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28 Jun, 2023 News Image

Very optimistic about FTA with India, says UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson.

An India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) is really important for both nations and it is for businesses on both sides to help drive that agenda, UK Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson said in London on Tuesday. Addressing a UK-India Infrastructure Summit hosted by the City of London Corporation as part of the India Global Forum UK-India Week, Johnson said he is 'very optimistic' about an FTA even as he declined to put a timeframe to it.

India and the UK recently concluded their tenth round of FTA negotiations and an 11th round is set to begin in the next few weeks towards a comprehensive agreement expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship worth an estimated 34 billion pounds in 2022.

'I'm very optimistic about a free trade deal with India,' said Johnson.

'It is hugely important for India if it wants to get the capital flows it needs to take itself to the next step, which is to become a global hyperpower economically. And it's very good for the UK if we're going to ensure that we've got the investment coming from India,' he said.

The minister went on to make a clarion call for representatives of business and industry gathered at the summit to be more vocal about voicing their support for such an FTA.

'It's really important for businesses to express their support for such a deal because it's about allowing businesses to function more effectively with greater profits, wealth and security for the world,' he said.

Describing the India-UK relationship as the 'most symbiotic partnership', the minister also backed a City of London suggestion for a new UK-India Green Finance Partnership to promote greater two-way green investment flows.

'I truly believe India has reached escape velocity as an economy. And, I truly believe that the UK is literally India's best friend, and the best placed country to take advantage of what is such a mutually beneficial long-term financial partnership,' he added.

Under the theme of 'Financing a Sustainable Future', the summit highlighted the immense scope and potential for investment in sustainable infrastructure development in India, and London's expertise in meeting India's growing demand for green finance.

'The UK, particularly the City of London, has excellent capabilities in structuring and funnelling finance where it is needed. The UK has demonstrated technological capabilities while India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining technology with financing would enhance the cooperation,' said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.

'I would argue that your interests are best served in aligning with us in making sure that the transformation of India happens in a way that does not replicate any of the faults of the past,' noted Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.

The summit, which forms part of a six-day series of events running until Friday as part of UK-India Week, opened with a keynote address by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyon.

'Sustainable infrastructure is critical for India's economic trajectory and to meet the needs of its fast-growing population, while fulfilling its ambition to reach net zero by 2070. With strong government backing and unparalleled global expertise in sustainable finance and infrastructure financing solutions, the City of London and the UK can help India to access one of the largest and diversified global capital pools on the best possible terms,' he said.

'As the fastest growing major economy in the world, and the most populous, India has huge aspirations and equally huge responsibilities. The rapid building of high quality sustainable physical and digital infrastructure will be critical to achieving India's growth trajectory, as well as balancing its net zero commitments,' added Manoj Ladwa of India Global Forum, organisers of UK-India Week.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

28 Jun, 2023 News Image

India ranks 3rd in Egg Production and 8th in meat production in the world: Shri Parshottam Rupala.

India has vast resource of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock forms an important livelihood activity, supplementing incomes, offering employment opportunities. Agriculture diversification through animal husbandry is one of the primary drivers of growth in rural incomes.

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala said while addressing media that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has taken several important initiatives during the last nine years for improvement of per animal productivity. Increase in productivity will help in production of more Milk, meat and livestock products for the domestic market and export market. Department is implementing several programs for complete control and eradication of major livestock diseases and Infrastructure Development. The Department is also dovetailing and synergizing efforts with other Ministries and stakeholders especially in the context of common objective of helping the farmers increase their income through the livestock sector.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying stands committed to work with all the stakeholders and will provide maximum support for delivering the Quality Services at Farmers’ Doorstep.

Key achievements and initiatives of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under various Schemes, Programmes are as follows:

Livestock Sector

Livestock Sector is an important subsector of agriculture in the Indian economy. It grew at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.93 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices). The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross v12:11:5027-06-2023alue added (GVA) (at constant prices) has increased from 24.38 per cent (2014-15) to 30.87 per cent (2020-21). Livestock sector contributed 6.2 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21.

Livestock Population

There are about 303.76 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun and yak), 74.26 million sheep, 148.88 million goats, 9.06 million pigs and about 851.81 million poultry as per 20th Livestock Census in the country.

Dairy Sector

Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5 per cent of the national economy and employing more than 8 crore farmers directly. India is ranked 1st in milk production contributing 23 percent of global milk production. Milk production has increased by 51.05% over the past 8 years from 146.3 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 221.06 million tonnes during 2021-22. Milk production is growing at the annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% over the past 8 years whereas world milk production is growing at 1.2% per annum. The per capita availability of milk is 444 grams per day in 2021-22 as against the world average of 394 grams per day during 2021.

Egg and Meat Production

According to Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) production data (2020), India ranks 3rd in Egg Production and 8th in meat production in the world. Egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 129.60 billion Nos. in 2021-22. Egg production in the country is growing at the rate (CAGR) of 7.4% per annum. The per capita availability of egg is at 95 eggs per annum in 2021-22. Meat production in the country has increased from 6.69 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 9.29 million tonnes in 2021-22.

Animal Husbandry and Dairying Schemes

RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION: For development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds

Major Achievements/Interventions of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme- Delivery of Artificial Insemination Services at Farmers Doorstep: As on date, 5.71 crore animals have been covered, 7.10 crore Artificial Insemination have been performed and 3.74 crore farmers benefitted under the programme.

Promotion of IVF Technology in the country: So far, 19248 viable embryos produced, 8661 viable embryos transferred and 1343 calves are born under the programme.

Sex sorted semen production: Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only female calves upto 90% accuracy. Under the programme, subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sorted semen on assured pregnancy is available to farmers.

DNA based Genomic selection: National Dairy Development Board has developed INDUSCHIP for selection of elite animals of indigenous breeds and 25000 animals have been genotyped using the chip for creating referral population. For the first time in the World, BUFFCHIP has been developed for genomic selection of buffaloes and so far, 8000 buffaloes have been genotyped for creating referral population.

Animal Identification and traceability: 53.5 crore animals (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs) are being identified and registered using polyurethane tags with 12 digit UID No.

Progeny testing and Pedigree selection: Progeny Testing Programme has been implemented for Gir, Shaiwal indigenous breed of cattle and Murrah, Mehsana indigenous breed of buffalo.

National Digital Livestock Mission: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India has taken up a digital mission, 'National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with NDDB. This will help in improving the productivity of the animals, control diseases that affect both animals and humans, ensure quality livestock and livestock both for domestic and export markets.

Breed Multiplication Farms: Subsidy of 50% (up to Rs 2 crore per farm) on capital cost (excluding land cost) is provided to private entrepreneurs under this scheme for establishment of breed multiplication farms. Till date, 76 applications has been approved by DAHD and an amount of Rs. 14.22 crore has been released to NDDB as subsidy.

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR DAIRY DEVELOPMENT: To create and strengthen infrastructure for quality milk including cold chain infrastructure linking the farmer to the consumer. 185 projects in 28 States and 2 Union Territory have been approved with the total cost of Rs. 3015.35 crore (Central Share Rs. 2297.25 crore) from 2014-15 to 2022-23 (20.06.2023). A total sum of Rs. 1769.29 crore has been released for implementation of new projects approved under the scheme up to 20.06.2023. An amount of Rs. 1314.42 crore has been utilized under the projects approved.

SUPPORTING DAIRY COOPERATIVES AND FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS ENGAGED IN DAIRY ACTIVITIES: To assist the Cooperative Societies and farmer producer organizations engaged in dairy activities by providing soft working capital loan to tide over the crisis on account of severely adverse market conditions or natural calamities. As on 30.04.2023, since 2020-21, NDDB has conveyed sanction of Interest Subvention amount of Rs 513.62 crore against working capital loan amount of Rs 37,008.89 Cr @ 2% p.a for 60 milk unions across the country and released Rs 373.30 Cr (Rs 201.45 Cr as regular interest subvention and Rs 171.85 Cr as additional interest subvention amount).

DAIRY PROCESSING & INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (DIDF): To create/ modernize the milk processing, chilling and value addition infrastructure towards components Milk processing, Chilling and Value added Products facilities, etc. Under DIDF, as on 31.05.2023, 37 projects are approved with total outlay of Rs. 6776.86 Crore and Rs. 2353.20 Crore loan has been disbursed against loan of Rs. 4575.73 Crore. An amount of Rs. 88.11 Crore has been released as interest subvention to NABARD.

NATIONAL LIVESTOCK MISSION: The focus of the scheme is towards employment generation, entrepreneurship development; increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool. Under National Livestock Mission, for the first time, the Central Government is providing direct 50% subsidies to the Individuals, SHGs, JLGs, FPOs, Section 8 Companies, FCOs to establish Poultry Farms with Hatcheries and brooder mother units, sheep and goat breed multiplication farm, piggery farm and feed and fodder units. Till date, 661 applications have been approved by DAHD and Rs 50.96 Crore has been released as subsidy to 236 beneficiaries.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND: For incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSME, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8 companies to establish (i) the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure, (ii) meat processing and value addition infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant.(iv) Breed improvement Technology and Breed Multiplications farms for Cattle/ Buffalo/Sheep/Goat/ Pig and technologically assisted Poultry farms. So far, 309 Projects sanctioned by banks with total project cost is Rs. 7867.65 crore and out of the total project cost Rs. 5137.09 crore is term loan. An amount of Rs. 58.55 Cr. has been released as Interest Subvention.

LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAMME: For prevention, control and containment of animal diseases of economic and zoonotic importance by vaccination. Till date, total number of animals ear tagged are nearly 25.04 crores. So far, 24.18 crore animals have been vaccinated in second round of FMD. Round III of FMD vaccination is going on and so far, 4.66 crore animals are vaccinated. So far, 2.19 crore animals have been vaccinated against Brucella. 1960 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) have been flagged off in 16 States/ UTs. Out of which, 1181 MVUs are operational in 10 States.

LIVESTOCK CENSUS & INTEGRATED SAMPLE SURVEY SCHEME:

Integrated Sample Survey:To bring out estimates of Major Livestock Products (MLP) such as Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool. The estimates are published in Annual Publication of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) of the Department. Recently, the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)-2022 for the period 2021-22 is published.

Livestock Census: To provide information on livestock population, species-wise and breed-wise along with age, sex-composition etc. up to household level in rural and urban areas. Recently, 20th Livestock Census has been completed in the year 2019 with the participation of Animal Husbandry Department of all the States/UTs. The All-India report namely '20th Livestock Census-2019' containing Species-wise and State-wise population of livestock has been published. In addition to the above, the Department has also Published Breed-wise report on Livestock and Poultry (based on 20th livestock Census).

KISAN CREDIT CARDS (KCC) FOR DAIRY FARMERS OF MILK COOPERATIVES AND MILK PRODUCER COMPANIES: So far, more than 27.65 lakh fresh KCCs were sanctioned for AHD Farmers.

Source: pib.gov.in

27 Jun, 2023 News Image

Demand for nutraceutical products drives growth in Indian market, projected to reach $18 bn by 2025.

A workshop on natural biopolymers has observed that the demand for nutraceutical products has increased in recent years resulting in a remarkable sector growth with a CAGR of 20 per cent over the past three years.

This trend is driven by increasing health awareness among the public and a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare. Projections indicate that the nutraceutical market in India will expand from an estimated $4 billion to an impressive $18 billion by the end of 2025, according to experts.

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute organised the workshop under the Scientific Social Responsibility policy. Experts also viewed the increasing demand for nutraceutical products as an indication of the need to utilise untapped natural resources.

CMFRI Director A Gopalakrishnan stressed the urgent need to explore marine organisms to unearth novel bioactive compounds capable of addressing unmet medical needs and propelling the frontiers of healthcare.

Medicinal uses

CMFRI’s nutraceutical products from the seaweeds to treat various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, hypertension, thyroid, etc. have received an overwhelming response from the public. He said that the institute will continue to explore the medicinal prospects of such marine organisms, adding that efforts are required to tap the immense potential of natural resources like marine organisms for the development of innovative pharmaceutical products.

The workshop aimed to share the latest information and technologies related to the isolation, characterisation and development of natural biopolymers with pharmaceutical applications, said Kajal Chakraborty, Principal Scientist and workshop coordinator.

The development of value-added products from marine organisms such as seaweeds will provide health benefits to consumers and create opportunities for the downstream value chain. Natural biopolymers such as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids hold great promise in the field of medicine, he added.

Source: thehindubusinessline.com

27 Jun, 2023 News Image

The removal of additional retaliatory duties for import of US apples will not result in any negative impact on domestic apple producers.

With the decision of resolution of six outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes between US and India through mutually agreed solutions as jointly communicated during the official state visit of the Prime Minister to the USA, India will remove additional duties on eight US products, including apples, leading to restoration of market access for Indian steel and aluminum exports to the US.

The decision will not result in any negative impact on domestic apple producers and will result in competition in premium market segment ensuring better quality at better prices for consumers.

After removal of this duty, the apples from the US would compete on level playing field with other countries.

The decision will ensure that only premium quality apples could be imported for which there exists a specific market segment and specific demand.

An additional 20% duty was imposed on US apples in 2019 in response to USA's measure to increase tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products. There is no reduction on Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty on apples which is still applicable on all imported apples including on USA at 50%.

The import of apples from the world has been stable in the range of US$ 239 – 305 million (except in 2021-22 when it was US$ 385 million) in the last five financial years since application of these additional duties on US apples. The import of apples from USA has decreased from US$ 145 million (127,908 Ton) in FY 2018-19 to only US$ 5.27 million (4,486 Ton) in FY 2022-23.

The market share of the US apples was taken by other countries due to imposition of additional retaliatory duty on US apples. This is reflected as the import of apples from countries other than the US increased from US$ 160 million in FY 2018-19 to US$ 290 million in FY 2022-23. Turkey, Italy, Chile, Iran and New Zealand are other top exporters to India of apples which took the market share of the US.

Further on 8 May 2023, DGFT vide notification 5/ 2023 made amendment in import policy for Apples under ITC (HS) 08081000 by applying MIP (Minimum Import Price) of Rs 50 per Kg for all countries except Bhutan. Therefore, this MIP will also be applicable on apples from US as well as other countries (excluding Bhutan), thus preventing any flooding and protecting domestic growers from predatory pricing.

After application of additional duty on US apples, its share in premium market segment was taken by countries like Turkey, Brazil, New Zealand, Italy, etc. as mentioned above.

Data pertaining to apple import is given below:

FY	Import from US (Value)	Import from USA (QTY)	Import from World (Value)	Import from World (QTY)	Import from other than US (QTY)	Import from other than US (Value)	MFN Duty (BCD+AIDC - as applicable)
22-23	5.27	4,486.48	295.94	373505.70	3,69,019.22	290.67	50
21-22	21.82	18,396.02	385.10	459251.84	4,40,855.82	363.28	50
20-21	34.60	34,288.73	239.59	262233.08	2,27,944.35	204.99	50
19-20	51.58	48,282.48	254.55	272435.28	2,24,152.80	202.97	50
18-19	145.20	1,27,908.23	pib.gov.in
27 Jun, 2023 South Africa's reliance on rice imports. South Africa relies heavily on imports for its rice requirements. Estimates indicate that South Africa imports 90% of its rice requirements. This exposes consumers to high prices in the event of global supply shocks, exchange rate fluctuations and outright export bans from major rice-producing countries as witnessed in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In recent months there has been an increase in global rice prices influenced by limited global rice supplies. This coupled with the weak rand is likely to result in higher rice prices for the South African consumer. Figure 1 below, shows the evolution of domestic rice prices between January 2008 to April 2023. As shown in Figure 1 below, domestic rice prices were fairly constant until 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prices have ever since moderated but still remain higher than the pre-pandemic levels. The rice price per kilogramme (kg) was R27.47 in April 2023. As shown in Figure 2 below, the rice price per kg in April 2023 was 1.2%, 5.6% and 13.7% higher compared to a month ago, six months ago and a year ago, respectively. According to data from TradeMap ITC, South Africa imported approximately 1.1 million tonnes of rice to the value of R7.8 billion in 2022. Figure 2 below, shows the trends in South Africa’s rice imports by volume and by value from 2003 to 2022. During this period, South Africa’s rice imports by volume increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 1.3% compared to a CAGR of 10.3% by value. Figure 4 below, shows that South Africa’s leading sources of rice imports in 2022 were Thailand (76.5%), India (19.1%), Pakistan (1.8%), Viet Nam, (0.8%) and China (0.5%), amongst others. Rice is a summer crop mostly grown in paddy conditions. Small quantities of rice are currently grown in South Africa. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rice Explorer shows that rice production in South Africa is mostly in KwaZulu-Natal (43%), the Free State (34%) and Limpopo (19%). The long-held view has been that rice is a water-intensive crop and it cannot be grown commercially because of water scarcity in South Africa. However, there is scientific evidence that suggests that there are dryland rice varieties that give good yields that can be grown commercially in South Africa. Here lies the potential for upscaling the existing and new rice farmers through technical support, finance and the development of a domestic rice value chain. This has the potential to create employment along the rice value chain from the farm to the retail. Importantly, this import substitution strategy is likely to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality. In addition, consumers are likely to be insulated from the fluctuations in global trade policies and consequently the resultant high prices. Source: bizcommunity.com
27 Jun, 2023 India backs exceeding WTO farm sops limit. India has said the existing global trade rules do not adequately address market failures such as food hoarding and market speculation that drive up food prices and inflation during crises. At a meeting of the Committee on Agriculture last week, India agreed with the 44-member African Group, which proposed to provide flexibilities to developing countries facing food insecurity crises to subsidise farmers beyond the minimal amount of subsidies allowed at the World Trade Organization (WTO), called ‘de minimis’ in trade parlance. 'India agreed that providing some flexibility to developing countries to exceed de minimis limits could be useful during a food insecurity crisis,' said a Geneva-based official, who did not wish to be identified. The de minimis level for India and developing countries is 10% of value of food production and 5% for developed countries. 'India also reiterated its stance on reducing aggregate measurement support beyond de minimis – which, at present, only 32 members are entitled to – before addressing other types of support,' said the official. India, China and South Africa, along with five others, emphasised the urgency of starting text-based negotiations on the need to find a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security as soon as possible due to the limited time remaining before MC13, which is to be held next year. The proposal, now supported by two-thirds of WTO members, should serve as the basis for negotiation, they argued and asked those opposing the proposal to refrain from repeating old questions. As per the proposal, a permanent solution for public stockholding should account for inflation and also be based on a recent reference price instead of an old one, which is based on 1986-88 prices. India’s representative cited the country’s successful efforts to eliminate hunger domestically and provide food assistance to other countries such as Sri Lanka during the food crisis, as per the official. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
27 Jun, 2023 Banarasi Langda mangoes set to reach Sharjah with GI tag. Banarasi Langda mango with new GI tag, a product of Purvanchal soil, will fly directly from Kashi to UAE's Sharjah for which the Uttar Pradesh government has built a pack house in Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off a perishable food product prepared according to international standards and send it abroad for the first time. 'The government is working to remove middlemen from among farmer entrepreneurs and make them exporters. Due to this, the income of the farmers will be doubled. For this, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is making continuous efforts,' an official statement said on Saturday. There will be single window clearance for export from the pack house. Perishable food products will be prepared here according to international standards and the equipment engaged in integrated pack house for food and vegetable export are indigenous. 'The pack house is accredited by APEDA for export as per international standards,' it added. Vegetables and fruits of Purvanchal will now be exported directly from the pack house of Varanasi. The integrated pack house is well-equipped to handle exports by sea, land and air. Pack house has been completed in about 4461 square feet area at a cost of 15.78 crores. Here farmer entrepreneurs will also be given training to prepare products according to the demand of the international market. This will be the third integrated pack house in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi after Saharanpur in Lucknow. APEDA's Deputy General Manager Dr CB Singh said that for the first time flagged off by the Chief Minister from the pack house, 4 to 5 metric tonnes of Banarasi Langra mangoes will go to Sharjah from Varanasi Airport. '30 to 35 metric tonnes of green chillies will be sent to Dubai and Doha via Mumbai via a 40 feet reefer container by a water vessel. Apart from this, preparations are on to send other products including okra,' he added. Notably, the most important work of the pack house is to prepare the product according to international standards and as the different countries have different demands, the pack house works to meet their demand. APEDA is active for export to double the income of farmers in Purvanchal. 'Fruits and vegetables have to go through many processes in the Integrated Pack House to prepare the product of international standard. Due to this, their freshness, taste and other properties remain intact. Special care is taken that these products do not contain pests or any kind of disease. The equipment engaged in Integrated Pack House for Food and Vegetable Export is indigenous. Especially, Banarasi Langda mangoes have to go through vapour heat and hot water treatment process, only then the Langda mangoes will be able to be sent abroad,' CB Singh said. Source: aninews.in
27 Jun, 2023 Southern states approach Telangana for rice supplies. Telangana, which has emerged as a rice granary over the last few years, is getting enquiries for rice supplies from its southern neighbours - Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The newly-formed Congress government in Karnataka has approached the Telangana government, for supply of over 2 lakh tonnes of rice. It needs rice for the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme promised in the recent Assembly elections. Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy told a select group of reporters at a farmer producer organisations conclave that Karnataka’s has approached the state and 'it is under Government consideration'. A State government source pegged Karnataka’s monthly requirement for the scheme at two lakh tonnes. The Tamil Nadu Government has also approached the Telangana Government, seeking supply of three lakh tonnes. It has said it is willing to partly take parboiled rice from the state. Surge in paddy output Paddy production in the State increased by four times to 26 million tonnes (16 mt) in 2022-23, from 6.8 mt (40 mt of rice) in 2014-15, when the State was carved out of Andhra Pradesh. During the period, the area under paddy has increased four times to 12.1 million acres (4.9 million hectares; aggregate of the kharif and rabi seasons) from 1.4 million hectares. In the just concluded rabi season, the State procured 6.6 mt of paddy from farmers. ‘Buy more parboiled’ Meanwhile, the State continues to face problems with parboiled rice, forcing it to approach the Centre. On Saturday, the Telangana Industries Minister, K. T. Rama Rao, met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, and urged him to procure at least 20 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice from the State. 'We grew paddy on 2.3 million hectares in the rabi season, which is 50 per cent of the country’s paddy area in the season,' he said. He told the Union Minister that the paddy grown in the rabi season is not conducive for milling for delivery of raw rice, within the stipulated broken-rice limit of less than 25 per cent. The Centre earlier made it clear that it will not be able to procure parboiled rice from the State, citing huge carry-over stocks and a cold response from consumers. It, however, assured that it would procure raw rice. Telangana said the State would have to face a heavy financial burden if the Centre insists on lifting only raw rice. 'You have agreed to procure 10 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice (which is about 15 lakh tonnes of paddy). This would leave us with 51 lakh tonnes of paddy (or 34 lakh tonnes of rice) to be milled for producing raw rice (which will be delivered to the Food Corporation of India),' Rao said. Financial implications Pegging the cost of delivery of one lakh tonnes of raw rice at Rs.42 crore, he said it would cost Rs.1,441 crore to deliver the remaining 34 lakh tonnes of raw rice. Source: thehindubusinessline.com
27 Jun, 2023 FSSAI directs laboratories to strengthen testing infrastructure for organic products. The Government has decided to promote organic products in India by encouraging and strengthening cooperative societies. The success of this depends on reliable testing to ensure the authenticity of the organic products. Therefore, all food testing laboratories need to optimize their facilities and procedures to handle organic testing efficiently and accurately. FSSAI has directed notified laboratories under sections 43(1) and 43(2) of the FSS Act 2006 for Organic testing to review their current capabilities and take the necessary steps to enhance the infrastructure and scope of the testing for organic products. All the testing facilities to make an application to APEDA for recognition of the laboratory for testing organic products. FSSAI has also asked them to apply to the National Referral Laboratory of APEDA for participation in proficiency testing as a pre-requisite to qualify for pre-export testing of organic products. Source: foodtechbiz.com
27 Jun, 2023 India, Australia may conclude talks for comprehensive trade deal by Dec. India and Australia plan to conclude negotiations for a comprehensive trade pact by December, a year after implementing the interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), according to people aware of the matter. When the ECTA was signed last year, it was decided that the larger idea would be to use the foundation of the interim deal to resume negotiations on the more ambitious trade deal or the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The new deal will include discussions on deeper market access and outcomes in five areas, including digital trade, goods, services, rules of origin, and government procurement and cooperation. That apart, a broader trade agreement between India and Australia may include 15 new areas, such as competition policy for small businesses, gender, innovation, agri-tech, critical minerals, sports, and are currently under discussion. Both sides have had three rounds of negotiations. The fourth round is scheduled for next month. The deal with Australia is crucial since it is among the first developed nations to finalise a trade pact with India. Under the ECTA, Australia has agreed to eliminate Customs duty immediately on 98.3 per cent of traded goods and on 100 per cent tariff lines over a period of five years. India, on the other hand, will do away with Customs duties on 40 per cent of products immediately and on 70.3 per cent of tariff lines over a period of 10 years. During FY23, Australia was India’s 13th largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade at $25.96 billion. India exported goods worth $6.95 billion, while imported goods worth $19.01 billion during the same time period. Source: business-standard.com
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