The timing of the date season in India is a large advantage in the global market, Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Kay Bee Exports, states: 'In India, the date season starts from mid-June and lasts until the end of July. During this particular timeframe, the other countries where dates are usually sourced from are not in season; making the Indian dates in high demand. The dominating variety grown in India is the Barhi date, which is a yellow date, but a red variety is also available, though it is less common. India being the only one to provide dates in June and July and growing one of the most sought for and appreciated varieties; the global demand is fairly high.'

 

India and other date producing countries basically grow the same varieties, but the dates from India do taste slightly different, Khakar explains. 'Although the varieties grown in the Middle East and India are the same, the growing environment, soil and agro-climatic conditions are different from the one of the Middle East. Consequently, a minor taste difference can be identified between the dates grown in India and those from the Middle East. The demand for dates of Indian origin for export as well as for the domestic market has increased. This can be explained by the fact that dates are an easy fruit to consume and ideal for snacking.'

 

Kay Bee Exports is ready to enter new markets with its dates, and hopes to enter the Dutch market this year as well, Khakhar says: 'Historically, our biggest markets remain the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Malaysia where Indian dates are well established. Our dates are pesticide residue free and follow all international standards of food safety and quality; to do so they are packed in a BRC certified packhouse. We follow two different packing size: either loose in a 4kg box or shelf-ready (pre-packed & labelled) in a 500gm punnet. Both formats are equally in demand in these markets. This year onwards we are seeing interest from new markets such as Canada and other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, with which we are hopeful to start shipping this season.'

 

Next to export, the domestic market in India for dates is huge according to Khakar. 'With a population of 1.4 billion inhabitants, the domestic consumption for dates in India is automatically high and reached 64.2 thousand tons in 2021. Nowadays, only a small percentage of the 200,000 tons of dates grown in India is exported. This year’s objectives are to strengthen our regular markets, while also targeting new markets where Indian dates can strategically bridge the gap between two other origins and diversify our range of customers.'

 

Since the air freight costs have returned to normal levels once again, Khakhar is confident they’ll have an advantage in the market this date season: 'India has a strong advantage this year since its air freight rates have normalised to almost pre-pandemic levels and the belly capacity and number of flights to most countries has drastically increased. Moreover, Kay Bee Exports being IATA certified and thus being its own freight-forwarder, we can obtain even more economical rates and can more easily secure cargo space with the airlines,' he concludes.

India has approved exports of broken rice to Senegal, Gambia and Indonesia following a request from the three nations, the Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said. However, the quantity of broken rice allowed for export to these nations is not known.

 

In a trade notice issued on Tuesday, the DGFT said only exporters who have shipped all types of rice over the past three years to Senegal, Gambia and Indonesia will be given the shipments quota for exporting broken rice.

 

The Centre had banned exports of broken rice on September 8, 2022, and then amended it on May 24 allowing shipments to countries to meet their food security  needs and 'based on the request of their government'. 

 

Minimum threshold

The DGFT said exporters could file applications online from Thursday till June 30 seeking to ship a minimum threshold of 8,000 tonnes by sea. 'Application will be allowed only if the exporter applies for a quantity more than the minimum threshold,' it said. The allocation will be made on the basis of pro-rata to average export of rice (all varieties) respectively to the country concerned in three years before the financial year when the shipments were barred. 

 

The permit given to exporters will be valid until December 31 and they will have to submit a 'landed certificate' within a month completion of export of allocated quota of broken rice.

 

Earlier in February, the Centre approved exports of 2.5 lakh tonnes of broken rice to Senegal and one lakh tonnes of the rice to Gambia as a special consideration when the ban on shipments was in force. In addition, it allowed 9,900 tonnes of broken rice to Djibouti.

 

Trade analysts said export of broken rice is being allowed on request from these governments for strategic reasons since the Ministry of External Affairs is involved. 

 

The Centre banned exports of broken rice and imposed 20 per cent duty on shipments of white and brown rice after the kharif paddy production was affected by deficient monsoon in key rice-growing regions in the eastern parts last year. 

 

In the kharif season, rice production was estimated lower at 108.07 million tonnes (mt) in 2022 compared with 111 mt in 2021. However, the production was raised to 110 mt in the third advance estimate by the Agriculture Ministry. 

 

Overall, rice production for the current crop year ending June 30 has been pegged at a record 135.54 mt. 

Mango exports to countries such as the US and Australia are likely to register nearly 200 per cent growth this season at between 2,200 and 2,500 tonnes on higher demand and improved availability of quality produce. Also, factors such as the decline in international air freight rates and the commencement of additional irradiation facility in Gujarat have aided the shipments, APEDA sources said.

 

Indian mango exports to US and Australia undergo an irradiation process, where the fruit is exposed to gamma radiation that kills the insects or pests inside the fruit. The irradiation facility are located in Mumbai, Nashik, Bengaluru and the latest one in Ahmedabad operationalised this year.

 

'By the end of this season in July, we expect the mango exports from irradiation facilities to be in the range of 2,200-2,500 tonnes, almost a 200 per cent increase over last year’s 891 tonnes, mainly to the US,' an APEDA source said.

 

Air freights

Kaushal Khakhar, CEO, Kay Bee Exports, a large exporter, said the rationalisation of air freights have made Indian mangoes viable for the consumers in the US this season. Also the price gap between the Indian mango and the Latin American one, which was in multiples earlier, has now reduced giving an incentive for the Indian diaspora to try it out. That’s why the shipments have more than doubled this year, Khakhar said.

 

KS Ravi, Managing Director, Innova Agri Bio Park in Bengaluru, said the shipments from his facility will be touching a record high of 500 tonnes this year, an increase of 100 per cent over the previous year, on strong demand from the US and Australia. Innova, the only gamma irradiation facility for fruits and vegetables in South India, gets mangoes from registered farms in Vijayawada, Nellore, Kadapa, Chittoor and Kolar among others.

 

'We export all varieties of mangoes such as Banganapalle, Imampasand, Rasalu and Kesar among others. There is a huge demand, but we are unable to meet as we are not getting enough quality mangoes,' Ravi said.

 

Exporters said the shipments to other countries have also seen an increase and the overall Indian mango exports, which stood at 22,923 tonnes during 2022-23, are expected to rise this year.

Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  and Invest India in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, and Press Information Bureau Kohima organized an ODOP Sampark event on the 21st of June 2023 at the Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Nagaland. The event was graced by the Smt. Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, DPIIT, Govt. of India, Shri R. Ramakrishnan, IAS, Development Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland and Shri Kekhrievor Kevichusa, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Govt of Nagaland

 

The event was organized to create awareness regarding the efforts of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India through its two flagship Initiative One District One Product (ODOP) and PM Gati Shakti (Logistics).

 

Smt. Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, DPIIT, Govt. of India highlighted the efforts of DPIIT and Invest India in conducting a National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Drive in Kohima, Nagaland on 20th June 2023 for Chilli from Nagaland.

 

The workshop was attended by over 30 farmers of Chili from Kohima, Nagaland.

The documentation for the organic certification for over 15 chili farmers from Kohima was done during the workshop and the remaining will be completed soon after the verification of their documents.

This will play a major role in ensuring better access for Indian products in foreign markets like the EU, Switzerland, etc, and help gain better prices for the farmers.

She also highlighted that efforts will be undertaken to improve the logistics facilities for ODOP products from Nagaland like chili, turmeric, kiwi, pineapple, etc, through the Krishi UDAN scheme, expanding railway connectivity, etc.

She also noted that the Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs 5000 crore for the construction of Unity Malls across the country. This will function as a one-stop marketplace for ODOP products across the country.

It was also highlighted that INR 145 Crores has been allocated for the proposed Unity Mall planned by the State government in Dimapur.

The One District One Product Awards have been instituted by DPIIT to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by States/ UTs, Districts, and Indian Missions Abroad, for the economic development of the State and contribute towards the realization of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through the ODOP approach.  The Awards will be launched on 25th June 2023 in the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

The local officials representing the Department of Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture and APEDA also highlighted the need for an integrated Customs Depo, a dedicated Krishi rail wagon up to Dimapur, and connectivity under the Krishi Udan Scheme for connectivity of organic products.

 

The Special Secretary also assured that these matters will be proactively taken up with all concerned Ministries/Departments under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The official from DPIIT Invest also highlighted the efforts  under the ODOP Initiative for the empowerment of Indian products through interventions like Design sensitization workshops, ODOP GeM Bazaar on Government e-Marketplace, ODOP exhibitions, etc.

 

The event also witnessed an ODOP Exhibition of ODOP products from Nagaland including Chili, fish, coffee, turmeric, etc. It also provided an opportunity for the media to interact with ODOP farmers from Nagaland. The farmers were also able to raise their concerns with the officials for the promotion and empowerment of producers from Nagaland.

 

A review meeting on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) under the chairpersonship of Special Secretary (Logistics) with officials of Govt of Nagaland being organized at Kohima on 21st June 2023. The objective of the meeting is to promote wider adoption of PM GatiShakti for holistic planning, bring more vigor and build synergy with all the stakeholders of the PM GatiShakti NMP.

The meeting was addressed by Sh Jan e Alam, Chief Secretary, Govt of Nagaland and Ms Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT

Over 30 officials of Govt of Nagaland comprising the members from Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Network Planning Group (NPG) of State attended the meeting.

PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach which was launched on October 13th, 2021 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for planning & building Next Generation Infrastructure in the country, thereby promoting multimodal logistics connectivity to improve both Ease of Living as well as Ease of Doing Business.

Special Secretary in her presentation addressed the adoption of PM GatiShakti with a holistic approach and demonstrations of best practices by Ministries and States. Deliberations on requirements for State Master Planning, with special attention on data quality management, area development approach for developing economic centres in the North East, strengthening the North East corridor through adequate multimodal connectivity, Area planning approach for upcoming infrastructure projects, use of technology for improving logistics efficiency were the main highlights of the meeting.

Since the launch of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the Nagaland State has created requisite framework in terms of Institutional Arrangements/Policy Formulation for alignment with PM GatiShakti framework. Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), Network Planning Group (NPG), and Technical Support Unit (TSU) have been constituted in the State comprising various departments like Power, Roads, Urban Development, Tourism, Transport etc. As on 13th June, 2023 out of 30 mandatory data layers, twenty-two (total/partial) have been integrated in the State Master Plan (SMP) platform. Data layers such has Forest, Eco sensitive zones, Village habitations, Economic areas, Roads, etc have been integrated.

As part of Special Assistance Scheme for the States under Part-II for the FY 2022-23, an amount of Rs 28.43 crores was disbursed for the projects mentioned

 

Modern Aggregation Centre at Longnak, Mokokchung District

Modern Aggregation Centre at Changtongya, Mokokchung District

Integrated warehouse and distribution center at Meluri, Phek District

PM GatiShakti Data center at Kohima

Modern Aggregation Centre at Pfutsero, Phek District

 

 

Five projects submitted as part of State Annual Action Plan have been mapped on the SMP. Development of Customised tools important for economic and social infrastructure planning and for decision making is under discussion with BISAG-N

To complement the PM GatiShakti NMP, the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was launched to address the components of improving efficiency in logistics services and human resource through streamlining processes, regulatory framework, skill development, mainstreaming logistics in higher education and adoption of suitable technologies. To bring a holistic focus on Logistics at State level, Nagaland State Logistics Policy is under final draft stage with State.

The State participated in the Fourth Regional Workshop of PM GatiShakti for North East Regional Workshop which was conducted on 24-25th March 2023 in Guwahati, Assam.

State has been regularly participating in zonal review meetings and interacts with DPIIT officials for better coordination on the adoption of PM GatiShakti.

The training and capacity building of Govt officers from the State have been done at BISAG-N, Gandhinagar

 

 

The meeting concluded with the following remarks from Ms Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics, DPIIT, Govt. of India requesting the State on the following:

 

 

Use NMP/SMP for planning all upcoming infrastructure projects.

Improve data mapping and authenticity of data on the data layers mapped on SMP.

Focus on development of economic centres in the North East through appropriate infrastructure and logistics development.

Usage of SMP for Area Development Approach on the identified area

Identify critical infrastructure gaps and ensure they are taken up for connectivity projects.

Onboarding of social sector departments of the State in PM Gatishakti for Planning of social infrastructure

Leverage local remote sensing agencies / space agencies for development of geo-tagged data, under guidance of BISAG-N, Ahmedabad

Sensitizing and penetration of PMGS adoption at district level for effective area development planning, to improve both Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living of citizens.

Annexture

 

Background on ODOP

 

The ODOP initiative is a visionary program aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of fostering inclusive development across all districts of India. The objective is to identify and promote a distinct product from each district, thereby creating a niche identity for them. By focusing on these chosen products, ODOP aims to drive holistic socio-economic growth and improve market accessibility.  Over 1000 products have been selected from all 761 districts of the country. The products are selected by the State Government in consultation with district administration.

 

The ODOP initiative covers a wide range of products spanning textiles, agricultural produce, processed goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial items. The aim is to promote and harness the diverse expertise present in different sectors and communities across the country. 

 

By identifying and addressing challenges throughout the supply chain, enhancing market reach, and providing dedicated support to producers, ODOP aims to transform districts into prominent market hubs for their chosen products. Through this comprehensive approach, ODOP is set to empower districts, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the nation.

Exports of Alphonos, Kesar and Banganpalli mangoes from India to the US market has more than doubled in the current season (April-June) compared to the year-ago period, because of a decline in air freight and a new irradiation facility in Ahmedabad.

 

Sources told that mango exports to the US have crossed 2,000 ton in the current season, up from 891 ton in the 2022-23 season. The exports of Banganpalli and Kesar varieties have commenced this season to South Korea, another high value market. Exports to the United Kingdom is currently being undertaken.

 

Trade sources said that one of the factors behind the spike in mango exports to the US and the UK this year has been the low cost of air freight rates, which rose sharply in the last few years because of the pandemic, has 'normalised' since then.

Israel is known as a very small country. This country has done the work of creating a great example by revolutionizing agriculture in the world. Innovation in agriculture is nothing new in Israel. Meanwhile, Israel is now all set to revolutionize agriculture in India. Companies such as ICL Group, Netafim and BioBee are experimenting with different changes in agriculture in India.

 

ICL is one of the world's leading fertilizer companies. The company claims that if these fertilizers are given to the crops, they get a lot of nutrients. This nutrient boosts crop performance and increases crop yield and is of great use for sustainable agriculture.

 

ICL's eqo.x biodegradable fertilizer technology is a milestone in the evolution of agriculture. This fertilizer can be used to produce a large amount in agriculture without degrading the environment. eqo.x calls for a transformation in agriculture without environmental degradation.

eqo.x builds nutrients in the soil with sustainable agriculture and has a long-term impact with biodegradable release technology. They say that only one Eqo.x contains all the ingredients used to produce more in less agriculture. ICL is working to stop wrong dosages through bulk fertilisers.

 

ICL's big move in India

 

ICL is also building its presence in India with the launch of ICL Leaf. They aim to provide nutrients for efficient and profitable crops. Along with this, ICL Leaf is currently helping Indian farmers grow several crops including grapes, cotton, bananas, tomatoes and pomegranates. It is known that other crops are also using it.

 

Netafim's major contribution to irrigation technology

 

Netafim, known worldwide for drip irrigation, has made a big move in India. Netafim develops sustainable solutions to make agriculture more efficient and less damaging to our environment.

 

Their smart irrigation technology is a game-changer, enabling farmers to use water and nutrients more efficiently, increasing crop yields while reducing environmental impact.

 

BioBee-Pest Management

 

At present, if any crop is to have a high yield, it is first hit by pesticides. Different drugs are used to control these pesticides. Meanwhile, Israel has made a big revolution in this.

 

BIO-BEE is working to control pesticides through this company. Bio Bee is currently gaining ground in India. The feature of this is that it does not cause any environmental damage, the company says.

 

Currently, Israeli companies like ICL, Netafim and BioBee have made a big move in India. The crisis in agriculture worries us about the future, but Israel's agricultural progress is reawakening optimism.

The Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission unanimously elected India as chair of the Standing Committee on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the biennium 2023-24 during their 32nd Session held in Bangkok in November last year. The APPPC Workshop on Systems Approach for the management of fruit flies on mango has been scheduled from 19-23 June 2023 at Hotel Fortune Select Exotica, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.

 

The Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, GOI, Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Ashish Kumar Shrivastav, Joint Secretary (PP), Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Dr. YubakDhoj G.C., Executive Secretary, APPPC Secretariat, Dr. S.N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, MoA&FW and Dr J.P. Singh, PPA, DPPQS.

 

Shobha Karandlaje emphasized on the production of pest free as well as residue-free fruits and vegetables for getting market worldwide so that farmer’s income can be increased. She further linked the agricultural export/trade, measures to be taken, and the need to strengthen the working together for export promotion.

 

Ashish Kumar Shrivastava, Joint Secretary (PP) has briefed on the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), APPPC, and their role in Phytosanitary mitigation for safe transboundary movement of commodities. He shared his experiences with the implementation of the Systems Approach for mango in India. In this aspect, he further emphasized on development of a Systems approach for all the important Agricultural commodities by farm registration/ orchard registration with the State Agriculture Department, application of Integrated Pest Management at the farmer level, regular monitoring of pests, and timely management of pest so that even smaller farmer and marginal farmer can also produce export quality produce and stringent treatment can be avoided.

Indi lime, belonging to the ‘Kagzi’ variety, has earned a geographical indication (GI) tag for eight years from the Union government. This is the second lime after the Assam lime to be accorded this recognition.

 

The Karnataka State Lime Development Board (KSLDB), University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot (UHSB) and the Horticulture Department Vijayapura had worked relentlessly for the last five years to get this tag, with which growers can now expect exports of lime to about 25 countries.

 

Vijayapura district accounts for 58% of all lime produced in Karnataka, which ranks fourth among the states in lime cultivation.

 

Santosh Sappandi, the managing director, KSLDB, told TOI a fresh proposal had been submitted to the Geographical Indications Registry of the Union government on March 26, 2021. 'Our proposal has been registered on the website of Intellectual Property India, with validity until March 25, 2031. We are now awaiting the certification from Delhi,' Sappandi said.

 

Historian Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni noted that though there is no evidence on cultivation of lime in the 15th century, during the rule of Yusuf Adil Shah, it is still widely believed that lime was much in vogue around that time in the Muslim community and the sultans had encouraged lime cultivation on the banks of River Bhima. 'It is believed that the Vijayapura region served as the hub for cultivation of lime, grapes, oranges, mangoes and various other fruit varieties,' Kulkarni said.

 

Explaining the unique features of Indi lime, Sappandi said it’s rich in ascorbic acid and has lesser seeds. 'It has a very thin rind, but is highly juicy. It is high on demand in national and international markets. The GI tag will now help further enhance its popularity across the world,' he added.

 

Ashok Allapur, former chairman, KSLDB, said Indi lime is now the main crop for about 11,000 growers in the region. 'Experts from UHSB and the Horticulture Department have played a crucial role in creating awareness on growing this variety, with the fruit deriving its name from Indi taluk that alone accounts for 50% of the ‘Kagzi’ lime production in Vijayapura,' he added.

India may be seeking a reduction in import duties on some basmati rice varieties from the UK as part of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

 

This is to ward off a growing challenge from its nearest competitor in basmati rice Pakistan and also create a wider demand for domestic products, trade and industry sources said.

 

The duty concession is being sought for basmati varieties that have been recognised by the UK in the last few years. Already, in some traditional basmati varieties, there are some duty relaxations.

As the newly-elected Congress government in Karnataka grapples with the challenge of securing rice supplies to fulfill its electoral pledge, farmer leaders and experts propose an alternative solution — that the State explore the possibility of procuring millets like ragi and jowar directly from local farmers at the minimum support price.

 

Such a move would help address the nutritional security besides encouraging farmers to grow more millets, they said.

 

After the Food Corporation of India (FCI) decided to halt the sale of rice and wheat through the Open Market Sale Scheme to States, Karnataka is now seeking rice supplies from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Punjab to fulfil its commitment of providing 10 kg rice to each member of households below the poverty line. The Union government discontinued the OMSS sales to States, with the exception of the North-East region, citing delayed monsoon and escalating cereal prices as the reasons behind this move.

 

'Instead of buying rice from other States to provide under public distribution system, the Government should procure ragi and jowar from local farmers and provide them to beneficiaries. Ragi is consumed in southern parts of the State, while jowar is consumed in the northern districts. This will also encourage farmers to grow more of these cereals and lead to employment opportunities in the state,' said Chamras Malipatil, President of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS). Also, the Government can look at providing sona masuri rice to the beneficiaries, he added.

 

Echoing similar views, farmer leader Kurubur Shantakumar, said by procuring ragi and jowar directly, the State should come to the rescue of farmers.

 

Prakash Kammaradi, agri-economist and former chairman of Karnataka Agriculture Prices Commission, said the State should look at providing 5 kg of jowar/ragi along with rice under the PDS. Such a move will help address the nutritional security, while giving a signal for farmers at the start of the kharif cropping season to plant more of these coarse cereals, he added.

 

'In the year of millets, it will be a win-win situation for the farmers, the government and the beneficiaries,' Kammaradi added.