In a landmark achievement, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s premier container port handled 5.68 Million TEUs during FY 2021-22 against 4.68 Million TEUs in 2020-21, a 21.55% increase. This performance is the highest ever at Jawaharlal Nehru Port for any financial year compared to 5.13TEUs in 2018-19.

 

The total traffic handled at JNPA during the April-2021 to March-2022 of the FY 2021-22 is 76 million tonnes, which is 17.26% higher as against 64.81 million tonnes for the same period of last year.

 

In terms of TEUs, out of the total container traffic handled at JNPA during FY 2021-22, 1,244,694 TEUs were handled at BMCT(Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited); 1,186,181 TEUs at NSIGT(Nhava Sheva International Gateway Terminal); 1,865,587 TEUs at APMT; 947,887 TEUs at NSICT(Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal)  and 440,210 TEUs at JNPCT(Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal ) . During FY 2021-22, JNPA handled 6,278 container rakes and 1,007,667 TEUs as compared to 6,092 rakes and 921,512 TEUs in previous year. Also, during FY 2021-22 two container terminals i.e. NSIGT and BMCT crossed 1 Million TEUs mark for first time by handling 1.186 Million TEUs and 1.245 Million TEUs, registering annual growth of 52.12% & 33.39% respectively.

 

On JNPA’s outstanding performance and new benchmark, Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA, said, 'JNPA’s exceptional performance of handling 5.68 Million TEUs during FY 2021-22 is a token of port’s consistent efforts and commitment to providing best services to our clients and stakeholders. I would like to congratulate all the employees and stakeholders for their constant support in achieving these remarkable achievements. JNPA is committed to its role in maintaining the nation’s economic growth trajectory.' The new benchmark set by JNPA portrays the port’s substantial progress in the Exim trade, maritime, and port sectors. JNPA ensures to consistently enhance its operational efficiency by maintaining global standards and serving as the port of choice for the world.

 

About JNPA:

 

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at Navi Mumbai is one of the premier container handling ports in India. Commissioned on 26th May 1989, in less than three decades of its operations, JNPA has transformed from a bulk-cargo terminal to become the premier container port in the country.

 

Currently JNPA operates five container terminals: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT), the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), the Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd. (GTIPL), Nhava Sheva International Gateway Terminal (NSIGT) and the newly commissioned Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited (BMCTPL). The Port also has a Shallow Water Berth for general cargo and another Liquid Cargo Terminal which is managed by BPCL-IOCL consortium and newly constructed coastal berth.

 

 

The Government is implementing National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which is the overarching policy framework for climate action in the country. In line with the NAPCC, many schemes and programs have been launched to scale up India’s action on both, the adaptation and mitigation. Financial assistance is also provided by the Ministry to various institutions/research organization for R & D activities including for developing green/low carbon foot print technologies for food processing sector.

 

Besides supporting setting up of modern food processing infrastructure in the country through its schemes, the Ministry is undertaking price stabilizationmeasures for perishable fruits and vegetables through financial support at the rate of 50% of expenses on transportation and storage for evacuation of surplus production crops from the producing area to the consumption centers during glut situations, under the Operation Greens scheme. 

 

Further, regulatory and policy reforms have been undertaken to ensure conducive environment to the food processing investors, including those engaged in exports. These measures include shifting from product approval regime to an ingredient based approval system, putting in place an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) under the Cabinet Secretary and Project Development Cells in the Ministries; streamlining proposal approval and Grants disbursal process through on-line portal, etc.

 

This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today

The Union Agriculture Ministry is likely to consider this week the expert panel’s recommendations on the proposed ban on 27 pesticides. However, industry experts doubt if there will be any immediate decision, following change of officials in the ministry.

 

Sources said that the Agriculture Ministry may hold an inter-ministerial discussion on the proposed ban with regard to the Rajendran committee report.

 

The government had published a draft notification in May 2020 inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders with regard to prohibition of 27 pesticides-- acephate, atrazine, benfuracarb, butachlor, captan, carbendazin, carbofuran, chlorpyriphos, deltamethrin, dicofol, dimethoate, dinocap, diuron, malathion, mancozeb, methimyl, monocrotophos, oxyfluorfen, pendimethalin, quninalphos, sulfosulfuron, thiodicarb, thiophante methyl, thiram, zineb and ziram.

 

Expert committee

 

However, on the request of stakeholders and intervention by Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, the timeline of receiving objections and suggestions was increased to 90 days from 45 days. Later in January 2021, the ministry set up an expert committee under T P Rajendran, a former assistant director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), to consider the objections and suggestions taking into consideration all aspects related to safety, toxicity, efficacy, updated status of submission of required study and data, technical and scientific requirements, availability of safer substitutes, farmers interests and ban status in other countries.

 

Though the committee was asked to submit its report in three months, it is learnt that the ministry received the report in November 2021. The proposed ban on 27 pesticides is part of a move to phase out 66 contentious pesticides for their toxicity. The government had refused registration for 18 of them.

 

Farmers may have to shell out more

 

Industry sources said that the current production value of these 27 pesticides is about Rs10,300 crore, out of which Rs6,000 crore (or 58 per cent) worth items get exported. 'If domestic sales (export may be exempted) of these pesticides are banned, the farmers may have to pay additional Rs2,000 crore to get imported alternatives,' an industry official said As the new agriculture secretary has assumed charge last week, he may take time to study the issue, an industry source said.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture has so far banned or phased out 46 pesticides and four pesticide formulations for import, manufacture or sale in the country. In addition, eight pesticides registrations have been withdrawn, five pesticides banned for domestic use but export their allowed and nine pesticides have been placed under restricted use.

The Government consulted an Inter-ministerial Committee in April, 2016 to examine issues relating to 'Doubling farmers Income' and recommend strategies to achieve the same. The Committee submitted its report to the Government in September, 2018 containing the strategy for doubling of farmers’ income by the year 2022. The Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) recognizes agriculture as a value led enterprise and has identified seven major sources of growth viz., (i) Increase in crop productivity; (II) Increase in livestock productivity; (III) Resource use efficiency or savings in the cost of production; (IV) Increase in the cropping intensity; (V) Diversification towards high value crops; (VI) improvement in real prices received by farmers; and (VII) Shift from farm to non-farm occupations. After acceptance of the DFI Committee recommendations, the Government has consulted an ‘Empowered Body’ to review and monitor the progress.

 

The Government of India is recommending soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (manure, biofertilizers green manuring, in-situ crop residue recycling etc.) of plant nutrients with 4Rs approach i.e right quantity, right time, right mode and right type of fertilizer for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and to reduce use of chemical fertilizers. In addition, split application, use of slow releasing fertilizers including neem coated urea and growing leguminous crops are also advocated and use of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) are also advocated. INM is being promoted through implementation of Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme since 2015. Soil health card provides nutrient status of the soil along with prescription about balanced and integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers to maintain good soil health that results in increase in production. Demonstrations about balanced use of fertilizers based on soil health card recommendations and training to the farmers on proper and integrated use of fertilizers are integral part of the scheme.  Financial assistance is provided to State governments for   training of farmers, demonstrations on farmer fields and organizing farmer melas. The steps are being taken to improve the quality of soil under National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility are given below: 

 

Government has been implementing Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme under National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility since 2015 to provide soil test based fertilizer use recommendations periodically to the farmers in the country. Soil health card provides nutrient status of the soil along with prescription about balanced and integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers to maintain good soil health.

 

Demonstrations about balanced use of fertilizers based on soil health card recommendations and training to the farmers on proper and integrated use of fertilizers are integral part of the scheme. Financial assistance is provided to State governments for training of farmers, demonstrations on farmer fields and organizing farmer melas.

 

Since 2015, around 6.45 lakh demonstrations, 93781 farmer’s trainings and 7425 farmers melas are organized/conducted under the programme.

 

Under Soil Health Management scheme financial assistance to states is provided for promotion of micro-nutrients @ Rs 500 per hectare. Since 2015, financial assistance for promotion of micro-nutrients to 10.29 lakh hectare has been provided to states.

 

The Government of India assesses the requirement of fertilizers before each cropping season i. e Kharif and Rabi during the Zonal Conference on Agricultural Inputs. The Department of Fertilizers on that basis issues the supply plan and ensure the availability of fertilizers through domestic production and imports

 

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar today inaugurated the online training program for master trainers on natural farming, organized by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tomar said that MANAGE has been entrusted with the task of organizing 750 awareness programs for 30 thousand village heads in the country from April to August as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Shri Tomar said that the natural farming method is very beneficial for farmers.

 

Union Minister Shri Tomar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken the initiative to promote traditional natural farming in the country. Keeping in mind the importance of natural farming, a national conference on natural farming was organized in Gujarat on 16th December, 2021 under the leadership of the Prime Minister, in which lakhs of farmers participated. Natural farming is a promising means of reducing the dependence of farmers on external inputs, reducing the cost of cultivation and increasing the income of the farmers. The Government is promoting the Indian Natural Farming System (BPKP) as a sub-scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to promote traditional indigenous practices. In the coming days, trained master trainers will organize 750 awareness programs for 30,000 village heads across the country and help in taking forward the initiative of natural farming in their respective states. 4.09 lakh hectare area is covered under natural farming. An announcement has also been made in the budget for the year 2022-23 to promote natural farming. A committee has been formed to include courses on natural farming in universities in the states.

 

Shri Tomar said that earlier there was a period in the country when there was a shortage of food grains, then research and chemicals were used to increase production, but it was needed then, today India is in a very good position in terms of agricultural production and export. The central government is making a lot of efforts and helping the farmers to move forward through various schemes. 'The government wants that we should not depend on imports, but our expertise in exports should continue to grow. With increase in the natural farming method, the use of animals including cow will increase, which will benefit the farmers.' He said. The Minister further said that the government has taken an initiative to integrate agriculture with modern technologies, in which cooperation of the states is needed. New Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are being formed in each block by spending Rs. 6865 Cr. A total of Ten thousand FPOs will be formed. Through these, the knowledge of farmers will increase, they will be able to use new technologies, they will be attracted to expensive crops and the quality of the produce will increase, which will increase their income. He requested all the master trainers to dedicate their lives to taking forward the important initiative of the government on natural farming in various ways.

 

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary and Ms. Shobha Karandlaje were also present on the occasion. In the beginning, Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, Joint Secretary Shri Priya Ranjan and Director General of MANAGE Dr. P. Chandrashekhar also addressed the session. Online training will be given by MANAGE to two hundred fifteen master trainers on the subject of introduction-principle and practice of natural farming, which will be completed before 15th August.

India achieved an all-time high annual merchandise exports of USD 417.81 billion in FY 2021-22, an increase of 43.18% over USD 291.81 billion in FY2020-21 and an increase of 33.33% over USD 313.36 billion in FY2019-20.

 

For the first time, India’s monthly merchandise exports exceeded USD 40 Billion, reaching USD 40.38 billion in March 2022, an increase of 14.53% over USD 35.26 billion in March 2021 and an increase of 87.89% over USD 21.49 billion in March 2020.

 

India’s merchandise import in March 2022 was USD 59.07 billion, an increase of 20.79% over USD 48.90 billion in March 2021 and an increase of 87.68% over USD 31.47 billion in March 2020.

India’s merchandise import in April 2021-March 2022 was USD 610.22 billion, an increase of 54.71% over USD 394.44 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and an increase of 28.55% over USD 474.71 billion in April 2019-March 2020.

 

The trade deficit in March 2022 was USD 18.69 billion, while it was USD 192.41 billion during April 2021-March 2022.

 

Value of non-petroleum exports in March 2022 was 33.00 USD billion, registering a positive growth of 4.28% over non-petroleum exports of USD 31.65 billion in March 2021 and a positive growth of 73.94% over non-petroleum exports of USD 18.97 billion in March 2020.

 

Value of non-petroleum imports was USD 40.66 billion in March 2022 with a positive growth of 5.26% over non-petroleum imports of USD 38.63 billion in March 2021 and a positive growth of 89.79% over non-petroleum imports of USD 21.42 billion in March 2020.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum exports in April 2021-March 2022 was USD 352.76 billion, an increase of 32.62% over USD 266.00 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and an increase of 29.66% over USD 272.07 billion in April 2019-March 2020.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum imports in April 2021-March 2022 was USD 449.54 billion, showing an increase of 44.2% compared to non-oil imports of USD 311.75 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and an increase of 30.62% compared to non-oil imports of USD 344.16 billion in April 2019-March 2020.

 

Value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in March 2022 was USD 29.38 billion, registering a positive growth of 4.79% over non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 28.03 billion in March 2021 and a positive growth of 73.28% over non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 16.95 billion in March 2020.

 

Value of non-oil, non-GJ (gold, silver & Precious metals) imports was USD 36.18 billion in March 2022 with a positive growth of 31.21% over non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 27.58 billion in March 2021 and a positive growth of 93.52% over non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 18.70 billion in March 2020.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in April 2021-March 2022 was USD 313.82 billion, an increase of 30.77% over cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 239.98 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and an increase of 32.88% over cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 236.17 billion in April 2019-March 2020.

 

Non-oil, non-GJ (Gold, Silver & Precious Metals) imports was USD 369.19 billion in April 2021-March 2022, recording a positive growth of 43.39%, as compared to non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 257.47 billion in April 2020-March 2021 and a positive growth of 26.98% over USD 290.74 billion in April 2019-March 2020.

Russia and Ukraine account for about 25% of the world's wheat exports. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions against Moscow have curtailed their wheat supplies drastically. As a result, many countries which were sourcing wheat mainly from these two nations are now in dire need of alternatives.

 

India, the largest wheat producer after China, is reported to be eyeing the void. The government plans to allow increased exports to cash in on the higher price of wheat in the international market.

 

Food security campaigners however, emphasise the need to prioritise local prices and ensure adequate supplies for domestic consumption before deciding on the quantum of exports.

 

Minimal exports

 

While Russia and Ukraine exported 183 and 91 million tonnes (MT) of wheat, respectively, between 2017 and 2021, India exported a miniscule fraction of its output, or just 12.6 MT in the period. Five other countries accounted for the bulk of wheat exports in this period, including the European Union (157 MT), the U.S. (125 MT), Canada (112 MT) and Australia (83 MT).

 

India, which had the second-highest wheat supply (including production, existing stocks and imports) in this period — 613 million tonnes — exported only 2% of this, with about 80% used for domestic consumption, and the rest stored. In contrast, other leading exporters could sell big chunks of their supply. For instance, the U.S. exported 31% of its 404 MT of supply in the 2017-2021 period. Canada exported 60.5% of its 186 MT, while Australia exported 57% of its supply of 146 MT.

 

Global market

Many countries in Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia rely heavily on Russian and Ukrainian wheat. Egypt, the biggest importer of wheat, sources 93% of its needs from the East European neighbours. Indonesia, the second-largest importer, has a 30% dependency on these two nations. African nations such as Sudan (80% reliance), Tanzania (64%), Libya (53%), Tunisia (52%), and West Asian countries including Lebanon (77% dependency), Yemen (50%) and U.A.E. (42%) are also highly dependent on supplies from the two neighnours now at war.

 

India is now focussing on exporting wheat to many of these nations, said Apeda (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) chairman Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu. "Our focus markets are Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, Algeria, Middle East, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines, Morocco and Tanzania," he added.

 

"To give impetus to the export promotion of wheat as well as to bring focus on the challenges and bottlenecks faced in production and export, APEDA has created a task group," Dr. Angamuthu said.

 

With India's wheat harvesting season (March to May) coinciding with the supply crunch, a bumper crop expected again this year, and a significant amount of buffer stocks, food security campaigners agree that India is well-poised to step in and fill the void. However, they cautioned that India should not lose focus on domestic needs while exporting surplus wheat.

 

Domestic needs

Ensuring the stability of prices in India and availability of grain for internal consumption should be of utmost priority to the Indian government while ensuring that farmers are adequately compensated, said Dipa Sinha, Assistant Professor at the School of Liberal Studies at Delhi's Ambedkar University.

 

"Meeting food security requirements for all Indians should be the first priority of the government,' said Dr. Sinha, who was involved with the Right to Food campaign. 'This would require continuing with the PDS [public distribution system], Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and also expanding the net to bring in more people who are currently excluded. This is also essential considering that the market prices are expected to increase further. On the other hand, with higher prices being available, the government should consider buying wheat required for these food security requirements from the Indian farmers at a better price than the current MSP," she added.

 

"The government should plan this move in such a way that it does not impact local consumption. A bumper crop of wheat is expected, so the government can procure enough for its distribution and buffer needs. Further, as of now, there are no export restrictions, so farmers can also get the advantage of higher prices by selling the surplus to private traders for exports," Dr. Sinha opined.

 

The contentious issue of exporting wheat from the FCI stocks adds another dimension to this issue. A trade expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that if India decides to export wheat from its stocks, some developed nations may raise objections at the World Trade Organisation. Already, in March, India was accused of exporting rice from its stocks. India had replied that its rice exports were not from stocks set aside under the public stock holding programmes.

 

Boosting farm revenue

Biraj Patnaik, former Principal Adviser to the Commissioners of the Indian Supreme Court in the Right to Food case, observed that the peace clause adopted in W.T.O.’s Bali Ministerial in 2014 does not prevent India from exporting food grains.

 

'With the buffer stocks at hand, India should increase its wheat exports in order to stabilise global prices to the extent that it can,' Mr. Patnaik said. 'It is also important because the countries that were dependent on Russia and Ukraine for their wheat are looking for an alternate source. The government should use this opportunity by procuring all the wheat grown at M.S.P. which would serve the interests of Indian farmers," he added.

 

However, exports should not be done at the cost of domestic consumption, especially with the recent expansion of the PMGKAY program, he cautioned.

Jordan’s state grain buyer has issued an international tender to buy 120,000 tonnes of milling wheat which can be sourced from optional origins, European traders said on Monday.

 

The deadline for submission of price offers in the tender is said to be April 6.

India's wheat exports hit 7.85 million tonnes in the fiscal year to March, an all-time high and a sharp increase from 2.1 million tonnes in the previous year, traders said, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine cuts off rival Black Sea supplies.

 

Earlier this month, a top government official said India would export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat in the 2021-22 fiscal year as a rally in global prices gave the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share.

 

India achieved its target of exporting 7 million tonnes of wheat on March 21, according to the Indian government, which is yet to issue wheat shipment data for the last 10 days of March.

 

Traders said wheat shipments, including cargoes sold to neighbouring Bangladesh by land, totalled 7.85 million tonnes in 2021-22, surpassing the target of 7 million and indicating robust exports in the 2022-23 fiscal year that began on April 1.

 

Other than Bangladesh, India exported wheat to South Korea, Sri Lanka, Oman and Qatar, among others, traders said. Most export deals were signed at between $225 and $335 a tonne free on board, they said.

 

A report by State Bank of India (SBI) economists showed that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine might impact certain high-frequency indicators like financial markets, exchange rate and crude prices in the short term for India. However, amidst the negative clamour, the Indian economy could see a silver lining as it may have the opportunity to fill the vacuum in global trade due to the war. ET's Sachin Dave and Kiran Kabtta Somvanshi explain.

 

'Business has been very brisk, and both Mundra and Kandla ports have been very busy handling outbound wheat cargoes,' said Rajesh Paharia Jain, a leading New Delhi-based trader.

 

As war raged across the Black Sea region, global wheat prices have surged, and supplies from both Russia and Ukraine, which together account for about 29% of global wheat exports, have dropped substantially.

 

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a 'special military operation' to demilitarise the country. Western countries call it an unprovoked war of aggression.

 

India's new season wheat harvest is underway, and this year's production is pegged at a record 111.32 million tonnes - the sixth straight surplus output - encouraging traders to clinch more export deals.

India's sugar export may touch 85 lakh tonne in the ongoing 2021-22 marketing year ending September, as per the estimates of global trade houses, industry body ISMA said on Monday. While the country has contracted 72 lakh tonne of sugar export, the physical exports have been around 56-57 lakh tonne till March-end this year, it said.

 

Sugar marketing year runs from October to September. Crushing operation is still on as 366 mills were operating till March-end, while 152 mills had stopped the crushing.

 

Releasing the latest sugar production figures, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said: 'News from the international trade houses indicate that global market is expecting 85 lakh tonne of sugar exports from India, in the current season.'

 

According to the industry body, sugar production reached 309.87 lakh tonne till March of the ongoing 2021-22 marketing year, higher than 278.71 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top three sugar producing states in the country.

 

As per the ISMA data, sugar production in Maharasthra rose to 118.81 lakh tonne till March from 100.47 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

In Uttar Pradesh, sugar production remained lower at 87.50 lakh tonne till March this year compared with 93.71 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

Sugar output in Karnataka, the country's third-largest sugar-producing state, rose substantially to 57.65 lakh tonne till March as against 42.38 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

On the ethanol front, ISMA said against the total Letter of Intent (LoI) for supply of 416.33 crore litres, 131.69 crore litres of ethanol have been supplied as on March 27 this year.

 

Contracted quantity as on date is 402.66 crore litres as against LoIs of about 416 crore litres issued by oil marketing companies,it said.

 

The country on an average has achieved a blending percentage of 9.60 per cent between December 2021 and March 2022, it added.