The government permitted another 10 companies to import 50 million eggs on Monday, bringing the total number of companies with the permission to 25 and the total number of eggs to 200 million.

 

The latest decision came at a time when 15 companies, which had previously received permission to import 150 million eggs, were yet to bring in a single piece of egg into the country.

 

The new companies that received permission to import eggs are Siam International, Karim Dairy, Khan Sons Corporation, Mahima Enterprises, Karima Consignment, Neela Trading Co, Ahmed Business & Commerce Pvt Ltd, Atcom International, JBS Food Products & Industries Ltd and Arif Sea Food.

 

On October 8, five companies got permission to import 50 million eggs. They were Lucky Enterprise, Union Venture, JFJ Paradise Connection, Pinki Traders and Layek Enterprise.

 

On September 17, four private companies -- Mim Enterprise, Tiger Trading, Prime Energy and Arnab Trading -- received permission to import 40 million eggs.

 

Later that month, six more companies -- BDS Corporation, SM Corporation, Ripa Enterprise, Popular Trade Syndicate, Joynur Traders, and Cheese Gallery -- were granted egg import permission.

 

Each of the 15 companies that received permission in September and October is allowed to import 10 million eggs. The 10 new companies that received permission on Monday are allowed to import 5 million eggs each.

 

The import condition includes bringing in eggs from bird-flu and avian influenza-free foreign sources.

 

Cheese Gallery proprietor Zakir Hosain said they received permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports last week and have completed all formalities of the letters of credit (LCs).

 

'We are expecting that Indian eggs will enter the country after the Durga Puja festival as ports are now closed,' he said.

 

Meanwhile, the retail price of eggs is currently Tk 13.5-14 a piece, against the government-fixed rate of Tk 12.

 

According to the commerce ministry, Bangladesh has a daily demand for 40 million eggs.

The Haryana government is giving special incentives to farmers for adopting crop diversification, said an official statement here on Sunday. This will not only enhance their income but will also ensure the protection of the environment. The farmers' future centres around crop diversity, it said.

 

In this direction, the state government took the initiative and started its ambitious Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Scheme, under which the key objective is to ensure water conservation while crop diversification. 'This scheme is proving to be very effective, and considering its success, a target of saving 42,480 crore litres of water has been set for the year 2023-24,' it said.

 

Increased agri exports, farmers’ enrichment, demand-based crop cultivation, organic products export, bio-fuel exports and overall cooperative sector development are the objectives of National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), which was formally launched on Monday by Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

 

Agriculture contributes about 15 per cent of GDP, whereas nearly 60 per cent of the total population is engaged in it. 'No country can strengthen its economy by ignoring this 60 per cent of the population,' he said.

 

'We have to grow, increase our GDP and the income of this 60 per cent has to be increased by providing them employment opportunities. The only solution is to strengthen the cooperatives,' Shah said. He was optimistic that NCEL would work towards fulfilling the six objectives.

 

NCEL would serve as a link between farmers (through cooperatives), and overseas markets with good demand for milk products, jeera, isabgol, spices and ethanol. Shah said NCEL has received orders worth Rs 7,000 crore and negotiations are currently on for a further Rs 15,000 crore.

 

NCEL was recently declared the canalising agency for government-to-government non-Basmati rice exports. Orders received from different countries through diplomatic channels would be routed through it.

 

Pointing out that farmers were not getting the benefit of exports, the minister said NCEL would pass on minimum 50 per cent profit directly to farmers’ bank accounts after purchasing products from them at minimum support prices (MSPs). This would encourage farmers to grow demand-driven crops.

 

'Currently, farmers grow whatever they want to. NCEL will try to ensure that crop patterns are changed in line with export demand,' Shah said, adding the agency would have to fulfil all the brand-building, packaging and marketing requirements.

 

The minister also said the government would run pilot projects through Nafed and NCCF to increase pulses production, and the agencies would start registering farmers growing pulses.

Newly-appointed envoy of European Union Herve Delphin on Monday said making the EU-India strategic partnership a defining force for the world of today and tomorrow will be his key focus. Delphin said the EU's partnership with India is one of the most significant relationships developed by the grouping on the global stage.

 

The EU ambassador to India made the remarks after presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at an official ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 

The envoy said boosting economic opportunities, ensuring resilient supply chains and promoting faster green and digital transition will be the focus of his efforts in India.

 

'The strategic partnership with India is one of the most significant relationships developed by the European Union on the global stage,' he said.

 

'It is an honour for me to represent the EU in India and contribute to make EU-India a defining force for the world of today and tomorrow,' Delphin added.

 

The ambassador said the EU and India are trusted partners and friends, with strong bilateral cooperation.

 

'Over the years, our strategic ties have both broadened and deepened based on shared goals and interests -- on trade, trusted technology, security, green and clean energy technologies, sustainability, security and defence and more,' he said.

 

'We have an ambitious agenda to bring this partnership to a new level. My mission is to contribute to turn this into a reality for the mutual benefit of Europe, India, our companies and our people,' Delphin said.

 

The EU is India's second-largest trading partner, accounting for Euro 120 billion worth of trade in goods in 2022 or 10.8 per cent of the total Indian trade.

 

India is the EU's 10th-largest trading partner, accounting for 2 per cent of the grouping's total trade in goods. Trade in services between the EU and India reached more than Euro 45 billion in 2022. The EU as a whole is also one of the largest investors in India.

 

Emphasising the strong mandate he has received from Brussels to unlock the full potential of the EU-India partnership, Delphin said: 'The EU and India have much to gain from each other.'

 

'Together, we also have much to offer to the world in order to address the global challenges of our times, be it geopolitical, climate change, environment, sustainable development,' he added.

 

'Our common democratic values and principles are the fertile ground on which this relationship flourishes and we must continue to tend it,' the ambassador said.

 

Currently, India and the EU are negotiating a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) and an investment protection pact, besides another one on geographical indications.

 

These pacts are being considered crucial to unlock the full economic potential of the EU-India relationship.

 

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative recently signed by the EU, France, Germany, Italy, India, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another major step to expand economic opportunities.

 

The EU and India have also made significant forward movement in the last few years to deepen their security and defence cooperation, including on counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime security.

 

The Indo-Pacific region at large and the Indian Ocean in particular are key areas where this cooperation can be brought to bear, according to the EU.

 

With a career spanning 30 years with the EU, Delphin is a specialist in foreign policy and international relations.

 

Prior to his posting in India, he was heading policy planning at the European Diplomatic Service, EEAS, where he also served as the acting director of strategic communications and foresight.

 

A French national, he was awarded the title of 'Knight of the Legion of Honour' (Legion d'Honneur), the highest French National Order, in 2014.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has opted to import eggs from abroad in order to deal with the high shortage of eggs in the country.

 

There has recently been a 30% shortage of eggs on the shelves in various retailers as the industry struggles to contain the outbreak of avian influenza.

 

The Department says it plans to provide importers with rebates to ensure that they do not pass on price increases to consumers. The outbreak of avian influenza has contributed to empty shelves at retail stores as infected chickens had to be culled and infected eggs destroyed.

 

This has led to the shortage of eggs and the prices increasing at an alarming rate as demand outstrips supply.

 

The Department of Agriculture is also considering waiving anti-dumping tariffs to allow more chicken and egg imports into the country.

 

It says that close to 2 million fertilised eggs have now been imported since September and that plans are in the pipeline to mitigate the impact of increases in the prices of eggs.

 

'From now we are going to encourage importation and we are talking with our sister department to help to rebate importers so that they do not pass on the prices to consumers,' says Deputy Director General at the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Dipepeneneng Serage.

 

The department has issued permits to poultry meat and eggs to allow more imports in the country but has warned that it might take some time before this translates into more eggs being available on shelves.

 

'To date, we have issued lots of permits, but this does not translate into a number of chickens because permits mean that you are allowed to order eggs from a country now that takes some time the meat that comes through the harbour tasks about three weeks from the date they are shipped,' Serage explains.

 

The Department is optimistic that there will be enough stock for eggs ahead of the festive season as most of the imports are expected to reach our shores by the end of November. And it has reiterated that stringent measures are going to be put in place to ensure that importers comply with the laws and hygiene requirements of the country.

In the lush valleys of Kashmir, the past few weeks have brought a silver lining to the region's saffron growers.

 

As the skies opened up with abundant rainfall, there is newfound optimism that this year's saffron production would thrive.

 

Growers are pinning their hopes on the well-timed rains to substantially increase saffron yields.

 

Chairman of Saffron Growers Association, Abdul Majeed Wani voiced his optimism, saying, 'This year, the Valley endured an extended dry season. Fortunately, abundant rains arrived this week, much needed for the saffron crop. We are hopeful for a good yield this year.'

 

Wani underlined that growers were anticipating a bumper crop this season.

 

He also acknowledged the significant impact of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on Kashmiri saffron. 'The GI tag has not only granted recognition but has also triggered a notable upswing in the price of saffron, both in the international and domestic markets. This recognition has transformed Kashmiri saffron into a highly coveted and valued commodity among consumers, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region's saffron industry,' Wani said.

 

As saffron growers gear up for the imminent harvest, the combination of well-timed rains and the GI tag's recognition augurs well for the saffron industry.

 

It promises another favourable year for Kashmiri saffron, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage.

 

The Agriculture Department officials shared optimism about the recent rainfall's impact on saffron crops.

 

'The last few seasons have been good, and we are expecting a bumper crop this year as well. The farmers are also excited this year, based on the feedback I heard during my field tour,' they said.

 

In addition to the timely rains, the price of Kashmiri saffron has surged significantly, with consumers in international markets now paying Rs 3250 per 10 gm of this coveted spice.

 

One of the primary reasons behind this sharp rise in Kashmiri saffron's price is its recognition by the government.

 

In 2020, saffron received a GI tag, making it the only GI-tagged saffron in the world.

 

This distinction has attracted attention from many European countries, the United States, and Canada.

 

GI labeling helps identify products with specific geographical origins, signifying their superior qualities compared to similar products from other regions.

 

This recognition allows producers to access both national and international markets, provided the product's qualities, characteristics, or reputation are essentially due to its place of origin.

 

In the previous year, saffron production reached 16.34 metric tonnes, marking the highest output of this crop in the last 27 years.

 

In 2021, saffron production stood at 15.04 metric tonnes, with an average yield of 4.4 kg per hectare recorded in 2022.

 

Farmers have reported significant improvements in their farming practices following the GI tag recognition.

 

Additionally, more farmers have been experimenting with indoor saffron cultivation, a technique introduced by SKUAST in 2021.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Sh. Piyush Goyal  will be attending the 7th Edition of Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 24th to 25th October 2023. During the course of the event, the Minister would meet Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) dignitaries including the Energy Minister of KSA, His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Al-Saud; Commerce Minister, His Excellency (H.E.) Majid bin Abdullah AlKassabi; Investment Minister, H.E. Khalid A. Al Falih; Industry and Mineral Resources Minister, H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef; and Governor Public Investment Fund (PIF), H.E. Yassir Rummayyan among others.

 

Shri Piyush Goyal will co-chair a conclave session on the theme 'From Risk to Opportunity: Strategies for Emerging Economies in the New Industrial Policy Era' along with the KSA Investment Minister. He will interact with the Indian community that forms an influential part of the Saudi economy. He is also expected to meet business leaders and leading CEOs from across the world.

 

FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation, launched by KSA. It aims to gather Government and business leaders from around the world to discuss new pathways for investment with the goal to create a global 'Impact On Humanity'. Its four areas of focus are Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.

 

Theme for the 7th Edition of FII is 'The New Compass' that focuses on the New Global Order. The event is expected to witness participation from world’s leading investors, business leaders, policymakers, inventors, and explorers. In subsequent meetings, the attendees will come together to deliberate and discover the new markets and navigate new frontiers of economic growth and prosperity.  

 

KSA is one of India’s most important strategic partners. The trade between both countries reached an all-time high of USD 52.75 billion in FY 2022-23. Cooperation between the two countries can also be witnessed with the establishment of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). Established in 2019, it aims to enhance the relationship between the two countries and has two main pillars: the ‘Committee on Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Cooperation’ and the ‘Committee on Economy and Investments’. India is the fourth country with which Riyadh has formed such a partnership, after the UK, France, and China.

 

In September 2023, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and KSA Crown Prince, HRH Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud co-chaired the first summit-level meeting of SPC. The meeting focused on critical areas such as energy security, trade and investment, defence and security, healthcare and food security. The Prime Minister envisions cooperation between the two large and fast-growing economies of the world as this mutual cooperation is important for peace and stability in the entire region.

 

In this context, the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in the 7th FII is expected to further enhance the strategic partnership and joint cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

India's first multi-state cooperative society for exports, the National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), will promote the country's organic products and share half its returns with farmers. The NCEL will provide services to boost overseas shipments of organic produce and will be part of the Modi government's plan to establish three national cooperatives. The NCEL will connect relevant ministries and Indian embassies to enhance market linkages and supply chains for exports. At least 50% of the profits generated by the NCEL will be given to farmers.

 

India’s first multi-state cooperative society for exports will provide a global platform for the country’s organic products and share half its returns with farmers, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Monday, launching the enterprise, one among three national cooperatives being planned by the Modi government.

 

The National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), being positioned as a premier enterprise, will extend a range of services to ramp up overseas shipments of organic produce. In January, the Union Cabinet approved the launch of NCEL. The government is also in the process of setting up two more multi-state cooperatives for promoting seed businesses and organic farming.

 

Under the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule, which divides responsibilities between the Centre and states, state governments have jurisdiction over cooperatives. However, the Centre has control over policy-making for cooperatives that operate in more than one state, known as multi-state cooperatives, such as the NCEL.

 

' NCEL is being formally launched on the auspicious day of Mahanavami. Today we are crossing a very important milestone on the way to realize the vision of Sahkarita Se Samriddhi (progress through cooperation), for which the ministry of cooperation was established for the first time since independence by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Shah said.

 

In the monsoon session in July, Parliament passed The Multi-States Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which will govern NCEL. The law was brought in as part of a broader push by the Modi government to modernize the country’s 115-year-old cooperative sector.

 

A cooperative society is a business jointly owned by members who share both profits and losses. Cooperatives are collective enterprises jointly owned by participating members who share profits and losses. The popular milk brand Amul, for instance, is a cooperative. So is India’s largest fertilizer maker, IFFCO.

 

NCEL will connect the ministries of commerce and industry, external affairs and Indian embassies to boost market linkages and supply chains for export of farm produce, Shah said. NECL will develop into a 'complete export ecosystem', covering procurement, storage, processing, marketing, branding, labeling, packaging and certification, a statement said. According to its proposed business model, at least 50% of profits will go to farmers.

 

' NCEL is launched in the cooperative sector with six objectives of increasing exports, enriching farmers, changing the crop pattern, providing global market for organic products, gaining a place for India in the global market for biofuels, and strengthening the cooperative sector,' Shah said.

European Union member states want to close a free trade deal with India, but only if it grants real access to the Asian country's markets, Spanish Deputy Trade Minister Xiana Mendez said on Friday at an EU meeting chaired by her country.

 

The EU and India last year revived negotiations to forge a free trade agreement that could act as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, but the bloc has deemed India's proposals so far as too soft to lead to a comprehensive pact.

 

'We've felt a political impetus on India's behalf and we want to reinforce the negotiations,' said Mendez who represented the Spanish rotating presidency of the European Council at a meeting of trade ministers in the Spanish city of Valencia.

 

'There is an enormous interest from the member states, but only if there will be an access to the real market, without which the deal would be emptied.'

 

The EU is seen wanting greater access to Indian markets for its cars, alcoholic drinks and agri-food products such as cheese, while India is seen benefiting more in services and would like easier visa access to the EU for Indian professionals.

 

The European Union also expects to reach an agreement with the United States on steel trade by the end of the year, said Mendez.

 

'We knew it wouldn't be possible to reach a solution today (at an EU-U.S. summit in Washington)...The solution has to be sophisticated and complex. The main proposal is to finalise the deal with the United States before the end of the year,' she said.

 

The United States has suspended import tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, but on condition that both sides agree by the end of this month on measures to address overcapacity in non-market economies, such as China, and promote greener steel.

 

Mendez said the sides reached a definitive solution on the issue of duties, as opposed to a temporary fix, but were still negotiating on the problem of excess capacity and decarbonising the industry.

A committee of secretaries chaired by the cabinet secretary, on Thursday, took stock of the status of the ongoing talks under India-UK free trade agreement on issues such as rules of origin, tariffs and phasing out of duties to iron out the knotty areas.

 

According to people familiar with the development, the commerce department made a detailed presentation on the pending issues in the run-up to the finalisation of the trade pact, which is expected to be inked later this month in the presence of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

 

'Trade negotiations with the UK are happening at a fast pace. A committee of secretaries was briefed about the pact,' said an official.

 

Senior officials from the departments of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, finance and heavy industries took part in the meeting, a key step in the run up to inking of the trade pact.

 

Last week, senior commerce and industry ministry officials made a presentation to the Prime Minister's Office on the agreement and the two sides are engaged in hectic negotiations.

 

It will be New Delhi’s first such comprehensive deal with an industrialised nation that seeks to spur bilateral annual business beyond the current $20 billion.

 

The pact will have 26 chapters. Product-specific rules, value addition, change in the chapter heading, and certification are being discussed in the rules of origin chapter, where an in-principle agreement has been reached.

 

'Since the supply chains of the UK and EU are closely integrated, the UK is keen on liberal rules of origin and this is a sticking point,' said a trade expert.

 

India has sought assurance that the UK will not be used to route goods from other countries, as New Delhi is keen to check its burgeoning trade deficit that hit $263 billion in the 2022-23 financial year, up from $191 billion the year earlier.