The Matti banana variety native to Kanniyakumari district has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These bananas thrive uniquely in the district’s climate and soil, resulting in a larger-than-human finger-sized fruit with a sweet aroma and honey-like taste.

 

Unique Characteristics of Matti Banana Variety of Kanniyakumari District:

Thriving Exclusively in Kanniyakumari’s Climate and Soil Conditions.

 

Distinctive Attributes:

Size and Taste: Matti bananas are slightly larger-than-human finger-sized fruits with a sweet fragrance and honey-like taste that remains unmatched outside their native region.

Variety Diversity: There are six distinct types of Matti bananas, each boasting unique qualities in terms of color, aroma, and flavor.

Hybrid Innovation:

The Semmati Banana – Beneficial for Child Growth and Suitable for Diabetics

 

Origin: A hybrid creation blending Matti and Red bananas.

Advantages: Possesses qualities that contribute to child growth and is also suitable for individuals with diabetes.

Complex Factors Shaping Uniqueness:

1. Genotype-Environment-Microbiome Interaction (G×ExM): Experts Emphasize the Role of Environment in Genetic Expression

 

The interaction between genes, environment, and microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping the expression of genetic traits.

The environment’s influence on gene expression highlights the profound connection between genetics and the surroundings.

2. Multifaceted Distinctiveness: The Confluence of Various Factors Creating Matti Banana’s Uniqueness

 

Humidity, Water, and Temperature: Specific environmental conditions contribute to the distinct growth of Matti bananas.

Soil Composition and Nutrient Balance: The composition of the soil and the balance of nutrients further contribute to the banana’s exceptional attributes.

Complex Interplay: The intricate interplay of these factors forms a complex web that results in the exceptional qualities of Matti bananas.

Challenges in Replication:

The Complexity of Factors Makes Reproducing Matti Banana’s Traits Difficult

 

Attempting to replicate the qualities of Matti bananas in other regions becomes challenging due to the multifaceted nature of the factors involved.

No single factor can be isolated to reproduce the same characteristics, underscoring the uniqueness of the native environment.

Nepal has exported 6,69,680 kg of tomatoes to India via three border points within two weeks, records at the customs office along the border have shown.

 

As per the records of customs offices at Birgunj, Mechi Customs in Kakarbhitta and Bhairahawa, a total of 6, 69,680 (Six lakhs Sixty-nine thousand and six hundred eighty) kilograms of tomatoes has been exported to India from Nepal till 18th of August.

The India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has the potential to benefit Maharashtra, which is the largest contributor to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The FTA, which went into effect on May 1, 2022, aims to increase bilateral trade between India and the UAE from $60 billion to $100 billion within the next five years.

 

In addition to increasing trade, the FTA will also facilitate increased investment flows between the two countries. UAE-based companies have already invested over $35 billion in India, with many of these investments coming to Maharashtra. This increased investment will bring new technologies and business practices to the state, boosting its economic development.

 

India and the UAE have strong economic ties, with the total value of the UAE's non-oil trade with India reaching over $45 billion in 2021, representing a 60% increase from 2020 and an 8% increase from 2019. India is also the UAE's top trading partner for non-oil exports, accounting for nearly 14% of the UAE's total non-oil exports worldwide.

 

According to data from the ministry's Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, India's exports to the UAE rose 17.6% to around $18 billion in the April-October fiscal year 22. Imports from the UAE during the same period increased by 33% to $32.3 billion.

 

The FTA with the UAE has the potential to further boost Maharashtra's economic growth by providing greater access to the UAE market for Maharashtra's products and services. These will entail:

 

? Elimination of tariffs on a wide range of goods and services: The FTA will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services traded between India and the UAE, which will make it easier and more cost-effective for Maharashtra's businesses to export to the UAE. The FTA will eliminate tariffs on textiles, electronics, and engineering goods, which are major exports from Maharashtra to the UAE. This will make it easier for Maharashtra's textile manufacturers and electronics and engineering firms to sell their products in the UAE, which is a significant market for Indian goods.

 

? The elimination of tariffs under the FTA is expected to lead to increased exports of Indian products, including those from Maharashtra, to the UAE. According to data from the Indian department of commerce, Maharashtra's exports to the UAE increased by 23% in the first year after the implementation of the FTA. This includes exports of products such as textiles, electronics, and engineering goods, which are major sectors in Maharashtra.

 

? The FTA will make it easier for UAE companies to do business in Maharashtra, which is expected to attract foreign investment to the state. UAE-based companies may be attracted to invest in Maharashtra's manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors, which could create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

 

? The FTA will provide opportunities for collaboration and exchange between Indian and UAE companies, which can lead to the transfer of technology and knowledge. Indian and UAE companies may collaborate on research and development projects, or Indian firms may access advanced technologies developed by UAE companies. This can help Indian firms, including those in Maharashtra, to improve their products and services and stay competitive in the global market.

 

? It will provide greater access to the UAE market for Maharashtra's agricultural products, a major market for Indian agricultural products. This can boost the state's agriculture sector, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The FTA will eliminate tariffs on agricultural products such as grains, vegetables, and fruits, which are major exports from Maharashtra to the UAE. This will make it easier for Maharashtra's farmers to sell their products in the UAE, which can increase their income and improve the viability of their farms.

 

The India-UAE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has facilitated increased trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, diamonds, precious stones and pearls, machinery and mechanical appliances, and textiles. It has also strengthened cultural and social ties, including increased travel and migration.

 

Overall, the India-UAE FTA has the potential to significantly boost the economy of Maharashtra through increased trade and investment with the UAE. It will also strengthen the already important partnership between the two countries and leverage their shared goal of using trade as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity

 

Thanks to its nutritional value, makhana is fast becoming a popular food product across the world. As Bihar is the largest producer of makhana, the state agriculture department has taken several steps to help farmers engaged in its production. State agriculture department secretary Sanjay Agarwal tells TOI’s Sheezan Nezami about steps being taken by the government to boost makhana production in the state. Excerpts:

Where does the state stand in the production of makhana?

At around 80%, Bihar accounts for the highest production of makhana in the country. Makhana is mainly produced in 10 districts in the state – Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria and Kishanganj. The area of makhana cultivation is expanding in the state every year. Farmers are shifting towards this crop, as profit per acre is almost double compared to paddy or other crops.

How has geographical indication (GI) tag for makhana helped farmers?

The government of India awarded the GI tag to ‘Mithila Makhana’ on August 16 last year, in a bid to help farmers get maximum price for their produce. This has helped this unique product in getting more recognition in the international markets.

What initiatives are being taken by the state agriculture department to promote makhana production in Bihar?

Various steps are being taken, right from pre-production to the post-production. We have the Makhana Vikas Yojana scheme for facilitating farmers. With the support of Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College, Purnia and National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, seed production of high yield varieties is being done as well as distributed among the farmers. Our department also organises demonstrations on makhana cultivation in farmers’ fields or ponds, using the best method. In fact, a Centre of Excellence for Makhana is being established in Purnia district.

 

What are the challenges before makhana farmers?

Storage is a real challenge for them, as it needs a lot of space and dry surroundings. Small farmers usually sell their produce immediately. From this financial year, we have started providing hermetic storage bags to farmers in which they can store their produce safely for more than six months. We are also planning to extend assistance for constructing dedicated storage infrastructure for this produce in makhana-growing districts.

Tell us about makhana export

It is being exported to various countries, including the US, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Canada and Australia. Annually, nearly 200 metric tonne of makhana is exported and we have around 85% of the share. Apart from other countries, we are also tapping the markets in other states, especially in metro cities.

The food authority has decided to extend the timeline for compliance of the provision of warning statement for ‘pan masala’ specified in the FSS Labelling and Display Second Amendment Regulations, 2022.  

 

The food businesses were given three months to comply with the provisions that specify ‘the warning statement must cover 50% of the front-of-the pack of the label’ from August 1, 2023.  

 

'It has been decided to further defer the enforcement of the ‘note’ i.e., ‘the warning statement must cover 50% of front of the pack of the label’ in schedule –II of the labelling and display second amendment regulations for a period of 03 months from 1st August 2023,' reads the order issued by the FSSAI.  

 

The said rule was set for commencement from May 1, 2023, but stakeholders made a representation before the food authority and sought time for compliance.  

 

'Representation has been received from association requesting an extension of time period for compliance of the ‘note’ amendment so as to exhaust the packaging material having the existing warning and to arrange for the new packaging material,' said Dr Amit Sharma, Director, Regulation Division, FSSAI, and added that after due consideration it has been decided to further defer the enforcement of the ‘Note’ for a period of three months from August 1.  

 

Earlier, the food authority extended the compliance timeline for a period of three months from May 1, 2023, which was the original deadline for the compliance.

Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, travels to India this week to attend the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting in Jaipur, and to co-chair the EU-India High Level Dialogue on Trade & Investment together with Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, in Delhi.

 

During his stay, he is also due to meet Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Minister of Finance, for discussions on the EU’s relations with India.

 

Overall, the EU is aiming to deepen ties with India and working to that end with negotiations on three ambitious agreements: a Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement and a Geographical Indications Agreement. Closer EU-India cooperation is symbolised through the parallel engagement in the Trade and Technology Council, according to a readout by EU.

 

During his mission to India, Executive Vice-President will also participate in a meeting with European Business, organised jointly by EU Delegation and Task Force to establish a Federation of European Business in India (FEBI).

 

The key themes of the G20 meeting in Jaipur, starting Wednesday, are multilateral trade for global growth and prosperity, inclusive and resilient trade, supply chains as well as leveraging technology for paperless trade.

 

Dombrovskis said, 'India is a key partner for the EU and we look forward to engaging with our Indian counterparts on how we can further deepen our ties, notably by advancing our talks for a Free Trade Agreement. The G20 comes just six months before the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, so we must seize this opportunity to drive forward the multilateral trade agenda at a time of global turbulence.'

Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry represented India in the 20th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ meeting held on 21st August 2023 in Semarang, Indonesia and co-chaired the meeting with Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Trade, Indonesia. The Economic Ministers or their representatives from all the 10 ASEAN countries viz. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the meeting. Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste also joined the Meeting as an observer.

 

The Ministers reviewed the bilateral trade and investment relations between India and ASEAN and underscored their commitment to strengthen and enhance the economic partnership between India and ASEAN to ensure that the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership delivers meaningful benefits for both sides, particularly in the post-pandemic era. India and ASEAN registered a bilateral trade of USD 131.5 billion in 2022-23. The trade with ASEAN accounted for 11.3% of India’s global trade in 2022-23.

 

The Ministers also interacted with the ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC) and took note of the activities undertaken by AIBC in 2023, including the 5th ASEAN-India Business Summit held on 6th March 2023 in Kuala Lumpur. The Ministers noted the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) flagged by the businesses and appreciated the growing exchanges between the stakeholders from both sides.

 

The Ministers exchanged views on the regional and global challenges, such as the multidimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, heightened volatility in the global financial market, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions. Both sides identified resilient supply chains, food security, energy security, health and financial stability as priority areas of cooperation.

 

The main agenda of this year’s meeting was the timely review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which was signed in 2009. The Economic Ministers’ meeting was preceded by AITIGA Joint Committee meeting, which deliberated the roadmap for the review and finalised the Term of Reference and the Work Plan of the AITIGA Review Negotiations. After constructive discussions, the Ministers endorsed the above review documents, which would pave way for the formal commencement of negotiations with defined modalities. The review of the AITIGA was a long-standing demand of Indian businesses and the early commencement of the review would help in making the FTA trade facilitative and mutually beneficial. The Ministers agreed to follow a quarterly schedule of negotiations and conclude the review in 2025. The review of AITIGA is expected to enhance and diversify trade while addressing the current asymmetry in the bilateral trade. The decision for review of AITIGA will now be placed in the forthcoming India-ASEAN Leaders’ Summit scheduled in early September for further guidance.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has said it is in contact with Indian authorities seeking an exemption from the ban on exports of (non-basmati) white rice.

 

In a statement to the media, SFA said through its forward looking strategies such as the Rice Stockpile Scheme, 'our overall supply of rice is currently stable and there is enough rice for everyone if everyone buys what we need'.

 

Under the Rice Stockpile Scheme, rice importers are required to hold an inventory equivalent to twice their monthly imports. This will ensure adequate supply of rice in the market. 

 

India’s share in imports

'We review the inventory buffers regularly and stand ready to work closely with the industry, if any adjustments are needed,' the statement said.

 

India accounted for 40 per cent of Singapore’s rice imports, 'Only the import of non-basmati (rice) is affected by the ban,' it said.  Shipments of non-basmati rice make up 17 per cent of the total rice imports. 

 

Nevertheless, there could be supply disruption and the Singapore Government will do 'what we can to minimise the impact'. 'We will not be able to completely mitigate disruptions to our food supply,' the SFA said. 

 

The agency said consumers 'are encouraged to be flexible and adaptable' by switching to other varieties of rice, or other sources of carbohydrates 'in the event of disruption'. 

 

Imports from 30 nations

 Singapore has a multi-pronged strategy of import diversifications and stockpiling to manage supply chain disruptions to rice imports, it said. The island-nation imports rice from over 30 countries.

 

The statement comes in the wake of India’s July 20 ban on exports of white rice and prices of rice soaring in the global market above $600 a tonne. Indian parboiled rice and Thailand’s 25 per cent broken are the only varieties ruling below $600. 

 

The Indian government banned exports of white rice as part of its efforts to control rising foodgrain prices in a crucial year ahead of the 2024 Parliament elections. The move was a measure to overcome any supply shortage in view of rains damaging paddy crops in Punjab and Haryana, besides deficient rains affecting the sowing of paddy in Karnataka, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Issues pertaining to the proposed bilateral investment treaty being negotiated between India and the UK along with a free trade agreement will figure prominently during the visit of a high-level team from Britain here, an official said. UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch and Director General for Trade Negotiations at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Amanda Brooks are visiting India this week.

 

Besides participating in the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur on August 24-25, the UK minister will hold bilateral talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on August 26 here and review the progress of talks on the free trade agreement.

 

The UK minister is also expected to meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on various issues, including the bilateral investment treaty.

 

Brooks would also meet senior officials of the department of economic affairs in the finance ministry, which is leading the negotiations on the investment treaty.

 

These meetings assume significance as negotiations for the free trade agreement have reached a final stage. Investment treaty is being negotiated as a separate agreement between India and the UK and the two countries are looking at signing both the agreements simultaneously.

 

Though talks for most of the chapters have been closed, both sides have intensified negotiations to iron out differences on issues including rules of origin, intellectual property rights and the investment pact.

 

Sources said that at present the investment treaty is a hurdle in the conclusion of both the agreements simultaneously, however, negotiations are going on to bridge the differences.

 

These investment treaties help in promoting and protecting investments in each other's countries. The main point of contention involved in this pact is about the mechanism for the settlement of disputes.

 

India has proposed to first utilise all local judicial remedies for settlement of disputes before initiating an international arbitration.

 

India has earlier lost two international arbitration cases against British telecom giant Vodafone and Cairn Energy plc of the UK over the retrospective levy of taxes.

 

On automobiles and whiskey, an important demand of the UK, India has agreed to give duty concessions to British industry. Popular British whiskey brands include Johnnie Walker, Black Label and Chivas Regal.

 

To provide duty concessions in the automobile sector, several rounds of consultations have been held with the domestic players in India. According to an expert, the UK-based auto makers like JLR, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Aston Martin, cater to the luxury segment, while Indian manufacturers are mostly in the mass segment.

 

The 12th round of talks between India and the UK is in progress here. Out of the total 26 chapters in the proposed FTA, 19 have been closed. Investment is being negotiated as a separate agreement (bilateral investment treaty) between India and the UK.

 

The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT, and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duties.

 

On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, automobiles, lamb meat, and certain confectionary items.

 

Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments such as telecommunications, legal and financial services like banking. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to USD 20.36 billion in 2022-23 from USD 17.5 billion in 2021-22.

Thanks to its nutritional value, makhana is fast becoming a popular food product across the world. As Bihar is the largest producer of makhana, the state agriculture department has taken several steps to help farmers engaged in its production. State agriculture department secretary Sanjay Agarwal tells TOI’s Sheezan Nezami about steps being taken by the government to boost makhana production in the state. Excerpts:

Where does the state stand in the production of makhana?

At around 80%, Bihar accounts for the highest production of makhana in the country. Makhana is mainly produced in 10 districts in the state – Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria and Kishanganj. The area of makhana cultivation is expanding in the state every year. Farmers are shifting towards this crop, as profit per acre is almost double compared to paddy or other crops.

How has geographical indication (GI) tag for makhana helped farmers?

The government of India awarded the GI tag to ‘Mithila Makhana’ on August 16 last year, in a bid to help farmers get maximum price for their produce. This has helped this unique product in getting more recognition in the international markets.

What initiatives are being taken by the state agriculture department to promote makhana production in Bihar?

Various steps are being taken, right from pre-production to the post-production. We have the Makhana Vikas Yojana scheme for facilitating farmers. With the support of Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College, Purnia and National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, seed production of high yield varieties is being done as well as distributed among the farmers. Our department also organises demonstrations on makhana cultivation in farmers’ fields or ponds, using the best method. In fact, a Centre of Excellence for Makhana is being established in Purnia district.

 

What are the challenges before makhana farmers?

Storage is a real challenge for them, as it needs a lot of space and dry surroundings. Small farmers usually sell their produce immediately. From this financial year, we have started providing hermetic storage bags to farmers in which they can store their produce safely for more than six months. We are also planning to extend assistance for constructing dedicated storage infrastructure for this produce in makhana-growing districts.

Tell us about makhana export

It is being exported to various countries, including the US, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Canada and Australia. Annually, nearly 200 metric tonne of makhana is exported and we have around 85% of the share. Apart from other countries, we are also tapping the markets in other states, especially in metro cities.