1. Home
  2. Market Intelligence
  3. Market News
Back
26 Apr, 2022 News Image Non-basmati rice exports grow by 109% since 2013-14
Parboiled rice forms the largest chunk of non-basmati exports which witnessed a growth of 109% from $ 2925 million in FY 2013-14 to $6115 million in FY 2021-22.
 
Apart from parboiled variety, broken rice, rice in husk, husked brown rice and milled rice were also exported, according to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
 
As per the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) data, India exported rice to over 150 countries across the globe in 2021-22.
 
'It indicates the diversification of India's rice export over the years,' the agriculture ministry said in a statement.
 
According to the DGCIS data, India had exported non-basmati rice worth $ 2015 million in 2019-20, which rose to $ 4799 million in 2020-21 and $ 6115 million in 2021-22.
 
Registering a growth of 27% in 2021-22, export of non-basmati rice was the top forex earner among all agri-commodities, at $ 6115 million, the ministry said.
 
West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other destination countries are Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D’ Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon Somalia, Malaysia, Liberia U.A.E. etc.
 
The major rice producing states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, and Haryana.
 
As per second advance estimates for 2021-22, the total production of Rice during 2021-22 is estimated at record 127.93 million tonnes, which is higher by 11.49 million tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 116.44 million tonnes.
 
India is the world’s second-largest rice producer after China.
 
'In collaboration with our foreign missions, we have coordinated development of logistics as well as focus on production of quality produce, which has boosted India’s rice exports prospects,' Dr M. Angamuthu, Chairman, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), said.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
26 Apr, 2022 News Image APEDA to co-organise 36th edition of AAHAR 2022 from April 26th -30th at Pragati Maidan
With a view to unlock the abundant potential in food and hospitality sector, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in association with the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), is organising Asia’s biggest B2B international food and hospitality fair AAHAR commencing from April 26, 2022 at Pragati Maidan.
 
 Keeping in mind Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for ‘local for vocal’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, APEDA is organizing in the 36th edition of AAHAR with the theme 'Geographical Indication Products' as APEDA is focussing on promotion of exports of GI certified agricultural products.
 
 AAHAR is a part of the series of export promotion initiatives taken by APEDA, which works under the Ministry of Commerce and Trade, to showcase agricultural and processed food products to the global players in the food and beverages industry as the fair is visited by a large number of importers from different parts of the world.
 
 Apart from AAHAR, APEDA also organizes national events like Organic World Congress, BioFach India etc to promote agri-exports.
 
Notably, more than 150 food and agri Products have been registered as GI by the GI Registry out of which 123 GI products fall under APEDA’s category till March, 2022.
 
 APEDA has set up a theme pavilion in an area of 3,000 sqm in Hall No 3, Ground Floor at AAHAR where facilities have been extended to the registered proprietors of GIs for display of their products. 
 
More than 80 exporters form different segments of agricultural products, which include GI products, processed food, organic, frozen food products, millets, etc are participating under APEDA pavilion.
 
 At the fair, products ranging from Ready to Eat (RTE), Ready to Serve (RTS), Ready to Consume (RTC), plant-based meat products, dehydrated products, chocolate, grains, frozen food, herbal products, juices, honey, dairy products, etc will be showcased by Indian manufacturers for the importers from several leading countries.
 
Also, APEDA has created dedicated stalls for exporters from North East Region (NER) and Himalayan states like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, women entrepreneurs, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), Start Ups and exporters of millets and millets products. More than 40 participants are participating under these categories and each category will have dedicated stalls in APEDA pavilion.
 
 The products under APEDA’s basket include processed food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cereal products, guar gum, horticulture and floriculture products, herbal and medicinal plants, rice and organic products, etc.
 
  As per the DGCI&S data, the agricultural exports have grown by 19.92 per cent during 2021-22 to touch USD 50.21 billion. The growth rate is remarkable as it is over and above the growth of 17.66 per cent at USD 41.87 billion achieved in 2020-21 and has been achieved in spite of unprecedented logistical challenges in the form of high freight rates, container shortages, etc.
 
However, APEDA has scripted a new history by exporting agricultural and processed food products to the tune of USD 25.6 billion, which is 51 per cent of the India’s total agriculture exports of USD 50 billion. 
 
 The historic achievement over past two years will go a long way in realising the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
 
The rise in export of agricultural and processed food products has been largely due to the various initiatives taken by APEDA such as organizing B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets through product specific and general marketing campaigns by active involvement of Indian Embassies.
 
'The visionary approach, aggressive and consistent efforts of APEDA have enabled India to position itself as a consistent and quality supplier of agri products,' Dr.M.Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.
 
 APEDA has also taken several initiatives to promote geographical indications (GI) registered agricultural and processed food products in India by organizing virtual Buyer Seller Meets on agricultural and food products with the major importing countries across the world.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
26 Apr, 2022 News Image Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh to inaugurate Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari Campaign tomorrow

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar will inaugurate the activities of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under ‘Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari' Campaign on 26.04.2022. The Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari Campaign  is being organized from 25th - 30th April, 2022 under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with other Ministries will organize activities for creating awareness and publicity among large number of farmers across the country about the schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and other allied  Ministries namely Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Cooperation.

As a part of ‘Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari’ Campaign, on 26.04.2022, a day long Kisan Mela will be organized at all Krishi Vigyan Kendras(KVKs) across the country in association with Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). During the course of day long Kisan Mela, schemes related information both Central Government and State Government would be disseminated among the farmers. Felicitation of Progressive and innovative farmers, field exhibitions on Natural Farming for small and medium farmers, women farmers and FPOs, Farmers-Scientist Interaction etc. would be conducted. Various Divisions of DA&FW like Integrated Nutrient Management, Crop Division, RKVY, Agricultural Marketing, Horticulture, National Horticulture Mission will organize their activities during the campaign on 26.04.2022. 

During the week long campaign, Union Agriculture Minister will also launch country wide workshop on crop insurance organised by common service centre (CSC). A Discourse on agro ecological and livestock practices would be held under DAY-NRLM along with Ministry of Rural Development. During the week a webinar on  One District One Product (ODOP) would be held by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Food Processing Industries. A National Atma Nirbhar Bharat Conclave of 75 selected farmers and entrepreneurs would also be held.

More than 1 crore farmers and stakeholders are expected to participate in the said campaign through direct (offline) and virtual (online) medium across the country.


 Source:  pib.gov.in
26 Apr, 2022 News Image India, EU agree to launch Trade and Technology Council to push strategic ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council at their meeting here.
 
This strategic coordination mechanism will allow both partners to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology and security, and thus deepen cooperation in these fields between the EU and India, according to a statement by the EU.
 
Both sides agreed that rapid changes in the geopolitical environment highlight the need for joint in-depth strategic engagement. The Trade and Technology Council will provide the political steer and the necessary structure to operationalise political decisions, coordinate technical work, and report to the political level to ensure implementation and follow-up in areas that are important for the sustainable progress of European and Indian economies, according to the statement.
 
 
The decision to set up a Trade and Technology Council will be the first for India with any of its partners and second for the European Union following the first one it has set up with the US. Establishing the EU-India Trade and Technology Council is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for the benefit of all peoples in the EU and India.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
26 Apr, 2022 News Image Secretary, DPIIT urges National Startup Awardees to adopt one district individually and contribute to its holistic development
Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Anurag Jain has urged the National Startup Awardees to adopt one district individually and contribute to its holistic development. Delivering the keynote address during the launch of Handholding Support of National Startup Award 2021, Shri Jain urged all stakeholders, winners, and finalists of the Awards to stay connected to the roots and contribute back to the society and the Nation. Stating that a Holistic Ecosystem support is the key for Startups success in India, he asked the pioneers to handhold Next Gen Startups in their growth journey.
 
The Results of the National Startup Awards 2021 were released by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on 15th January 2022 virtually.
 
A total of 2177 applications were received from Startups across the 49 sub-sectors along with applications from 53 incubators and 6 accelerators for the ecosystem enablers categories. A total of 46 Startups across sectors and special categories along with one incubator and one accelerator were recognized as the winners of National Startup Awards 2021.
 
Reflecting past efforts, this year for the second edition of National Startup Awards, DPIIT has put together 7 tracks that are more inclusive and exhaustive. The 7 pillars are:
 
    1. Investor Connect: The pillar would focus on facilitating funding and investor connects.
 
    2.Mentorship: Under this pillar, curated mentorship programs for startups will be organised. The pillar would contain one-to-one mentorship sessions, masterclasses & classroom sessions.
 
   3.Government Connect: The pillar would focus on enhancing Government procurement for startups. Startup will be provided with an opportunity to present their innovations to various               ministries under 'Startups for Public Service Workshop'.
 
   4.Unicorn Engagement: This is a new pillar which has been introduced for this year cohort. Under this pillar Startups will get a chance to work closely with Unicorns. Exercises such as              transformational workshops, pitch-to-unicorns and strategic alliances will be conducted.
 
   5.Capacity Development and Startup India Benefits: This pillar would contain sensitization workshops on Startup India benefits and regulatory masterclasses to improve the regulatory            environment.
 
    6. Market Access: Under the Market Access pillar, startups will get a chance to work with various industry enablers and Indian missions abroad to scale up their startups.
 
   7.Brand Showcase: This pillar would help Startups in building their brands by conducting workshops on storytelling & marketing. This pillar would also help build visibility of startups              through blogs and social media channels and focused episodes will cover winners of National Startup Awards 2021 on 'Doordarshan Startup Champions 2.0' (A TV show being telecasted           in both Hindi and English across Doordarshan network channels).
 
Today’s launch programme was attended by several C – Suite industry and ecosystem enablers, startup unicorns, senior Government officials from SIDBI, GeM, Doordarshan, international missions such as JETRO, Embassy of Japan among others, who offered exclusive offerings to support the National Startup Awardees. Additionally, winners and finalists of National Startup Awards 2021 joined the launch programme virtually to understand the engagement plan prepared for them in the way ahead.
 
The launch of the handholding support was highly appreciated by the cohort of the National Startup Awardees 2021.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
26 Apr, 2022 News Image In Charts: China is India's third-largest export market
India imported $5 billion less from China in fiscal 2020 than in financial year 2021 and further $48 million lower in FY21 However, in FY22 imports from China increased significantly by $19 billion, reflecting the pandemic induced uncertainties. But the good thing is that the share of China in total merchandise imports has moderated to 15.5 percent currently, noted SBI Research in a report.
 
However, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for India’s overall imports between FY97 and FY21 is 11.1 % while that for imports from China is 20.8%, which is almost double, making China India's third biggest importer.
 
While India’s service exports of telecommunications, computer, and information services far outpace China, the latter is rapidly catching up and India needs to buckle up in these areas, noted the SBI report.
 
However, India does have a comparative advantage in certain goods where China doesn’t. This includes select chemicals, minerals, stone and glass, animals and vegetables. But China has an advantage in many goods where India has advantage too such as footwear, hides and skins, metals, textiles and clothing.
"India might consider restrictions on certain products in which it has a revealed comparative advantage over China. This will provide support to MSMEs," said Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser at State Bank of India.
 
Moreover, India is pushing for fresh free trade agreements and trade concessions with major economies and regional blocs in a bid to boost export-oriented domestic manufacturing as it chases an ambitious export target of $450-500 billion in FY23.
 
The prime objective of an FTP is to facilitate trade by reducing transaction cost and time. It aims to work with state governments to implement ‘District Export Hubs’ that will work towards achieving the export goals of each state.

 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com
25 Apr, 2022 News Image FSSAI removes 28 FoSTaC trg partners from panel for not conducting trg
The food authority has removed 28 FoSTaC training partners from the panel for not conducting any training since their empanelment. These training partners were requested to conduct at least 10 such training under the FoSTaC within 3 months from Jan 15, 2022.
 
The 28 training partners de-empanelled include 1. Burger King India Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra 2. Prabhodita Services India Pvt Ltd, Karnataka 3. Food Safety Solutions International, Kerala 4. Mind Genius Education Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra 5. Nalanda Educational Society, Telangana 6. ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Telangana 7. Samudayik Vikas Samiti, Uttar Pradesh 8. Department of Food Science and Technology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab 9. Halal Asia Services LLP, Tamilnadu 10. Karuppiah Pillai Theivanai Ammal Educational Trust, Tamilnadu 11. Health Foods & Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), Maharashtra 12. EDUJOIN Training Foundation, New Delhi 13. National Institute of Education and Development, New Delhi 14. Manav Vikas Sanstha, Rajasthan 15. Anant Learning and Development Pvt Ltd, New Delhi 16. Ecolab Food Safety and Hygiene Solutions Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra 17. S.P. Mandali's Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Maharashtra 18. Excellent Bio Research Solutions Pvt Ltd, Madhya Pradesh 19. Global SME DevNet Private Limited, Maharashtra 20. All India Institute of Local Self Government, Maharashtra 21. Alqama Education and Welfare Society, Maharashtra 22. SukShan Consultancy, New Delhi 23. Rojavanam College of Higher Education, New Delhi 24. AMK, Tamilnadu 25. Universal Health Foundation, New Delhi 26. Yum Restaurants India Private Ltd, Haryana 27. Chitransh Corion Marketing Pvt Ltd, Bihar and 28. Social Development for Communities Foundation, Uttarakhand.
 
In this regard, a statement by FSSAI says that it was noticed that during 3 months' period none of the 28 training partners conducted any training programme, except Nalanda Educational Society, Telangana and Food Safety Solutions International, Kerala, which have conducted only one training.
 
'All the 28 TPs are, therefore, de-empanelled as FoSTaC TP with immediate effect,' reads the statement.
 
According to the FSSAI, FoSTaC is a participatory programme of training and capacity building, designed to enhance public awareness while simultaneously training food handlers across the value chain. Its success would rest on forging of partnerships amongst all stakeholders, since food safety has to be a shared responsibility.

 Source:  www.fnbnews.com
25 Apr, 2022 News Image Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari' to be organized from 25th April to 30th April 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is organizing the 'Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari’ campaign from 25th to 30th April, 2022 under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' in association of various other Ministries/ Departments of Government of India. During the campaign, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will organize countrywide programs at regional level for farmers.
 
The Department of Agriculture Research and Education would be organising a Krishi Mela at each Krishi Vigyan Kendra and field exhibition on natural farming. Union Agriculture Minister would be launching country wide workshop on crop insurance organised by common service centre (CSC).
 
A Discourse on agro ecological and livestock practices would be held under DAY-NRLM along with Ministry of Rural Development. During the week a webinar on  One District One Product (ODOP) would be held by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Food Processing Industries. A National Atma Nirbhar Bharat Conclave of 75 selected farmers and entrepreneurs would also be held.
 
During the week Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will organise One District One Product based workshop, webinar and awareness programmes about various schemes of the Departments.
 
More than 1 crore farmers and stakeholders are expected to participate in the said campaign through direct (offline) and virtual (online) medium across the country.
 
The following milestones of agriculture development in 75 years of Indian Independence will be highlighted during the said campaign:
 
· Green Revolution: Self-sufficiency in food grain production;
 
· Largest producer of horticulture crops – Ginger, Banana, Mango & Papaya;
 
· Yellow Revolution (Operation Golden Flow);
 
· Sweet Revolution: Honey Production;
 
· Improvement in crop irrigation;
 
· Use of ICT in agriculture;
 
· Application of remote sensing/ GIS/Drones in agriculture;
 
· Application of Bio-technology in Agriculture;
 
· Success of Watershed Development Progarmme;
 
· Self-sufficiency in seeds and fertilizer;
 
· Advancement in farm mechanization;
 
· Soil Health Management (INM)
 
· Effective management of pests (IPM);
 
Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari Campaign will highlight the activities & achievements under various flagship schemes of Government of India, namely:
 
· Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi;
 
· Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana;
 
· Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Per Drop More Crop;
 
· Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana;
 
· Kisan Credit Card;
 
· Agriculture Credit;
 
· e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM);
 
· Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs);
 
· Soil Health Card;
 
· Organic and Natural Farming;
 
· Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine;
 
· Bee-keeping;
 
· Farm Mechanization;
 
· National Food Security Mission;
 
· Seed and Planting Material;
 
· Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture;
 
· Extension Reforms (ATMA);
 
· RKVY – RAFTAAR - Agri Start-ups;

 Source:  pib.gov.in
25 Apr, 2022 News Image Liquor tariffs on the table as new round of UK FTA talks begins
The third round of India-UK free trade agreement talks starts on Monday in New Delhi with a focus on resolving key issues, notably the demands that India cut its tariff on alcoholic beverages and processed food, and the UK allow more Indian professionals to live and work in that country.
 
The third round of India-UK free trade agreement talks starts on Monday in New Delhi with a focus on resolving key issues, notably the demands that India cut its tariff on alcoholic beverages and processed food, and the UK allow more Indian professionals to live and work in that country.
 
India and the UK have covered significant ground in the last two rounds, with the UK agreeing to eliminate duty on Indian rice and textile goods, while India is set to allow the duty-free entry of British apples, medical devices, and machinery, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
 
During his two-day India visit last week, British prime minister Boris Johnson said the deal could double India-UK bilateral trade to about $100 billion by 2030. The interim or early harvest agreement pact aims to cover 65% of goods and up to 40% of services, with the coverage in goods expected to go up to 90% in the full agreement.
 
 
Consensus has also been reached on mutual recognition of higher education qualifications, another person aware of the development said. During the two rounds of the trade negotiations that began in January this year, India and the UK have managed to close four out of 26 chapters in the FTA.
 
Queries to the ministry of commerce and industry and the British high commission in New Delhi remained unanswered till press time.
 
'India is looking to get greater access for its professionals in the services sector in the UK. India has some ambitions under the movement of natural persons. We are looking for movement of professionals such as nurses and other professions for delivery of service,' the official said.
 
Johnson has already expressed his support for more visas for skilled Indians, stating that the UK currently faces a shortage of experts in information technology and programming sectors.
 
 
 
'The UK is a services-driven economy, and India also has a good amount of interest in services. Both countries already have discussed…nurses, seafarers …recognition in the certificate of competency so once an eligibility criterion is aligned, they can go and work temporarily,' the official added.
 
Arpita Mukherjee, an economist at think tank ICRIER, said sectors like alcoholic beverages, dairy, processed food, fishery, meat, livestock genetics and animal feed and nutrition are likely to be discussed while under non-agricultural market access, engineering products, aerospace components, automobiles, and auto parts are some interest areas for the UK.
 
'The FTA should have a provision for reduction in tariffs on bulk imports and intermediate goods to support Make in India and value addition in India. In services, the discussion should go beyond Mode 4 to remove other impediments to trade, especially those related to Modes 1 and 2,' Mukherjee said. Mode 4 refers to the presence of a citizen of a country in the territory of another.
 
People aware of the development said visas are a sensitive issue for the UK, as was shown by Brexit.
 
'Brexit was based on the immigration issue. They have had bad experiences. The UK has developed a points-based visa system to attract talent. That aspect of the visa is certainly open,' another person aware of the development said. Explaining the role of Brexit on the India-UK FTA, another official said that new opportunities have emerged after Brexit.
 
'There was a huge amount of complementarities in both economies. But the UK was not an independent member, and therefore there was a lot of untapped potential for a trade deal. For instance, the UK is one of the largest investors in India. Many students choose the UK for higher studies. A huge Indian diaspora is present,' the official added.
 
 
The India-UK FTA deal is set to give a boost to the domestic textile sectors. Exporters said the UK is among the most important markets for them. India was in a disadvantageous position as it had lost duty-free access in several countries and was facing stiff competition from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
 
A sticky issue in the third round of talks is expected to be the demand for a cut in India’s 150% tariff on Scotch whisky.
 
'UK asks for a three-year maturation for whiskies. We don’t mature to that extent due to the warmer climate. They should create a different category called Indian whisky, which is not ‘aged’ in view of the technical reason,' said Vinod Giri, director general, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies.

 Source:  www.livemint.com
25 Apr, 2022 News Image MP: Parboiled rice has export potential
BJD Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik has questioned Centre’s decision not to procure parboiled rice from the state despite its huge export potential.
 
In a letter to Union food minister Piyush Goyal, the MP said non-basmati rice, including parboiled rice, has been exported to 152 countries, the combined value of which is $2,307.39 million.
 
Patnaik said official data from the Centre revealed that approximately $3,000 million of non-basmati rice was exported every year from 2017-18 onwards until last year. In the last six seasons, export of parboiled rice has increased from 34.42 lakh MT in 2015-16 to 61.75 lakh MT in 2020-21, he added.
 
Since there is such a huge export potential, it is not understandable as to why the Centre and Food Corporation of India are refusing to procure the surplus parboiled rice from Odisha, which can also be fortified if required for export to other countries, claimed Patnaik.
 
The BJD has also raised the issue several times in Parliament while party MPs had in the past met the Union food minister over the issue.
 
Bhubaneswar: BJD Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik has questioned Centre’s decision not to procure parboiled rice from the state despite its huge export potential.
 
In a letter to Union food minister Piyush Goyal, the MP said non-basmati rice, including parboiled rice, has been exported to 152 countries, the combined value of which is $2,307.39 million.
Patnaik said official data from the Centre revealed that approximately $3,000 million of non-basmati rice was exported every year from 2017-18 onwards until last year. In the last six seasons, export of parboiled rice has increased from 34.42 lakh MT in 2015-16 to 61.75 lakh MT in 2020-21, he added.
 
Since there is such a huge export potential, it is not understandable as to why the Centre and Food Corporation of India are refusing to procure the surplus parboiled rice from Odisha, which can also be fortified if required for export to other countries, claimed Patnaik.
 
The BJD has also raised the issue several times in Parliament while party MPs had in the past met the Union food minister over the issue.

 Source:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com