The FSSAI has issued a notice regarding approval of rapid analytical food testing (RAFT) kit by the food authority superseding the previous one wherein a revised application format has been issued.

 

The application format seeks technical information including contents to be submitted with the dossier for pre-evaluation by FSSAI wherein the applicant should clearly state which parts of the application are claimed to be confidential/proprietary and provide verifiable justification.  

 

Also, the applicant was asked to provide details of the conventional method/equipment/test kit with which the said product should be compared along with technical specifications on rapid testing kits/device/method, which is only indicative that all necessary information to support and strengthen the application must be submitted.

 

The format also seeks info on operational characteristics for kits/devices.

 

Meanwhile, according to the FSSAI, only duly filled complete and signed application will be accepted by the apex food regulator and incomplete or unsigned applications will be summarily rejected and no fee shall be refunded.

 

In case of applications with incomplete or insufficient data on validation and verification, the RAFT Secretarial may direct the applicant to submit additional information with supporting documents within stipulated time.

 

The notice states that validation of the rapid food testing kit equipment/method in accordance with international guidelines by a third-party such as an authorised FSSAI laboratory or international organisations like AOAC, AFNOR, MICKOVAL etc., is mandatory for approval.

 

'Validation of a method consists of two phases: 1) a single laboratory validation of all of the parameters viz. scope. Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantitation (LoQ), trueness, precision, selectivity, sensitivity, efficiency, linear dynamic range and robustness, repeatability, standard deviation, reproducibility, standard deviation and 2) a collaborative ring trial (at least 5-7 laboratories), the main outcome of which is a measure of the repeatability and reproducibility together with detailed information on the transferability of methods between laboratories,' reads the notice.

 

The notice added that FSSAI will only consider the application under RAFT Scheme by commercial manufacturers of the rapid kit equipment/method and not through the innovator/ researcher/institute organisation. However, if the technology is transferred and the kit is manufactured commercially, the manufacturer will have to validate the kit again as per the guidelines and apply to FSSAI.

The next round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is scheduled from March 20-24, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Wednesday. Barthwal said that talks are progressing and it was closed for 13 chapters.

 

After the eight round of talks in March, it could be assessed that how many more rounds would happen and how much more time the talks would take to conclude.

 

The last round of talks were concluded on February 10.

 

India and the UK launched negotiations for the FTA in January last year with an aim to conclude talks by Diwali (October 24), but the deadline was missed due to political developments in the UK.

 

There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.

 

Reduction or elimination of customs duty under the pact would help Indian labour intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery to boost exports in the UK market.

 

The UK is seeking duty concessions in areas like Scotch whiskey and automobiles.

 

About the trade pact with European Union (EU), Joint Secretary in the department of commerce Nidhi Mani Tripathi said that the commerce secretary and EU's Director General (Trade) will meet in August to review the progress of the talks.

 

Both have met last on January 24.

 

The fourth round of talks for negotiations is scheduled from March 13-17.

 

Both sides have agreed to discuss and finalise modalities for exchange of offer in goods and services during the fourth round of talks.

 

When asked about the new foreign trade policy, the secretary said that work is going on and it will be released in April.

 

On cutting down non-essential imports, he said the ministry is holding meetings with different departments on this issue.

 

'We are also sharing data with them,' he added.

 

The government had extended the existing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) till March 31, 2023.

 

FTP provides guidelines for enhancing exports to push economic growth and create jobs.

The government will take a call next month on increasing the sugar export quota from the present 60 lakh tonnes for the current marketing year after assessing the domestic production, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Wednesday. The food ministry has allowed 60 lakh tonnes of sugar exports for the current 2022-23 marketing year (October-September), which is expected to see a drop in the sugar production. India exported a record 110 lakh tonnes of sugar in the previous year.

 

'We have not yet taken a call. we are closely monitoring the production and we would take a call may be in March depending on what the final figures of anticipated production are,' Chopra told reporters here when asked whether the government will hike the sugar export quota.

 

He said the sugar production is estimated to be lower in the 2022-23 marketing year because of bad weather in some producing states.

 

Recently, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said that sugar production is estimated to fall 5 per cent in the current marketing year to 340 lakh tonnes as more quantity of sugarcane juice is being diverted for the production of ethanol.

 

Sugar production stood at 358 lakh tonnes in the 2021-22 marketing year.

 

There will be an estimated diversion of 45 lakh tonnes of sweetener towards ethanol manufacturing. Sugarcane juice/syrup and B-molasses are being diverted to ethanol making.

 

In the previous 2021-22 marketing year, 32 lakh tonnes of sweetener was diverted towards manufacturing of ethanol for blending with petrol.

 

The actual sugar production in Maharashtra is estimated to decline to 121 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 from 137 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Uttar Pradesh will see a marginal decline to 101 lakh tonnes from 102 lakh tonnes, while Karnataka may witness a decline to 56 lakh tonnes from 60 lakh tonnes.

 

In the first four months of 2022-23, ISMA has reported that the country's sugar production rose 3.42 per cent to 193.5 lakh tonnes.

 

India has exported 27.83 lakh tonnes of sugar till February 9 of the ongoing 2022-23 marketing year, with Bangladesh and Indonesia being the top markets, trade body All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) said recently.

 

Mills have contracted to export almost the entire 60 lakh tonnes of sugar that have been permitted by the government.

The first Agriculture Deputies Meeting under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG), G20 spanning across three days, concluded today on 15th February, 2023.The event was an amalgamation of experiences rich in culture, cuisine, and history, and the greater responsibility of participating in meaningful deliberations during the meetings.

 

Countries’ intervention on the proposed agenda by the Indian Presidency was well received and discussed. The final day of the event started with technical theme- wise sessions wherein, deliberations were held on four themes covering: 'food security and nutrition', 'sustainable agriculture with climate smart approach', 'inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems', and 'digitalization for agricultural transformation'.

 

For discussion on technical session of Food Security and Nutrition, the opening remarks were delivered by Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) followed by context setting by World Food Programme (WFP). Dr. AbhilakshLikhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW presented the Global Framework on Food Security and Nutrition, followed by an introduction to the Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) by Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, DA&FW.

 

Sh. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary, DA&FW delivered the opening remarks for technical session on Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Approach, followed by context setting by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

 

Technical session on Inclusive Agricultural Value Chains and Food Systems was opened by Dr. AbhilakshLikhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) set the context for discussion.

 

For technical session on Digitalisation for Agricultural Transformation, opening remarks were delivered by Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW. The discussion context was set by ICRISAT.

 

During each theme-based technical session, there was an open house discussion involving intellectually rich exchange of ideas, suggestions and observations. Insightful presentations paved way for agricultural transformation and importance of digitalization in agriculture with a special emphasis on smallholder farmers.

 

The session co-chair Dr. SmitaSirohi, Joint Secretary, DA&FW, summed up each session, highlighting the concrete points made during the sessions.

 

Concluding remarks and way forward was presented by the session chair Sh. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW emphasizing the need to have greater convergence and collaboration among the G20 member countries on agricultural research and development aspects. The chair assured to carry forward the discussions on G20 agricultural issues in the upcoming AWG meetings.

 

The programme ended with a video showcasing the glimpses of the various events of the last 3 days, as a memoir for the participants to cherish their memorable visit to India.

The Bengal government has issued a notification allowing landless betel-leaf farmers to register their farms for export of their products to the UK and European Union (EU) with consent from land-owners, in an attempt to boost the agro-industry.

 

'Earlier, only farmers with land records in their names were allowed to register their farms for export, especially to the UK and EU, which are leading consumers of betel leaves from Bengal. When we found many landless farmers also grow betel leaves on others’ land, we issued the notification by which they can register themselves for export with a written nod from the land-owner,' said a horticulture department official.

 

The notification issued by the state horticulture department in January this year stated that farmers whose land records had not been transferred to their names could register their farms with assent from the family member who owns the land. Sharecroppers or landless farmers can now do the same by taking consent from the land-owner.

 

The lower ceiling of the farm for registration for export to the UK and EU is 200 sqm and farmers are supposed to have cultivation rights to the land in order to register their farms for the export of betel leaves.

 

Bengal is a major producer of betel leaves in the country and contributes around half of the volume of leaves exported to several countries, including the UK and EU. North and South 24-Parganas, East Midnapore, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Nadia are among major betel leaves-producing districts involving as many as 20 lakh farmers.

 

Sources said the decision to involve more farms in the export process was taken after the export of betel leaves saw a surge over the past financial year. India exported $6.18 million worth of betel leaves in the 2021- 22 fiscal compared to $3.56 million in the previous year. Bengal alone exported betel leaves worth $4.15 million in 2021-22.

 

Apart from the UK and EU, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Oman and Kenya are other key consumers.

 

Most countries are used betel leaves as mouth fresheners or paan, and a few countries to produce medicine.

 

Sources said betel leaf exports from India to the UK and EU were stopped five years ago after a consignment was detected tainted by the bacteria salmonella. However, after the registration of exporters for shipments to the UK and EU came under the Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (Shefexil) in September 2021, the council became the competent authority to issue the health certificate instead of the earlier regulatory body, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).

 

'After the responsibility came under Shefexil, we first addressed the issue of Salmonella by educating farmers and arranging the best agency in Hyderabad to test the betel leaves for issuing a health certificate,' said Debjani Roy, executive director of Shefexil.

 

'The new notification by the Bengal government would help lakhs of farmers register their farms for the export of their produce. We hope the export of betel leaves will be doubled within one or two years,' Roy added.

 

Sources said hundreds of landless betel leaf farmers have started registering their farms in districts like Nadia, where a large number of landless farmers cultivate betel leaves on others’ land.

 

Premjit Adak, a prominent exporter of betel leaves from Bengal, said the decision of the Bengal government would have a big impact on export. 'The decision will not only help the farmers but also help exporters like me to get betel leaves easily for export to the UK and EU. Farmers get a better price if they sell leaves for export rather than in local markets,' said Adak.

 

Exporters, however, pointed out that 18 per cent GST on air freight of betel leaves posed a challenge.

 

'Bangladesh also exports betel leaves to the countries where we do. As Bangladesh has no GST on air freight, they can sell at a cheaper rate. If the government considers withdrawing the GST, it will help,' added Adak.

India will be launching the Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) to coordinate research on the foodcrops at the global level. The initiative is part of India’s efforts to get the world to observe 2023 as the International Year of Millets, as declared by the UN. Sarthak Ray takes a look at the millets push by India

 

Millets or coarse cereals are seeds of grass varieties that have been cultivated for thousands of years, for human consumption, and as fodder. Indian varieties include sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni), little millet (kutki), kodo millet, finger millet (ragi/ mandua), proso millet (cheena), barnyard millet (sawa/jhangora), and brown top millet (korale). Millets are grown in more than 130 countries and are eaten by more than 500 million people in Asia and Africa.

 

India had pushed for making 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM), and with support from 72 countries, got the proposal passed at the UN in March 2021. It has even given the FAO $500,000 to support IYM-related activities.

 

The push to millets at home

 

India has been implementing a programme on nutri-cereals (millets) under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 212 districts of 14 states since 2018-19. Under this, incentives are provided to the farmers, through the states/UTs, on crop production and protection technologies, cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of certified seeds of newly released varieties/hybrids, nutrient and pest management, etc.

 

Millets are covered under the National Food Security Act and are supplied to beneficiaries under the targeted public distribution system, procured, stored, and distributed by the state governments under decentralised procurement, with MSP based procurement under the central pool. Budget FY24 outlined a millet-focus, committing to develop the millet institute in Hyderabad as an international centre of excellence.

 

IYM efforts by India

 

Millets have been made central to meals planned for G20 delegates visiting India to popularise the coarse cereals. Various Union ministries, state governments are organising events throughout the year, concentrated in January, to promote millets among the citizens. Indian embassies in 140 countries celebrate IYM by organising millet-centred events throughout the year.

 

Targets

 

The government is targeting close to 21 million tonne (MT) of millet production in 2022-23; this stood at 14.5 MT in 2015-16. India’s exports stood at 159,332 tonne in FY22 versus 147,501 tonne in FY21. As per Apeda, global millet exports rose from $400 million in 2020 to $470 million in 2021, while India clocked $64.28 million in FY22 vs $59.8 in FY21.Global exports are likely to clock a CAGR of 4.5% over 2021 to 2026. Apeda has set a export target of $100 million by 2023-24.

 

Why is the millets push so important for India and the world?

 

The FAO says millets are 'an ideal solution for countries to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains' as they can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate. At the launch of the IYM in December 2022, it also invoked millets ties to indigenous peoples’ culture and traditions, saying they 'help guarantee food security in areas where they are culturally relevant.'

 

India has long acknowledged millets’ place in its history, although the nutri-cereals suffered significant reversals in area under cultivation and production as well as role in Indians’ food baskets after the Green Revolution.

 

Millets are richer in key nutrients than cereals that are, at present, considered staple, even as they have a lower glycemic index, with obvious implications for health in terms of reduced risk of diabetes and associated ailments.

 

They are also vastly more climate-friendly, using 70% less water than rice, whose cultivation is also a source of GHG emissions. They need 40% less energy for processing and can survive extreme heat and water scarcity, making them ideal for cropping as climate change effects intensify and foodgrains such as rice and wheat increasingly come under threat.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Jammu, in its initiative of identifying unique products of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in consultation with various stakeholders including Development Departments, has sanctioned a project for GI Registration of 09 Products of both the UTs for further submission to Human Welfare Association, Varanasi.

 

Pertinently, Geographical Indications (GI) is a form of Intellectual Property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.

 

NABARD provides end-to-end support to facilitate pre-registration as well as post-registration activities for Geographical Indications. Realising the huge potential of handloom, handicrafts and agricultural products in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.

 

The products which have obtained GI tagging included Basohli Paintings (Kathua), Basholi Pashmina Woolen Products (Kathua), Chikri Wood Craft (Rajouri), Bhaderwah Rajma (Doda), Mushkbudji Rice (Anantnag), Kaladi (Udhampur), Sulai Honey (Ramban), Anardana (Ramban), Ladakh Wood Carving (Ladakh).

 

The GI applications of all these products have been filed at the GI registry, Chennai. The Consultative Group Meeting (CGM) of all these products has already been successfully held on 09.12.2022 at Jammu University Campus and the products are in the final stage of grant of GI Tag. The final GI Tag is thus expected soon.

 

GI Tag grants legal protection to the original producers within the original geographical area with recognition, prevents unauthorized use of registered Geographical Indication goods by third parties, boosts exports and promotes the brand at the International level, and promotes economic prosperity of producers and related stakeholders including contribution in GDP of the country.

 

Only an authorized user has the exclusive right to use the Geographical Indication in relation to goods in respect of which it is registered. Due to this, no person can copy it from beyond the geographical area and it, therefore, prevents misuse of the original product.

 

GIs can play an important role in rural development, empowering communities, acting as product differentiators, supporting brand building, generating local employment, encouraging tourism, preserving traditional knowledge & traditional cultural expressions and conserving biodiversity.

 

NABARD is playing a much more important role in the GI registration process and Post GI initiatives including marketing linkages, branding and promotion. It is the first recognized organization in the country, which has adopted a specific GI policy and schemes for GIs. All over India, NABARD has supported the filing of GI applications for 147 products, of which 24 have secured GI certification till date.

With the rebound in demand for Indian soyameal, especially from the South-East Asian and Far Eastern countries, the industry expects meal shipments to more than double to 14 lakh tonnes (lt) in the current oil season (October 2022-September 2023).

 

Soyameal exports are off to a good start. In the first four months of the season, shipments have increased by 65 per cent to 6.31 lt (3.83 lt).

 

'With global soyameal prices moving up due to the weather concerns over the upcoming crop in Brazil and Argentina, we are seeing good demand for the Indian meal from Vietnam and Japan among others. In the first four months of the season, we have almost reached last year’s levels of 6.4 lakh tonnes and expect the total shipments to be in the range of 14-15 lakh tonnes,' said DN Pathak, Executive Director, The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA).

 

In fact, the soyameal exports declined sharply in the 2021-22 season to 6.4 lt from 19.20 lt in 2020-21 as the Indian meal was out-priced in the world market. With world prices staying high, the Indian meal has turned competitive, attracting the buyers’ interests.

 

The modal price (rates at which most trades take place) of soyabean are ruling steady and is hovering a little above Rs.5,000 per quintal at various agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC) mandis in Madhya Pradesh, the largest producer of the oilseed. Prices of soyameal (FAQ) are ruling in the range of Rs.45,000-45,300 per tonne in Indore on ex-factory basis.

 

Crushing up

As per the latest demand-supply data, released by SOPA, soyabean crushings are up 52 per cent for the period under review on improved availability of the oilseed due to higher market arrivals and growing demand for soyameal.

 

Soyabean crushings stood at 43.50 lt in the October-January period compared with 28.50 lt in the same period a year ago. Arrivals of soyabean increased to 61 lt (48 lt).

 

According to SOPA estimates, production of soyabean stood at 120.40 lt. With a carry-forward stock of 25.15 lt, the total availability of soyabean was 145.55 lt during the year. After retaining for sowing, the availability for crushing is estimated at 134.55 lt (113.27 lt0.

 

Total soyameal production during the first four months stood at close to 35 lt against 22.75 lt logged a year ago.

 

Besides rising exports, the domestic demand for the meal — from both the feed and the food segments — is on the rise. Soyameal offtake by the feed sector stood higher at 24 lt during the October-January period against 21.50 lt. The consumption of soyameal by the food segment was up at 4 lt compared with 2.70 lt in the year-ago period.

 

While expressing satisfaction over the working of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the Union Territory, the Director Agriculture Kashmir has emphasized the importance of exports in uplifting the economy of Jammu & Kashmir. 

 

On the occasion of the 37th Foundation Day of APEDA, a series of capacity-building programs for FPOs, FPCs, startups, cooperatives and women entrepreneurs were organized across all regional offices throughout the country on Monday. APEDA Srinagar and Jammu offices organized two programs simultaneously at the Directorate of Agriculture Srinagar and Jammu. 

 

In Srinagar, the program was attended by Director Agriculture, Kashmir along with the Joint Director, Agricultural Inputs, Farms and Machinery, Apiculture, Mushroom Development, Agriculture Extension, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar, Deputy Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Research SKUAST-K, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, apart from the officials from NABARD, ECGC, Agriculture, Horticulture, PARC and allied Department.  A total of around participants were part of this program. 

 

The program was organized with the aim to enlighten the stakeholders (FPO, FPC, Startups, Cooperatives and women entrepreneurs) with the modalities of Agri Export, to provide them a platform where the products of UT of Jammu and Kashmir can get international recognition. 

 

In the inaugural session, Vinita Sudhanshu, Deputy General Manager APEDA, addressed the event by formally welcoming the dignitaries along with the officials from other departments. Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director Agriculture Kashmir chaired the 37th Foundation day program of APEDA in UT of Jammu and Kashmir. 

 

Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani, Director Research SKUIAST-K, Surinder Singh, DGM NABARD, Shafeeqa, Deputy Director Horticulture-Kashmir made keynote addresses on the occasion. They highlighted the role of APEDA in strengthening exports from Jammu and Kashmir and also extended full coordination from the department in the days to come to take the products of UT to new heights. 

 

Sehreen Maqbool, Business Development Manager, APEDA gave a detailed presentation in the program where deliberations from the basics of export trade to providing a global platform to the stakeholders and acquainted them with the knowledge of international business to achieve the mission of $5 trillion economy. The financial schemes of APEDA which can uplift the quality, infrastructure and market linkages among the trade entities were also briefed to the stakeholders. The resource persons from NABARD, ECGC, and CBBO also highlighted the importance of exports in sustaining the businesses in the long run.

 

The program concluded with an interactive question-answer session with the participants. 

 

Since the establishment of Regional Offices in Jammu and Kashmir, regular shipments are being carried out. Recently, the produce has been procured from FPOs and farmers for organizing the first Promotional Program in Saudi Arabia. APEDA has successfully created the demand for rare, unique and distinguished products and at the same time facilitated the exporters at every step of the export chain. With the efforts of APEDA, the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are now able to showcase their products at global platform, and the products are widely recognized as creating the shelf space of the vital cash fetching high-end and perishable commodities of this region is like a dream come true.

There seems to be some good news for mango growers and lovers this season in many parts of the state. After two off years, this year there might be an above average yield.

 

Owing to delay in flowering of mango trees and erratic weather conditions, the quality and quantity of mango dropped in many parts of the state in the last season. Last year, the yield was only six to eight tonnes per hectare as against the average 10-12 tonnes per hectare.

 

Krishna, Annamayya, Chittoor and Vizianagaram districts in AP are home to one of the best mango varieties in the country, and top in export of the fruit. AP claims to be one of the largest producers of mango in the country.

 

Additional director, horticulture, M Venkateswarulu, said if the dry weather continues till April, the yield might be over 12 tonnes per hectare this year. Compared to the previous year, the yield will be more this season. The bad weather conditions in December last year affected the flowering in some districts and overall, around 60 to 80 per cent of trees had the flowering this season as of now. In Krishna district, fruit setting has been witnessed, he added.

 

Most of the mango growers in the state raise Banginapalli, China Rasalu, Pedda Rasalu, Totapuri, Neelam and Suvarnarekha varieties. One of the premium varieties from AP, and most suitable for exports, is Benishan or Banginpalli. There is also a demand for Suvarnarekha variety in the global market. 'We have observed that mango exporters prefer to procure the fruits grown in Annamayya district citing the high quality of the fruit and demand for the variety in global market,' said M Venkateswarulu.

 

Quantity of exports depends on various factors. The mango growers and traders will get at least 30 to 40 per cent more revenue if their produce is exported to foreign countries when compared to domestic market, exporters say. AP exported over 1,600 metric tonnes of mangoes (Banginapalli, Rasalu and a few other varieties) to different countries in 2019. The Covid-19 hit the exports hard in 2020 and 2021. 'We are expecting the price of Banginapalli variety to touch at least 30,000 per tonne this season,' said G Ganesh, a mango farmer in Vizianagaram district.