The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the onboarding workshop for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) technical committee members at National Institute for Training in Standardization (NITS) today. In his address, Shri Goyal emphasised on the importance of standards as a cornerstone of domestic trade and export, facilitator of innovation and efficiency thereby contributing to national growth. He stressed that high quality standards will help Bharat in achieving the One Nation One Ambition of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

 

He urged the participants that as members of technical committees formulating Indian Standards, they have an enormous responsibility on their shoulders to ensure that standards embed the principles of sustainability, facilitate fight against counterfeit goods and support MSME & Startups to become more competitive. He further stressed that standards must support creating robust enforcement ecosystem and that they are developed after extensive consultation with all stakeholder groups. Each member must ensure that Indian Standards reflect the latest technological advancements in the country and that the Indian Standards are at par with international standards. Only then, will India be able to achieve its vision of being the manufacturing hub of the world and realise the ambition of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat.

 

As the National Standards Body (NSB) of India, BIS develops Indian Standards through a consultative mechanism in technical committees which bring together all relevant stakeholders like industry, consumers, academicians, R&D Institutes, technologists and Ministries/regulators. The standards are thus developed after taking into account all stakeholder viewpoints through a process of wide consultation and consensus building. The process of standard development in BIS follows accepted international best practices based on principles of openness, transparency, impartiality and consensus.

 

There are around 400 standing technical committees in BIS carrying out standardization work in 16 broad technology areas/sectors covering both core technology areas as well as new and emerging areas such as Geospatial Information, Artificial Intelligence, Block chain, E-mobility, Space Research, Smart manufacturing, Smart Farming etc.

 

Technical committee members play a big part in making sure the standardization process works well. Their contributions and collaboration are essential for creating high-quality standards that meet national and international needs. It is therefore important that Technical Committees are dynamic in nature and new members are added regularly to address the subject areas on which standards are being developed. BIS thus, regularly reviews its technical committees and in the year 2023-24 itself more than 500 new members have joined various technical committees

 

While these new technical committee members are domain area experts in their field, they are required to be attuned to the vision, programmes, priorities and processes of national standardization. For this, BIS has taken the initiative of organising onboarding workshops to have a formal dialogue with the new members of the Technical Committees and sensitize them on their Roles and expectations as a Committee member and also train them on BIS Standardization procedures.  Four such physical onboarding workshops are being organised at BIS’s National Institute for Training in Standardization in September and October 2023. Henceforth, such onboarding workshops will be held for all new members as and when they join BIS Technical Committees.

The government on Tuesday set rabi foodgrains production target at 161.2 million tonnes (mt). The national target for total food grains production for the 2023-24 (July-June) crop year is 332 mt.

 

As per the government’s third crop estimate, India’s foodgrain production in 2022-23 is pegged at 330.5 mt.

 

The agriculture ministry has kept a target of achieving a record wheat output of 114 mt in the 2023-24 rabi season against the output of 112.74 mt (as per the government’s third advance estimate) in 2022-23. Sowing of wheat, the main rabi or winter crop, begins in October along with other crops. Harvesting of the stable commodity starts in March-April.

 

While the Centre targets to bring 60% of the total wheat area (30 million hectares) under the climate-resistant varieties amid constant changes in weather conditions.

 

'There are certain changes in climate change, which is affecting agriculture. Our focus is on climate resilient seeds,' union agriculture secretary Manoj Ahuja said on Tuesday while addressing a national conference on Rabi crops to chalk out sowing strategies.

 

India last year had witnessed extreme heat waves that took a toll on crop quality and output, especially on the wheat crop and uneven distribution of monsoon rain this year hampering kharif crop plantation.

 

He also stressed up on the need for making India self-sufficient in producing pulses and oilseeds amid their shrinking production over the past couple of years.

 

'The priority of the government is agro-ecological based crop planning for diversion of land from excess commodities like rice and wheat to deficit commodities such as oilseeds and pulses and high value export earning crops,'

 

For the forthcoming rabi season, pulses production target has been set at 18.1 mt and oilseeds production target at 14.5 mt.

 

The department set a target to produce 29.2 mt and 44 mt oilseeds in the entire season.

 

Pulses production in 2022-23 has been 27.5 mt and oilseeds output 40.9 mt, as calculated by the department in its third advance estimate.

 

Agriculture Secretary Ahuja said, 'The strategy would be to increase the area through inter-cropping and crop diversification and productivity enhancement through introduction of high yielding varieties and adoption of suitable agronomic practices in low yielding regions.

 

To address the concern over large yield gaps in crop production, the government earlier set a vision to make the country self-sufficient in pulses and oilseeds production. For pulses, the department proposed to achieve the target of 32.5 million tonnes by 2025.

 

'Special projects such as inter-cropping, targeting rice, expansion in high potential districts and non-conventional regions will bring additional area under oilseeds. All this will increase domestic production of annual edible oilseeds from the current level of 36.2 to 54.1 mt and edible oil production from 8.5 to 13.6 mt by the end of 2025-26,' according to a government release. 'The renewed focus will help in reducing the import dependency from 56% to 36% in the next 5 years.'

 

Fertilizer secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra stressed on the need for a timely supply of fertilisers and balanced use of crop nutrients as fertiliser is one crop input after water that influences production.

 

He mentioned that nano urea and DAP fertilisers are the future.

 

The conference was held to review and assess the crop performance during the preceding crop seasons and fix crop-wise targets for rabi season in consultation with state governments, ensure supply of critical inputs and facilitate adoption of innovative technologies with a view to enhance production and productivity of the crops.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) is attempting to balance plans for boost organic food exports with ongoing food safety concerns by mandating all state-authorised laboratories to adopt organic testing capabilities.

FSSAI had initiated strategies to improve organic standards and governance in India in June this year, but reinforced this order in the third quarter amidst continuing public concern over adulterated organic products in the market.

 

This was also driven by increased government emphasis on growing organic exports earlier in September, which was announced by India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

 

'The global market for organic foods is around US$135bn, of which India is only taking a US$700mn share,' he said via in a formal address.

 

'There is a lot of potential for growth here in organic foods, and this is a very important area [to India] so we are focusing on growing this sector.?

 

'[Right now], more awareness must be generated regarding India’s organic food standards, and [to comply] with the standards of importing markets – one important thing to do is to promote our India organic logo to help improve the credibility of our organic products in the international market.'

 

India already has a wide range of organic food items from fruits such as avocado and passion fruit to grains such as rice and millets. All organic foods need to carry the local logo with the wording Jaivik Bharat in order to be legally recognised as organic.

 

This organic logo was established in India back in December 2017 and was widely publicised by the government, but food safety concerns have continued to run rife over potential adulteration despite its use.

 

Earlier this year, an FSSAI crackdown revealed over 170 cases of adulteration amongst products being sold in India within just six months, covering multiple areas usually requiring certification such as health supplements and organic foods.

 

In light of increased government focus and consumer fears surrounding the organic sector, FSSAI has responded by mandating that more organic testing and analysis be made available in all state-authorised laboratories.

 

'The Government has decided to promote organic products in India [and the] success of this ?depends on reliable testing, to ensure the authenticity of organic products,' FSSAI Quality Assurance Advisor Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda stated via a formal statement.

 

'Therefore, all food testing laboratories will need to optimise their facilities and procedures [to prepare to] handle organic testing efficiently and accurately.?

 

'All FSSAI Notified laboratories are hereby directed to review current capabilities [in this area [and take] the necessary steps to enhance organic product testing, as well as to apply to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) as a recognised laboratory for organic testing.?

 

'Labs must also apply to the APEDA National Referral Laboratory to take part in proficiency testing, as a pre-requisite to qualify as a laboratory that can conduct pre-export testing for organic product exports.'

 

India’s organic potential?

It should come as no surprise that India is hoping to capitalise on organic food exports due to its already significantly large presence in the sector.

 

According to government data, the country has some 5.71 million hectares of certified organic land for crops, and ranks ninth globally for organic land area. It also has the largest number of organic food producers in the world, generating some 1.35 million MTs of organic foods for export yearly.

 

Expand the reach of exports from this sector would undoubtedly be a profitable and valuable move for India – but before significant growth can be achieved here, there is definitely a strong necessity to build up consumer trust and confidence – for both local and overseas consumers - in organic products originating from India.

The US has asked India, at the WTO, to lift its export ban on non-basmati rice with immediate effect as it created an 'unnecessary trade barrier'. India, on its part, argued that the new ban was a regulation rather than a restriction, which was crucial for the food security of 1.4 billion people.

 

'India pointed out at the WTO agriculture committee meeting on Wednesday that it granted exemptions from the export ban to those in need upon their governments’ request and was committed to ensuring food security in those countries,' a Geneva-based trade official told businessline. 

 

India was confronted on its rice export policy by a group of WTO members, led by the US, that argued that the export ban had a detrimental impact on countries heavily reliant on imports, particularly during times of crisis, as it accounted for roughly 40 per cent of global exports. The other members questioning India included Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand and the UK.

 

India placed a ban on export of non-basmati rice on July 20 this year to ensure domestic prices do not rise, especially during the festival season. The government banned the export of broken rice and wheat respectively in September and May, last year.

 

Citing information from its Department of Agriculture, the US stated that India was likely to have a record estimated rice production of 134 million tonnes and stocks of 36 million tonnes for the 2023-24 period.

 

'The US said that under the conditions of ample domestic supply, the new export ban created unnecessary trade barriers and hindered the flow of food to areas where it is most needed. It said that it would encourage India to lift the export ban with immediate effect,' the official said.

 

India stressed that its export ban on non-basmati rice was a regulation, and not a restriction, and it was very important to secure the food security of its 1.4 billion people. The measures are temporary and are regularly reviewed to allow necessary adjustments based on domestic demand and supply situations, it added.

 

On the issue of providing advance notifications for restrictions, India argued that it could not do so as it may lead to private players manipulating market conditions.

The World Coffee Conference (WCC) held in Bengaluru has played a pivotal role in elevating India's reputation as a producer of exceptional coffee and highlighting the booming coffee culture within the country.

 

Organized by the International Coffee Organisation and the Coffee Board, this four-day event concluded recently and provided a platform to showcase the sustainable cultivation practices of Indian coffee to a global audience.

 

KG Jagadeesha, the CEO and Secretary of the Coffee Board expressed his enthusiasm about the incredible response to WCC2023 from both global and domestic stakeholders. He believes that this event will empower Indian coffee growers to secure better prices for their produce in the future, attract investments, leverage technology, and foster innovation in the industry.

 

The conference drew more than 2,600 delegates, including 323 participants from 31 coffee-growing and consuming countries. The discussions at the event revolved around the theme of 'Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture,' addressing the various challenges faced by the coffee sector.

 

One remarkable feature of Indian coffee cultivation is the practice of growing coffee under the shade of other trees, in contrast to major producers like Brazil and Vietnam, which grow coffee in open fields.

 

This unique approach has led to Indian coffees commanding premium prices in the global market. According to Jagadeesha, Indian coffees now fetch premiums of 15-20% over terminal prices in London and New York, a significant improvement compared to the 10-15% discounts seen two decades ago.

 

While India has made strides in coffee cultivation, it still has room for growth in terms of adopting advanced processing technologies.

 

However, the coffee culture is rapidly spreading in northern parts of the country, with Mumbai emerging as a prominent coffee hub alongside Bengaluru.

 

Despite the growing cafe culture in India, a notable challenge faced by the sector is the shortage of trained baristas. To address this issue, the Coffee Board plans to train over 1,000 baristas across the country. They have also established a mobile team dedicated to skill-building efforts.

 

Additionally, the Coffee Board unveiled the India Coffee App, a tool designed to provide growers and exporters with access to the Board's services and offer valuable information, including weather updates and market prices.

 

Speaking at the growers' conclave, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Commerce Secretary, highlighted the increasing global demand for coffee over the past three decades, especially for specialty coffees. This rising demand presents a positive outlook for the coffee industry.

 

However, climate change poses a significant challenge to coffee production worldwide. Bhatia emphasized the need for producing countries to develop strategies to address issues like climate change, increased pest attacks, and residues in coffee production. He stressed the importance of accelerating research and development activities to combat these challenges effectively.

 

The Indian government is actively promoting coffee cultivation in non-traditional growing regions. Bhatia stated that the government aims to expand coffee cultivation by an additional two lakh hectares over the next decade in non-traditional growing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and the North-Eastern regions.

 

Thus, the four-day WCC2023 showcased the vibrancy of the coffee industry in India, attracting a diverse range of participants from coffee-producing and consuming nations, along with various stakeholders. It underscored India's emergence as a premium coffee producer and the need to address challenges posed by climate change and other factors in the industry's growth. The event also emphasized the importance of innovation, skill development, and technology adoption in the Indian coffee sector's continued success.

India’s millet exports are on a steady rise. The country exported millets worth $75.46 million in the year 2022-23 against $62.95 million in 2021-22. A global push for the grain was also witnessed at the recently concluded G20 meet. Millets are being seen in a new light across the world as an answer for food scarcity. The United Nations accepted India’s proposal to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM-2023) to increase awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of millets.

 

According to the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), more than 90 million people in Africa and Asia depend on millet in their diet. Millets are also staple food for millions of in drought-prone Africa.

 

Impact of government’s push to millet-based businesses

While talking to Republic about the impact Surendra Gandharva and Manoj Prajapat, Co-Founders of Millets of Mewar, the World’s first restaurant dedicated to traditional Millet recipes underlined millet's significance in our lives. Gandharva said, 'We initiated millet experimentation in 2005, opening the world's first millet restaurant, Millets of Mewar, in 2011. Millets are deeply rooted in our heritage, from Maharana Pratap to Mewar's legacy; they've always been a vital part of our diet.

 

'The government's emphasis on millets has taken them globally, promising significant industry growth. In this era of prioritising healthy eating, millets provide the answer we seek. Reverting to millets is a step towards restoring the damage we've inflicted on nature,' Prajapat added.

 

Gandharva also cited a local proverb ‘Jaso Ann Vaso Mann’  which translates to ‘we are what we eat’ to underline the significance of millet in our regular diet. 

 

Aanchal Saxena and Himanshu Mishra, Co-Founders of Mad Over Millets, a Noida-based millet cookies startup, also talked to Republic, sharing their views on the Government’s push to millet on a global stage. 

 

'The increase in millet exports from India is a positive development and reflects the growing global demand for these nutritious and versatile crops, to name a few Pearl Millets, Kudo, Foxtail millet, Barnyard millet and many more,' Aanchal Saxena said. 

 

Himanshu Mishra said, 'From social media channels to inviting popular chefs to events such as the World Food India event highlighting Millets as a Hero product, the government is truly doing its best to create awareness and adoption of millets.'

 

'Startups like us (Mad Over Millets) - are also contributing towards the adoption and appreciation to our country’s produce by creating Healthy yet Tasty Millet Super Cookies. We are taking them to the people directly awareness events & artisanal markets. We have been able to build confidence in people that millets do taste well and can be easily incorporated in our daily lives,' added Mishra.

 

Production and types of millets in India

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in 2020, India played a significant role in global millet production, with Pearl Millet contributing to 40.51 per cent and Sorghum accounting for 8.09 per cent of the world's total millet production.

 

The leading millet-producing states in India include Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These states collectively contributed approximately 98 per cent to India's millet production during the 2020-2021 period.

 

While on the international scale the United States (11 per cent), Nigeria (9 per cent), China (7 per cent), Ethiopia (7 per cent), Niger (6 per cent), Mexico (5 per cent), Mali (4 per cent), Sudan (4 per cent), and Brazil (3 per cent) are the other major producers of Millets. 

 

The government of India notified millets as Nutri-Cereals in April 2018, which includes Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl millet (Bajra), Finger millet (Ragi/Mandua) and minor millets namely; Foxtail millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso millet (Cheena), Kodo millet (Kodo), Barnyard millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little millet (Kutki) and two pseudo -millets, namely, Buckwheat (Kuttu) and Amaranthus (Chaulai).

 

Advantages of millets

High nutrition value

Millets are highly nutritious grains that are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in iron, calcium, and magnesium. Millets can help address malnutrition and improve public health, especially in regions with high rates of micronutrient deficiencies.

 

According to Healthline, one cup of cooked millet packs 25 per cent of our daily phosphorus requirements, 19 per cent of magnesium requirements, 8 per cent of folate, and 6 per cent of iron requirements. Millets also have more essential amino acids when compared to other cereals. Apart from that, Finger millets have the highest calcium content than most other cereal grains.

 

Drought-resistant

Millets are also hardy, drought-resistant crops that require minimal water and can thrive in arid and semi-arid regions. According to the Observer Research Foundation, millets consume 70 per cent less water than rice and only grow half the time as wheat with 40 per cent less processing energy required. 

 

This makes them suitable for cultivation in areas with water scarcity or irregular rainfall patterns promoting sustainable agriculture. Increasing the consumption of millet can also reduce our reliance on a few staple crops like rice and wheat. This diversification can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems and reduce the risk of crop failures due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions.

 

Lower carbon and water footprint

Millets have a relatively low carbon and water footprint compared to some other crops. According to the State of the World Water Report 2019 from WaterAid India, the water requirements of millet are on average 2.5 times lower than that of rice. 

 

Millet cultivation can provide livelihood opportunities for small and marginal farmers, especially in rainfed areas.

 

Embracing millet can bolster food security

Apart from the abovementioned advantages, Millets have been a traditional part of Indian diets for centuries and are an integral part of the cultural and culinary heritage of many regions. However, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, till the 1965-70 timeframe, millets formed 20 per cent of our foodgrain basket but are now down to 6 per cent.

 

India dominates millet production with 41 per cent of the global share, however, the consumption of millet has been receding over the years. 

 

Encouraging the cultivation of millets can diversify cropping patterns and reduce the pressure on land and water resources caused by the overemphasis on a few major crops like rice and wheat.

 

Millets can be an important component of food security strategies, as they provide an alternative source of food and nutrition during times of food scarcity or emergencies.

 

'It is essential for India to continue supporting and promoting millet production to meet both domestic and international demands while contributing to global food security and nutrition,' Saxena said. 

 

Overall, the promotion of millets aligns with broader agricultural and nutritional goals, including sustainability, improved public health, and enhanced food security, making them an important focus for the Government of India's agricultural policies and programs.

India has said that the export ban on rice is a regulation rather than a restriction and is crucial for securing the food security of 1.4 billion people, according to an official. This was stated by India in response to concerns raised by a group of countries including the US during a meeting of the WTO's Committee on Agriculture in Geneva on September 27.

 

The Geneva-based official said that in the meeting, India reiterated its commitment to ensure food security in importing countries by granting exemptions to those in need upon their governments' requests.

 

The Indian government has already allowed exports of non-basmati rice to Bhutan (79,000 tonnes), UAE (75,000 tonnes), Mauritius (14,000 tonnes) and Singapore (50,000 tonnes) through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL).

 

On July 20 this year, India banned exports of non-basmati white rice to boost domestic supply and keep retail prices under check during the upcoming festive season.

 

'The Government of India has the commitment that in case of food insecure, vulnerable countries and neighbouring countries request, it will provide with the required quantity of rice or wheat,' the government official said.

 

India has also argued that, in order to prevent private players from manipulating market conditions, advance notifications were not provided in the WTO.

 

Furthermore, these measures are temporary and are regularly reviewed to allow necessary adjustments based on domestic demand and supply situations.

 

A group of member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) including the US has raised concerns about banning the export of non-basmati white rice by India, saying the decision may impact import-dependent nations, the Geneva-based trade official said.

 

The US has urged India to lift this export ban with immediate effect.

 

These countries have argued that such measures had a detrimental impact on nations which are heavily reliant on imports of these agri commodities, particularly during times of crisis, the official said.

 

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and this year's El Nino climate conditions are among the factors that have disrupted the foodgrain supply chain.

 

More than a dozen questions were raised by Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, and the US.

 

'They expressed concerns about the impact of India's export ban on the global food market, highlighting its significance as the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 per cent of global exports,' the official added.

India may allow exports of another 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Singapore under humanitarian operations, making an exception for one of its key diplomatic partners, two government officials said.

 

India recently permitted limited exports of the rice variety, which is currently under the prohibited category, to the UAE and last month to Bhutan, Mauritius and Singapore. These countries appealed to New Delhi to resume rice exports following India’s decision to suspend non-basmati shipments on 20 July to keep prices in check.

 

In August, Singapore requested around 110,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice, following which India allowed exports of 50,000 tonnes. The UN World Food Programme also sought 200,000 tonnes of Indian rice for its humanitarian operations amid what it called 'catastrophic levels' of global food insecurity, triggered by the pandemic and the Ukraine war. Bangladesh is also in talks with India for supplies of some agricultural commodities, including rice. 'The second tranche of rice may also be exported through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd,' one of the officials said.

 

India up to 17 August in the current financial year had exported 1.97 million tonnes of non-basmati white rice compared to 1.89 mt during the corresponding period last year. Total rice exports, barring broken rice, export of which is prohibited, were 7.33 mt compared to 6.37 mt in the same period.

 

In view of low pipeline stocks and high exports, rice prices were rising. However, in the coming year, Kharif rice production is expected to be bumper due to a 10.8% increase year-on-year in paddy area to 41.2 million hectares. This may improve domestic availability from October when rice harvesting starts. 'Therefore, the government had decided to keep this trade measure in place until September or the arrival of the next rice crop, whichever is earlier,' another official said. 'The government noted that any extension of such measure beyond this period would adversely impact the interests of farmers.'

 

However, agronomists see lower rice production despite higher paddy acreage. This is ascribed to yield loss due to the uneven distribution of rainfall in the four-month southwest monsoon season. This may ultimately push up prices beginning the next season.

 

'While southern and central states report no impact on yields, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, patchy rainfall in August is estimated to have led to poor tillering which may have a marginal impact on yields,' said Pushan Sharma, director - research, CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics.

 

'Considering the sowing and yield situation and market conditions, we expect paddy prices to remain elevated on-year,' said Sharma.UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand -- key rice-producing states -- received deficient rainfall throughout the June-September monsoon season.

In a remarkable display of collaborative effort, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare spearheaded by the National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), continues its dedicated mission to sensitize cold chain stakeholders across the nation. The resounding success of their recent endeavor, the India Cold Chain Conclave organized in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment.

 

Attended by a distinguished assembly of around 400 delegates, including luminaries such as Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta and Advisor to Governor Shri Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, the conclave served as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange. This grand assembly organized on 20th September, was further graced by the esteemed presence of J.S (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Priya Ranjan Verma; COO, NCCD, Sh. Asheesh Fotedar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Sh. Ghulam Rasool; Chairman PHDCCI-Kashmir, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Sh. Ganai and several other concerned officials.

 

The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta lauded the approach of bringing this important conclave to Srinagar and pressed for increasing the capacity of CA stores in valley to benefit the growers. Advisor to Governor Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar pointed out the importance of the event and extended full support to farmers, growers and CA enterprise.

 

The Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Sh. Priya Ranjan spoke about the importance of sustainable cold chain and how NCCD is propelling the development of Cold chain sector with focus on energy, technology, climate which in turn will bring more investment opportunity to the UT of J&K.

 

Joint Secretary, Sh. Priya Ranjan articulated the pressing need for sustainable cold chain development in the Himalayan region. He emphasized the strides made in establishing comprehensive guidelines and executing extensive studies, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. These concerted efforts are crucial considering the challenges we face in a world where resources are under threat due to a burgeoning global population.

 

As we stand at the precipice of a future fraught with challenges, the imperative to balance economic progress with environmental preservation has never been more pronounced. The vision of sustainable development resonates deeply, offering a blueprint for a harmonious coexistence between progress and the protection of our precious ecosystems.

 

In this era of rapid technological advancement and heightened consumer expectations, the cold chain sector assumes a pivotal role. Preserving the integrity of perishable goods with environmentally conscious and energy-efficient cooling solutions has become paramount. The urgency to address climate change concerns and mitigate the impact of conventional refrigerants on our environment has never been more acute.

 

The COO, NCCD, Sh. Asheesh Fotedar spoke about the work NCCD has been doing relentlessly in the development of Cold Chain and how importantly this event was designed and brought to Srinagar by NCCD to cater to the sustainable development of Cold chain in Valley, which has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last six to seven years.

 

The JS along with Director Horticulture, and COO NCCD visited the IIKSTC at Pampore to see the infrastructure that has been created for the benefit of farmers and reiterated Government’s commitment to holistic development of saffron sector.

 

Under the able guidance of JS (Horticulture, MOA&FW) Sh. Priya Ranjan along with Sh. Asheesh Fotedar, COO of NCCD, Director Horticulture Sh. Mir visited IGC-Lassipora which has become a major hub of modern CA stores in South Asia to bear witness to the transformative strides taken for the benefit of farmers.

 

This hands-on approach showcases a dedication to progress that transcends rhetoric, underscoring the tangible impact of their initiatives.

 

The Directorate of Horticulture, represented by Sh. Mir, along with Sh. Priya Ranjan and Sh. Asheesh Fotedar extended their gratitude to JKPICCA for their invaluable support to the 1st India Cold Chain conclave – Himalayan Chapter which was concluded at SKICC on 20th September 2023. Sh. Priya Ranjan lauded their collective vision for sustainable cold chain development in the valley as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more environmentally-conscious future.

 

Sh. Asheesh Fotedar reiterated that NCCD stands committed to providing unwavering support and technical assistance to the association, Cold Chain owners, growers, and other stakeholders, ensuring the continued growth of the cold chain sector in the region.

 

The JKPICCA president, Sh. Majid Wafai, Sh. Izaan Javeed and other young entrepreneurs of the valley thanked NCCD for bringing a National Level Conference to Kashmir valley. They also lauded the way NCCD brought international speakers, financial institutions, energy specialists, etc. to Kashmir for this conclave and put the development of CA stores valley on an international map. The president of JKPICCA also requested to make this event a yearly event in Kashmir for the benefit of local farmers, growers, and enterprises who otherwise have limited access to global changes that are happening on the Cold chain industry. The JKPICCA also requested NCCD that JKPICCA represents the largest local Cold chain enterprise in Valley and next event should be allowed to be organized by JKPICCA.

 

The COO NCCD assured that NCCD is working hard to bring awareness among masses and it would be given a thought and decision regarding this would be taken at an appropriate time keeping in mind the benefits of local farmers, growers and NCCD’s vision of making this industry more energy efficient and climate-friendly.

 

The conclave received invaluable support from key partners, including the JKPICCA directorate of horticulture, BEE, and ISHRAE, all of which contributed to the resounding success of the program. This collective effort underscores the growing recognition of the vital role played by sustainable cold chain development in India.

Maneesh Gobin, Mauritius' Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security says, 'In the 1990s India was a country with a closed economy. And look now where India has come. But India has not forgotten the other countries. This is not a country saying bye-bye... India is bringing the Global South together at the decision-making table. This is illustrated by the participation of a country like Mauritius at the table of the G20