Highlights of 2022-23 (Final Estimates)      

 

The horticulture production in the country in 2022-23 (Final Estimates) is estimated to be about 355.48 Million Tonnes, an increase of about 8.30 Million Tonnes (2.39%) over 2021-22. An increase in area of 1.41% or 0.40 Million Ha is observed in 2022-23 (Final Estimates) over 2021-22.

The Fruit production is estimated to be 110.21 Million Tonnes in 2022-23 (Final Estimates), mainly due to increases in production of Apple, Banana, Grapes, Mango and Watermelon.

Production of vegetables has increased from 209.14 Million Tonnes in 2021-22 to 212.55 Million Tonnes in 2022-23 (Final Estimates). This is mainly contributed by increase registered in all vegetables except Chillies (Green), Onion, Radish, Tapioca and Tomato.

Onion: Production in 2022-23 (Final Estimates) is estimated to be 302.08 Lakh Tonne compared to 316.87 Lakh Tonne in 2021-22.

Potato: Production in 2022-23 (Final Estimates) is estimated to be around 601.42 Lakh Tonne, compared to 561.76 Lakh Tonne estimated for 2021-22.

Tomato: Production in 2022-23 (Final Estimates) is estimated to be around 204.25 Lakh Tonne, compared to 206.94 Lakh Tonne estimated for 2021-22.

Highlights of 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates)      

 

The horticulture production in the country in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is estimated to be about 355.25 Million Tonnes. An increase in area of 1.15% or 3.27 Lakh Ha is observed in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) over 2022-23 (Final Estimates)

The production of Fruits expected to reach 112.08 Million Tonnes, mainly due to increases in production of Banana, Mandarin and Mango.

Production of Vegetables is envisaged to be around 209.39 Million Tonnes. Increase is expected in production of Cabbage, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Tomato and Other Vegetables.

Tomato: Production of Tomato is expected to be around 208.19 Lakh Tonne compared to around 204.25 Lakh Tonne last year, an increase by 1.93% Lakh Tonne.

Onion: Production of Onion in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates)  is expected to be around 254.73 Lakh Tonne compared to around 302.08 Lakh Tonne last year due to decrease of 34.31Lakh Tonne in Maharashtra, 9.95 Lakh Tonne in Karnataka, 3.54 Lakh Tonne in Andhra Pradesh and  3.12 Lakh Tonne in Rajasthan.

Potato: Production of Potato in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 589.94 Lakh Tonne compared to around 601.42 Lakh Tonne last year, attributed to decrease in West Bengal over the previous year.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticulture  Research has developed a variety of chilli, Arka Nihira, which is highly suitable for processing and also can resist the deadly chilli curl leaf disease and Phytophthora root rot.

 

Even as chilli is a good source of vitamin C, besides, its pungent and medicinal uses, it is vulnerable to various fungal, bacterial and viral diseases which hamper its production and productivity.

 

The country is the largest producer and consumer of chillies. Andhra Pradesh is the leading producer of spices in the world with around 36% share in global chilli production. In India, the state is the largest producer of chilli with a 57% share in total production. It also  accounts for exports of dry chillies globally, which is contributing to the total exports of spices. This generates a foreign exchange earning of a whopping  Rs 8,429.92 crore as per the Spice Board data. Also, other leading chilli-growing districts in India are in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra covering  Dharwad, Nagpur, Prakasam, Khammam, Guntur and Warangal.

 

Chilli is considered as an indispensable condiment consumed in Indian diet because of its nutritional properties. It has to be processed to increase the storage life, because it is highly perishable. Value-added products made of chilli like dehydrated chilli, powder, paste, pickle and sauce obtain higher returns. Real return in chilli comes only from processed products. This provides consumers with an incentive to make purchase. This is where the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries encourages chilli processed products.

 

Going by the unpredictable climate conditions, deadly chilli curl leaf disease and Phytophthora rot affect the crop and are seen to be serious threats.

 

According to Dr Madhavi Reddy, Principal Scientist, Division of Vegetable Crops, ICAR-IIHR, the salient features of Arka Nihira are that it is suitable for dual thick market segment. It has high yield with length. Its ark green turns into red on maturity. 

 

Phytophthora rot is caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian, which is a fungal soil-borne destructive pathogen that results in root rot. It is estimated to cause around US$100 million in global losses. Also whiteflies and transmitting begomo viruses have also seen to be devastating in chilli cultivation. Now, going by the way such diseases affect chilli plant loss, farmers have refrained from cultivating this crop.

The India-United States trade is likely to surpass the previous record of $200 billion this year and huge opportunities exist for the two countries to expand cooperation in defence, space besides critical emerging technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, said American Ambassador Eric Garcetti on Thursday.

The US is proud to be India's No. 1 trading partner with two-way trade reaching nearly $200 billion last year, Garcetti told reporters in Indore. 'I think this year we will break the (previous) record of $200 billion in bilateral trade (between India and the US),' he said.

The envoy asserted that US President Joe Biden in the past had emphasized that trade between India and America should rise to the level of $500 billion given the potential for expansion.

Efforts are on achieve this goal, said the Ambassador who took charge of his new diplomatic assignment last year. Garcetti said huge opportunities exist to further grow Indo-US trade, and for bilateral cooperation in areas such as defence, agriculture, space, climate, energy and health, as well as critical emerging technologies like semiconductors, telecommunications, AI and quantum computing.

He noted transport-related technologies, especially electric vehicles, could be perhaps the biggest area of growth in bilateral trade. 'We would like to see India manufacturing electric vehicles in greater numbers. India can export these vehicles to the US,' Garcetti said.

Meanwhile, on the eve of International Women's Day, the US Ambassador met Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and enquired about 'pink buses' run by female drivers for women commuters in the city.

He interacted with women drivers of these electric buses and listened to their experiences in the profession.

The US ambassador said women drivers of the 'pink buses' inspire everyone. 'No country or city in the world can succeed if women don't feel safe and empowered,' Garcetti maintained.

The government on Wednesday permitted exports of 4,750 tonnes of onion to Bhutan, Bahrain, and Mauritius through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL).

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said that while export of 550 tonnes of onion is permitted to Bhutan; 3,000 tonnes to Bahrain, and 1,200 tonnes to Mauritius.

 

'Exports of onions' to these three countries 'through NCEL is notified,' it said.

Last week, India allowed exports of 64,400 tonnes of onion to the UAE and Bangladesh.

DGFT is an arm of the commerce ministry, which deals with norms related to imports and exports.

Though onion exports are banned, shipments are allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to other countries based on their request.

On December 8 last year, the government banned exports of onion till March 31 this year with a view to increase domestic availability and to keep prices in check.

To control prices, the government has earlier taken several steps. It had imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports on October 28 till December 31, 2023.

In August, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023.

Between April 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, this fiscal, 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions have been exported from the country. The top three importing countries in value terms are Bangladesh, Malaysia and the UAE.

Onion is a politically sensitive commodity.

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), popularly known as AMUL; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO); and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

Central Asia's biggest state Kazakhstan is keen to increase trade with India via the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

 

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov travelled to Moscow to attend a meeting on March 4 with the Prime Minister of PM, Mikhail Mishustin.

 

High on the agenda was INSTC and in particular, the section of railway interlinking Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan route is the one of the branches of INSTC to connect India with Eurasia.

 

Russia and Kazakhstan are connected by the longest land border in the world spanning over 7,500 km. Noting that “the most important transit routes in Eurasia run through our countries', the Russian prime minister highlighted the huge potential for cooperation in transport and logistics.

 

In February, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Maksat Kaliakparov reported on plans by the railway administrations of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan to launch a joint venture to improve services and reduce cargo delivery time along the INSTC.

 

In 2023 the volume of cargo transported via this route amounted to 2.1 million tons; an increase of 4% compared to 2022. By 2027, the transport potential of the entire corridor could increase to between six – 10 million tons per year.

 

To maintain progress and facilitate transit between the two countries, the Kazakh prime minister stressed the need to speed up work on checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian border. According to plans, 29 of the 30 checkpoints are due to be modernized by 2027. INSTC will enable Kazakhstan to target markets in India and beyond in ASEAN and Indian Ocean Region.

 

Kazakhstan is India’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia. During Jan-Dec. 2020, bilateral trade is US$ 2.37 bln and during the same period exports from Kazakhstan to India is US$ 1.99 bln and exports from India is US$ 382.9 mln.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an apex body under the ministry of commerce & industry, organised a capacity-building and experience-sharing programme in Varanasi on Tuesday.

As part of the event, a flag-off ceremony for fresh turmeric took place, marking a significant milestone. For the first time, a consignment of 1,600 kg of turmeric was sent directly from Varanasi to Sharjah, UAE, exported by Banaras Organo Farmer Producer Comp.

Ltd. This achievement came as a result of an order secured during a recent exposure visit to the UAE organised by APEDA.

In the effort to unlock the export potential of agricultural and processed food products from the region, APEDA arranged an exposure visit to Dubai, UAE, from February 26 to March 1. A delegation of 47 members, including 31 representatives from FPOs in Uttar Pradesh, five from Bihar, and one from Uttarakhand, actively participated in the visit.

To evaluate the benefits of the visit and disseminate its message among farmers, APEDA organised the capacity-building and experience-sharing programme, which was attended by the divisional commissioner, Kaushal Raj Sharma, and APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev (virtually). Commissioner Sharma commended APEDA’s efforts in the Purvanchal region, emphasizing that the exposure visit for FPOs was a unique opportunity, facilitated by APEDA’s guidance in meeting agricultural export requirements and international protocols. The region has seen significant growth in agricultural exports, rising from 51 MT in the fiscal year 2021-22 to 702 MT in 2023-24 (April to December), a testament to APEDA’s initiatives since 2020.

APEDA chairman highlighted the importance of exposure visits in exploring agricultural export opportunities, which contribute to national foreign exchange earnings and significant farmer incomes. He noted the keen interest of FPOs in agricultural export as a positive sign for the region, positioning Uttar Pradesh as the third-largest agricultural exporting state in India, following Gujarat and Maharashtra.

 

India allows export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to UAE, Bangladesh

The government has allowed the export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to the UAE and Bangladesh through NCEL. Despite the ban on onion exports, 14,400 tonnes are permitted to the UAE. India has exported 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions this year, with the top importers being Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE. NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society.

FTA and knowledge sharing with S Korea will boost seafood exports

Woochan Chang emphasizes the importance of stringent standards in maintaining the marine ecosystem. The workshop organized by FAPCCI and ILO highlights South Korea's seafood industry's focus on efficiency, quality, and innovation achieved through cutting-edge technologies and rigorous quality control measures. The Secretary, Dre. N Yuvaraj, stresses the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration with South Korea.

Electronics exports from Tamil Nadu touch $7.37 billion

Tamil Nadu has emerged as India's top exporter of electronic goods, with exports valued at $7.37 billion, accounting for 32.5% of India's total export of ESDM goods. The state's exports have grown by 37% compared to the previous financial year's $5.37 billion. TRB Rajaa unveiled the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy 2024 to further boost the sector.

The Union Cabinet Thursday discussed the proposed free trade agreement between India and the four European nation bloc European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

 

The pact, called Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), is likely to be inked on Sunday, said sources. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland comprise the EFTA, and these are not part of the EU with which India is separately negotiating a trade pact.

 

The agreement has several chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, trade in services, investment promotion and cooperation, trade and sustainable development, and trade facilitation. New Delhi has sought $100 billion of committed investments from the grouping and is considering giving quota-based duty concessions on gold imports from Switzerland.

 

Nod to NE industrial package

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 10,037-crore new industrial development scheme called Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) scheme, for northeast states to generate gainful employment and for the regions's overall socio-economic development.

 

Under the scheme, incentives would be provided to investors for setting up new units or undertaking significant expansion of the existing units.

 

The scheme will be effective from the date of notification and up to March 31, 2034, along with eight years of committed liabilities.

 

As per a government statement, eligible industrial units will be able to commence their production or operation within four years from the grant of registration. The scheme envisages approximatelyRs 2,180 applications.

 

Districts have been categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) & Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) . 60% of the outlay of Part A has been earmarked for the eight northeastern states and the remaining 40% would be allocated on a First-In-First-Out basis.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is actively driving initiatives to enhance the contribution and share of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in the exports of Agri and processed food products and has till date registered more than 1000 FPO/FPC’s as APEDA Members.

 

APEDA UAE Export Initiative

With a dual aim to unlock export opportunities for agricultural and processed food products from the region and to enhance the contribution of FPO’s/FPC’s in the Agri and Processed food products, APEDA organized an exposure visit for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the UAE. The delegation comprised 47 members, representing FPOs from UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

 

During the visit, FPO's visited the Al-Aweer fruit and vegetable market to explore the possibilities and opportunities for Indian agri products specially grown in UP, Bihar and Uttarakhand. Further the delegation of FPOs visited LuLu Hypermarket to understand the requirements and pattern of purchase at Dubai market. During the visit, the FPO representatives also met with a good number of buyers and pitched their produce for export. As an immediate outcome, an FPO among the delegation finalized an order of fresh turmeric which was also flagged off to the UAE market. The other FPO's have also been able to get promising leads and are currently in negotiation with the buyers. Thus more orders are expected in the near future.

 

To evaluate the benefits of the visit and disseminate its outcomes among farmers, APEDA conducted a capacity-building and experience-sharing program in Varanasi on 5th March 2024. In the program, the representatives of FPOs who undertook the visit to the UAE, shared their experiences and learnings of the visit among other member farmers. They briefed them about the requirements/regulations to be followed for exporting agri commodities to the UAE market. They also briefly highlighted the potential products which have a significant untapped demand in the UAE market namely Mango, Green Chilly, Okra etc. which could be tapped by the farmers of the region. They also encouraged the farmers to implement good Agricultural practices (GAP), while farming so as to enable their produce to meet the regulatory requirements of the Importing countries.

 

Notably, the event also marked the flag-off of a consignment of fresh turmeric to Sharjah, UAE, showcasing the region's potential for export. Additionally, fresh fruits were exported from Varanasi's LBSI Airport to the international market, highlighting the region's expanding export capabilities.

 

Operating through its regional wing in Varanasi, and taking forward the above vision,  APEDA has identified the Purvanchal region as a model Agri Export Hub, recognizing its significance in agricultural trade and has enrolled more than 120 FPO’s from the region as its members. Special focus is being given towards enrolment of FPO’s/FPO’s dealing in ODOP/GI products, those which are Women & SC/ST led and those from the NER/Himalayan States and landlocked areas.Taking this theme forward,  APEDA officers along with departmental subject experts from the GOI and the State Government sensitized the farmers and other FPOs with the requirements of agri-export supply chain.

 

Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi Division, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Kaushal Raj Sharma praised APEDA's significant efforts in the Purvanchal region, emphasizing the exposure visit for FPOs as an invaluable opportunity facilitated by APEDA. He highlighted APEDA's role in guiding FPOs towards meeting agricultural export requirements and international standards. He also noted the remarkable progress in agricultural exports, citing an increase from 151 MT in FY 2021-22 to 702 MT in FY 2023-24 (April to December), reflecting the positive outcomes of APEDA's initiatives since 2020.

 

Chairman APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, emphasized the significance of exposure visits in exploring agricultural export opportunities, underlining their potential to boost national foreign exchange earnings and improve farmer incomes. He remarked on the keen interest shown by FPOs in agricultural export, recognizing it as a positive indicator of the region's capacity to meet international market demands. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh's rise as the third-largest agricultural exporting state in India (APEDA Basket), attributing this achievement to the region's deep potential and APEDA’s sustained efforts in enhancing the contribution of land-locked areas in exports.

 

APEDA's interventions are positively transforming the agri-export landscape in the Purvanchal region, with significant advancements in infrastructure, market linkages, and export promotion activities. This has resulted in growth in agri-exports, positioning UP as the third-largest agri- exporting state in the country (APEDA Basket).

 

Through targeted capacity-building programs and international buyer-seller meets, APEDA has empowered FPOs and exporters, enabling them to tap into global markets and showcase the region's diverse agricultural products. The success stories of agricultural exports, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to rice, demonstrate the region's ability to meet global demand and establish itself as a key player in the agricultural export market.

On February 28, 2024, India successfully flagged off its first commercial trial shipment of pomegranates to US via sea under the aegis of Agricultural Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) by InI Farms from IFC facility, MSAMB, Vashi (Navi Mumbai). Rajesh Aggarwal, additional secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Abhishek Dev, chairman, APEDA flagged off the pomegranate shipment comprising of 4200 boxes (12.6 tons).

 

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Regional Plant Quarantine Station (RPQS- MoA&FW), State Agriculture Department (Government of Maharashtra), NRC Pomegranate, US Consulate and InI Farms.

 

Last year APEDA successfully carried out an air shipment of Pomegranates with irradiation treatmentand static trial in association with ICAR-NRC Pomegranate Solapur as technical partner. Based on the successful result of the static trial, APEDA aimed for a successful sign off for this consignment via sea opening trade relations to potential markets for Indian Pomegranates. India, one of the largest Producers of Pomegranates in the World and is also now aiming to be amongst the top Pomegranate exporting countries in the World. India is a key player growing in the EU, Middle East and Asian Markets.

Australia’s relationship with India is at a 'historic high point' and has manifested in bilateral economic ties, Australian trade commissioner John Southwell said on Wednesday.

 

In an interview to PTI at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, he also shared how food, wine and cricket can not only help foster people-to-people and cultural ties but also boost trade both ways.

 

Southwell, currently based in Mumbai, is visiting the national capital to take part in the first Delhi edition of the event ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ on Thursday and the 38th edition of Aahar International Food and Hospitality Fair being held from March 7-11.

 

Asked where the bilateral relationship between the two countries stands at present, he asserted that it has 'never been better'.

 

'It is fair to say that Australia’s relationship with India is at a historic high point. Our bilateral relationship has never been better and that has manifested in our economic relationship,' Southwell told PTI.

 

Already, there has been a '50 per cent increase in our two-way trade over the last five years, which is fantastic,' he said.

 

He noted that India is the fifth largest export market for his country.

 

'The two-way trade between Australia and India at the moment is about Aus $45 billion, and India is also our fifth largest export market, over the course of the Australian financial year 2022-23. Goods export was approximately Aus $25 billion a year, during that financial year.'

 

The Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said, 'The sky is the limit' in how far the Indo-Australian bilateral relationship can progress.

 

'And tomorrow night’s  ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ event is going to be reminiscent of that and celebrations of that, as also a way to engender business-to-business connections and explore how we can further those bilateral economic ties.'

 

The event to be hosted at the Australian High Commission will provide an opportunity for Indian and Australian businesses to come together to network, enjoy Australian food and beverage and celebrate the depth of the bilateral relationship, officials said.

 

The event will include a host of guests from the Indian government and businesses relevant to priority sectors  – agrifood, education, critical minerals, innovation, infrastructure, digital health and defence, advanced manufacturing and space, they said.

 

Asked where he saw the bilateral trade ties standing in the next few years, Southwell said, 'I think, probably I can say… In coming days, of course in the next five days, you will have 23 Australian companies as well three industry associations coming at Pragati Maidan for Aahar (2024) International Food & Hospitality Fair to both, increase the visibility of the companies which are already here in the market, as well as those who are looking to explore (this) market for the first time as well.'

 

This is the 'first time that Australia has been in such force at Aahar' which augurs well as it reflects the level of commitment that Australia has chosen, the trade commissioner said.

 

On whether the highest-ever number of participating Australian companies in Aahar shows a growing appetite from Australian firms to explore Indian markets and eventually invest, Southwell said, 'Yes, absolutely'.

 

The Australian trade commissioner also shared the two-way impact the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has had since it entered into force on December 29, 2022.

 

'It has been very well utilised, certainly within the agrifood sector,' he said.

 

'We’ve seen exports of some commodities increase, albeit off small bases, so lamb and goat meat has gone up 163 per cent, seafood up 56 per cent,' he said.

 

The ECTA is also working for Indian agriculture exports to Australia, so roasted cereals are up 23 per cent while bread, pastry and biscuits are up 22 per cent, the trade commissioner added.

 

Southwell said that since the trade agreement came into force, Austrade has received 'dozens and dozens of enquiries' from the Australian export community wanting to explore India to see 'what is possible', but equally also a number of enquiries from the Indian side showing interest in food items like macadamia, walnuts, almonds and many other things that Australia potentially can provide.

 

To a query on progress on the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) front, he said, 'Both counties have committed to undertaking negotiations on a comprehensive agreement.'

 

Australia and India first launched negotiations for it in May 2011.

 

Southwell described India as an 'incredibly important' market for Australian international education as well as tourism.

 

On the Indian diaspora in Australia, he said the community is 'strong' and Australia has benefited much from this diaspora. During bushfires, people from gurudwaras, etc have assisted in relief and recovery efforts, he said.

 

Southwell also shared about his love for cricket and Indian food.

 

Asked if cricket in many ways can also touch diplomacy and trade relationship, he emphatically replied, '100 per cent'.

 

'We recently played our own version of the Almond Board cricket tournament with representations from India’s Dry Fruits and Nuts Council as well. I played for the Almond Board (of Australia),' Southwell said.