Reportedly the Ministry of Agriculture has organized a two-day training program for cooks working in paramilitary canteens focusing on small grains. The Union Department of Agriculture has organized a two-day training program for over 200 culinary professionals working in paramilitary and various government sector canteens (canteens) focusing on small grain based cuisine.

 

Meanwhile the exercise, which began today in Delhi, aims to promote small grain-based diets. It introduces and trains a variety of small grain recipes ranging from simple snacks to healthy meals. These cooks are encouraged to cook and serve these in government sector canteens where they work. Additional Secretaries of Central Agriculture Department Bais ahmed Gidwai, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi and other officials participated in the program and encouraged 'more use of small grains'.

 

Moreover assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Force, National Security Force, Sashastra seema Pal and more than 200 Culinary Arts working in various government Department Canteens This small-scale culinary training course for professionals is organized by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). The exercise is being organized as part of a series of events to mark the international Year of Small Grains (IYM) 2023.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in partnership with FICCI, CII & PHDCCI organised a National Conclave 'Unleashing the Potential of AgriTech Startups for the Benefit of Farmers,' here today. Secretary, Shri Manoj Ahuja, Additional Secretary, Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Joint Secretary (RKVY), Shri Ashish Kumar Srivastav and Joint Secretary (Extn.), Samuel Praveen Kumar along with other senior officers from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and representatives of FICCI, CII and PHDCII attended the conclave.

 

The conclave aimed to discuss and identify comprehensive support systems for Agri Startups in India that will foster innovation, sustainability, and profitability and make their solutions accessible to farmers. The conclave also explored strategies to overcome challenges, leverage technology, and capitalize on market opportunities to empower Agri Startups and drive positive impact in the agriculture sector.

 

FICCI organized two breakout sessions. The theme for session 1 was 'The State Government’s Vital Role in Building enabling ecosystem for AgriTech in partnership with state governments'. Session 1 brought out the challenges faced by start-ups at the state level and recommendations on how the state governments can help in building an enabling ecosystem to overcome these. The major recommendations includes- creating an AgHub: An inclusive agri innovation ecosystem, Agri Data Management Framework (2023), Creating a nodal agency for start-ups within the state governments, developing a start-up portal with a repository of information, knowledge and schemes with a chatbot facility, Start-up India can include exclusive website with information on agriculture start-ups.

 

The theme for Session 2 was 'Enabling Digital Public Infrastructure in AgTech: Enabling access of data to agri startups through public digital goods'. A few recommendations from the session were- core data sharing by government where private sector can also contribute, farmer data & land records (geo referencing & farm boundaries), build mechanism for data dissemination, value chain approach like procurement data can be integrated to the guiding principles, participation of state government is key.

 

CII organized a breakout session under the theme 'Empowering the Start-up Incubation Ecosystem to Translate Innovative Concepts into Practical Solutions for Farmers.' The session extensively deliberated on a synchronized and synergistic approach between start-ups and incubators, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance positive outcomes in agricultural economics and the feasibility of establishing a direct connection with farmers during the final stages of technology implementation.

 

PHDCCI organised a Session on 'Social Innovations to make AgriTech Solutions Accessible to Farmers'. The panelists felt that there is a need to place the farmer at the heart of innovation. Supply chain and commodity focused innovations have not considered the farmer's ease of adoption and ROI on tech investments. There is a need for a demand/need-led Innovation ecosystem.

 

Simultaneously, a technical session was also held under the theme 'Policy Support for Enhancing the Startup Ecosystem' by CII. This session concentrated on the array of enabling policies that have been put in place by both the Central and State Governments to support agri startups. These policies are designed to facilitate their smooth initiation, early growth, and successful operations.

 

A Technical Session on 'AgriTech Innovation and Role of Social Networks in Technology Adoption' was also organised by PHDCCI. The panelists felt that there were tremendous opportunities in the agriculture sector for Start-ups and FPOs who by innovating and having sustainable business models can transform the lives of small farmers.

 

An exhibition was also organized during the conclave where various start-ups showcased their innovative products and technology. On this occasion more than 250 participants attended the conclave.

India's exports increased to 776 billion USD from 500 billion, two years ago, and this spectacular growth was achieved notwithstanding the recession, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the difficult pandemic times, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. This remarkable achievement in two years was due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who felt that both the Centre and state governments should collectively work in the spirit of cooperative federalism for the better future of all the citizens, he said while addressing the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI's) 11th Asian Textile Conference, here.

 

'Last year was a difficult period. Everybody felt that exports could not be sustained. But after growing from 500 billion dollars to 675 billion dollars in 2021-22, our exports rose to 776 billion dollars from 675 in 2022-23,' he said and added that this was a record achievement registered in two years' time.

 

'The Covid has not yet gone and despite the Russia-Ukraine war, India was the fastest growing economy, the fifth largest in terms of the size of GDP. The country was able to maintain the lowest inflation,' he said.

 

Later, speaking to reporters the Minister said the world was going through challenging times with the US, Europe and all other developed nations facing depression and recession.

 

'Even China has seen a fall in their economic activity. In this situation, I am very proud that our textile industry continues to hold firm and continues to do good work. I have no doubt in my mind that in the future also we will regain the lost glory of India, the lost glory of textile sector of India and Tamil Nadu will be in the forefront of it,' Goyal said.

 

On a visit to Coimbatore, the Union Minister inaugurated the renovated Southern India Mills' Association (SIMA) building and unveiled a bust of its founder R K Shanmukham Chetty. 'With 90 glorious years of SIMA, urged stakeholders to strengthen India's position on the global textiles map,' he said in a post on social media platform X.

India has permitted some rice shipments to Mauritius, Bhutan and Singapore for food security purposes after the South Asian nation imposed sweeping export restrictions to control domestic prices.

 

The world’s top exporter agreed to sell 79,000 tons of non-basmati white rice to Bhutan, 50,000 tons to Singapore and 14,000 tons to Mauritius, according to a commerce ministry notification late Wednesday. India said last month it would allow for exports of the variety if asked to meet the security needs of other countries.

 

The permission highlights the plight of several nations, which have been relying on India for their rice needs. Guinea has sent its trade minister to New Delhi to convince Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to exempt the West African country from the restrictions. Top buyers of Indian rice include Benin, China, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.

 

Concerns about a global supply squeeze and higher world food prices have increased after the world’s second-biggest producer and consumer tightened its curbs on rice exports. Asian benchmark prices of the grain, a staple diet for billions of people across the world, rebounded this week to trade near a 15-year high reached earlier this month.

 

India has restrictions on shipments of all varieties of the grain. It has imposed a 20% tax on parboiled rice exports, set a minimum export price on aromatic basmati and banned shipments of non-basmati white. The country accounts for almost 40% of the global rice trade.

 

While India’s announcement to sell to Singapore and other countries is in line with its earlier pledge to meet the security needs of other nations, the focus of the government will continue to be on cooling domestic food prices ahead of major festivals in November and an election early next year.

 

Local specialities, Bhaderwah Rajmash and Sulai honey of Doda and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Officials said the development is a great leap in promoting these items at the international level.

 

Jammu-based organisations had applied for a GI tag for eight traditional items from various districts of the Jammu region last year.

 

'Doda and Ramban districts have got two GI tags today. One is Bhaderwah Rajmash, which is called red beans and another is for honey. It is the honey of Sulai in Ramban district. These are two important products of Chenab Valley,' director of agriculture production and farmers welfare Jammu KK Sharma said.

 

It is a tool for the socio-economic growth of the region and its farming community. 'It will double their income', he said.

 

In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gifted organic Sulai honey to Queen Elizabeth during his visit to Britain. The director also said the process for GI tagging of these products was initiated by the department and it was granted on Tuesday.

 

'A GI tag is a trade name or label applied to a product that designates a geographic region or country of origin. The tag’s primary feature is its uniqueness, which guards against any form of third-party misuse,' he said.

 

He added that the tag is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.

 

'Now, only an authorised user has the rights to use the geographical indication in relation to these products,' the director said.

Constant pest attacks and multiple plant diseases had impacted the city’s growing interest in urban gardening or terrace cultivation of vegetable crops during the post-pandemic era. After investing thousands of rupees in setting up infrastructure for terrace gardening, many were forced to give up their hobby due to pest attacks and lack of information on attending to types of plant diseases.

In some good news for urban gardeners and farmers, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research at Hesaraghatta has set up a ‘plant health clinic’ on its premises.

The facility, said to be the first of its kind and conceptualised by scientists and plant pathologists of IIHR, was inaugurated on Wednesday. Gardeners can bring samples of plants infected with diseases to the clinic and scientists will diagnose them free of cost and prescribe suitable cures.

 

The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is all set to solidify the state’s presence as the ‘Food Basket of India’ on the global stage through the International Trade Show to be held in Greater Noida.

 

In this mega trade show, to be held at the India Expo Center and Mart of Greater Noida from September 21 to 25, the food, dairy, and agro sectors and the state companies having a wide presence will be provided a big and significant platform.

 

While companies from various sectors worldwide will participate in this trade show, those from Uttar Pradesh in the food, dairy, and agriculture domains will receive priority. This not only enhances the branding of these companies from Uttar Pradesh but will also pave the way for their products to reach a broader global market.

 

Several big companies to register presence at the Trade Show

At the International trade show, prominent companies from the agriculture, food, and dairy sectors will have a significant presence. These include Patanjali, Haldiram, Priya Gold, Bikanerwala, Vaidyanath, Ritual Foods, Fresh Foods, Augustia Foods, Indian Beekeeper Shri Girija, Paras, Amul, Prime Foods, Gyan Dairy, Creamy Food Fair Export, and others.

 

Additionally, priority will be given to rural, small-scale, and cottage industries associated with food, agriculture, and dairy products at the trade show. Furthermore, stalls related to food processing departments, logistics warehousing, animal husbandry, pisciculture, dairy, and other major sectors will also be extensively represented at the trade show.

Notably, many of these companies have already booked their stalls, while others are in the final stages of completing the relevant procedures. In addition to this, GI tagging products related to food processing, including ODOP, will also be showcased at the trade show on a large scale.

 

Trade show will also focus on food-oriented concepts

It is noteworthy that at this trade show, whether it’s about cuisine delights being served or management concepts being discussed, food will be at the center of it all. The dishes that will be served to the dignitaries at the trade show will showcase the rich heritage and flavorful essence of Uttar Pradesh. These delectable offerings from the state will be served to the attendees of the trade show, further establishing Uttar Pradesh’s recognition.

 

Additionally, one of the sessions held during the event will be exclusively dedicated to the success journey of Mumbai’s ‘Dabbawalas’. Dr. Pawan Agrawal from IEML will share insights from the success journey of Mumbai’s Dabbawalas, along with factors and case studies focusing on their principles of logistics supply management, supply chain, and time management. This session aims to impart crucial management insights through the examples of Dabbawalas, providing valuable learning opportunities for those participating in the session.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, has said that the upcoming G20 Summit holds significant importance for global trade, for attracting investments to India and for enhancing India’s role in multi-lateral organizations. Shri Goyal said this while addressing the Northern Regional Export Excellence Award function of Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO) in New Delhi today.

 

Expressing confidence that India’s presidency will be recognized and remembered for many years as an action oriented Summit where significant deliverables were offered to the world, Shri Goyal noted that the recent G20 Trade Ministers’ meet in Jaipur gave a Call of Action through which Indian MSME sector will get a significant access to information, which will help them become globally successful exporters. 'We are looking at mapping global value chains so that Indian traders can play a greater role in global value chains and we also focussed on digitisation of trade documentation,' he added. He noted that India will have almost 90 percent of global GDP being represented in New Delhi at the G20 Summit in a few days.

 

Shri Goyal said that after a long period of a stagnation in exports, India broke the ceiling and crossed 450 billion dollars of merchandise exports in 2022-23. Admitting that the current year does show some challenges with geopolitical situation and the impact of that which we are seeing in certain sectors like petroleum, gems and textiles, he expressed confidence that our exporters have the ability and agility to overcome adverse situations. He said that we are living in a nation full of pride, a nation full of talent, a nation which is being recognized across the world as the future engine of world economic growth. India has celebrated three major achievements in the recent days – Chandrayan mission, in sports in form of wins in javelin and chess and the successful engagements in Ministerial Meetings in G20, he said.

 

Shri Goyal quoted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi saying 'Business can transform potential into prosperity, obstacles into opportunity, aspirations into achievements, small or big, global or local, it can ensure progress for everyone.' This is truly a great vote of confidence in our business community, he said. 'You are being recognized and respected for the work that you do and your contribution in our journey towards become a developed nation is being recognized and applauded,' he added.

 

Commerce and Industry Minister said that India was one of the few nations who showed resilience and responsibility during the pandemic. 'We also showed sensitivity to the developing world by providing them vaccines, to many of them free of charge. We showed that under Prime Minister Modi’s astute leadership we will perform and lead global growth,' he said.

 

Shri Goyal said that Prime Minister Modi has described India as a nation of opportunities. For the next 30 years, India will continue to have a young population and we will add 30 trillion dollars to become a 35 trillion economy by 2047, he said, adding that our young, aspirational demography will create a demand for us. Now even the sky is not the limit for us, he said, alluding to India’s successful space mission.

 

'We are investing huge amounts of money on infrastructure so that we can get lower logistics cost, so that we can get seamless movement of goods and services and we are ensuring that we get corruption free environment,' Shri Goyal said, adding that 'no power can stop India’s growth now.' The target for 2030 is to have 1 trillion dollars of goods exports and 1 trillion dollars of service exports and this will be met with your hard work and contributions, Shri Goyal added. He informed the gathering that India is trying to unlock newer markets through FTAs, encouraging investments in modern technology, looking for digitalization and technology adaption to become more acceptable to the world for high quality goods and services so that the true potential of India can be harnessed.

 

'We should focus on quality, sustainability and innovation and if we keep these in our priority, the world is looking up to India wants to deal and trade with India and to partner with us in our growth story,' he concluded.

India and New Zealand have committed to work together to further strengthen the cooperation in the agriculture sector and collaboration between the two countries, according to an official release.

A meeting was held here between Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, and New Zealand minister for trade & export growth and agriculture Damien O'Connor.

 

'Both the leaders reiterated their commitments to work together in strengthening the agricultural cooperation and collaboration between the two countries,' an official statement said on Tuesday.

At the meeting, Tomar mentioned the importance of relations between India and New Zealand and its steady progress.

 

He highlighted the resumption of the Joint Trade Committee after a gap of 14 years and the initiation of discussions on market access issues for agricultural products under its framework.

Tomar also thanked the New Zealand Minister for granting market access to Indian pomegranate arils and lifting the suspension on the import of mangoes from the MSAMB VHT facility in India.

 

He informed the New Zealand Minister about India's initiatives in celebrating the year 2023 as the International Year of Millet and sought their cooperation in promoting the health and other benefits of Millet.

'Both ministers emphasised the potential of the partnership envisaged in the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) being finalised between the two countries for the overall development of horticulture,' the statement said.

 

The ministers assured each other of their commitments towards maintaining the quality and safety of the agricultural commodities being traded between the two countries and resolved to continue working on phytosanitary measures and systems.

They also discussed the importance of developing a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system.

 

The New Zealand Minister invited India to join the Global Research Alliance which is an alliance of 67 countries for sharing research on mitigation of climate change impacts on agriculture.

Basmati rice exporters are negotiating with global buyers for a price exceeding $1,200 per tonne for new orders now and adjust the price against future orders when the government's move to temporarily halt exports of this aromatic variety of rice is rescinded.

 

India on Sunday announced a temporary halt of export of any basmati rice consignment for less than $1,200 a tonne, while shipments contracted above that price threshold will continue to be allowed. The move was to restrict possible 'illegal' shipment of white non-basmati rice in the garb of premium basmati rice. This will remain effective till October 15, 2023.

 

Basmati rice exporters are choosing the overbilling route so that they do not lose their export markets to Pakistan, a major competitor. 'For the time being exporters can only do overbilling and export rice above $1,200. They will adjust it with the buyers in future orders,' said the CEO of a rice exporting company, who did not want to be identified.

 

India exported 4.5 million tonnes of basmati valued at ?38,524.11 crore in FY23. Gulf nations are major buyers. Vijay Setia, former president of All India Rice Exporters Association said: 'Overbilling will be possible in cases where exporters have long-standing relationships with buyers and have offices abroad.'

 

Trade sources said overseas buyers are in touch with Indian exporters to work out a possible formula for the import of rice as they have to fulfil their domestic demand.