US Trade Representative Katherine Tai is visiting India next week to hold the annual U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum along with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on January 12. This year, a broad set of issues to enhance the resiliency of the trade relationship, including agriculture, industrial products, services, and the protection of intellectual property, among other topics, will be discussed at the forum, as per the release. 

 

This forum plays a crucial role in strengthening and expanding the bilateral economic and trade relationship between the nations. It has helped in removing trade barriers and facilitated cooperation on some of the key issues under the leadership of Tai and Goyal. 

 

After the forum, Tai will call upon the Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

 

On the following day, she will be calling upon civil society representatives, business leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration’s engagement and commitment to fostering closer ties between the US and India.

 

The trade relationship between both nations continues to grow stronger and reap beneficial harvests. Last year, both leaders reached several milestone agreements that delivered market access for American farmers and producers, and high-quality products to Indian consumers, read the press release.

 

The achievements of last year include a 70 per cent reduction of the tariff on pecans, the removal of retaliatory tariffs on almonds, chickpeas, apples, lentils and walnuts, boric acid, and diagnostic reagents. The list also includes commitments for additional tariff reductions on frozen turkey, and frozen duck, as well as fresh, frozen, dried, and processed blueberries and cranberries.

 

Both nations also reached agreements in order to resolve all seven of their outstanding World Trade Organization disputes.

 

The US emerged as India's biggest trading partner during the first half of the financial year 2023-24. The US was India's biggest trading partner in 2022-23 with bilateral trade rising 7.65% to $128.55 billion in 2022-23 against $119.5 billion in 2021-22, said US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti in his post.

India and Nepal on Thursday signed four agreements, including on long-term power trade and the launch of a satellite, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Nepalese counterpart Narayan Prakash Saud explored ways to bolster cooperation in areas ranging from connectivity to trade.

 

Jaishankar, on his first foreign visit of the new year, and Saud co-chaired a meeting of the India-Nepal joint commission that reviewed the overall bilateral relationship and trade and economic ties. The meeting also discussed land, rail and air connectivity projects and cooperation in defence, security, agriculture, energy and water resources, Jaishankar said in a post on X.

 

The two sides signed four agreements, including one between the two governments on long-term power trade.

 

During Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to New Delhi in June 2023, the two sides had agreed that India will ramp up the purchase of hydropower from Nepal to 10,000 MW within the next 10 years.

 

On Thursday, Jaishankar also met Nepal Prime Minister Dahal and conveyed the 'warm wishes' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

'Recalled his successful visit to India in June 2023 which has imparted a new momentum to our ties. Discussed the follow-up, including through the Joint Commission Meeting today. India-Nepal friendship is indeed unique and our partnership is moving from strength to strength,' Jaishankar posted on X.

 

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India’s NTPC Limited and the Nepal Electricity Authority will focus cooperation in the development of renewable energy. Another agreement between New Space India Limited (NSIL) and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) will facilitate the launch of the Munal satellite on India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The fourth agreement between the two governments covers Indian grants for implementing high impact community development projects.

 

The two ministers also virtually inaugurated three 132-kV cross-border transmission lines, including the second circuits of the Raxaul-Parwanipur line and the Kataiya-Kusaha line, and the New Nautanwa-Mainhiya line.

 

They also witnessed the hand-over of the fifth tranche of Indian assistance for people affected by an earthquake in Jajarkot area of Nepal in November 2023.

 

Jaishankar characterised the meeting of the joint commission as 'comprehensive and productive' and said the two sides also discussed disaster management, tourism, civil aviation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and the development partnership.

 

He also met Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel, and former prime ministers Madhav Nepal, KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba.

 

Jaishankar is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Saud to co-chair the seventh meeting of the joint commission, which was established in 1987 and acts as a platform for both foreign ministers to review the bilateral partnership.

The Indian economy is expected to grow 7.3 per cent on an annual basis in the current financial year, according to the first advance estimate released by the National Statistical Office on Friday. The Indian economy had grown by 7.2 per cent in FY23. The economy is pegged to grow at 8.9 per cent in FY24 in nominal terms, compared to 16.1 per cent in the previous financial year. The government sees FY24 GVA growth at 6.9 per cent YoY, down from 7 per cent in FY23.

 

India can tap the $10-12 billion poultry and eggs market overseas, if the Government allows the industry to import feed for exports, according to an industry leader.

 

Speaking at the panel discussion on ‘Tapping the potential of livestock sector’ at the businessLine Agri & Commodity Summit 2024 in Delhi on Friday, Suresh Chitturi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Srinivasa Farms, said there is at least $10-12 billion food market i he Middle East with Brazil and Ukraine supplying chicken and eggs.

 

Terming that as a huge opportunity for India, he said: 'Typically our feed prices are high because of the minimum support price and all that. I think, if the government allows us to import feed for exports, I think that makes us on par with them and it is a huge thing.'

 

Huge opportunity

He said chicken from Brazil takes at least three months to reach shelves in Dubai. Whereas, India can reach Dubai in the same week.

 

Stating that India is not as vegetarian a country as one thinks it to be, he said not a single kilo of chicken gets wasted anywhere. Consumption is not a problem as far both eggs and chicken, and it is doubling every seven years, which is very good. 'Frankly, I don’t think you can ask for more than that,' he said.

 

On the production aspects, he said India is as good as anybody else in the world on the production side. But it is not good in managing the supply.

 

Not ‘eat milk’ society

Ranjith Mukundan, Co-founder and CEO, Stellapps Technologies Pvt Ltd, said India is a milk drinking society and still not an ‘eat milk’ (dairy products like cheese) society.

 

Stressing the need to simplify an otherwise fragmented supply chain, he said increase the number of cows and carry-out micro-chilling in farms could lead to decarbonisation and so on, over a 10-year horizon.

 

He said dairy sector is relatively more organised thanks to the co-operative movement, and opined that better quality one-on-one dairy products will happen in the long term.

 

On the importance of technology in the dairy sector, he said technology needs to be a supply chain concept, and not only farm facing concept.

 

More focus needed

KK Vijayan, former Director, ICAR-CIBA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture), said fisheries directly impacts the rural economy as it produces food and provides livelihood too.

 

Stating that India has good amount of resources in fisheries sector, he said it has around 9 million hectares of freshwater, 1.24 million hectares of brackish water resources, and around 2 lakh square km of exclusive economic zone.

 

Terming fish as a nutritional food, he said it is helping farmer to earn livelihood also. Since 2020, there has been more focus on fisheries sector. But it needs more focus as it is a promising area, he said.

 

He stressed the need to increase per capita consumption of fish, and said whatever the support system agriculture sector gets should also to be extended to this fisheries sector.

 

KV Kurmanath of businessline, Hyderabad, moderated the session.

 

The summit was sponsored by State Bank of India and co-powered by NABARD in association with National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) and INDOFIL Industries Ltd. Dhanuka Agritech Ltd and Kribhco Agri Business are associate partners. The National Stock Exchange and Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Co­ operative Management were the regional sponsors.

The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the economic development of nations, and the collaboration between countries can significantly impact food security, technology exchange, and overall growth. In recent years, the relationship between Kenya and India in the field of agriculture has witnessed notable advancements, fostering mutual benefits and sustainable development.

 

Over the years, the two nations have engaged in various collaborative efforts, ranging from trade and cultural exchange to technological partnerships. In the agricultural sector, these collaborations have become increasingly vital.

 

Technology Transfer

India, with its advancements in agricultural technology, has been a valuable partner for Kenya in enhancing its farming practices. The transfer of knowledge related to crop management, irrigation techniques, and the use of precision farming technologies has contributed to increased productivity in Kenyan agriculture.

 

Capacity Building

Training programs and workshops facilitated by Indian agricultural experts have played a pivotal role in building the capacity of Kenyan farmers. This exchange of expertise has empowered local communities to adopt modern farming practices, ultimately improving their livelihoods.

 

Trade Relations

The agricultural trade between Kenya and India has flourished, with both countries benefiting from the exchange of commodities. India's diverse agricultural products, such as spices, tea, and pulses, have found a market in Kenya, while Kenyan produce, including tea, coffee, and floriculture products, has gained popularity in the Indian market.

 

Research and Development  

Collaborative research initiatives between Kenyan and Indian agricultural institutions have been instrumental in addressing shared challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and pest control. Joint efforts in research and development have led to the creation of sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the specific needs of both nations.

 

India Provides Financial Support to Kenya for Modernizing Its Agricultural Sector

Moreover, In a recent milestone following the African Union's inclusion in the G20, Prime Minister Modi expressed immense satisfaction over the visit of the Kenyan President to India. During this significant engagement, the Indian Prime Minister announced that India has committed to providing a substantial line of credit amounting to USD 250 million to Kenya.

 

This financial support is specifically earmarked for the modernization of Kenya's agricultural sector, reflecting a strategic and collaborative effort to enhance the nation's farming practices and bolster its overall agricultural development. The generous financial assistance underscores the deepening ties between India and Kenya.

The evolving relationship between Kenya and India in the agricultural sector exemplifies the power of international collaboration. By leveraging each other's strengths, these two nations are creating a foundation for a resilient and vibrant agricultural sector. As the partnership deepens, it is expected to contribute not only to the economic well-being of both countries but also to the global discourse on agricultural innovation and food security.

 

To make India self-sufficient in pulses, the government has launched a new portal that will enable the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) to purchase tur dal (pigeon pea) directly from registered farmers. The portal was launched by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. It wil facilitate the registration, purchase, and direct payment to farmers producing Tur Dal.

 

Shah emphasized that by January 2028, India will no longer need to import any pulses. He assured farmers that their produce would be procured at either the minimum support price (MSP) or the market price, whichever is higher, through the newly launched portal.

 

Registered farmers will have the opportunity to sell their produce in the open market as well. This initiative aims to boost domestic pulses production through crop diversification, ultimately reducing the country's reliance on imports. In the future, a similar facility will be introduced for other pulses such as urad (black gram), masoor (lentil), and maize. Currently, India heavily depends on imports for tur, urad, and masoor.

 

Through this new portal, pulses will be procured by government-backed cooperatives such as NAFED and NCCF. Companies like Agribid associated with NCCF will further assist in the procurement of various commodities.

 

Shah emphasized that this move would not only make India self-sufficient in pulse production but also contribute to nutritional security, enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, and conserve water due to the crops' lower water requirements.

 

This announcement comes at a time when tur production in India is expected to reach 3.4 million tonnes in 2023-24, lower than the record output of 4.8 million tonnes in 2016-17 due to reduced acreage. The government estimates that India's import of pulses in the ongoing fiscal year is expected to decrease by more than 35 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year, as a result of this initiative.

Seven products from Odisha, ranging from the Similipal Kai chutney made with red weaver ants to the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl, have bagged the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in recognition of their exclusivity to the state.

 

Geographical Indications of goods refer to the place of origin of a product. Such tags are accorded as they convey an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, attributable to the fact of its origin in a specific geographical locality, region or country. In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GIs. 

 

A GI registration is given to an area, not a trader, but once a product gets the registration, traders dealing in the product can apply to sell it with the GI logo. Authorised traders are each assigned a unique GI number. If any unauthorised trader tries selling the product under that name, they can be prosecuted under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

 

A marker of authentic products, the GI tags also help protect the interests of the local growers and artisans by preventing duplicity of the products and sale from unauthorised traders. Consumers, through the tags, can know which goods are certified. Here is a quick look at the seven products and what makes them distinctive:

 

1. Kapdaganda shawl

Woven and embroidered by the women of the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, the shawl reflects the rich tribal heritage of the Dongria Kondhs.

It is embroidered on an off-white coarse cloth with red, yellow and green coloured threads, with each colour holding significance. Green symbolises the mountains and hills, and yellow stands for peace and happiness. Red stands as the symbol of blood.

 

The motifs in the shawls are mostly lines and triangles, believed to be a reflection of the importance of mountains for the community. The shawl is worn by both men and women and the Dongrias gift it to their family members as a token of love and affection.

 

2. Lanjia Saura Painting

The painting, one of the oldest tribal art forms, is also known as Idital. The artworks are famous for their beauty, aesthetics, ritualistic association and iconography.

The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district. These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes. White paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background.

 

It is believed that the Lanjia Sauras paint their walls with Idital artworks to show gratitude to their deities and forefathers, and also for the well-being of their community. Reflecting the love and affection of the primitive tribes for nature, they feature subjects like tribal humans, trees, animals, birds, the Sun and the Moon.

 

3. Koraput Kala Jeera Rice

The black-coloured rice variety, also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, is famous for its aroma, taste, texture and nutritional value. Tribal farmers of the Koraput region have preserved the rice variety for around 1,000 years. As the rice grains resemble cumin seeds, it is also called Kala Jeera. Consumption of the rice variety helps in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism in the body.

The farmers and producers of Koraput Kala Jeera rice have followed the traditional knowledge and practices in cultivation. Ancient tales also speak about the physical, mental and spiritual delights resulting from the consumption of the rice variety.

 

4. Similipal Kai chutney

The chutney made with red weaver ants is a traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The ants are found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal forests – Asia’s second-largest biosphere. Rich in medicinal and nutritional value, the chutney is believed to be a good source of nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, etc.

The tribals prepare the Kai chutney by grinding the ants manually on a Sil Batta or the grinding stone. Mayurbhanj’s tribals also earn their livelihood by selling the red ants and the chutney made from the ants. They believe that its consumption helps boost immunity and prevents diseases.

 

5. Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal

Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal is known for its prickly thorns on the stems and the whole plant. The green and round fruits contain more seeds as compared to other genotypes. It is famous for its unique taste and relatively short quick cooking time. The plants are resistant to major insects and can be grown with minimal pesticide.

 

It is being widely cultivated in Nayagarh district of the state. The growers are getting a yield of up to 200 quintals per hectare and selling at around Rs 60 per kg. Historical records also suggest that the locals got the brinjal from the hilly areas. They collected seeds from it and started raising seedlings nearly 100 years ago.

 

6. Odisha Khajuri Guda

Odisha’s 'Khajuri Guda' or jaggery is a natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees and has its origin in the Gajapati district. Traditionally, the jaggery is prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’ and is organic by nature. It is dark brown and has a unique taste.

 

7. Dhenkanal Magji

Dhenkanal Magji is a type of sweet made from cheese from buffalo milk, with distinct characteristics in terms of appearance, taste, flavour, shape, and size. It also has unique nutritional values that distinguish it from other cheese-based sweets.

 

Thousands of people were said to be earning their livelihood through animal husbandry, especially buffalo rearing, during the British era. The region was the hinterland of buffalo milk production and cheese was the third largest produce, after milk and curd. Mandar-Sadangi area of Gondia block is believed to be the centre of origin of the sweet stuff, which has now been spread to the entire district.

 

The sweet is prepared by draining moisture from the cheese and then frying it, finally forming balls from the mixture.

 

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said the world today wants to engage with India for free trade agreements (FTA), and to expand trade and diplomatic relations with India. Speaking at the inaugural of the maiden Global Investors Meet of the DMK government, the Commerce and Textiles Minister said India's young population has given demographic dividend which has become the envy of the world.

 

Batting for women joining the formal workforce in the country, he said, 'when women go to work, it will not only add to the GDP but will also add twice to the country's GDP as the work they are now doing will be replaced by technology.'

 

Elaborating, he said, '... as more and more women come into formal workforce, the work what they are now doing, which is unfortunately not reflecting in our GDP will be replaced by technology as India will become the largest market for washing machines, dishwashers.. India will become the largest market for goods and services,' he said.

 

Underscoring that women led development will take India to newer heights, Union Minister said, 'While India is outperforming all our peer economies, the world today wants to come and engage with India, to do free trade agreements with India, to expand trade and diplomatic relations with India.'

 

He noted that the development taking place across sectors, was based on the strength of the young population as the average age stood at 28.4 years.

 

'This young population's basic needs have been met with several welfare initiatives like food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, water, digital connectivity, air, road, ports, rail which will take the country grow on a fast track. We have prepared the nation to aspire big, to think big and to work collectively as a nation with a sense of duty and to make the nation a developed nation by 2047.'

 

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment that India would aspire to become a developed nation by 2047 and to shed the colonial mindset, Goyal said, 'these things rest on two important fundamental needs -- women led development. Strengthening the Nari Shakti and second is to make India corruption free.'

 

Goyal said India was looked as 5th weakest economy before 2014 and in the last 10 years, it has grown to become the world's fifth largest economy.

 

'India was looked as one of the weakest five economies in the world. The journey in the last 10 years has been from fragile economy to the world's fifth largest economy. The journey has taken India to have a very strong macro-economic fundamentals. The journey has given us a GDP growth of 7.7 per cent in the last two quarters.' he said.

 

Complimenting the Tamil Nadu government for setting a target to raise the state's economy by USD 1 trillion by 2030, Goyal said this aspiration would drive for industrialisation, creation of new jobs in the state.

 

'this (vision to reach USD 1 trillion economy) will help the young girls and boys to aspire for big goals in life and it is only when we have big goals, this country will move forward.'

 

Stalin, who released semiconductor and advanced electronics policy on the occasion, said the Global Investors Meet would act as a catalyst for economic and industrial growth.

 

'With the aim that Tamil Nadu should play an important role in shaping India's economic growth, I have set an ambitious target of transforming Tamil Nadu's economy into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. To achieve this, we are pursuing a twin-pronged approach of attracting both capital and employment intensive investments,' Stalin, who was clad in a black colour suit said.

 

'We have been inviting investors with a red-carpet. We want to be the trendsetter amid other states. TNGIM has witnessed encouraging response and is expected to bring pride and investment to Tamil Nadu. Multiple policies have been announced by the state. Our focus is to ensure development for all,' he added.

 

The CM also released the USD 1 trillion report and the first copy was received by Goyal on the occasion.

 

Later in a social media post, Stalin said, 'Honoured to share the dais with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Thiru Piyush Goyal and esteemed industry leaders. TVS Chairman Venu Srinivasan, JSW MD Sajjan Jindal, Ashok Leyland MD Shenu Agarwal at TNGIM2024 inauguration.

 

'Positive vibes and global acclaim for Tamil Nadu's one trillion dollar dreams are fuelling our journey to success. Let's aim high, attract game-changing investments, and position Tamil Nadu as the economic powerhouse of India,' he said.

 

Anticipating a tremendously successful event and eagerly awaiting the investment numbers that will shape the state's thriving future, he added.

 

In his welcome address, Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa said, 'this summit is a pedestal for the state to showcase the sectoral expertise, enhance and strengthen skilling diversity and expand the investment opportunities both nationally and internationally.'

 

'Tamil Nadu's skilling prowess exceeds the national benchmark by contributing 43 per cent of the total women workforce in India,' he noted.

 

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed optimism that the country will meet its ambitious USD 2 trillion export target by 2030, notwithstanding geopolitical headwinds and inflationary concerns.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Patsan Bhavan, which houses the Jute Commissioner's office and headquarters of Jute Corporation of India and National Jute Board, in New Town, Kolkata, Goyal acknowledged the challenging global situation.

He cited the Ukraine war, the Israel conflict and issues related to the Red Sea as factors impacting trade.

'To address low food grain production and curb domestic inflation, we have implemented restrictions. However, despite all these challenges, India's exports will continue to grow, aiming at reaching USD 2 trillion by 2030 from the current USD 770-775 billion,' Goyal said.

He highlighted the potential of the jute industry, stating that with 'contribution from the jute sector and concerted efforts from the Centre and state governments, we can achieve new heights'.

India currently exports around Rs 1,500 crore worth of jute.

Goyal, who also holds the portfolios of textiles and consumer affairs, food and public distribution, urged industry players to increase the figure.

He also asked the jute sector to showcase products at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2024, the world's biggest-ever textiles event, to be organised from February 26-29 in New Delhi.

Goyal also highlighted the achievements of the central government and appealed to the people of West Bengal for their support in the upcoming general elections.

Millets or Shri Anna can play an important role in addressing global food security, said Union Agriculture Minister, Arjun Munda on Sunday.

 

Addressing the valedictory of the three-day Millets and Organics International Fair 2024 organised by the Government of Karnataka in Bengaluru on Sunday, Munda said millets offer solutions to problems such as climate change, water crisis and help contain soil degradation and help address food and nutritional security. The millennium goals can be achieved through the farmers of India, he said.

 

Overuse of chemicals

The overuse of agrochemicals and fertilizers has reduced the capacity of the soils, which will affect livelihoods. Growing millets can help fight climate change and help maintain the quality of the soils. With the world returning to vegetarianism, millets play an important role, Munda said adding that start-ups, FPOs, educational and research institutes should play an important role in creating awareness on the benefits of millets, he said.

 

Munda also said that the Government is looking at options to encourage millet consumption among children so that they get the nutritional benefits of the cereals.

 

Karnataka Revenue Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda said Bengaluru is not just the IT or BT capital, but a global hub for millets. Karnataka Government’s policy and efforts on creating awareness of millets way back in 2016 ended up in the declaration International Year of Millets in 2023 by the UN, he said.

 

Earlier interacting with the farmers, students and scientists at the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research in Bengaluru, Munda said there was a lot of potential for the development of the horticulture sector in the country.

 

Horticulture’s share in the agriculture economy is 33 per cent, which can be further increased and has great potential, Munda said. He asked the farmers to adopt best practices and aim at produce at par with the international standards, so that their produce can compete in the international markets. Munda asked to the scientists to bring more and more farmers to their laboratories and share the latest research techniques to them, which will help them increase productivity, yield and income in a sustainable manner.