Horticulture is a success story of Indian agriculture. The production of horticulture crops has increased from 169.8 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 342.32 mt in 2021-22. This transformation was initiated in 2005-06 when the National Horticulture Mission was launched by the Union government. The Centre’s share in the scheme was 85 per cent and the states were required to provide only 15 per cent. The Centre also provided 100 per cent of funds under Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States.

 

The objective of NHM was to provide an integrated development by ensuring that forward and backward linkages were provided. Clusters were identified in 384 districts. The emphasis was on the supply of high-quality planting material. For this nurseries and tissue culture units were supported. Within five years, from 2005-06 to 2010-11, an additional area of 18.92 lakh hectares was brought under horticulture crops and 2,239 nurseries were established for the production of planting materials.

 

In 2014-15, NHM and HMNEH were subsumed in Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Centre’s share in funding for Northeastern and Himalayan states was fixed at 90 per cent. For other states, it was reduced from 90 per cent to 60 per cent. 

 

Banana is one of the success stories of NHM. Due to the efforts of successive governments, bananas are affordable, and they are available around the year across India. Its price has stayed around Rs 50 to 60 per dozen for several years. 

 

In 2004-05, 5.3 lakh ha area was under banana cultivation. By 2021-22 the area had increased to 9.6 lakh ha. In this period, the production of bananas increased from 16.2 mt to 35 mt. The productivity increased from 30.6 mt per ha to 36.5 mt per ha. 

 

In 2021-22, India’s export of bananas reached 0.38 mt at a value of $159.09 million. But India’s share is minuscule. In 2019, global trade in bananas was valued at $13.5 billion by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.

 

In 2020, then director of ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana said India is targeting 10-15 per cent of international trade with $2-3 billion of exports over the next seven to 10 years. 

 

More than 90 per cent of banana exports are from Central and South America and the Philippines. Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte brands dominate the global markets.

 

India is the largest producer of bananas in the world. It produced about 35 million metric tonnes in 2021-22 which was about a quarter of global production. The highest banana-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. In the last few years, farmers of nontraditional states have also taken to banana cultivation. Uttar Pradesh had a 10.45 per cent share in India’s production in 2021-22.

 

Growth story

The success of banana production is also attributed to Jain Irrigation Systems Limited which set up a tissue culture laboratory in 1995. 

 

Under tissue culture, a part of the plant or even a single cell or group of cells is cultured under highly controlled and hygienic conditions. Jain Irrigation propagates genetically pure, high-yielding and disease-free planting material. 

 

Before that, they were prone to several diseases such as Panama wilt, bacterial soft rot and viral diseases. This resulted in decreased yield and lower quality. 

 

Tissue culture plants are true to the type of mother plant and are free of disease and pests. They grow uniformly and give higher yields. Tissue culture plants enable round-the-year planting as the seedlings can be procured by farmers throughout the year. Two successive ratoons are possible in a short duration which minimises the cost of cultivation. Tissue culture enables the introduction of new varieties as multiplication is possible in a short duration.

 

Banana is a water-intensive crop and its water requirement is about 1,500-2,000 mm per annum. Therefore, micro-irrigation is strongly recommended in banana cultivation. It is claimed that drip irrigation and mulching can save 56 per cent of water. It also results in an increase in yield by 23-32 per cent. Precision farming can give better yields to farmers. 

 

A 2015 Indian Council of Agricultural Research-CIPHET study on food losses found that losses in bananas were 6 per cent at the farm level and 1.7 per cent in the supply chain (up to retailers). A 2022 study by Nabcons has found that the losses were 5.2 per cent at the farm level and 2.4 per cent in the market supply chain. 

 

Better farm practices, and improved storage, ripening and transportation by reefer vans can reduce losses and enhance the quality of Indian bananas in the international market. Going forward, high-density planting techniques developed by ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli can improve banana yields. 

 

For an edge in the global market, investment in the post-harvest infrastructure of sorting, grading and packaging is needed. Even if horticulture is not covered by Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committee regulations in most states, the investment in such infrastructure can only be made by them.  Additionally, phytosanitary standards need to be enforced. 

 

As a healthy and affordable fruit, bananas will continue to remain important for Indian diets.

Some 71 trucks carrying Indian onion entered Bangladesh through four land ports of the country on Monday (June 5).

 

The onion-laden trucks entered the country through Benapole, Bhomra, Hili and Sonamsjid land ports from the noon to 8:00pm on Monday. It was understood that the onions are being imported at USD 220-250 per ton.

 

According to the reports sent by risingbd district correspondents, some 57 trucks of onion entered the country through Sonamsjid land port in Chapainawabganj on Monday. The amount of imported onion was estimated around 1,097 metric tons. Earlier, the last onion came through this port on March 15.

 

Apart from this, eight trucks of onion were imported through Bhomra land port in Satkhira. Officials of Bhomra customs station said that 10 more onion-laden truck are likely to reach the port tonight.

 

On the other hand, a company named N Alam Traders started importing onion from India through Hili land port in Dinajpur after about two months. On Monday, three trucks of onion entered the Hili Port.

 

N Alam Traders representative Sukumar Sarkar confirmed the information.

 

He said, 'Around 6:00 pm on Monday, onions were imported through Hili Land Port by trucks. A total of 110 metric tons of onion were supposed to be imported by five trucks. Of which, three trucks with onion arrived at the port on Monday. The rest two trucks are expected to reach the port on Tuesday (June 6).'

 

Meanwhile, three onion-laden trucks entered the country through Jashore’s Benapole Land Port around 8:00 pm on the day. Though the onion was imported at USD 150 per metric ton, but tariffed at USD 320. Traders have to pay 10% duty on the customs value to get clearance.

 

Rafiqul Islam, the owner of C&F Royal Enterprise, said, 'Some 75 metric tons (three trucks) of onion of the importer entered Benapole port. After customs and port formalities, these onions will be sent to Dhaka. With imported at USD 320 per metric ton, this onion costs Tk39 per kg after paying government duties and taxes. after port charges, truck fare and other expenses, the onion will cost Tk 45 per kg.

 

Hemant Kumar Sarkar, the officer of plant pest control center of Benapole port, said instructions to import onions have arrived. Royal Enterprises, a C&F agent, applied to the Plant Protection Center for the importation of 75 metric tons of onion on behalf of their importer. The clearance has been granted.

 

Meanwhile, due to the news of onion import from India, wholesale traders started selling onions at low prices in different markets of Hili and Birampur in Dinajpur. They said, if the sale of imported onion starts, the price of onion in the market may decrease by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg. So, the onions remaining stock in the godowns are being sold at a loss of Tk 9 to 10 per kg.

 

Mentionable, the government imposed a ban on importing of Indian onions from March 15 to ensure fair price of domestic onions. Then due to the unusual increase in the prices, the Ministry of Agriculture announced to allow the import of onions from Monday (June 5).

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday held delegation level talks with her Surinamese counterpart Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

 

'Both the presidents discussed ways to deepen India-Suriname relations and held wide ranging discussions on multiple areas including defence, agriculture, IT and capacity building,' Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a series of tweets.

 

'India and Suriname exchanged four MoUs in various fields including health and agriculture,' official sources said.

 

President Murmu had arrived in Paramaribo on Sunday on her first state visit as President. She will there till June 6.

 

'In a special gesture, President @CSantokhi of Suriname received the President at the airport with full state honours,' Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a tweet.

 

Our government will provide all facilities for marketing of GI-tagged Kashmiri Saffron, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar said on Thursday here. He hoped that the government of Jammu and Kashmir UT will reciprocate by providing a market to agricultural produce from Maharashtra.

 

The minister said this during a visit to the Indian International Saffron Trading Centre at the Dusoo Pampore area of Pulwama district. During the visit, he visited various sections of the IIKSTC Dusoo. He was briefed by the officers about different activities in the international trading centre.

 

In addition to the Stigma Separation Centre, the minister also inspected the drying, grading, packing and e-Auction centres at the park. He also held a meeting with IIKSTC officials and Saffron growers during which discussions were held to make the Saffron industry more stable.

 

Joint Director Agriculture Ghulam Mohammad Dhobi, Administrator IIKSTC Shahnawaz Ahmad Shah, Khursheed Ahmad, Dr Abdul Nayeem, Dr Majid Ali, Tariq Ahmad Parray, Saffron growers association president Abdul Majeed Wani and other officials of IIKSTC were present on the occasion.

 

'We have a huge market for agriculture business in Maharashtra where we will provide shop and other facilities for marketing of Saffron,' the agricultural minister from Maharashtra told Kashmir Reader. He said his visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade between Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir for the benefit of the farming community at both places.

 

'I want to send a message that the original (saffron) product is being sent from Kashmir after processing at a world-class laboratory. In this international-level laboratory, there are no chances of duplicity and I am really impressed with its functioning,' he said. He promised to provide all facilities to Jammu and Kashmir government for selling in Mumbai.

 

Abdul Sattar hoped that the bilateral trade between Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir will strengthen the mutual brotherhood between the people of the two places. He thanked the Government of India for providing farmers of Jammu and Kashmir with this facility in 2016.

 

He further said that farmers are being empowered and their produce is sold globally. 'As the agriculture ministry from the government of Maharashtra, I assure all facilities for selling Kashmiri Saffron at Mumbai, Thane and Pune. I also wish the agricultural produce of Maharastra to sell in Jammu and Kashmir at good prices,' he said.

 

It is a big thing that the Government of India has set up a high-tech lab here where around 16,000 saffron growers get benefited.

'Growers process their produce here and after following due procedure it is given a GI tag authenticating its purity,' he said and thanked all the employees of the lab for their work.

 

'Once the saffron is given GI tag at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre, it is a guarantee for its purity beyond an iota of doubt,' he said, adding that the saffron growers should have the market in all parts of India so that Kashmiri saffron growers’ income gets doubled.

The Indian food authority has re-operationalised the standards for fortified rice kernels and issued an order in this regard asking food businesses to comply with the standards.

 

The standards for fortified rice kernels were proposed under the Draft FSS (Food Product Standards & Food Additives) Amendment Regulations issued by the FSSAI in May 2022 and were made operational in June 2022.

 

According to the FSSAI, the draft amendment regulations are in the process of final notification which is likely to take further more time for finalisation and publication in the gazette of india. 

 

 'Meanwhile, to strengthen the national level fortification programme and its implementation, it has been decided to operationalise the provisions related to the fortified rice kernel, vitamin & mineral premix for fortified rice kernels with effect from 23.12.22,' reads the order.

 

However, FSSAI added that the provisions related to yeast and mould count and aerobic plate count parameter of ‘Rice Flour’ for preparation of fortified rice kernel stand withdrawn.

 

The draft regulations say that Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs) are rice shaped kernels containing vitamins and minerals produced through extrusion.

 

These fortified kernels required to follow physio-chemical requirements including moisture 12%, uric acid at 100 mg/kg with no damaged kernels, no discoloured grains, no chalky grains and no admixture with any other grain including non-fortified rice.

 

Also, the standards lay requirements for fortification with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 with recommended sources. The draft lays requirement for fortification with micronutrients singly or in combination that include zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine.

 

Besides, the regulations prescribe standards for rice flour preparation of fortified rice kernels, and vitamin-mineral premix for preparation of fortified rice kernels.

To check the prices, the government on Friday imposed the stock limit for tur dal and urad dal. This means wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers, and importers cannot keep pulses more than the specified limit.

 

New limits will be applicable from immediate effect i.e., June 02 and till October 31.

 

According to the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023 order, stock limits have been prescribed for tur and urad for all States and Union Territories. Stock limits applicable to each pulse individually will be 200 mt for wholesalers, 5 mt for retailers, 5 mt at each retail outlet and 200 mt at the depot for big chain retailers. In the case of millers, the limit would be the last three months of production or 25 per cent of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, for the millers. In respect of importers, the importers are not to hold imported stock beyond 30 days from the date of Customs clearance.

 

In a statement, the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs said: 'In order to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation and also to improve affordability to the consumers in respect of tur dal and urad dal, the Government of India has issued an order where it has imposed stock limits on the pulses applicable to wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, millers and importers.'

 

The order also said that entities are to declare the stock position on the portal (https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp) of the Department of Consumer Affairs. In case the stocks held by them are higher than the prescribed limits, they will be required to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issuing the notification.

 

'The imposition of stock limits on tur and urad is another step in the consistent efforts taken by the Government to crackdown on prices of essential commodities,' the statement said.

 

Further, it added that the Department of Consumer Affairs had been closely monitoring the stock position of tur and urad through the stock disclosure portal, which has been reviewed weekly with the State Government. Extensive interactions with various stakeholders such as importers, millers, retailers had been held to ensure disclosure of stocks, including visits by senior officers to the states of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to assess the ground situation, it added.

Karnataka may see an increase in the acreage under cereals such as rice and ragi and pulses like tur in the ongoing kharif 2023 season. The total area under kharif crops is targeted to be higher at 82.35 lakh hectares (80.40 lakh hectares).

 

The Karnataka Agriculture Department has targeted an increase in the area under cereals and pulses. The State is eyeing an increase in area under paddy at 10.59 lakh hectares in kharif 2023 against 10.31 lakh hectares last kharif season.

 

Other cereals

Similarly, other cereals under which the State is targetting higher acreage include jowar 0.87 lakh hectares (0.62 lakh hectares in the previous season), ragi at 7.39 lakh hectares (6.42 lakh hectares), bajra at 1.94 lakh hectares (1.36 lakh hectares) and minor millets at 0.37 lakh hectares (0.31 lakh hectares).

 

The area under maize is targeted marginally lower at 14.20 lakh hectares (14.65 lakh hectares). Considering the decline in maize prices, the State may see a section of farmers shifting to other crops. Total area under kharif cereals is targetted at 35.36 lakh hectares (33.96 lakh hectares).

 

Regarding pulses, the State is eyeing an increase in acreage under tur at 15.79 lakh hectres against previous season’s sown area of 14.15 lakh hectraes. Karnataka is the largest producer of tur crop, which is planted during kharif season and harvested during mid-rabi season. The prevailing uptrend in tur prices may attract more growers this season. Similarly, the targetted area under green gram is 3.99 lakh hectares (4.14 lakh hectares). Total pulses acreages this kharif are likely to be higher at 22.13 lakh hectares against the previous season’s sown area of 20.38 lakh hectares.

 

Rainfall

The State has seen actual rainfall of 86.30 mm against normal of 73.70 mm during the month of May 2023.

 

Regarding oilseeds, the groundnut acreage is seen higher at 4.04 lakh hectares (3.72 lakh hectares), sunflower at 1.30 lakh hectares (1.72 lakh hectares) and soyabean at 4.10 lakh hectares(4.41 lakh hectares). Considering the prevailing bearish trend in oilseeds, the total area is expected to be lower at 9.84 lakh hectares (10.10 lakh hectares).

 

The acreage under cash crops such as cotton is seen lower at 8 lakh hectares (8.25 lakh hectares), sugarcane at 6.20 lakh hectares (7.18 lakh hectares) and tobacco at 0.81 lakh hectares (0.77 lakh hectares).

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has successfully concluded its trade mission to India after five days of fruitful meetings and discussions with Indian business and industrial associations in New Delhi and Mumbai.

 

The trade mission, organised by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre, visited Indian Capital and commercial hub to discuss potential investment advantages and lucrative opportunities to further strengthen bilateral ties.

 

In New Delhi, the meetings took place on the sidelines of the 'UAE-India Business Forum', a significant event organised by the Chamber as part of the second stop of the trade mission.

 

A key outcome of these discussions was the mutual interest to further consolidate ties, with the Indian side expressing its intention to organise a high-level trade delegation visit to the Emirate of Sharjah. This delegation, representing various industrial and commercial sectors, is expected in the last quarter of this year.

 

The business gatherings have served as an effective platform to discuss potential investment advantages and trade opportunities across diverse economic sectors.

 

Both sides expressed a strong desire to enhance the level of cooperation and trade exchange, explore areas of joint work, exchange experiences, and learn from best practices.

 

Moreover, the meetings aimed at developing the exports of commercial and industrial enterprises and introducing the private sector to rewarding opportunities in promising sectors.

 

The first major meeting brought together Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, SCCI; and Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah, Board Member, SCCI, with a delegation from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) led by Pooja Ahluwalia, Assistant Secretary General of ASSOCHAM.

 

Present at the meeting were Abdulaziz Mohammed Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector at the Sharjah Chamber; Jamal Saeed Buzangal, Director of the Media Department at the Sharjah Chamber; and Ali Abdullah Al Jari, Director of the Sharjah Export Development Centre.

 

During the meeting, both sides explored ways to strengthen industrial and commercial cooperation between the two countries and exchanged perspectives on leveraging the expertise available on each side to facilitate the establishment of joint investment projects.

 

In the second meeting, Abdullah Sultan Al Owais and his accompanying delegation met Shri Paresh Kantilal Mehta, Regional Chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, where they discussed various options to foster cooperation in several key areas, with a particular emphasis on trade promotion of local products and goods for both countries.

 

The meeting involved a comprehensive review of the programmes implemented by the Sharjah Chamber and the export organisations in order to achieve the aforementioned trade promotion goals.

 

Additionally, the two sides explored opportunities for developing partnerships to boost exports and explore new markets.

 

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais stressed that the Chamber is committed to providing all forms of support to its associate members from the business community in Sharjah.

 

He briefed the Indian side on the attractive services and facilities offered by the SCCI-affiliated institutions in order to facilitate the growth and advancement of businesses.

 

Al Owais encouraged the Indian delegation to enhance their presence in Sharjah by actively participating in various qualitative and specialised exhibitions organised and hosted by the Expo Centre Sharjah throughout the year. '

 

The active participation from Indian businessmen and investors will not only showcase the Indian products but will also help expand their reach in the local and regional markets.

 

Al Owais, accompanied by members of the mission, also met Mohit Singla, Chairman of the Trade Promotion Council of India, an organisation affiliated with the Indian Ministry of Commerce.

 

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the exchange of visits for trade delegations and promote participation in exhibitions organized by Expo Centre Sharjah and the Indian Expo Mart, which operates under the council's umbrella. They also agreed to launch joint initiatives to enhance the business sectors' performance in commercial, industrial, and service activities in both countries.

 

On the concluding day of the mission, Al Owais engaged in discussions with the Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce, Industry, & Agriculture (MIICCIA) to develop cooperation frameworks between India and the Emirate of Sharjah.

 

The meeting focused on strengthening economic and trade collaboration, fostering coordination, partnership, and investment flow between the UAE and India.

 

Al Owais presented an overview of the economic landscape in Sharjah, highlighting its attractive investment advantages.

 

He also outlined the services provided by the chamber to companies interested in investing and its role in ensuring sustainability in commercial and industrial development through value-added services and dedicated efforts to identify growth opportunities for the business environment.

 

Throughout the five-day mission, representatives from industrial and commercial companies participated in field visits to various economic facilities and factories in Mumbai and New Delhi.

 

These visits provided opportunities to explore joint cooperation, discuss industrial integration, exchange experiences, learn about best practices, and build investment partnerships that benefit both sides.

The second day of the Startup20 Engagement Group meeting in Goa witnessed crucial discussions and meetings aimed at strengthening collaboration and aligning efforts towards the growth and support of startups globally.

 

The program commenced with closed-door meetings between national and international delegations and Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20, focusing on key agendas and strategic partnerships.

 

During the press conference held later in the day, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav addressed the media, highlighting the progress made and the significance of the Policy Communiqué. He expressed his satisfaction with the agreement reached by all delegates on the Communiqué, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of the G20 nations towards fostering startup ecosystems worldwide. Dr. Vaishnav emphasized the collective efforts and extensive consultations undertaken with G20 nations to arrive at this crucial juncture.

 

In his statement, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav underscored the importance of specific action points outlined in the Communiqué. The key action points include the creation and adoption of a definition framework for startups, creating a network institution to support startups and ecosystem stakeholders across G20, increasing and diversifying access to capital, easing market regulations for startups, and prioritizing the inclusion of underrepresented communities within the startup ecosystem as well as the scaling up startups of global interest. These measures aim to foster a conducive environment that empowers startups to innovate, grow, and address global challenges effectively.

 

Dr. Vaishnav also made a significant call to action, urging G20 countries to unite in their commitment to the startup ecosystem. He proposed allocating a substantial sum of 1 trillion dollars for the startup ecosystem by 2030.

 

The day ended on a positive note, with delegates expressing their enthusiasm and commitment to realizing the goals outlined in the Policy Communiqué. The  agreement signifies the confidence of the Startup20 community in scouting startups globally, funding them collaboratively, mentoring them contextually,  and scaling them internationally. The G20 nations have taken a significant stride forward in their mission to nurture and support startups, setting the stage for a vibrant and thriving global startup ecosystem.

 

The Startup20 Engagement Group of the G20 concluded with success here in Goa Sankalpana, with an atmosphere of unwavering energy and determination.

 

Amidst the discussions on driving global startup ecosystem growth and innovation, all the delegates took a moment to extend their heartfelt condolences for the train accident that occurred in Odisha. They expressed their deep sympathies and solidarity with the affected families and the entire nation. Recognizing the importance of supporting and uplifting communities during difficult times, the delegates emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure safety and security in all aspects of life, including transportation infrastructure. 

 

The summit meeting of Startup20 Engagement Group is slated to happen in July at Gurugram on July 3rd and 4th. 

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India's exports have gone from $500 billion to $776 billion, a 55% increase, in only two years and that the additional exports have added to jobs.

 

At the Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, he also said the government is looking at pro-incumbency after 10 years of being in power.

 

'Our exports have gone from $500 billion, which was about Rs.38 lakh crore, to $776 billion, close to Rs.62 lakh crore... a 55% increase. That's the growth... this 24 lakh additional exports adds to jobs and I can't say that this work is over,' Goyal said, adding that by 2030, India will see $2 trillion of exports. He said the country is going to go from $3.5 trillion today to at least $35 trillion by 2047.

 

The minister said India's economy could achieve a 7.2% growth in FY23 because of 'nine years of the pursuit of a strong foundation of the Indian economy', which has strengthened the country's foreign exchange reserves.

 

'We have strengthened the story on interest rates. We brought down interest rates significantly... inflation also has now come down to below 5%,' he said.