1. Home
  2. Market Intelligence
  3. Market News
Back
28 Feb, 2023 News Image Goan feni to set sail for foreign shores, with mahua to follow.
Goa’s famous feni, a cashew fruit-based alcoholic beverage, may soon find its way to the shelves of overseas liquor stores, with the Indian government encouraging the industry to adopt international standards and streamline supply chains.
 
The government is also working to formalize the production of mahua—another of India’s oldest indigenous liquors—made by fermenting flowers and found commonly in central India.
 
The standards pertain to bottling, packaging and processing, in line with international norms.
 
While cashew feni won geographical indication (GI) in 2009, that for mahua is in the pre-examination stage.
 
Securing GI—a distinctive sign used to identify a product whose quality, reputation or other characteristics related to its geographical origin—will help give it a distinct identity in the overseas markets. The GI tag ensures that no one other than those registered as authorized producers can use the popular product name.
 
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the nodal agri-export promotion body, is working with the Indian alcoholic beverage associations to discuss challenges and how to encourage exports of India’s indigenous liquor.
 
'We are focusing on the identified GI products that have the potential and the established supply chain. We are now promoting them. It is also the case for indigenous liquor, like feni. These will be promoted as a premium segment, which is unique to India, where there is an established supply chain, and there are volumes,' said Tarun Bajaj, director of APEDA.
 
This comes at a time India is negotiating a relaxation of the three-year maturity norms to facilitate better access to Indian whisky in the UK and Australia.
 
'Government bodies like APEDA are working on ways to spot export opportunities for indigenous products. Products such as feni and mahua are being looked into. Indian craft gin and Indian single malt have export potential as they carry the Indian provenance… the problem is that many manufacturers operate on a small scale. If we wish to have true export potential to the developed world, we need to bring standards and make the products more uniform,' said Vinod Giri, director general of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies. Giri added that small manufacturers must prepare a road map and look into where the government can come in and where investment is needed.
 
India’s craft gin is being shipped already, with about 15,000 cases exported to the UK this year, Giri said.
 
'The one where we need support is for feni from Goa. The second promising product is mahua. Mahua grows in tribal areas such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, and liquor is brewed from that, he said.
 
A Goan government report, titled ‘Roadmap for Feni’, recommended granting GI for coconut feni.
 
Queries emailed to the spokesperson for the ministry of commerce and industry remained unanswered till press time.
 
India exported 247,000 tonnes of alcoholic products, worth $322.12 million (approximately ?2,507 crore), during 2020-21, and the major export destinations of Indian alcoholic products include the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Singapore, Congo and Cameroon.
 
Giri added that during the discussion with APEDA, the association highlighted the need for better quality, standardization and certification to make the products good enough for export.
 
'Then, we need to see how we get the producers to start scaling up now. That may happen either through investment support from the government. Or more likely and easier is by getting the organized sector more involved in this,' said Giri.
 
'We shouldn’t export sub-standard products and ruin the reputation of Indian products,' he added.
 
According to the government, demand for India’s products such as beer made from malt, wine, white wine, brandy, whisky, rum and gin has increased manifold in the global market.

 Source:  livemint.com
28 Feb, 2023 News Image Farmers making exemplary contribution to Food Security with their agricultural produce

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the spirit of our farmers is like that of the Indian soldier, - the way soldiers protect the nation by standing bravely on the borders, in the same way our farmer brothers and sisters generate agricultural produce, making an exemplary contribution to Food Security. If farmers don't work in the fields then we will not have food grains to fill our stomach despite having money. Our Agriculture sector is very important for 140 crore Indians, farmers should be treated with respect. Shri Tomar said this today as the chief guest at the Third Convocation ceremony of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar).

Union Minister Shri Tomar said that in view of the importance of agriculture in the country, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given priority to this sector. Till before 2014, the budget of Agriculture sector used to be about 25,000 crores, whereas today in the Modi Government the Agriculture budget is Rs. 1,25,000 crores. For the development of agriculture, work is being done through technology. Concrete work is being done to improve the financial condition of 86 percent small farmers of the country. The Central Government is constituting 10,000 new FPOs, on which Rs 6,865 crore is being spent. As technology advances, educated youth will get more employment opportunities in the villages; with the increase in employment in the villages, the Agriculture sector will emerge a bigger pillar of strength of the country. Shri Tomar said that the agriculture sector is full of challenges, facing which the government is moving ahead with positivity. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been implemented to compensate the loss of farmers, in which, as compared to the farmers premium of Rs. 25,000 crores, claims worth Rs. 1.30 lakh crore has been paid as claims. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi has been implemented for income support to Small Farmers, in which Rs. 6,000 is being given annually in 3 installments with complete transparency, disbursed directly into farmers’ bank accounts. Till now, more than Rs. 2.40 lakh crore has been given to crores of farmers.

Shri Tomar said that due to the hard work of farmers, efficiency of scientists and visionary policies of Prime Minister Shri Modi, India has today become a country that supplies to the world. The whole world is amazed to see the determination, technology and positive thinking with which the government is moving forward under the efficient leadership of the Prime Minister. More than 100 countries of the world look towards India with the expectation that India will help when needed, we have to accept this challenge and work. It is our responsibility to meet the needs of the country, while keeping in mind the expectations of the world, we have to prepare for the needs of the year 2050 from now itself. To attract the new generation to the traditional field of agriculture, there is a need to make timely changes. Crop diversification and new techniques will have to be adopted. Today, entire world is left spellbound with India's achievements in various fields including cashless transactions. We are also ahead in the production of agricultural products. We also have a leading role in Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Beekeeping.

He said that whenever it comes to economic analysis, some countries do not want to praise us, but still they are bound to say that India will emerge as the fastest growing economy in the coming times. For the next 25 years, during the ‘Amritkaal’, our speed should be faster. Looking at the political conditions of the world, we have to develop ourselves in such a way that when we celebrate the centenary year of the country's Independence, we should be included in the category of Developed countries. For this, the villages and farmers will have to be strengthened.

During the convocation, degrees were awarded to 635 students, including 260 girls. Ms. Purva Sharan, a student of Fisheries College, was bestowed the Visitor's Gold Medal for securing the highest marks. Ms. Rinto Nandi of Tirhut Agricultural College, Dholi, was awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal for the best performance in the postgraduate examination. Ms. Manisha Bhardwaj of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Forestry College, Piprakothi, Ms. Nikita of Agricultural Engineering College, Ms. Jayanti Kumari of Humanities College and Mr. K.M. Veethi of Community Science College were awarded the Gold Medal.

In the program, ‘Mushroom Samosa’, prepared by the University, was released, which has recently received a patent. Advanced varieties of sugarcane and various technical books were released. On the occasion, Shri Tomar inaugurated the administrative building and farmers’ hostel of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sukhet (Madhubani), Narkatiaganj (West Champaran), Lada (Samastipur), Turki (Muzaffarpur), complex of Tiranga Park, Banana Research Center at Goraul (Vaishali) and the sprawling Agricultural Museum of the University. The program was attended by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary, Vaishali MP Smt. Veena Devi, Muzaffarpur MP Shri Ajay Nishad, Samastipur MP Shri Prince Raj, Director General of ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Chancellor Shri Prafulla Mishra and Vice Chancellor Dr. P.S.  Pandey among other dignitaries.


 Source:  PIB
27 Feb, 2023 News Image Modi: India should produce domestically farm products that are imported.
Pitching for an Atmanirbhar Krishi (self-sufficient agriculture), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exhorted people to allow Indian farmers to reap its benefits as the country has been spending as high as Rs.2 lakh crore annually to import a few farm products which can be domestically produced.
 
Pointing out that earlier the country was depended on the world for food security, Modi said, 'But our farmers not only made us self-reliant, but today because of them we have also been able to export. We have made it easier for farmers to access domestic and international markets. But we also have to keep in mind that whether it is self-reliance or exports, our aim should not be limited only to rice and wheat.'
 
The share of rice and wheat was nearly half at $11.79 billion in export of major agri produce (as promoted by APEDA) worth $24.76 billion (Rs.1,84,769.23 crore) in 2021-22.
 
The Prime Minister also said that in 2021-22, about Rs.17,000 crore was spent on the import of pulses, Rs.25,000 crore on value-added food products and Rs.1.5 lakh crore on edible oils.
 
'About Rs.2 lakh crore were spent on the import of only these three (segments) which means this much money went outside the country. This money can reach our farmers, if we become self-sufficient in these agricultural products, too. For the last few years, decisions are being taken in the Budget to take these sectors forward. We increased MSP, promoted pulses production, increased the number of food parks. Along with this, work is also going on in mission mode to become completely self-sufficient in edible oil,' Modi said.
 
 
Addressing a webinar on provisions made for the agriculture and co-operative sectors in the next year Budget, Modi said the agricultural budget, which was less than Rs.25,000 crore before 2014, has been increased to more than Rs.1.25 lakh crore now. 'Every Budget in recent years has been called a budget for Gaon, Gareeb and Kisan', he said.
 
Complete development
Out of Rs.1,31,972.41 crore allocated for two ministries — Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying — in FY23-24, over 73 per cent of the allocations are for three schemes- PM-Kisan, Modified Interest Subvention Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
 
While the interest subsidy on crop loan was handled by the Finance Ministry before 2014, the other two schemes were launched after Modi became the Prime Minister. The combined budget allocation of the undivided Agriculture Ministry in 2013-14 was Rs.30,223.88 crore.
 
Appeal to youth
Modi said the goal of complete development cannot be achieved until the challenges related to the agriculture sector are eliminated. He also observed that private innovation and investment are keeping a distance from the farm sector leading to lower participation of youth in agriculture when compared with other sectors.
 
On the Budget announcement of an Accelerator Fund for agritech start-ups, Modi said the government is not only creating digital infrastructure but also preparing funding avenues. He appealed young entrepreneurs to move forward and achieve their goals in the farm sector.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
27 Feb, 2023 News Image The agriculture budget has increased; we have now over 3,000 agri startups: PM Modi.
Addressing a post-Budget webinar with stakeholders of agriculture and cooperative sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted that the Budget focuses on agri-tech startups and an accelerator fund has been proposed to create new funding avenues for them. The prime minister observed that the number of startups in the agriculture sector has increased to more than 3,000 which was almost negligible nine years ago.
 

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
27 Feb, 2023 News Image The orange bowl of Manipur.
10 years ago, around this time, your columnist accompanied the Shaurya Chakra Awardee Col DPK Pillay, at his insistence, to the remote and beautiful district of Tamenglong of Manipur to study the potential of Citrus Reticulata Blanco Mandarin — a unique sub-tropical fruit which grows in abundance in this district of 4,400 square kilometres lying between 24°30’N and 25°27’N latitudes and of 93°10’E and 94°54’E longitudes at a height of 1,290 metres above the MSL. Tamenglong is bounded by Nagaland in the North, Churachandpur and Senapati districts in the South and East, and the state of Assam in the West.
 
The Colonel, who is hero worshipped by the local community for having risked his own life to save two young children who were seriously injured in a crossfire between the army and the extremist groups, was keen that in my capacity as the Mission Director of National Horticulture Mission (now Mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture), I should study first-hand the potential of this crop in the economic transformation of the region. The initial discussions held there have not only led to organic certification by APEDA, but also a GI tag for this commodity, and made it a part of an integrated value chain. While APEDA started the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2016, and has covered over 400-hectare acres since then, the Mission for Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) of Directorate of Horticulture applied for the GI tag in 2017 and received it on August 31, 2020. This is, in many ways, a fulfilment of a commitment made to the farmers’ of Tamenglong who had received us with abundant enthusiasm and cheer. I must confess here that when I first undertook the journey with Colonel Pillay, the district was known more for roadblocks and encounters, rather than for this mandarin tree with long, willowy branches and the luscious oranges, which are not only delicious to eat, but also used in salads, desserts and main dishes. The current value chain includes wine, juices, candy, jam, jelly, marmalade, canning, extraction of essential oils, pectin and much more.
 
Manipur is considered to be one of the most verdant states for citrus genetic diversity since it is adjoined to Myanmar where maximum landraces of citrus have been found. Manipur also has a proliferation of different strains of rough lemon and semi-wild species (Citrus macroptera) but the focus is on the mandarin oranges of Tamenglong district, which account for more than 80 per cent of the total orange production of the state. The soil and the climate of this hill district is quite favourable for orange growing, and almost 40 per cent of the total landmass is under orange cultivation. No wonder, it is called the “Orange Bowl” of the state.
 
The fruit consists of three layers:
 
* The outer yellow/orange peel is with oil glands which exude the essential oils, producing the typical orange odour;
 
* The whitish thread like mesocarp;
 
* The endocarp consists of 10-14 segments filled with juice sacs (vesicles).
 
It is distinguished from other citrus species by the relatively loose skin of the fruits and the relative ease with which the segments can be separated. Most varieties of Mandarin are self-pollinated, but some of the hybrids require cross pollination. Typically, a heavy crop is followed by a lighter crop in the next season. Generally, citrus trees start bearing fruits from the third year of planting, although economic yields start from the fifth year and the trees may take eight to ten years to achieve full productivity.
 
However, there are issues and challenges which the farmers are facing, especially from the menace of ‘bamboo flowering’ which appears cyclically, as well as from climate change and aberrant weather conditions. Both the ICAR and the state horticulture department are trying to address these issues, and also taking note of observations of local farmers, some of whom are suggesting that oranges seem to grow better in the soil which has some layers of rock beneath the topsoil. Others feel that grazing of cows in their farms helps clear up the growth of other bushes and herbs; and that orange trees thrive better in such an environment. Farmers are also trying to ensure that birds are encouraged to nest in the foliage as they feed on worms, thereby minimising the damage and risk to the trees.
 
From 2001, a state-level Orange Festival has been held annually to promote tourism and provide an opportunity to orange farmers to display their produce before potential buyers besides offering an opportunity for both the growers and fruit processing industries to establish value chains. The credit for launching this initiative goes to the Manipur Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium under the kind aegis of Central SFAC.
 
As things stand, thanks to the road network, and the much-improved security situation, Mandarin oranges are now the key economic growth driver, and the main source of income for the farmers of the district. Since the fruits are harvested mainly in the winter season, the farmers celebrate Christmas and New Year with good cheer, and also save adequate funds for children’s admission in the next academic year. As per current market indications, a full-grown good tree can yield up to 5,000 fruits, and with a pack of ten oranges being sold at the farm gate for about a hundred rupees, many farmers have become lakhpatis in the course of the last decade!

 Source:  millenniumpost.in
27 Feb, 2023 News Image FSSAI specifies comprehensive group standard for millets.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has specified a comprehensive group standard for millets vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives), Second Amendment Regulations, 2023 notified in the Gazette of India and the same will be enforced w.e.f September 1, 2023.
 
Millets are group of small-grained cereal food crops that are highly tolerant to drought and other extreme weather conditions and require low chemical inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides. Most of millet crops are native of India and they provide most of the nutrients required for normal functioning of human body. Millets are also gluten-free; low in Glycemic Index (GI); and rich in dietary fibre and micronutrients, including calcium, iron, phosphorus. Millets should ideally be an integral part of our daily diet. FSSAI guidance note ("Millets - the nutri-cereals") provides more information about nutritional composition and benefits of consumption of Millets.
 
In order to create awareness and promote production & consumption of millets, in April
2018 millets were rebranded as 'Nutri Cereals' and '2018' was designated as the National Year of Millets. Later, The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). International Year of Millets (IYOM) – 2023 will provide an opportunity to increase global production, efficient processing and better use of crop rotation and promote millets as a major component of the food basket.  
 
Currently, individual standards for only a few millets like Sorghum (Jowar), Whole and decorticated Pearl Millet grain (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi) and Amaranth are prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
 
FSSAI has now framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters i.e. maximum limits for moisture content, uric acid content, extraneous matter, other edible grains, defects, weevilled grains, and immature and shrivelled grains, so as to ensure availability of good quality (standardised) millets in domestic and global markets.

 Source:  fnbnews.com
27 Feb, 2023 News Image Agricultural products from across India on display at VAIGA 2023 exhibition.
Tamarillos and cherry pepper from Sikkim, the fiery bhut jolokia from Assam, saffron and dry fruits from Jammu and Kashmir, and millet-based products from Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu are among the highlights of the exhibition organised as part of the VAIGA 2023 agricultural expo that opened at the Putharikkandam Ground on Saturday.
 
Stalls of agricultural agencies from other States and Union Territories are billed as a major draw alongside Kerala stalls at the exhibition, which is on till March 2.
 
Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, along with Loknath Sharma, Tage Taki, and Chander Kumar, Agriculture Ministers respectively of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh jointly inaugurated the exhibition.
 
With 2023 being observed as the International Year of Millets, millet-based products are prominently featured in many of the stalls put up by other States. Visitors are also offered samples of millet-based snacks at some of the stalls.
 
Southern States such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have stalls at the expo. The Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Ltd has millet noodles, pastas, and health mix, on display. The stall of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture department also features a big poster highlighting the medicinal value of thinai (foxtail millet), kuthiravali (barnyard millet), chama (little millet), and varagu (koda millet). 
 
Organic farm products from Sikkim are another major draw at the exhibition. They include ginger, the Sikkim mandarin orange, buckwheat, tamarillos (tree tomato), and cherry pepper. Close by, the Assam stall has on display red and black varieties of rice, the famed Assam lemon, Assam tea, and the bhut jolokia chilli pepper, in addition to the Karbi Anglong turmeric.
 
The exhibition features several GI-tagged products such as saffron from Kashmir. It also offers effective and attractive examples of value addition and attractive packaging and labelling.
 
Kerala government agencies and departments, including the Agriculture department, State Horticulture Mission, and farmer producer companies, have set up stalls at the exhibition. Stalls of Central government institutes such as the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) also are featured here.

 Source:  thehindu.com
27 Feb, 2023 News Image Ban on wheat import, export unlikely to go soon, say officials.
No immediate changes are likely in the Centre’s decision disallowing both import and export of wheat, officials tracking the matter have said. 
 
'India is unlikely to import wheat as, right now, the government is clearing FCI stocks and this would meet the current requirement. The intention is to clear up as much stock as possible so that one has space for procurement next year,' an official told businessline.
 
The government had estimated wheat stocks at 126 lakh tonnes (lt) as of April 1, 2023, before its decision to offload 50 lt from the Central Pool under the open market sales scheme (OMSS) was taken. Now that offtake is robust under OMSS and as much as 30-35 lt OMSS allocation is likely to be exhausted by March 31, the country may have around 90 lt of stock as of April 1, 2023, against the buffer norm of about 75 lt, another official said.
 
Wheat exports
On wheat exports, the official said the Inter-Ministerial Committee will take a view on the matter in due course after the new crop starts coming into the market from April and there is a more accurate production estimate available. 'Last year, it turned out that a part of the wheat crop was affected due to a scorching heat wave in March and the decision to export had to be withdrawn abruptly. Such situations should be avoided,' he said.
 
Last week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory to farmers from Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana asking them to check for heat stress in their wheat crop, as maximum temperatures were likely to be 3-5°C higher than normal in several parts of the country.
 
After the heatwave-induced drop in yield last year, exports during the procurement season led to official purchases falling to a 15-year low of 188 lt in the 2022-23 season (April-March), from 433 lt in 2021-22.
 
‘Big risk’
'It will be a great risk if without ensuring 250 lt procurement, export is allowed, particularly when the temperature is rising in the wheat-growing belt and the Russia-Ukraine war is still continuing,' said an official source. Besides, the government’s policy of offering wheat to friendly countries is working fine and any extra procurement could be channelised for export on diplomatic grounds, he said
 
Since about 180 lt of wheat is needed for distribution under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes annually, and considering a provision of 50 lt for OMSS, the minimum procurement the government can target is 215 lt due to a higher opening stock of 15 lt from the buffer. Further, if it decides to double grain distribution through ration shops during January-March, as expected due to an election year, the procurement need may go up to around 245 lt.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
27 Feb, 2023 News Image The orange bowl of Manipur.
10 years ago, around this time, your columnist accompanied the Shaurya Chakra Awardee Col DPK Pillay, at his insistence, to the remote and beautiful district of Tamenglong of Manipur to study the potential of Citrus Reticulata Blanco Mandarin — a unique sub-tropical fruit which grows in abundance in this district of 4,400 square kilometres lying between 24°30’N and 25°27’N latitudes and of 93°10’E and 94°54’E longitudes at a height of 1,290 metres above the MSL. Tamenglong is bounded by Nagaland in the North, Churachandpur and Senapati districts in the South and East, and the state of Assam in the West.
 
The Colonel, who is hero worshipped by the local community for having risked his own life to save two young children who were seriously injured in a crossfire between the army and the extremist groups, was keen that in my capacity as the Mission Director of National Horticulture Mission (now Mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture), I should study first-hand the potential of this crop in the economic transformation of the region. The initial discussions held there have not only led to organic certification by APEDA, but also a GI tag for this commodity, and made it a part of an integrated value chain. While APEDA started the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2016, and has covered over 400-hectare acres since then, the Mission for Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) of Directorate of Horticulture applied for the GI tag in 2017 and received it on August 31, 2020. This is, in many ways, a fulfilment of a commitment made to the farmers’ of Tamenglong who had received us with abundant enthusiasm and cheer. I must confess here that when I first undertook the journey with Colonel Pillay, the district was known more for roadblocks and encounters, rather than for this mandarin tree with long, willowy branches and the luscious oranges, which are not only delicious to eat, but also used in salads, desserts and main dishes. The current value chain includes wine, juices, candy, jam, jelly, marmalade, canning, extraction of essential oils, pectin and much more.
 
Manipur is considered to be one of the most verdant states for citrus genetic diversity since it is adjoined to Myanmar where maximum landraces of citrus have been found. Manipur also has a proliferation of different strains of rough lemon and semi-wild species (Citrus macroptera) but the focus is on the mandarin oranges of Tamenglong district, which account for more than 80 per cent of the total orange production of the state. The soil and the climate of this hill district is quite favourable for orange growing, and almost 40 per cent of the total landmass is under orange cultivation. No wonder, it is called the 'Orange Bowl' of the state.
 
The fruit consists of three layers:
 
* The outer yellow/orange peel is with oil glands which exude the essential oils, producing the typical orange odour;
 
* The whitish thread like mesocarp;
 
* The endocarp consists of 10-14 segments filled with juice sacs (vesicles).
 
It is distinguished from other citrus species by the relatively loose skin of the fruits and the relative ease with which the segments can be separated. Most varieties of Mandarin are self-pollinated, but some of the hybrids require cross pollination. Typically, a heavy crop is followed by a lighter crop in the next season. Generally, citrus trees start bearing fruits from the third year of planting, although economic yields start from the fifth year and the trees may take eight to ten years to achieve full productivity.
 
However, there are issues and challenges which the farmers are facing, especially from the menace of ‘bamboo flowering’ which appears cyclically, as well as from climate change and aberrant weather conditions. Both the ICAR and the state horticulture department are trying to address these issues, and also taking note of observations of local farmers, some of whom are suggesting that oranges seem to grow better in the soil which has some layers of rock beneath the topsoil. Others feel that grazing of cows in their farms helps clear up the growth of other bushes and herbs; and that orange trees thrive better in such an environment. Farmers are also trying to ensure that birds are encouraged to nest in the foliage as they feed on worms, thereby minimising the damage and risk to the trees.
 
From 2001, a state-level Orange Festival has been held annually to promote tourism and provide an opportunity to orange farmers to display their produce before potential buyers besides offering an opportunity for both the growers and fruit processing industries to establish value chains. The credit for launching this initiative goes to the Manipur Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium under the kind aegis of Central SFAC.
 
As things stand, thanks to the road network, and the much-improved security situation, Mandarin oranges are now the key economic growth driver, and the main source of income for the farmers of the district. Since the fruits are harvested mainly in the winter season, the farmers celebrate Christmas and New Year with good cheer, and also save adequate funds for children’s admission in the next academic year. As per current market indications, a full-grown good tree can yield up to 5,000 fruits, and with a pack of ten oranges being sold at the farm gate for about a hundred rupees, many farmers have become lakhpatis in the course of the last decade!

 Source:  millenniumpost.in
27 Feb, 2023 News Image Agrarian exports from Assam Rs 4,000 crore in 2022-23.
Assam could export wicker works and agrarian products worth around Rs 4,000 crore in fiscal 2022–2023 despite the absence of adequate export infrastructure in the state.
 
According to the assessment of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), an organization undertaken by the Government of India, exports of wicker works and agrarian products from Assam will touch the Rs 10,000 mark by 2026-27. According to FIEO, 70 percent of the total exports in this sector from Assam are from five districts: Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, and Udalguri.
 
According to APEDA sources, in the past six years, exports from Assam have registered an 85 percent growth. The exports items of the state are bhoot jalakia, pumpkin, jackfruit, litchi, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, joha rice, black rice, red rice, etc.
 
According to sources, the demand for Assam honey, spices, pork, etc., has risen in some countries, of late. The prime importers of such items from Assam are the Middle East, the UK, South East Asian countries, Bangladesh, etc.
 
According to FIEO, the state has as many as 11 items that have GI (geographical indication) tags. The organic farming industry has also increased in the state, leading to increased demand for such items abroad. Till December 2022, the exports from the State stood at Rs 3,081 crore, and would be Rs 4,000 crore by April.
 
According to sources, farmers from the Northeast do not get recognition for their products as the region has no direct flights to the export destination countries. The items sent for export from Assam and the Northeast go to Kolkata or New Delhi airports, where they get the tag of the exporting agencies. This apart, the region has no facility for certification of organic products. Such products go to Kolkata for testing, and that takes time. The lack of adequate vehicles with refrigeration facilities in the state and the region also leads to the damage of perishable items. The state government encourages the local youths to opt for organic farming and reap the benefits. However, if the government does not provide the logistical support for it, the efforts towards that end will bear no fruit. The development achieved so far in this sector is the outcome of the efforts put forth by APEDA and a few international export agencies.

 Source:  sentinelassam.com