India's palm oil imports in November jumped more than a fifth from the previous month as refiners favoured the tropical oil due to steep discounts compared with rival soyoil and sunflower oil, five dealers told Reuters on Monday.

 

Higher purchases by the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils could help lower palm oil stocks in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia and support benchmark futures.

 

India's November palm oil imports jumped 22% from a month earlier to 867,000 metric tons, the highest in three months, estimates from dealers showed.

 

The discount on palm oil to soyoil and sunflower oil has been widening over the past few weeks, encouraging refiners to switch to palm oil, said Sandeep Bajoria, CEO of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage.

 

Higher palm oil imports lifted India's total edible oil imports in November 1.13 million metric tons, up 13% from a month earlier, dealers said.

 

Edible oil stocks in the country have surged close to a record high, prompting refiners to liquidate port stocks before making fresh orders, said Rajesh Patel, managing partner at edible oil trader and broker GGN Research.

 

Domestic stocks of vegetable oil jumped to 3.1 million tons by Nov. 1 from 2.45 million a year earlier, said trade body Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), which is likely to publish its data on November imports by mid-December.

 

Soyoil imports in November rose 7% from a month earlier to 145,000 tons, but far below average imports of 306,000 tons in the last marketing year, dealers estimated.

 

Soyoil imports have been declining for the past two months due to negative refining margins, its hefty premium over rival oils and an increase in local supplies, said Vipin Gupta, chief executive officer of Dubai-based trader Glentech Group.

 

Sunflower oil imports fell by 21% to stand at 122,000 tons, the lowest in 17 months, dealers said.

 

India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, while it imports soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine.

The Tripura government has decided to apply for the Geographical Indication certification of some unique product that includes the famed fermented fish product, locally called Shidol, oranges grown in areas like Jampuijala and Killa and scented lemons that are grown in the plain lands of the state.

 

Speaking exclusively to EastMojo, a top official of the state government said, 'The list also includes Peda, a sweet dish that is offered to Maa Tripura Sundari, the indigenous scarf Hrisha and several other crops that are being cultivated here for a long period of time. Some of the products, such as Shidol (The fermented fish) is a unique food traditionally consumed by the people of hilly areas. In Tripura, this particular product has become an integral part of Bengali and tribal food culture. And different varieties of this fermented fish are now found here.'

 

Usually, Shidol is made through a complex process. A specific variety of fish called Puti, or Pungtius, is stuffed inside large earthen pots. After that, the pot is left inside the earthen surface for a particular period of time before the fish develops the smell and taste.

 

Recently, a senior Fishery official of Tripura has developed a different way of preparing Shidol in smaller earthen pots. This specific variety of Shidol is called Langi Berma.

 

'Berma is the Kokborok name of Shidol. The word Langi is used here because the pot in which this variety of Shidol is prepared is actually used for brewing of Langi, one of the most popular variants of rice beer brewed in the houses of indigenous households,' senior scientific officer of Tripura Fisheries Department Raju Lal Debbarma said.  

 

On oranges and scented lemon, Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, 'These two crops are considered as one of the most profit-making crops of all time. This is why the government is very eager to get them GI tagged. Apart from that we are also planning to set up a center of excellence for citrus fruits here in Tripura where Israeli agricultural technologies will be devised for enhancing harvest'.

 

'I have personally met two farmers—Bodhicharan Molsom and Birendra Kaloi—who had earned Rs 9,70,000 thousand and Rs 15,18,000 respectively through oranges. There was a time when orange was essentially a product of Jampui Hills, our state’s only hill station, but now the hotspots of this crops are shifted to Jampuijala in Sepahijala district and Killa in Gomati district. We have helped 224 farmers of Kill area with Rs 20,000 each under MIDS scheme to take care of their orange plantations,' said Nath. He said that 91 hectares of new orange plantations will come up across the state out of which 35 Hectares will be at Killa.

 

According to Nath, a team of four experts from ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute visited Jampui Hills to ascertain as to why the farmers of the area lost interest in orange cultivation. It was found that some other agricultural crops are giving better results there which prompted everyone to switch to the more profitable crop.

 

The orange variety that is produced in Tripura is Khasi Mandarin. Very soon the application for GI tagging of the crop will be filed by the state government. 

Uttarakhand has become the state in the country to get the maximum number of Geographical Indication Certificates in a single day, 18. Till now, a total of 27 products of Uttarakhand have received GI tags, said an official statement from the government of Uttarakhand on Monday.

The 18 new GI certificates that the state has received include Uttarakhand Chaulai, Jhangora, Manduwa, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar Nainital Litchi, Ramgarh Peach, Malta, Pahari Tor, Gahat, Kala Bhatt, Bicchubooti fabric, Nainital candle, Kumaoni colored Pichhoda, Chamoli Ramman mask and Likhai wood carving are included, added the statement.

 

While nine products from the state including - Tejpat, Basmati rice, Aipan Art, White Rajma of Munsiyari, Ringal Craft, Thulma, Bhotiya Dan, Chiura Oil, and Copper products have already received GI tag.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that it is because of his visionary thinking that today 18 products of Uttarakhand have been able to get certificates with Geographical Indication tag from the Government of India.

 

CM also congratulated the producers of the products which were awarded GI tag certificates and called the day 'historic' for Uttarakhand. 'For the first time in the twenty years since the enactment of the GI law in 2003 till 2023, GI certificates have been issued to 18 products of a state simultaneously in a single day.'

'With this achievement, the hill cuisine of Uttarakhand, along with many other items and the artists related to them will be greatly benefited and Uttarakhand will get a different identity across the world,' he added.

 

He expressed hope that the export of GI-tagged products from Uttarakhand will increase rapidly and will further strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to make India self-reliant.

The Chief Minister said that to promote local products in all the districts of Uttarakhand, work is being done rapidly in the state on 'One District, Two Products' scheme.

Under this scheme, two products are being developed in each district on the basis of skill development, design, raw material, new technology, etc. as per the market demand. The main objective of the scheme is to identify local products and develop traditional industries accordingly in all the 13 districts of Uttarakhand.

With this scheme, on one hand, self-employment opportunities are increasing for local farmers and artisans, while on the other hand, local products of every district are getting world-class recognition. 

European Union (EU), Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski will be visiting India on 7-9 December 2023, leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector. During his visit, he would be inaugurating the EU Pavilion at the two prestigious exhibitions in New Delhi, SIAL and VINEXPO on December 7, which will host a wide array of agri-food products from across Europe, offering an immersive experience into the quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability standards of European food and beverages. The visit and the participation at the exhibition aims to promote exports of EU agricultural food and beverage products to India, facilitating its presence in the Indian market while enabling matchmaking between the businesses of both sides.

 

During his visit, Wojciechowski will hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, as well as the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and with Niti Aayog. It will be an occasion to exchange on the agricultural policy of the EU and India and raise the market access challenges faced by EU operators on the Indian market.

 

The EU is the Region of Honour of SIAL and VINEXPO 2023 with the EU Pavilions forming part of the ‘More than food’ campaign, with which the EU is actively promoting outstanding European agricultural products to Indian businesses and consumers. Wojciechowski will participate in the opening ceremony of the fairs. The 50+ businesses accompanying the EU Commissioner will not only showcase their products to the Indian buyers from the food distribution, retail, manufacture, and hospitality industries at SIAL and VINEXPO, but will also explore business and matchmaking opportunities with their Indian counterparts. The EU Pavilions will play a crucial role in creating excellent, centralised matchmaking opportunities for Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors. They are meant to lead to the establishment of new business partnerships that are mutually beneficial for both EU companies and their Indian counterparts. The direct interactions during the sessions will also contribute to a better understanding of the specific needs and preferences of the Indian market. This knowledge exchange can contribute to informed decision-making and enhance the potential for successful market entry.

 

'At the EU Pavilions, we offer an immersive journey into the world of European agricultural products, focusing on quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability. We aim to inform and inspire Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors through cooking demonstrations, information sessions, and tastings over three exciting days. The EU Pavilions also offer excellent matchmaking opportunities for Indian buyers, with representatives from more than 50 European companies attending from various food and drink sectors,' said Wojciechowski.

National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) has been allowed to export nearly 9 lakh tonnes of broken rice and about 35,000 tonnes of wheat and wheat products to various countries.

According to a recent gazette notification, the government has permitted export of 34,736 tonne of wheat and wheat products and 8,98,804 tonnes of broken rice.

 

Of the total wheat and wheat products export, NCEL has been allowed to export 15,226 tonnes of maida/semolina, 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice to Bhutan this year.

In case of broken rice, the cooperative has been permitted to export 5 lakh tonnes of the grain to Senegal and 50,000 tonnes to Gambia in six month, the notification said.

 

NCEL has been allowed to export about 2 lakh tonnes of broken rice to Indonesia and 1 lakh tonnes to Mali.

India otherwise has banned wheat and broken exports since last year as a measure to check domestic inflation. However, some exports are allowed on a government-to-government basis.

With potato exported for the first time from Purvanchal to a Gulf country (United Arab Emirates), Varanasi has achieved a feat as its monthly agricultural exports crossed the 100 metric ton-mark in November, APEDA regional head Dr CB Singh said.

 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday jointly celebrated the feat as the goods were exported via the Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport in Varanasi. Also, APEDA organised a workshop for all stakeholders.

 

The Varanasi airport handled 598 MT of perishable cargo till November 23 against 561 MT last year. 'This remarkable feat marks a significant advancement in the agri-export landscape showcasing the region’s burgeoning potential,' Singh observed.

 

The workshop coincided with the flagging off of a fresh potato batch to the UAE.

 

Singh credited the achievement in the local agriculture industry to the improvement in the infrastructure in the Varanasi region over the last few years. He added that the Varanasi region has transformed into a hub of agri exports by supplying green chilli, peas and several green vegetables to other countries.

 

'With the establishment of a robust quarantine and customs clearance facilitation centre at LBSI Airport, numerous exporters now operate in the region, utilising air routes for agricultural product exports,' he added

 

APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev said: 'The Krishi Udan Scheme will bring an added advantage to farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and exporters. APEDA will be regularly facilitating the FPOs and exporters to gear up agri-exports.

 

India will become a USD 5 trillion economy early in the 'Amrit Kaal' on the path to achieve the goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2047, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India to become a USD 5 trillion economy with the third largest GDP in 2027-28.

 

The USD 5 trillion milestone will be crossed with the help of a strong rupee which will result from macroeconomic stability, he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

 

'The government has set the goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2047. In the process, it will become a USD 5 trillion economy early in the Amrit Kaal,' Chaudhary said.

 

At the end of 2022-23, the Indian GDP stood at USD 3.7 trillion.

 

In 1980-81, size of the Indian economy was USD 189 billion, which increased to USD 326 billion after a decade. In 2000-01, the size of the GDP rose to USD 476 billion.

 

In 2010-11, India's GDP jumped to USD 1.71 trillion, and further increased to USD 2.67 trillion in 2020-21.

 

Chaudhary said the exchange rate is not an overlooked factor as it ranks India's GDP size in the world.

 

'India is a market economy, and the government monitors economic progress through market-determined GDP and exchange rate,' Chaudhary said.

 

He further said both domestic and international markets are the mechanisms that determine India's GDP, exchange rate and contribution of various sectors to GDP.

 

Contribution of agriculture, industry and services to nominal GDP in 2022-23 stood at 18.4 per cent, 28.3 per cent, and 53.3 per cent, respectively.

 

Chaudhary said the government also contributes to economic progress through policy interventions, including the measures announced in annual budgets.

 

Major initiatives taken by the government in the last 9 years for directly increasing the GDP include, implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (IBC) Code, recapitalisation of public sector banks, rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST), reduction in corporate tax, boost in effective capital expenditure, introduction of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 14 sectors, continuous liberalisation of the FDI regime, and building of digital infrastructure.

Bahrain is set to become the first Middle Eastern nation to host the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy scheduled to unfold in 2024. This historic event underscores Bahrain's rich heritage, diverse culture, and its burgeoning tourism industry, positioning the kingdom as a global epicentre for gastronomy tourism.

 

The news was unveiled on the sidelines of the 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in the picturesque city of San Sebastian, Spain. The announcement not only marks a significant milestone for Bahrain but also showcases the nation's commitment to fostering international collaboration in the realm of gastronomy and tourism.

 

Bahrain, with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, is poised to leverage the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024, as a catalyst for promoting responsible agricultural practices. The event aims to highlight the importance of nurturing local communities while preserving Bahrain's rich heritage and traditions. Scheduled to take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, the forum promises a diverse array of engaging activities.

 

One of the highlights of the forum will be visits to local producers, providing participants with a firsthand experience of Bahrain's vibrant culinary landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in culinary classes, immersing themselves in the kingdom's gourmet excellence rooted in its historical legacy. This unique combination of cultural immersion and gastronomic exploration is anticipated to make the 9th UNWTO’s World Forum on Gastronomy in Bahrain an unforgettable experience for participants from around the globe.

 

The year 2024, is poised to be a transformative period for Bahrain's tourism sector, and the hosting of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism plays a crucial role in the kingdom's primary vision. The forum is expected to draw attention to Bahrain's unique position as a destination that offers a multifaceted and all-encompassing travel experience.

The government has permitted exports of specified quantities of wheat, wheat flour and broken rice to five countries, including Bhutan, Mali and Indonesia, a notification said on Thursday. The quantity notified for Bhutan includes 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of atta, 15.226 tonnes of maida/semoline, and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice.

 

Broken rice shipments are also permitted to Mali (1 lakh tonnes), Senegal (5 lakh tonnes in six months), Gambia (50,000 tonnes in six months), and Indonesia (2 lakh tonnes).

 

The export is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

 

NCEL is a company set up with cooperative societies as its promoters.

 

Though exports of wheat and broken rice were banned to boost domestic supply, outbound shipments are allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to certain countries to meet their food security needs and on request.

 

'Export of (wheat grain, atta, maida/semolina, and broken rice) food commodities are permitted through National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL),' it said.

 

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with a high level delegation met Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong on Friday. The delegation had reached Singapore after completing its tour of Japan.

 

The tour is being undertaken in the run up to the tenth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGIS) which is scheduled for January.

 

Underlining the development journey of Gujarat, Patel during the meeting emphasized on the state government's focus on fostering investment in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, food processing, and dairy products apart from the importance of Gujarat in the logistics sector, attributing its rise as a logistics hub in India to its global connectivity and extensive coastline.

 

Patel also invited the Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 to foster collaboration between the two nations in various sectors.

 

During the meeting, Minister Gan Kim Yong acknowledged the immense potential for development in India and expressed Singaporean companies' keenness to work in collaboration with the Indian government. He stated that cooperation with capable states like Gujarat could be beneficial for Singapore, especially in establishing a hub for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in the South East Asian region.

 

He also invited the Gujarat delegation to visit the Singapore port to explore potential collaborations, highlighting the importance of fostering partnerships in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.

 

Apart from the meeting with Minister Gan Kim Yong, the delegation had discussions with Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Technology Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Representatives.

 

Earlier, during the last leg of his Japan tour, Patel along with the Gujarat delegation, visited the famous Nokonoshima Island and the historic Kobe Port in Hyogo Prefecture.

 

Patel also held a meeting with Hyogo Governor Shri Motohiko Saito and underlined that the connection between Hyogo and Gujarat is not limited to just two states. Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Kobe in Hyogo are connected as sister cities. Recently, there was an opportunity for Ahmedabad to become the host city for the Urban 20 Summit, which prompted the state government to submit a zero net emissions resilient city action plan.

 

It may be mentioned here that Patel has been leading a high-level delegation to Japan and Singapore for a week-long tour to Japan and Singapore since November 25 with a view to will engage with the Japanese as wells Singapore government, industries, and institutions to discuss and explore areas of mutual cooperation.