There is good news for orchardists and apple growers, the Horticulture Department Kashmir is planning to enhance cold storage facilities from 2.06 lakh MT to 5 lakh MT in the coming years aimed to counter the post-harvest losses and financial difficulties for apple growers.

Over the years the department has been working to improve the cold storage facilities that are aimed to felicitate the farmers and save the fruit crop to gain good profit in the market.

Subject Matter Specialist, Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir, Mohd Amin Bhat said the department is planning to add more cold storage facilities in the valley for the benefit of the growers.

'We will improve it from 2.06 lakh MT to 5 lakh MT in the coming years.  It is expected to improve further capacity storage which would be a major boost for the farmers,' he said.  

Interestingly, the Subject Matter Specialist said the horticulture department has extended the cold storage facilities from 1.8 lakh mt in 2022 to 2.06 lakh metric tonnes this year (2023). He said that the number of cold storage facilities has been improved from 42 in 2022 to 44 this year.

He said that the department is more focused on the extension of cold storage facilities. 'By providing more cold storage facilities, our apple produce could be stored for more months, which will help get a good price in the market,' Bhat said.

Bhat said that the department plans to improve cold storage facilities to store apples in huge quantities. 'Kashmir produces apples in bulk. In case of a decrease in rates farmers need to store apples for months. The increase to 5 lakh mt cold storage facilities will ease farmers,' he said.

He said that as the high density apple would increase it would require more cold storage facilities as in high density there is more than 80 percent of fruit A-Grade.

'These days, whatever the CS stores are being constructed, each store has 2,000 to 5,000 MT capacity. Now, we are also going to set up the cold storage facilities in north Kashmir as most of the cold storage facilities are located in Pulwama and Shopian districts,' he said.

Officials also said that the UT government, under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), has taken several steps to construct cold storage facilities in both the public and private sectors, with priority given to apple-producing regions.

'To incentivize entrepreneurs, they are offered a reward of Rs 10,000 per metric ton of cold storage space under the MIDH and PMDP schemes. Moreover, under the UT Capex program, a top-up incentive of Rs 14,520 per metric ton of cold storage space is provided for activities that are not covered under central schemes by the beneficiary,' they said.

Additionally, the beneficiary can take advantage of interest subvention under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund or Industrial Development Scheme.

Annually Kashmir produces over 20 lakh mt of apple and in some years touches 25 lakh mt. The 2017 Economic Survey in J&K had said that half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry and over 3.5 lakh hectares are under apple cultivation.

There are various food business ideas which can be started anywhere in the world. If you are a food lover, starting a food business might always excite you. We have filtered some of the best business ideas in food products that can generate good profits. These businesses can be started by anyone who has a passion towards starting a business and aiming for good profits.

 

Demand for food in the GCC has remained relatively conservative, growing at a slower pace amid economic and geo-political concerns in recent years. While demand has been supported by growing population and evolving consumer preferences among the locals and expatriates alike, the fall in per capita income since the slowdown in oil prices in mid-2014 has affected the sector. Nevertheless, the GCC food sector has become more self-reliant, supported by the various efforts by the governments to increase domestic production, especially through investments in technology. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions on food exports, barriers on cross-border transport upended food supply chains worldwide and stoked fears of food shortages in the GCC. To mitigate the risks of food shortages, the GCC nations were prompt to diversify their import sources, streamline their logistics and distribution, and build adequate food reserves. Moreover, collaboration between the public and private sector has helped the GCC nations build a strong food ecosystem, which will continue to help the region withstand the pandemic.

 

Demand for food in the GCC is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% to reach 52.4 million MT in 2025 from 46.8 million MT in 2020. This growth is likely due to an increase in population, post pandemic recoveries in tourism, higher per capita income and overall economic growth. The re-opening of economies facilitated by extensive vaccination programs coupled with the rise in consumer confidence will aid the food industry to return to normalcy.

 

Over the past few years, the love and craze for food have been increased to a significant extent at the global front. The Food and Beverage Market has seen tremendous growth over the past few years and is also expected to grow to a great extent. At a global front, the retail sales for clothes, white goods, footwear has been declining and is getting replaced by the Food and Beverage industry. When it comes to business incorporation, the United Arab Emirates grabs the first place in the minds of the investors and business owners. This guide is for the passionate individuals who hold the mindset of dreaming big and is looking forward to investing or start a business in UAE, in the F&B industry.

 

Owning your own business is a thrilling enterprise. You are your own boss and can join many others taking pride in the goods they market. Business Development: Successfully growing a food product from an idea to a sellable item and then into a brand involves making informed choices about goals and parameters for the business itself.  Such choices require thought and planning. Business Plan - Writing a business plan-a document detailing the human, financial, and ideological organization of the entity- can seem to be a large undertaking but clear goals guide you in the right direction, and will help define your business in the eyes of a regulatory agency. What is the business goal? – Is this a business you are hoping to build and sell once it gets big or something you plan to invest in until your retirement? Some of these decisions will influence how you will invest for your product development.

 

Understand the business:  There are several business considerations that should be accounted for before, during and after the product development. Often times, the product development will need to be adjusted based on business shifts. Examples include: formula costs, product claim deliverables, shelf-life expectations.

 

The food service industry includes way more than simple restaurants. There are tons of unique niches and business models that can help entrepreneurs turn a profit. The food industry has changed dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic began. With many traditional restaurants struggling, consumers are increasingly interested in delivery, carryout, and specialty food services.

 

The business that is associated with preparation, processing, manufacturing or packaging food in any way is called food business.  It may be a private or public undertaking working for profit or not. The food industry has become very competitive as a lot of people have started doing this business. But if you maintain the quality, taste and hygiene, you can make good sums of money from this business field.

 

Top Food Business Ideas with Small Capital

Here are some of the small food business ideas list with low capital and can fetch you high profits. One has to choose one of these food startup ideas.

 

Opening restaurant

With meticulous planning and moderate investment, one can plan to open a restaurant. It is a highly profitable business, if planned and managed properly. One should review location, taste and habits of the people in that location before opening the restaurant. E.g. If you are planning to open a restaurant in Hyderabad (India), then a flavor of non-vegetarian Biryani would be the best option as Hyderabadis like that. This is one of the best restaurant business ideas to start in busy streets.

 

Open a Bakery

If you are good at making cakes and biscuits, you can opt for opening a bakery too. All you need is good recipes, baking tandoor and various moulds. These days, many corporate companies are ordering with bakeries for each and small get together or meetings been arranged by them. If you can be part of such corporate events, you can make decent returns in such food business.

 

Chocolate making

People are fond of good home-made chocolates. If you know the art of making chocolates, you can opt it as your business that can be operated from home too. This is one of the best food business ideas with small capital.

 

Ice-cream parlour

Gone are the days where one used to have ice cream only in summer. Now one would prefer it anytime across the year. You can either make your own ice-creams or take a franchise of some famous company.

 

Mobile food-vans

These days, caravan vans of food are gaining popularity for the reason they have the flexibility to go anywhere. They generally serve fast-food or combo-food that can be eaten on the go or take away. While the cost to be offered low here, you can make good margins with high volume. It is one of the unique food business ideas.

 

Catering services

If you are a good planner, and have management skills, you can offer catering services on a small or large scale. People frequently plan parties and you can provide catering to them. Since the food is delivered in a short span and money collection also happens immediately, it could be one of the small food business ideas with small capital.

Global rice prices are not expected to cool down significantly before 2025 due to export curbs from major producing nations and a continuing threat of El Niño, the latest World Bank Global Commodity Outlook said.

The report, which was released recently, also said that global rice prices that averaged 28 per cent higher in 2023 than in 2022 are expected to increase by another 6 per cent in 2024. This is partly due to the threat of El Niño, policy response from significant exporters and importers, and the geographical and market concentration of rice production and exports.

This should ring some alarm bells in India, which is staring at a drop in domestic kharif rice production in 2023, due to low monsoon in August.

 

The Centre has already clamped down on export of rice from India thus wiping off almost 40 per cent supplies from the world markets.

Overall, the report said, agricultural prices are forecast to fall by 7 per cent in 2023 and a further 2 per cent in 2024 and 2025 owing to ample supplies.

The report also mentioned that maize prices are expected to end the current year at 22 per cent below their levels in 2022, and decline further by 8 and 4 per cent in 2024 and 2025.

On wheat, the World Bank said that global wheat prices are trending on an average 20 per cent lower in 2023 than the 2022 levels, and should decrease further by about 3 and 5 per cent in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

 

The World Bank said sugar and cocoa prices are expected to decline from their 2023-highs, though fruit prices should remain high in 2024 on weather-affected supply shortfalls.

On fertilisers, the outlook said prices are expected to decrease as more supplies become available online, but they are likely to stay above historical averages due to some supply constraints and China’s ongoing export restrictions.

Cotton: Domestic cotton production in 2023-24 season, that started in October, is expected to drop to around 29.51 million bales (1 bale=170 kilograms) from 31.8 million bales in the 2022-23 season (a fall of 7.23 per cent), due to low yield because of drought in some major growing states and impact of pest attack, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) said in its first official estimate released today.

 

However, trade sources said if domestic demand remains at around 31.1 million bales, then India might be able to export around 1.4 million bales as opening stocks are at around 2.9 million bales. But if textile mills operate to their full capacity, domestic cotton production might fall short of demand.

Sugar: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), in its first estimate for the 2023-24 sugar season that started from October today, said gross production without accounting for diversion of ethanol is expected to be around 33.7 million tonnes, which is less than 36.6 million tonnes last year.

Consumption this year is expected to be around 27.8 million tonnes. On the diversion towards ethanol, ISMA said that it will declare only after feedstock-wise ethanol procurement price for ethanol supply year 2023-24. 

The California walnut harvest is now in full swing, and fresh, premium-quality golden walnuts have started arriving in India, just in time for the festive season. California walnuts are more than just a nutritious nut; they are a rich part of history, an icon of innovation, a pillar of health, and a dynamic force in the culinary world.

Situated in California's Central Valley, a region almost entirely enclosed by majestic mountains, these walnuts are an integral part of an agricultural tapestry that includes over 250 other crops. When it comes to English walnuts, California proudly reigns supreme, producing a staggering 99% of all U.S. walnut production. With over 4,000 walnut growers, most of which are family-owned farms with multi-generational legacies, California's walnut industry is a testament to dedication and tradition. These families maintain the highest standards of cultivation and processing, adhering to stringent Federal and State food safety regulations.

 

Commenting on the occasion, Pamela Graviet, Sr. Director of Global Programs California Walnut Commission & Board, said, 'The Indian market has a love for high-quality foods and rich flavors. Nutrient-dense walnuts should be a top choice, and it remains our constant effort to raise awareness about California-grown walnuts and our multi-generational family farms dedicated to delivering this wholesome and delectable product. For over a century, California's walnut growers and processors, known as handlers, have cultivated this industry with a focus on land stewardship, public health, and community welfare. Their unwavering commitment to producing this nutritious food source is matched by their active pursuit of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.'

 

She further added, 'Innovation is synonymous with California's walnut industry, both in the orchard and in the preparation and packaging of walnuts for global consumption. Remarkably, California has maintained an exceptional food safety record for over a century, a testament to its uncompromising commitment to quality. The growing conditions this season are ideal, delivering fresh, delicious and beautiful walnuts ranging from light to that California distinctive lightly golden hue.'

Recently, influencers, chefs, dietitians, and journalists from six countries, including India, were invited to experience the California walnut harvest which spans from early September through the first part of November. The harvest offered participants a unique opportunity to witness the journey of California walnuts from tree to table. Guests were greeted with a delightful array of walnut-infused culinary creations, followed by an up-close look at the process of growing, harvesting, and processing walnuts. They interacted with one of the many multi-generational families that make up the California walnut industry. Excitement filled the air as the mechanical harvesters, first developed in California, began shaking trees, causing walnuts to rain down, ready to be whisked away for cleaning and drying before reaching tables worldwide. As guests picked up the freshly harvested walnuts, they tasted the quality that growers know represents their hard work. Guests gained insight into the passion, commitment, and dedication required to grow these delicious and nutritious nuts and learned about the modern and meticulous process walnuts undergo to be available at local stores.

 

California walnuts are renowned for their mild, earthy, nutty, buttery flavor and unparalleled texture, setting them apart as a delicious snack or as a prized ingredient for both sweet and savory culinary creations. They are available at all grocery stores and e-commerce sites. When buying walnuts, look for the California Walnuts logo mark, 'California' or 'Californian' on the package or produce of the USA to ensure that you are buying genuine high-quality California walnuts.

More than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States are from California, produced by multi-generational farmers encompassing 4,000 family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long. With the focus on plant- forward eating, walnuts are enjoyed in a variety of innovative and delicious ways, such as a plant-based meat alternative, walnut milk and walnut butter. They are recognized as a versatile and nutritious snack, a topper for yogurt and oatmeal, and the perfect nut to pair with salads and vegetables. 

The government, over the last two days, has given permission to import 49,755 tons of potatoes.

 

The government gave such permission against 77 applications, according to a press release of the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Following the permission for allowing import of potatoes given on Monday, permission for importing 49,755 tons of potatoes was given till Wednesday.

 

Earlier on September 14, the government fixed the prices of potatoes at Tk26-27 per kg at the cold-storage level and Tk35-36 per kg at the retail level. 

 

However, there have been reports of potatoes not being sold in kitchen markets at government-fixed prices. 

 

In such circumstances, the government issued a directive to deputy commissioners to stabilize the potato market. 

India’s Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel, unveiled the details of the much-anticipated World Food India 2023 event. The Netherlands is the 'Partner Country,' while Japan and Vietnam are the 'Focus Countries' for this edition, the minister informed.

 

Scheduled from November 3 to 5, 2023, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the second edition of World Food India is poised to be a spectacular event, drawing participants from 81 countries. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders in the food processing industry, including industry leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and academia.

 

Key highlights include plenary sessions, a 50,000 sq m exhibition space, a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM), themed pavilions, and 20+ foreign business delegations. The Food Street, curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, promises a sensory delight, featuring regional cuisines, street food, and an ambitious attempt at the world's longest dosa.

 

The inauguration on November 3 will be graced by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. The event will witness the presence of Pashupati Kumar Paras, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, and other dignitaries.

 

Prime Minister Modi is set to unveil commemorative stamps and coins, marking the significance of the occasion. Over 1,000 buyers and 950 exhibitors from 81 countries are expected to participate, making World Food India 2023 a global platform for showcasing Indian food culture and investment opportunities in the food processing industry.

 

The event will feature 23 state governments, 18 central ministries, and allied departments as partners, highlighting its widespread support. Prahlad Singh Patel emphasized the importance of the International Year of the Millets and announced a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest dosa, reflecting the commitment to showcasing millets.

 

Minhaj Alam, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, provided insights into the event's preparations. As part of the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, a monumental installation of 50,000 tetra-pack containers of millet beverages will be distributed to underprivileged children.

 

The event is anticipated to attract 75,000 visitors over three days, offering cultural programs, classical and folk dances, and musical performances. World Food India 2023 aims to establish itself as a premier global food event, showcasing India's world-class infrastructure, diverse culinary traditions, and innovative food industry, solidifying the country's position as a leader in the global food sector.

Calling the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that this is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India.

He said that Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle, and added that the internal trade between India and Bangladesh has tripled in the last 9 years.

 

In a video conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today, PM Modi said, 'In the last 9 years, our internal trade has tripled. Today the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a historic moment. This is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India Tripura has had a strong bond with Bangladesh since the days of its Liberation struggle I am happy that we have inaugurated the second unit of the Maitree Thermal Power Project'

PM Modi further highlighted that in order to establish peace and security at the border, India and Bangladesh have also signed a Land Boundary Agreement and that in the last nine years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata.

 

He also noted that three new train services have also started in the last nine years.

'For establishing peace, security and stability at the border, we signed the Land Boundary Agreement which had been delayed for decades. We also solved the maritime boundary... In the last 9 years, 3 new bus services have been started connecting Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata... 3 new train services have also started in the last 9 years. Since 2020, parcel and container trains are also running between India and Bangladesh... By starting the world's biggest cruise, Ganga Vilas, between India and Bangladesh, tourism has been boosted,' PM Modi said.

On the inauguration of three development projects between India and Bangladesh, PM Narendra Modi said, 'It is a matter of joy that once again we have connected to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation. Our relations are reaching new heights continuously.'

'The work we have done together in the last 9 years was not done even in the decades before this,' he added.

'We have considered our approach of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' for our neighbour country Bangladesh also. We take pride in being the biggest development partner for Bangladesh. In last 9 years, an aid of USD 10 billion has been given. The list of our achievements is very long... We took the decision of the three projects that are inaugurated today and we got the chance of inaugurating them too. I express gratitude to PM Sheikh Hasina for the success of our joint efforts,' PM Modi said.

The Akhaura-Agartala railway is a new commercial opportunity between Northeast India and Bangladesh.

The Agartala-Akhaura International Railway is an internationally recognized project to connect the two countries.

The Akhaura-Agartala dual gauge railway is located in Bangladesh. The whole portion has been lined

with railroad tracks. Whereas, the station platform and the Customs and Immigration building still need renovation.

 

Owing to land acquisition challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic, the project's 2020 completion date was pushed back. An international immigration station would be situated on the 15-kilometer railway line that connects Bangladesh's Akhaura to Nischintapur, the border between India and Bangladesh.

When the railway is put into operation, it will take 10 hours instead of 31 to get from Agartala to Kolkata, creating a plethora of opportunities for tourism, commerce, and intercultural exchange.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new system to streamline the process of obtaining food safety licences. Applicants ,who choose the online application route, would have to pay only Rs.1,000, District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati said here on Saturday.

 

Once the online applications are verified and approved, the applicants can obtain the food safety licence online through the email address they have provided.

 

The new procedure eliminates the previous penalty of Rs. 100 a day for renewing food safety licences online within 30 days. Under the new system, licences can be renewed online for a duration of one year. Extension of food safety registration certificate for up to five years can be done online for an additional fee of Rs.100 a year.

 

Additionally, the renewal process allows a six-month grace period for applications beyond the expiry date. The renewal process can also be completed online without the need for an inspection.

 

Some time back, the Singapore-operated Bengal Tiger Line added Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Port, also known as the King Abdulaziz Port, to the India- Saudi-Iraq service route. According to latest reports, it will now be part of the India Gulf Express Freight Service. It will be well connected with India’s Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Mangalore ports and will boost trade in the region. T

 

The Dammam Port handles a bulk of oil trade, making it especially critical and the extension to Dammam Port will yield substantial benefits to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well. This move complements the establishment of the Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Gulf corridor through the new Bangladesh India Gulf Express (BIGEX) service earlier this year.

 

Additionally, the port’s integration into the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) shipping service will foster closer ties between Saudi and India, with stops also planned at Jeddah Islamic Port. Significant ports like Jabel Ali, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, and Djibouti will also be included in this route, and so will be many ports in Italy, Spain and Malta.

 

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for December, heralding a new era of enhanced trade connectivity in the region. This development is in line with the evolving dynamics of India’s relations with the Gulf region, exemplified by the recent state visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to India.

 

Plans for a track 1.5 dialogue between India, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are underway, reflecting the growing importance of these strategic partnerships. The GCC region, home to 9 million Indians, holds immense potential for economic collaboration. Efforts to negotiate a free trade agreement between India and the GCC are also underway

 

This integration of ports and the emphasis on leveraging the blue economy are aligned with India’s port-led development model, signaling a positive trajectory for regional cooperation and economic growth.

India and Sri Lanka have relaunched the negotiations for the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) after a five year hiatus, the government said Wednesday.

 

The two sides held the 12th round of negotiations on the ETCA in Sri Lanka from October 30-November 1. They had held 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018. after which the talks were paused.

 

'During this round, both sides reviewed the progress on implementation and decided to drop nine issues as being resolved,” commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.

 

Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.

 

As per the statement, both sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round and engaged in discussions on various chapters including trade in goods and services, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and dispute settlement, and identified the areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions.

 

'On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in past, while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments,” the ministry said.

 

The conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries and would be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.