Wheat procurement has surged 38.3 per cent to 22.29 million tonnes (mt) in the first month of the procurement period (April-June), from 16.12 mt a year-ago, according to the latest official data. The procurement target has been fixed at 34.15 mt for the current season.

 

Out of 28.7 mt targetted from three States — 13.2 mt in Punjab, 8 mt in MP and 7.5 mt in Haryana -- nearly 77 per cent has been achieved, so far. The government has to ensure the deficit in other States is covered, as only 4.4 per cent of the targetted 5.45 mt has bee purchased, so far.

 

Prices decline

According to official data, mandi prices have declined to as low as Rs.1,680/quintal in Madhya Pradesh and to Rs.1,900/quintal in Rajasthan during the ongoing procurement season, which started on April 1. Farmers in Uttar Pradesh are receiving Rs.2,125/quintal, same as the minimum support price (MSP). On the other hand, the maximum mandi rate in MP on April 30 was reportedly Rs.2,720/quintal, in Rajasthan Rs.2,580/quintal, and in UP Rs.2,210/quintal.

 

Punjab has shown a 20.2 per cent increase in purchases at 10.65 mt as of April 30, from the year-ago level of 8.86 mt. Haryana has reported a 57.6 per cent jump at 5.83 mt from 3.7 mt a year ago, and in Madhya Pradesh wheat purchase is up by 63.5 per cent at 5.56 mt, from 3.4 mt.

 

Procurement in Uttar Pradesh, the largest wheat-producer, reported a 8 per cent dip at 0.13 mt from 0.14 mt, official data show. But Rajasthan has contributed 0.1 mt to the Central Pool stock so far, against only 749 tonnes year-ago.

 

Wheat procurement in the country dropped to a 15-year low of 18.79 mt in the 2022-23, prompting the government to ban export last year and it still continues.

Farmers are seen bringing in more area under pulses in the summer season sowing even as the total acreages under all crops for the season, so far, is marginally lower than the previous year.

 

As per the Agriculture Ministry’s latest data, summer crops have been sown so far in about 65.29 lakh hectares as compared to 66.02 lakh hectares in the same period last year. Area under pulses and Shree Anna-cum-coarse cereals have seen an increase, while the acreages under paddy and oilseeds are lower than the same period last year.

 

Area under pulses is up at 17.57 lakh hectares as compared to 16.23 lakh hectares in the same period last year. Among pulses, farmers have preferred to plant more area under green gram at 14.27 lakh hectares (12.83 lakh hectares in same period last year), while acreages under black gram or urad is marginally lower at 3.08 lakh hectares (3.12 lakh hectares).

 

Among coarse cereals, the acreage under maize is marginally higher at 6.30 lakh hectares (6.24 lakh hectares), while bajra has seen an increase at 4.29 lakh hectares (3.59 lakh hectares). Overall acreages under coarse cereals are higher at 10.86 lakh hectares (10.19 lakh hectares).

 

Oilseeds

However, the area under oilseeds is lower at 9.40 lakh hectares(10.46 lakh hectares). While the acreages under groundnut has declined to 4.50 lakh hectares(5.27 lakh hectares), the area under sesamum has increased marginally to 4.36 lakh hectares(4.26 lakh hectares).

 

Meanwhile, the country as a whole has received 8 per cent more rainfall in the pre-monsoon season from March 1 till May 1 as per the IMD data. South Peninsula has received 32 per cent more precipitation while central India has received 167 per cent more. East and north-east India have witnessed a deficit of 24 per cent, while north-west India the rainfall has been 2 per cent lower than normal.

On Saturday, Ramesh Chand, a Niti Aayog member said that India can emerge as a global power in the selected three or four agricultural yields if the government seeks modernization and motivates corporates to invest in agriculture.

 

While ensuring food security and taking part in the panel session on ‘Can India be the food bowl for the World at the Food Conclave here, he spoke that to become a global leader, India could look at rice, milk, and sugar as commodities.

 

Also, he said that our share in global exports is 2 to 2.5 per cent but India’s agriculture production is just 6 to 7 per cent of the total global output. The Rule of thumb is that we can be a world power if we are among the top 5.

 

For some years, India was relishing a 50 per cent share in rice which was huge enough. Chand also said that we account for 24 per cent of the global milk production and 18 per cent of the sugar output.

 

Lesser Yield

 

One of the Niti Aayog members said that although, India’s per hectare and per animal yield is lower but, we can accelerate the production and export. There is a scope to expand the production in the states itself. Production of milk in Assam is 1.5 kg per animal against the 11 to 12 kg in other states. To accelerate production, we need to identify such commodities as well. We need to become an efficient producer on the milk front and not be afraid of imports as anyone scared of imports can never improve. All we need to do is to tap the potential via nature and government policies and in 10 to 15 years we can become a global power.

 

Amounting UPI

 

The Niti Aayog member said that India should have a look into the matter with precision and science-based farming, besides producing one or more arable areas.

 

India’s ‘agristack’ programme has the capability to amount to the success of UPI and its ecosystem while it was being formed, said S Sivakumar, CEO of ITC. Also, he said that we can go in for climate risk and market proximity to decide on the crops with a competitive advantage to make their way in the global market.

 

Quality Examination

 

India is a resilient country in agriculture production, said Sanjay Sancheti, Country head and Executive Director, Olam Agro India.

 

Additionally, he said that no one thought that India can generate 130 million tonnes of rice. With the government’s support, advanced technology, and climate resilient characteristics, India can do better. Although, India will have to look at the quality of exports and not volume.

 

Thailand and Vietnam, on the other hand, were selling their yield at a premium with growers shifting to other crops from rice.

A one-day Seminar on 'Export Opportunities for Agro and Agri Related Products from Telangana held at FTCCI on Friday. It was organized by FTCCI in partnership with the Telangana Government, TSTPC, APEDA, Indian Institute of Millet Research, Sahasra Crop Science, HARIOM, Dodla Dairy, Sudhakar Pipes, and others. About 300 people participated.

 

Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, Agriculture Minister, Govt of Telangana inaugurated the same. Speaking to the packed hall immediately after the inauguration he said, Farmers of India are going to be protectors of the world in terms of food protection. We are not only self-secured but also in a position to export many products, especially some from Telangana. Focus on Agri Products and Food Processing products, which have great potential for exports, he told his audience.

 

Mr. Reddy told them to identify such export-worthy products. Indian exports have become essential food needs of many countries. We know California almonds are good. The way their products are branded, they are perceived as the best in the world and one must definitely try them. They have become a symbol of prestige. Our Telangana Groundnuts are eight times more nutritious and better than theirs. People in the Netherlands can not dream of their day without groundnut butter. We must focus more on producing groundnuts and exporting the same. Even educational institutions must focus on offering courses on groundnut research.

 

Ground nuts are one example. And we have many such products which are export worthy, he said.

 

A lady from Gujarat exports groundnut butter and related products. Now she exports to many countries. But the raw material (groundnuts) sourced is from Telangana. Her name is Sonia. The groundnuts grown in Telangana have less aflatoxin. Groundnuts are one example and there are many others, maybe mangoes, Millets and what have you. New Zealand with just 45 lakh population exports many products to neighboring countries, he told them.

 

The per capita meat consumption in Telangana is much higher than the national average. Our villages’ rivers produce more fish. The surplus quantity can be exported, Mr Reddy told.

 

Speaking further Mr Reddy added that today’s degrees need to be relevant to current societal needs. He told the youth to be job creators rather than job seekers.

 

Agricultural exports are expected to play a pivotal role in doubling the farmers’ income and linking agriculture production to the export market is a critical step. The State government has been striving to achieve all possible linkages to the export markets. Telangana has made significant progress in the agriculture sector by adopting innovative methods, increasing technology use, expanding irrigation facilities, and providing financial support to farmers. Accordingly, the scope for exports of agro and agri-related products from Telangana has widened considerably. The day-long seminar was organized in light of the background, said Anil Agarwal, President of FTCCI.

 

Telangana is a state that is rich in agricultural resources and has a long history of being a major contributor to India’s agricultural economy. Telangana’s government rightly prioritized expanding irrigation projects in the State to bring more and more land under irrigation. It is heartening to note that there is a 117% rise in irrigated areas in Telangana since 2014, due to the planned investments in new irrigation projects and revitalization of existing irrigation systems, said Mr. Anil Agarwal.

 

Dr. E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & NRI Affairs, and Jt MD of TSTPC graced as the guest of honor.

 

Dr. B Neeraja Prabhakar, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University; Anil Agarwal, President of FTCCI, S. Chandra Mohan, Chair, Agro and Food Processing Committee, Meela Jayadev, Sr VP and Suresh Kumar Singha, VP of FTCCI; Smt T. Sujatha, Dy CEO of FTCCI also graced.

 

The day-long seminar had several sessions such as Government Schemes for Export Promotions and Finance Schemes for Exporters. A panel discussion on Infrastructure and Logistics challenges for exports was held. It was moderated by Thumma Reddy Shanmukha, Co-chair of the Agro and FP Committee of FTCCI. Other sessions on Export Opportunities for Botanical Products; Export Opportunities for Millet & Millet Based Products, Agriculture/Horticulture Products, and Spice Products; Agriculture Infrastructure fund schemes held

Wheat procurement has surged 36.6 per cent to 21.31 million tonnes (mt) as of April 28, from 15.6 mt a year ago, according to the latest official data. The procurement target has been fixed at 34.15 mt for the entire season, which ends on June 30.

 

According to official data, mandi prices have declined to Rs.1,780/quintal in Madhya Pradesh and to Rs.1,800/quintal in Rajasthan during the procurement season, which started on April 1. The MSP in Uttar Pradesh is at Rs.2,125/quintal. On the other hand, the maximum mandi rate in MP on April 26 was reportedly Rs.2,698/quintal, in Rajasthan Rs.2,580/quintal, and in UP Rs.2,250/quintal

 

Punjab has shown a 16.6 per cent increase in purchases to 9.99 mt as of April 28, from the year-ago level of 8.57 mt. The target for the year is 13.2 mt. The state contributed the maximum wheat, more than half the total purchases made in the Central Pool last year, which saved the Centre when exporters and traders paid higher than MSP in other states.

 

Procurement in Madhya Pradesh is up by 65.2 per cent at 5.45 mt, from 3.3 mt, whereas the target is to buy 8 mt by June 15. Last year, the Centre could purchase only 4.6 mt, against a target of 12.9 mt from MP.

 

Haryana has reported a 53.2 per cent jump at 5.67 mt from 3.7 mt a year ago, and the largest wheat-producer, Uttar Pradesh, reported a 2.8 per cent dip in procurement at 119,378 tonnes, from 122,805 tonnes as on April 28 a year ago, official data show.

 

Among other states, the government has bought 82,770 tonnes (against 749 tonnes year-ago) in Rajasthan. Gujarat is yet to purchase any quantity, while Bihar has reported procurement at 255 tonnes. The government aims to buy 1 mt from Bihar, 0.5 mt from Rajasthan and 0.2 mt from Gujarat.

 

Wheat procurement in the country dropped to a 15-year low of 18.79 mt in the 2022-23 season (April-March).

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, along with Shri Rajbir Singh, Managing Director, NAFED, commemorated the launch of the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi today. NAFED in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) established the Millets Experience Centre with an aim to raise awareness on Millets and encourage its adoption among general public.

 

Acting upon India’s proposal supported by 72 countries, the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). The declaration positioned India at the forefront of the celebrations and the Government of India has been working on ‘mission mode’ to champion millets as a crop good for farmer, environment and consumer. The ministry-led initiative of establishing a consumer-oriented ‘Millets Experience Centre’ would not only promote the dietary benefits of the ancient grain, but also popularize millets or Shree Anna as a nutritional powerhouse fit for cooking a variety of dishes like Millets dosa, Millets pasta etc. In addition to a unique dining experience, customers can also purchase a variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups at the MEC.

 

In his inaugural address, Shri Tomar praised India’s dynamic celebration of IYM 2023, led by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Highlighting the visionary efforts of the Prime Minister, starting from the declaration if the National Year of Millets in 2018 and further with the International Year of Millets (IYM), Shri Tomar said India is gearing towards becoming a ‘Global Hub’ for Millets. The setting up of the MEC is a step in that direction, he added. Situated in the heart of Delhi, Dilli Haat is a national & cultural hub for visitors from all around the world, the MEC will further help the global outreach of the local millets and provide visitors a chance to witness India’s ‘Millet Movement’, he said.

 

Shri Tomar also highlighted that the year-long celebrations for millets (Shree Anna) will entail myriad activities aimed at creating awareness around the environmental, health and economic benefits of millet farming.

 

Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, also highlighted the government-led initiatives for mainstreaming millets. Speaking about the collaboration of NAFED and MoA&FW, he said that ventures like the Millets Experience Centre would help widen the horizon for consumers who are actively looking for healthier alternatives and bring visibility to India’s robust millet-based start-up community. He also added that more such Millet Experience Centres are likely to open across Delhi and other states very soon through partnership with retail chains, hotels and F&B industry.

 

Shri Rajbir Singh, Managing Director, NAFED, praised the joint efforts by the MoA&FW and NAFED for the initiatives being undertaken for the promotion of Millets (Shree Anna) and execution of IYM-2023. He said that the Millets Experience Centre (Shree Anna) is a unique concept that will help in the recognition of the immense potential of millets (Shree Anna) as a versatile and healthy grain. He added that this MEC (Shree Anna) will enable the consumers to enjoy an expansive Millet menu and an ‘in-store’ shopping experience featuring a wide variety of millet-based products developed by home grown startups- all under one roof. He further said that the millets (Shree Anna)-based products will also be instrumental in promoting healthy snacking among customers, encouraging them towards adopting healthier millets-centric diets.

Surpassing the target of $23.56 billion, exports of major agriculture and processed products (broadly divided under 27 categories) promoted by nodal agency Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) jumped 8.74 per cent to $26.72 billion during the last fiscal from $24.57 billion in 2021-22.

 

Pulses, Basmati rice, guar gum, groundnut and poultry products were the top performers which registered over 32 per cent growth rate. However, wheat, floriculture and meat (other than buffalo, sheep and goat meat) exports declined.

 

Due to thesudden ban imposed by the Centre on wheat exports last May, which still continues, the volume dropped to 4.69 million tonnes(mt) worth $1.5 billion from 7.24 mt a year ago.

 

India’s agricultural exports, including marine products and spices, surged about 20 per cent to $50.21 billion during 2021-22, in which APEDA-promoted products had over 50 per cent share. The government is yet to release the total agri export performance.

 

Top earners

In the APEDA basket, rice (both basmati and non-basmati) remained the top forex earner at $11.14 billion during 2022-23 against $9.67 billion in 2021-22. Data show that though Basmati rice had an impressive performance, the low rise in the non-Basmati segment dragged the overall growth in the rice sector to 15.2 per cent.

 

Exports of non-Basmati rice were 3.62 per cent up at $6.36 billion, while that of Basmati were up 35.3 per cent at record $4.79 billion last fiscal from year before.

 

APEDA’s major exporting destinations were Bangladesh, UAE, Vietnam, USA, Nepal, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran, and Egypt last year. 'The rise is significant in agri-exports amid the geopolitical tensions and we are committed to perform better with the focus on several key products identified already,' said M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA. The emphasis on Shri Anna (millets) and their promotion via G20 meetings will be booster for its exports, both of raw grains and valued-added products, he added.

 

Export of pulses grew to $662 million in 2022-23, up 84 per cent from $359 million a year before. Shipments of poultry products grew by 89 per cent to $134 million from $71 million, while that of guar gum increased by 38 per cent to $617 million. Export of groundnuts rose 32 per cent to $832 million, that of processed vegetables by 24 per cent to $509 million($412 million).

 

Fresh fruits and vegetables exports were up by 5.7 per cent to nearly $1.79 billion from $1.69 billion, while processed fruits and vegetables exports were up by 19 per cent to reach $1.42 billion ($1.19 billion). Exports of alcoholic beverages grew by 18.5 per cent to $325 million from $274 million.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday asserted that 'deeper globalization' and a 'broadening of India's interest' is the reason that Latin America is no longer considered 'a region too far, adding that India's trade with it is approaching a volume of 'USD 50 billion'.

 

The EAM made the above remarks while apprising the diplomatic corps and students in the Dominican Republic about India's engagement with Latin America.

 

During his speech, Jaishankar spoke on three themes: How does India approach the world and secure its growing global interest; How is India engaging Latin America; What should India - today's and tomorrow's - mean to you (Dominican Republic).

 

Following his speech, Jaishankar tweeted, 'Happy to speak to diplomatic corps and young minds of the diplomatic school of @MIREXRD, Dominican Republic. Offered my thoughts on - How does India approach the world? How is India engaging Latin America? What should India - today's and tomorrow's - mean to them? Watch my speech to know the answers.'

 

The External Affairs Minister, during his first official visit to the Dominican Republic, while speaking further on India's engagement with Latin America said, 'In the last decade there has been a conscious deepening of this process. Our trade with Latin America is today approaching a volume of USD 50 billion. Our export to Brazil at USD 6.48 billion is more than Japan at USD 6.18 billion. That to Mexico at USD 4.43 billion is more than to Canada at USD 3.7 billion. In fact, with the Dominican Republic, our exports at USD 329 million is more than some ASEAN partners. The deeper globalization and a broadening of India's interest, Latin America is no longer considered a region too far.'

 

Underlining India's growing investments, he said, 'Surge in investments in the energy sector, India today imports crude from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Guyana. Our presence in sectors like IT, pharma and two-wheelers is increasing.'

 

Jaishankar also noted India's growing political coordination with regional blocs of Latin America, 'The political engagements are growing in parallel. Since 2016, we have a structured engagement with CELAC. Similarly, there is an arrangement to regularly interact with CARICOM and SICA. India is an associate member of Pacific alliance.'

 

Explaining the students of diplomacy about what should India - today's and tomorrow's - mean to them, Jaishankar said that as the fifth largest economy, India's economic presence will be more strongly felt in this region.

 

'Not just as a most populous country but also one of growing skills and talent, we are becoming increasingly central to the global workplace. The big change of our era is digital revolution. In that sense, India's digital experience holds lessons for the world,' he said.

 

Noting other major steps taken by India, Jaishankar said, 'A parallel story is taking place in the domain of health. Covid period recognised India's true potential in health sector. In a world that is more self-obsessed India has stepped in providing humanitarian assistance.'

 

Prior to this, the External Affairs Minister stated the different aspects of 'How does India approach the world?'

 

'Like any other country, India's most pressing priorities are in its neighbourhood. Given its size and economic strength, it is very much for the collective benefit that India takes generous and non-reciprocal approach to cooperation with smaller neighbours.'

 

Jaishankar also explained them India's Neighbourhood First Policy, which focuses on peaceful relations with its South Asian neighbours.

 

He said, 'This what we have done in the last decade under the leadership of PM Modi and Neighbourhood First Policy. It has seen a dramatic expansion in connectivity, contact and cooperation across the region. The exception to this is, of course, Pakistan in view of the cross-border terrorism it supports,' adding, 'Whether it is the Covid challenge or more recent debt pressure India has always stepped up for its neighbours.'

 

Jaishankar, in his lecture, explained India's global ties in all directions. He said, 'Beyond South Asia, India is developing a concept of extended neighbourhoods, in all directions. With ASEAN, this has taken the form of what we call the Act East Policy that has opened up a pathway to a deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific that is being pursued amongst others through a mechanism, called the Quad.'

 

'Towards the West, there has been a perceptible intensification with India's relationship with the Gulf and with the Middle East. One reflection of that, is a new grouping called I-2U-2, comprising India, Israel, UAE, USA,' he added.

 

The External Affairs Minister also said, 'To the South, the outlook that shapes India's thinking goes by the acronym of Sagar, an Indian word for oceans. First time in 2015, PM Modi articulated a comprehensive view that span the entirety of Indian oceans and its islands. These subsequently became the building block for the Indo-Pacific vision that merged thereafter.'

 

He added, 'To the North, India has been pursuing a strategy of connecting to Central Asia more effectively and this has taken the form of structured engagements across multiple domains.'

 

On Friday, Jaishankar arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for his first official visit to the country.

Wheat procurement has surged 36.6 per cent to 21.31 million tonnes (mt) as of April 28, from 15.6 mt a year ago, according to the latest official data. The procurement target has been fixed at 34.15 mt for the entire season, which ends on June 30.

 

According to official data, mandi prices have declined to Rs.1,780/quintal in Madhya Pradesh and to Rs.1,800/quintal in Rajasthan during the procurement season, which started on April 1. The MSP in Uttar Pradesh is at Rs.2,125/quintal. On the other hand, the maximum mandi rate in MP on April 26 was reportedly Rs.2,698/quintal, in Rajasthan Rs.2,580/quintal, and in UP Rs.2,250/quintal

 

Punjab has shown a 16.6 per cent increase in purchases to 9.99 mt as of April 28, from the year-ago level of 8.57 mt. The target for the year is 13.2 mt. The state contributed the maximum wheat, more than half the total purchases made in the Central Pool last year, which saved the Centre when exporters and traders paid higher than MSP in other states.

 

Procurement in Madhya Pradesh is up by 65.2 per cent at 5.45 mt, from 3.3 mt, whereas the target is to buy 8 mt by June 15. Last year, the Centre could purchase only 4.6 mt, against a target of 12.9 mt from MP.

 

Haryana has reported a 53.2 per cent jump at 5.67 mt from 3.7 mt a year ago, and the largest wheat-producer, Uttar Pradesh, reported a 2.8 per cent dip in procurement at 119,378 tonnes, from 122,805 tonnes as on April 28 a year ago, official data show.

 

Among other states, the government has bought 82,770 tonnes (against 749 tonnes year-ago) in Rajasthan. Gujarat is yet to purchase any quantity, while Bihar has reported procurement at 255 tonnes. The government aims to buy 1 mt from Bihar, 0.5 mt from Rajasthan and 0.2 mt from Gujarat.

 

Wheat procurement in the country dropped to a 15-year low of 18.79 mt in the 2022-23 season (April-March).

 

HyderabadAt the maiden Food Conclave 2023 held here on Saturday, Telangana has bagged projects worth Rs.7,218 crore in various food processing, aquaculture, edible oil and meat processing industries.

 

Addressing the valedictory of the conclave, Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao said the fresh investment proposals have the potential to generate 58,458 jobs.

 

'We are also working on the supply chain linkages where we will connect the industry to the farmers of the State by effectively deploying the agriculture extension system,' he said.

 

'We are creating farmer producer organisations (FPOs) to provide plug-and-play supply chains for the food processing Industry. We have set a target to build Special Food Processing Zones on an aggregate area of 10,000 acres in the State,' he said.

 

Ramesh Chand, a Member of NITI Ayog, has called for efforts to promote corporate investments in agriculture production. 'The share of corporate investments is just 0.3 per cent in production agriculture. Their investments may be there in areas like warehousing but in production agriculture is low.

 

'We need to increase this. In order to facilitate this, we need to have discussions with policymakers, academia and farmers,' he said.

 

Addressing the inaugural of the maiden Food Conclave 2023 here on Saturday, he said 11 out of the 17 SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) are directly or indirectly tied to agriculture. 'If we don’t fix the problems in agriculture, we can’t achieve the goals,' he said.

 

K T Ram Rao (Center), Minister for Industries and Commerce along with other dignitaries at the inaugural plenary at the Food Conclave 2023 at Hyderabad Saturday, April 29, 2023.

 

About 100 top leaders from agri, food processing industry and policy makers are speaking at the conference which is focusing on the five revolutions of – Green (agriculture), Yellow (edible oils), Blue (aquaculture), Pink (meat and poultry) and White (dairy), discussing the opportunities in these areas.

 

All you need to know about the Telangana government’s ‘The Food Conclave’  All you need to know about the Telangana government’s ‘The Food Conclave’  

 

Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary (IT and Industries), Government of Telangana, said a strong food processing policy would help in doubling the farmers’ incomes. 'We offer the best value proposition for the industry to set up their investments in food processing industries,' he said.

 

He said the State government would make the Food Conclave an annual event.

 

Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, Agriculture Minister, Government of Telangana delivering address at the inaugural plenary at the Food Conclave 2023 at Hyderabad.

 

Telangana Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy said the cultivated area in the State went up to 2.20 crore acres now from 1.31 crore acres in 2014-15, the year when the State was formed. The food grain production went up to 2.70 crore tonnes from 68 lakh tonnes during the period.

 

'The area under cotton went up by 44 per cent over the area of 41 lakh acres at the time of the formation of the State,' he said.