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15 Feb, 2024 News Image India s basmati rice exports up 19% in April-Dec at $3.97 billion.
Basmati rice exports have shown a 19 per cent growth in dollar terms at $3.97 billion in the first three quarters of the current financial year on demand from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq. In the same period last year, basmati exports were $3.33 billion, as per the latest provisional data released by the Agricultural and Processed Foods Exports Development Authority (APEDA).
 
In volume terms, basmati exports were up 11 per cent at 3.54 million tonnes (mt) during April-December 2023 over 3.19 mt in the year-ago period.
 
Shipments of non-basmati rice, which are currently restricted, fell by 28 per cent in value to $3.34 billion over $4.66 billion a year ago. In volume terms, non-basmati shipments were down to 8.34 mt against 13.17 mt a year ago. Overall, cereal shipments were down by a quarter at $7.80 billion compared with $10.37 billion as the government restricted shipments of non-basmati rice and wheat to ensure higher domestic supplies and control price rise.
 
Overall shipments down
The overall exports of agri and processed products monitored by APEDA were down 9.14 per cent at $17.88 billion against $19.68 billion a year ago.
 
Except cereals and cashew, all other categories such as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, livestock products and seeds witnessed a growth during the period.
 
Among livestock products, buffalo meat shipments saw an increase of 15.61 per cent at $2.78 billion, while poultry products registered a growth of 36 per cent at $130 million. However, dairy products saw a decline of around 31 per cent at $327 million from corresponding last year’s $471 million.
 
Pulses exports were up 4 per cent at $454 million ($436 million in same period last year), while processed vegetables registered a growth of around 24 per cent at $454 m($366 m). The processed fruits and juice shipments were up around 4 per cent at $696 m ($670 m).
 
Groundnut exports were up 7.6 per cent at $606 m ($563 m), while guargum shipments registered a steep decline of 20 per cent at $394 m ($496 m). Cashew shipments were flat at $249 m.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
15 Feb, 2024 News Image APEDA promotes export of agro products.
The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a statutory organization under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, has the mandate to promote export of agricultural products, including millets, from India. APEDA provides assistance to its registered exporters, including those of millets, under Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA.
 
The assistance is provided under various components of the schemes viz. Infrastructure Development, Quality Development and Market Development. Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) are organized in the clusters to provide export-market linkages. Regular interactions, through video conferences, are held with the Indian Missions abroad, to assess and tap export opportunities. Country specific BSMs, through Indian Missions, are also organized.
State-wise details of India’s millet exports during the year 2022-23 are given below.
The year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets (IYM – 2023). The Government of India has taken a proactive multi-stakeholder engagement approach (engaging various central government Ministries/Departments, States/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses, hotels, Indian Embassies etc.) to achieve the objectives of IYM 2023 and taking Indian millets globally.
The Government of India has organized various events to make it peoples' movement so that the Indian millets, recipes, value added products be promoted globally. Millets were promoted during the G20 presidency in India, Millet Culinary carnival, International Trade Events, Chefs Conference, exhibition of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), road shows, kisan melas, Chef's training for paramilitary forces, ASEAN India Millet Festival at Indonesia and Delhi etc.
 
To make India a global hub for 'Shree Anna', the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad has been declared as the Global Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the national and international level. IIMR is providing training to the farmers, women farmers, home makers, students and young entrepreneurs on manufacturing of value-added millet food products, daily recipes etc., and supporting them to establish self-enterprise. The institute has also developed value-added technologies, including 'Ready to Eat' and 'Ready to Cook' for millet foods. Other steps taken in this regard are branding of millet foods under 'Eatrite' tag; holding of awareness programmes; and promoting agribusiness incubator and technology business incubators etc.
 
In continuation to the efforts towards mainstreaming millets, a 'Millets Experience Centre (MEC)' has been opened at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi with an aim to raise awareness on Millets and encourage its adoption amongst the general public. To encourage consumption of Shree Anna among government employees, all Government offices have been advised to include Shree Anna snacks in departmental trainings/meetings and Shree Anna based food items in departmental canteens.
The Government has been working to leverage partnerships with start-ups, academic & research institutions, Indian missions, processors, retailers and exporters to promote Indian millets in the global markets. An Export Promotion Forum (EPF) dedicated to promoting millets in the international market has been established. A separate millet-specific web portal has been developed containing information about millets, their health benefits, production and export statistics, millet exporter’s directory etc. APEDA has also organized a comprehensive global marketing campaign showcasing India’s potential and accordingly E-catalogues of 30 importing countries and 21 millet producing states have been released.
A Virtual trade fair (VTF) for millets has been developed and made available for exporters and importers from across the globe providing a single platform to interact and negotiate business deals. VTF is operational for 24X7, 365 days.
APEDA has also organized participation in international trade fairs like BIOFACH - Germany, Gulfood - Dubai , Natural Products Expo West - USA , International Food and Drink (IFE) and BSM - UK , SIAL Food - Canada, Seoul Food & Hotel – South Korea etc. facilitating exporters to present and promote their millet products in global markets. APEDA is also working with Indian Missions in importing countries to promote millets and value-added products.

 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com
14 Feb, 2024 News Image India, UAE conclude 7 pacts including BIT & IGA on IMEC.
India and the UAE on Tuesday concluded seven agreements, including a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and MoUs linking payment systems, following talks between PM Narendra Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
 
The BIT will be a key enabler for further promoting investments in both countries. India has signed both BIT and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE.
 
The agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms — UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) — will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during PM Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
 
The agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards — RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) — is an important step in building financial sector cooperation which will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
 
Modi congratulated Zayed Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card JAYWAN, which is based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack. The leaders witnessed a transaction made using the JAYWAN card.
 
The MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade opens new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade.
 
An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between India and the UAE on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity.
 
The MoU on cooperation in digital infrastructure projects will create a framework for a wide ranging cooperation, including investment cooperation, in the digital infrastructure sector and also facilitate sharing of technical knowledge, skills and expertise.
 
The cooperation protocol between the national archives of the two countries will shape extensive bilateral cooperation in this field including restoration and preservation of archival material.
 
The MoU for cooperation in the field of heritage and museums would foster engagement between the two countries aimed at supporting the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
 
The leaders also discussed the strengthening of energy partnership. They appreciated that in addition to the UAE being among the largest sources of crude and LPG, India is now entering into long term contracts for LNG.
 
Ahead of the visit, RITES Limited signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Gujarat Maritime Board with Abu Dhabi Ports Company. These would help in building port infrastructure and further enhance connectivity between the two countries.
 
Modi is on a two day visit to the UAE, his seventh trip to the Gulf nation since 2015.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
14 Feb, 2024 News Image Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras inaugurates 'SUFALAM': Launching Groundbreaking Start-Up Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs.
Union Minister of Food Processing Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras  emphasised  the pivotal role of startups in the food processing sector. Inaugurating 'SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024' he highlighted the significance of events like SUFALAM, emphasizing their potential to enhance networking, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enable startups to leverage various government schemes. He said this initiative stands as a testament to the government's steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and creating an enabling ecosystem for startups, thereby empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the food processing domain.
 
Minister of State for Food Processing Ms Shobha Karandlaje, in her special address, shed light on key aspects related to the supply chain and food processing sector. She emphasized its potential in realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers' income and positioning India prominently on the global stage in terms of increased exports, innovation, and meeting global food demands.
 
Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary  MoFPI, highlighted the importance of registering all micro-entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and MSMEs on the Start-Up India Portal. She elaborated on the vast scope for processing and value addition of agricultural produce, considering India's status as the largest producer of agri-produce. Furthermore, she elucidated on various schemes of MoFPI aimed at supporting and handholding startups to ensure their success and contribute towards realizing the PM’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
 
Shri Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of MoFPI, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K were also present on the occasion. 'SUFALAM' emerges as a pivotal platform aimed at catalyzing innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving growth within the food processing industry.
 
The event witnessed participation from over 250 industry stakeholders, startups, MSMEs, financial institutions, venture capitalists, and academia. Spanning two days, the event comprises four knowledge sessions, two pitching sessions, and exhibition. The knowledge sessions are held in collaboration with FSSAI, EIC, APEDA, Start-up India, and FICCI, while the pitching sessions are conducted in partnership with industry giants such as Nestle India, HDFC Bank, Buhler India, Marico, Indian Angel Network, ITC Foods, LT Foods, and TCPL. A total of 35 exhibitors from across India are participating in the event.
 
The Startup Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs holds the promise of being a transformative event, propelling the sector towards a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. As startups converge to showcase their ingenuity and vision, the conclave stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation of food processing leaders to redefine the boundaries of possibility.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
14 Feb, 2024 News Image APEDA facilitates around 500 startups to market and export millet based value added products.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated around 500 startups in marketing and exporting millet based value added products. A farmer from Sangrur, Shri Dilpreet Singh, has transformed into an exporter, marking his first export consignment of 14.3 metric tonne of millets, and its products valued at USD 45,803. Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev flagged off the consignment.
 
The shipment includes ready-to-cook millets derived from Kodo millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Browntop millet, and Barnyard millet. Additionally, flours sourced from Ragi, Jowar, Bajra, Foxtail, Kodo, Barnyard, Browntop, Little, and Proso millets were also a part of this unique export endeavour.
 
Shri Jasvir Singh, the importer based in Sydney, also participated in the virtual flag-off ceremony. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to APEDA for their extensive support in facilitating the collaboration. He is optimistic about expanding further business opportunities and  ensured to continue to import more such consignments in future. The farmer has complete value chain control from end to end which is required by the buyers. He grows millets in his own farms, primary and secondary processing is done in his own unit including the packaging of international quality.
 
This success story exemplifies how the agricultural sector can be transformed, with farmers like Shri Dilpreet becoming key contributors  in agri export. This symbolizes the empowerment of local farmers venturing into international markets.  
 
With an increase in millet exports from USD 62.95 million in 2021-22 to USD 75.45 million in 2022-23 and with current export of USD 45.46 million from April – November 2023. Millets are gaining popularity in the global market. There is significant increase in the export of cereal preparation including value added millet products registering a growth of 12.4% over the same period last year.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
14 Feb, 2024 News Image Assam declares 'Kaji Nemu' as state fruit.
The Assam government on Tuesday declared 'Kaji Nemu' (citrus lemon) as the state fruit. 'Kaji Nemu' is known for its unique aroma and health benefits and carries Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
 
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora made the announcement in the state Assembly as per a decision of the Cabinet.
 
'The Cabinet meeting yesterday has approved the 'Kaji Nemu' as the state fruit of Assam. It is a laudable decision of our government', he said.
 
Bora pointed out that the fruit had received a GI tag in 2016 and has been commercially grown in the state, with it being exported also.
 
'Commercial plantation of the Kaji Nemu is being done. There is 15.90 hectares of land under its cultivation, with the production at 1.58 metric tonnes. In the last two years, this fruit has been exported to several countries, including to the Middle East', he said.
 
The minister also dwelt on the unique qualities of the Kaji Nemu, especially in boosting immunity and bringing a unique flavour to food.
 
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decision to declare Kaji Nemu as the state fruit will help the fruit to attract more prominence globally.
 
'Our government has decided to declare Kaji Nemu (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit of Assam. With its unique aroma & antioxidant properties, Assam lemon has enriched our local cuisines,' he wrote on X.
 
With this announcement, it is set to shine on the global fruit map, boosting self-dependency and production, the CM added.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
14 Feb, 2024 News Image APEDA facilitates Punjab farmer to export millets to Australia, says govt.
The commerce ministry's arm APEDA has facilitated a farmer in Punjab to export 14.3 tonnes of millets and its products worth $45,803 to Australia, an official statement said on Tuesday.
The shipment includes ready-to-cook millets derived from Kodo millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Browntop millet, and Barnyard millet, the commerce ministry said.
 
'A farmer from Sangrur, Mr Dilpreet Singh, has transformed into an exporter, marking his first export consignment of 14.3 metric tonnes of millets, and its products valued at $45,803,' it said.
It also said that India's millet exports have touched $45.46 million during April-November this fiscal against $75.45 million in 2022-23.
'Millets are gaining popularity in the global market. There is a significant increase in the export of cereal preparation, including value-added millet products. APEDA has facilitated around 500 startups in marketing, and exporting millet-based value-added products,' it said.

 Source:  business-standard.com
14 Feb, 2024 News Image GI-tagged rice to get HS codes, will boost exports.
Government is is keen to give new ‘harmonised system (HS)’ codes, a numerical classification mandatory for internationally-traded products, to boost exports of GI-tagged rice varieties such as Gobindobhog (West Bangal), Kala Namak (Uttar Pradesh), and Jeeraphool (Chhattisgarh) and Johra (Assam). Govt is discussing this with stakeholders, sources said.
The move will ensure exports of such rice varieties in case of any ban or restriction on exports of broken or white rice.
 
At present, there are six HS codes for non-basmati rice and one for basmati rice. There are 28 varieties of rice with GI certification. They are from Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
Govt has put a ban on export of non-basmati white rice to keep rices in the retail market in check. In the wake of imposition of restriction on rice exports, total shipment in the current fiscal is likely to fall by 50-60 lakh tonnes from 220 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, which was a record.
 
Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) arm of the commerce ministry said on Tuesday that it has facilitated around 500 startups in marketing and exporting millet-based value-added products.
It has facilitated a farmer in Punjab to export 14.3 tonnes of millets and its products worth $45,803 to Australia. The shipment includes ready-to-cook millets derived from Kodo, Foxtail, Little, Browntop and Barnyard varieties.

 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com
14 Feb, 2024 News Image Freight subsidy to promote agri products export from India.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme- 'Operation Greens (OG)'– A scheme for development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain since 2018-19. The coverage of the scheme has since been expanded from 3 crops (Tomato, Onion & Potato) to 22 perishables crops which include 10 fruits, 11 vegetables (including TOP) and 1 marine i.e. shrimp as per the Union Budget 2021. The scheme has two pronged strategy of Price Stabilization Measures (short term measure) and Integrated Value Chain Development Projects (long term measure). Under the short term interventions of the scheme, MoFPI provides transportation (including air)/storage subsidy for eligible crop @ 50 % of eligible cost. In case of export, subsidy towards transportation charges is payable only upto Indian borders. Subsidy released under Short Term Interventions of the OG scheme is as below:

FY Kisan Rail Subsidy (Short Term) Total
2020-21 23.33 1.58 24.91
2021-22 54.46 3.74 58.20
2022-23 0 29.99 29.99
2023-24 0 2.00 2.00
Total 77.79 37.31 115.10
MoFPI through implementation of the Central Sector Scheme, namely, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), interalia, helps in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet across the country. The scheme not only provide a boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also helps in, interalia, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.
 
MoFPI is also implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme- PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) for providing technical, financial and business support for setting up/upgradation of 2 lakh Micro Food Processing Enterprises. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme also launched by MoFPI for the period 2021-22 to 2026-27 to create global food champions and improving the visibility of Indian food brands abroad.
 
No State/UT-wise allocation and release of funds is made specifically for promotion of exports, under any of the above three schemes implemented by MoFPI.

 Source:  en.krishakjagat.org
14 Feb, 2024 News Image India-Peru Trade Pact set to take shape by 2024-end, round 6 of negotiations to start soon.
India and Peru have been seeing a steady growth in their trade relationship and the expectation is it may grow in double digit incrementally every year. In fact Financial Express Online learns that the negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement is likely to be wrapped up this year even as preparations for Round 6 of talks start in full swing.
 
Talks for this pact commenced in 2017 and the fifth round was concluded in August, 2019. On account of Covid, the negotiations came to a pause. Luis Cabello – Trade and Tourism Counsellor of Peru in India is however optimistic as the sixth round of negotiations are set to begin soon, 'The sixth round of negotiations for the trade agreement between Peru and India will start. We expect to wrap it up by end of this year (2024).'
 
As per official data provided by both the Indian and Peruvian officials, the bilateral trade volume reached $3.12 billion in FY2023. India exported goods worth $865.91 million to Peru, and Peru’s total exports to India in 2023 equaled $2.55 billion. Key Indian exports to Peru include motor vehicles/cars, cotton yarn and pharmaceuticals, while Peru primarily exports gold, silver, copper ores and concentrates, industrial metals like aluminium, iron and agri products include blueberries predominantly.
 
Cabello pointed out that what really helps is that 'India and Peru are two complementary economies. We are not competing with each other. So that is why this agreement will be convenient for both economies. This does not just cover goods but also services and movement of people. It also covers investment.' As a result, he is confident of seeing 'at least 10% growth every year in trade volume between Peru and India.' 

 Source:  financialexpress.com