount of  Rs. 14.22 crore has been released to NDDB as subsidy.

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR DAIRY DEVELOPMENT: To create and strengthen infrastructure for quality milk including cold chain infrastructure linking the farmer to the consumer. 185 projects in 28 States and 2 Union Territory have been approved with the total cost of Rs. 3015.35 crore (Central Share Rs. 2297.25 crore) from 2014-15 to 2022-23 (20.06.2023). A total sum of Rs. 1769.29 crore has been released for implementation of new projects approved under the scheme up to 20.06.2023.  An amount of Rs. 1314.42 crore has been utilized under the projects approved.

 

SUPPORTING DAIRY COOPERATIVES AND FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS ENGAGED IN DAIRY ACTIVITIES:  To assist the Cooperative Societies and farmer producer organizations engaged in dairy activities by providing soft working capital loan to tide over the crisis on account of severely adverse market conditions or natural calamities. As on 30.04.2023, since 2020-21, NDDB has conveyed sanction of Interest Subvention amount of Rs 513.62 crore against working capital loan amount of Rs 37,008.89 Cr @ 2% p.a for 60 milk unions across the country and released Rs 373.30 Cr (Rs 201.45 Cr as regular interest subvention and Rs 171.85 Cr as additional interest subvention amount).

 

DAIRY PROCESSING & INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (DIDF): To create/ modernize the milk processing, chilling and value addition infrastructure towards components Milk processing, Chilling and Value added Products facilities, etc. Under DIDF, as on 31.05.2023, 37 projects are approved with total outlay of Rs. 6776.86 Crore and Rs. 2353.20 Crore loan has been disbursed against loan of Rs. 4575.73 Crore. An amount of Rs. 88.11 Crore has been released as interest subvention to NABARD.

 

NATIONAL LIVESTOCK MISSION:  The focus of the scheme is towards employment generation, entrepreneurship development; increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool. Under National Livestock Mission, for the first time, the Central Government is providing direct 50% subsidies to the Individuals, SHGs, JLGs, FPOs, Section 8 Companies, FCOs to establish Poultry Farms with Hatcheries and brooder mother units, sheep and goat breed multiplication farm, piggery farm and feed and fodder units. Till date, 661 applications have been approved by DAHD and Rs 50.96 Crore has been released as subsidy to 236 beneficiaries.

 

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND: For incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSME, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8 companies to establish (i) the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure, (ii) meat processing and value addition infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant.(iv) Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplications farms for Cattle/ Buffalo/Sheep/Goat/ Pig and technologically assisted Poultry farms. So far, 309 Projects sanctioned by banks with total project cost is Rs. 7867.65 crore and out of the total project cost Rs. 5137.09 crore is term loan.  An amount of Rs. 58.55 Cr. has been released as Interest Subvention.

 

LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAMME: For prevention, control and containment of animal diseases of economic and zoonotic importance by vaccination. Till date, total number of animals ear tagged are nearly 25.04 crores. So far, 24.18 crore animals have been vaccinated in second round of FMD. Round III of FMD vaccination is going on and so far, 4.66 crore animals are vaccinated. So far, 2.19 crore animals have been vaccinated against Brucella. 1960 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) have been flagged off in 16 States/ UTs. Out of which, 1181 MVUs are operational in 10 States.

 

LIVESTOCK CENSUS & INTEGRATED SAMPLE SURVEY SCHEME:

 

Integrated Sample Survey:To bring out estimates of Major Livestock Products (MLP) such as Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool. The estimates are published in Annual Publication of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) of the Department. Recently, the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)-2022 for the period 2021-22 is published.

 

Livestock Census: To provide information on livestock population, species-wise and breed-wise along with age, sex-composition etc. up to household level in rural and urban areas. Recently, 20th Livestock Census has been completed in the year 2019 with the participation of Animal Husbandry Department of all the States/UTs. The All-India report namely '20th Livestock Census-2019' containing Species-wise and State-wise population of livestock has been published. In addition to the above, the Department has also Published Breed-wise report on Livestock and Poultry (based on 20th livestock Census).

 

KISAN CREDIT CARDS (KCC) FOR DAIRY FARMERS OF MILK COOPERATIVES AND MILK PRODUCER COMPANIES: So far, more than 27.65 lakh fresh KCCs were sanctioned for AHD Farmers.

An India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) is really important for both nations and it is for businesses on both sides to help drive that agenda, UK Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson said in London on Tuesday. Addressing a UK-India Infrastructure Summit hosted by the City of London Corporation as part of the India Global Forum UK-India Week, Johnson said he is 'very optimistic' about an FTA even as he declined to put a timeframe to it.

 

India and the UK recently concluded their tenth round of FTA negotiations and an 11th round is set to begin in the next few weeks towards a comprehensive agreement expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship worth an estimated 34 billion pounds in 2022.

 

'I'm very optimistic about a free trade deal with India,' said Johnson.

 

'It is hugely important for India if it wants to get the capital flows it needs to take itself to the next step, which is to become a global hyperpower economically. And it's very good for the UK if we're going to ensure that we've got the investment coming from India,' he said.

 

The minister went on to make a clarion call for representatives of business and industry gathered at the summit to be more vocal about voicing their support for such an FTA.

 

'It's really important for businesses to express their support for such a deal because it's about allowing businesses to function more effectively with greater profits, wealth and security for the world,' he said.

 

Describing the India-UK relationship as the 'most symbiotic partnership', the minister also backed a City of London suggestion for a new UK-India Green Finance Partnership to promote greater two-way green investment flows.

 

'I truly believe India has reached escape velocity as an economy. And, I truly believe that the UK is literally India's best friend, and the best placed country to take advantage of what is such a mutually beneficial long-term financial partnership,' he added.

 

Under the theme of 'Financing a Sustainable Future', the summit highlighted the immense scope and potential for investment in sustainable infrastructure development in India, and London's expertise in meeting India's growing demand for green finance.

 

'The UK, particularly the City of London, has excellent capabilities in structuring and funnelling finance where it is needed. The UK has demonstrated technological capabilities while India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining technology with financing would enhance the cooperation,' said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.

 

'I would argue that your interests are best served in aligning with us in making sure that the transformation of India happens in a way that does not replicate any of the faults of the past,' noted Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.

 

The summit, which forms part of a six-day series of events running until Friday as part of UK-India Week, opened with a keynote address by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyon.

 

'Sustainable infrastructure is critical for India's economic trajectory and to meet the needs of its fast-growing population, while fulfilling its ambition to reach net zero by 2070. With strong government backing and unparalleled global expertise in sustainable finance and infrastructure financing solutions, the City of London and the UK can help India to access one of the largest and diversified global capital pools on the best possible terms,' he said.

 

'As the fastest growing major economy in the world, and the most populous, India has huge aspirations and equally huge responsibilities. The rapid building of high quality sustainable physical and digital infrastructure will be critical to achieving India's growth trajectory, as well as balancing its net zero commitments,' added Manoj Ladwa of India Global Forum, organisers of UK-India Week.