India’s agricultural and processed food exports have grown at a steady pace in the last decade notwithstanding several logistical challenges faced in the global trade of the commodities, according to a year-ender released by Ministry of Commerce & Industry recently.

 

Exports of agricultural and processed food products under Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) basket rose to USD 20,674 million (Rs 15,30,50 crore) during 2020-21, from USD 17,321 million (Rs 83,484 crore) in 2011-12, according to data by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S).

 

Non-Basmati Rice has emerged as India’s top export item among the many agricultural and processed food product exports under APEDA basket, contributing close to one fourth of the total exports in 2020-21.

 

Top three products in the APEDA export basket in 2020-21 were Non-Basmati Rice (23.22% share), Basmati Rice (19.44%) and Buffalo Meat (15.34%) and these products together account for 58 per cent of total shipments.

 

India’s Non-Basmati rice exports was valued at USD 4799.91 million (Rs 35,477 crore) in 2020-21, with Basmati Rice exports a close second at USD 4018.71 million (Rs 29,850 crore), followed by Buffalo Meat exports at USD 3171.19 million (Rs23,460 crore).

 

Benin, Nepal, Bangladesh, Senegal and Togo were the top importers of Non-Basmati Rice from India in 2020-21. Major export destinations for Basmati Rice in 2020-21 were Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and United Arab Emirates. For Buffalo Meat exports, the top importing nations were Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt and Indonesia.

 

“We continue to focus on creating infrastructure for boosting exports by focusing on clusters in collaboration with state governments while taking into consideration aim of Agriculture Export Policy, 2018,” Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, said.

 

APEDA has been engaged with State Governments for the implementation of Agriculture Export Policy. Maharashtra, U.P., Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, M.P., Mizoram and Meghalaya have finalized the State Specific Action Plan for exports while the action plans of other States are at different stages of finalization.

 

According to World Trade Organization (WTO) data, India’s agricultural exports touched USD 37,371 million in 2019 against USD 23,106 million in 2010, recording a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.49 per cent during the last ten years. CAGR of the world's agricultural exports was 3.11 per cent during 2010 to 2019.

 

India’s share in world agricultural exports stood at 2.1 per cent in 2019, moving up from 1.71 per cent in 2010. However, India’s rank in worldwide agricultural exports slipped to 16 in 2019 from 17 in 2010, according to data released by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

 

In terms of share of top ten products exports under APEDA basket, there has not been much change in the last one decade even as India’s exports reached more countries across the world. The top ten APEDA exports in share terms in 2020-21 were Non-Basmati Rice (23.22%), Basmati Rice (19.44%), Buffalo Meat (15.34%), Miscellaneous Preparations (3.84%), Groundnuts (3.52%), Cereal Preparations (3.08%), Maize (3.07%), Wheat (2.66%), Processed Vegetables (2.43%), Processed Fruits, Juices & Nuts (2.07%) and Cashew Kernels (2.03%).

 

In 2011-12, the top ten APEDA export in share terms were Guargum (19.89%), Basmati Rice (18.60%), Buffalo Meat (16.56%), Non-Basmati Rice (10.43%), Groundnuts (6.32%), Maize (6.21%), Cereal Preparations (2.26%), Fresh Onions (2.07%), Alcoholic Beverages (1.76%) and Processed Vegetables (1.47%).

 

In 2020-21, the top ten products in the APEDA export basket account for more than 78 per cent in total exports against 85 per cent in 2010-11.

 

Top ten APEDA exports in value terms during 2020-21 were Non-Basmati Rice (USD 4799.91 million / Rs 35,477 crore), Basmati Rice (USD 4018.71 million / Rs 29,850 crore), Buffalo Meat (USD 3171.19 million / Rs 23,460 crore), Miscellaneous Preparations (USD 793.08 million / Rs 5,866 crore), Groundnuts (USD 727.4 million / Rs 5,382 crore), Cereal Preparations (USD 635.75 million / Rs 4,706 crore), Maize (USD 634.85 million / Rs 4,676 crore), Wheat (USD 549.7 million / Rs 4,038 crore), Processed Vegetables (USD 502million / Rs 3,719 crore) and Processed Fruits, Juices & Nuts (USD 428million / Rs 3,173 crore).

 

Top ten APEDA exports in value terms during 2011-12 were Guargum (USD 3446.37million / Rs 16,524 crore), Basmati Rice (USD 3222.31 million / Rs 15,450 crore), Buffalo Meat (USD 2869.36 million / Rs 13,757 crore), Non-Basmati Rice (USD 1806.03 million / Rs 8,659 crore), Groundnuts (USD 1094.25 million / Rs 5,246 crore), Maize (USD 1075.7 million / Rs 5,158 crore), Cereal Preparations (USD 392.21 million / Rs 1,889 crore), Fresh Onions (USD 359.36 million / Rs 1,723 crore), Alcoholic Beverages (USD 304.4 million / Rs 1,459 crore) and Processed Vegetables (USD 254.56 million / Rs 1,250 crore).

 

The rise in export of agricultural and processed food products has been largely due to the various initiatives taken by APEDA such as organizing B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets through product specific and general marketing campaigns by active involvement of Indian Embassies.

 

APEDA has also taken several initiatives to promote geographical indications (GI) registered agricultural and processed food products in India by organizing virtual Buyer Seller Meets on agricultural and food products with the major importing countries across the world.

 

In order to ensure seamless quality certification of products to be exported, APEDA has recognized 220 labs across India to provide services of testing to a wide range of products and exporters.

 

APEDA also assists in up-gradation and strengthening of recognized laboratories for export testing and residue monitoring plans. APEDA also provides assistance under the financial assistance schemes of infrastructure development, quality improvement and market development for boosting export of agricultural products.

 

APEDA organizes participation of exporters in the International Trade Fairs, which provides a platform to the exporters to market their food products in the global marketplace. APEDA also organizes National events like AAHAR, Organic World Congress, BioFach India etc. to promote agri-exports.

 

APEDA also initiates registration of pack-houses for horticulture products for meeting the quality requirements of the international market. Registration of export units for peanut shelling and grading and processing units, for instance, is to ensure quality adherence for the EU and non EU countries.

 

APEDA carries out registration of meat processing plants and abattoirs for ensuring compliance with global food safety and quality requirements. Another key initiative includes development and implementation of traceability systems which ensure the food safety and quality compliances of the importing countries. For boosting exports, APEDA compiles and disseminates various international trade analytical information, market access information amongst exporters and address trade enquiries.

Rice and Buffalo meat contribute to 58 % of India’s total export in the Agriculture and Processed Food sector, claimed the Agriculture Ministry while claiming that India’s export has increased by more than 83% during the past 10 years.

 

The Ministry said the top three products in the APEDA (The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) export basket in 2020-21 were Non-Basmati Rice (23.22% share), Basmati Rice (19.44%), and Buffalo Meat (15.34%) and these products together account for 58 percent of total shipments.

 

In the International market, Non-Basmati Rice has emerged as India’s top export item among the many agricultural and processed food product exports under the APEDA basket, contributing close to one-fourth of the total exports in 2020-21, the Ministry said.

 

While India’s Non-Basmati rice exports were valued at USD 4799.91 million (Rs 35,477 crore) in 2020-21, the Basmati Rice exports were at USD 4018.71 million (Rs 29,850 crore), followed by Buffalo Meat exports at USD 3171.19 million (Rs23,460 crore), said a senior officer of the Agriculture Ministry

 

He said the export of agricultural and processed food has grown at a steady pace in the last decade notwithstanding several logistical challenges faced in the global trade of the commodities.

 

The Exports of agricultural and processed food products under the APEDA basket rose to USD 20,674 million (Rs 15,30,50 crore) during 2020-21, from USD 17,321 million (Rs 83,484 crore) in 2011-12, as per the data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S).

 

While Benin, Nepal, Bangladesh, Senegal, and Togo were the top importers of Non-Basmati Rice from India in 2020-21, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates were the top exporters of Basmati rice.

 

As regards Buffalo Meat exports, the top importing nations include Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, and Indonesia, the Ministry said. 'We continue to focus on creating infrastructure for boosting exports by focusing on clusters in collaboration with state governments while taking into consideration the aim of Agriculture Export Policy, 2018,' he said.

 

According to World Trade Organization (WTO) data, India’s agricultural exports touched USD 37,371 million in 2019 against USD 23,106 million in 2010, recording a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.49 percent during the last ten years against the 3.11 % increase in CAGR of the world’s agricultural exports 2010 to 2019.

 

India’s share in world agricultural exports has also increased from 1.71 (2010) in 2010 to 2.1 % (2019). However, India’s rank in worldwide agricultural exports slipped to 16 in 2019 from 17 in 2010 as per the data released by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

 

Among the top ten products exports under the APEDA basket were Non-Basmati Rice (23.22%), Basmati Rice (19.44%), Buffalo Meat (15.34%), Miscellaneous Preparations (3.84%), Groundnuts (3.52%), Cereal Preparations (3.08%), Maize (3.07%), Wheat (2.66%), Processed Vegetables (2.43%), Processed Fruits, Juices & Nuts (2.07%) and Cashew Kernels (2.03%), the Ministry said.

As per the Preliminary Data for December 2021, India’s merchandise export in December 2021 was USD 37.29 billion, the highest ever monthly achievement, which shows an increase of 37.0% over USD 27.22 billion in December 2020 and an increase of 37.55% over USD 27.11 billion in December 2019.

 

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution called it a historic achievement and attributed it to the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also congratulated all the EPCs, exporters and Indian Embassy officials all across the globe for contributing to this historic achievement.

 

India’s merchandise export in April-December 2021 was USD 299.74 billion, an increase of 48.85% over USD 201.37 billion in April-December 2020 and an increase of 25.80% over USD 238.27 billion in April-December 2019.

 

India’s merchandise import in December 2021 was USD 59.27 billion, an increase of 38.06% over USD 42.93 billion in December 2020 and an increase of 49.7% over USD 39.59 billion in December 2019.

 

India’s merchandise import in April-December 2021 was USD 443.71 billion, an increase of 69.27% over USD 262.13 billion in April-December 2020 and an increase of 21.84% over USD 364.18 billion in April-December 2019.

 

alue of non-petroleum exports in December 2021 was 31.67 USD billion, registering a positive growth of 27.31% over non-petroleum exports of USD 24.88 billion in December 2020 and a positive growth of 34.92% over non-petroleum exports of USD 23.48 billion in December 2019.

 

Value of non-petroleum imports was USD 43.37 billion in December 2021 with a positive growth of 30.22% over non-petroleum imports of USD 33.31 billion in December 2020 and a positive growth of 50.20% over non-petroleum imports of USD 28.88 billion in December 2019.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum exports in April-December 2021 was USD 257.14 billion, an increase of 39.82% over USD 183.91 billion in April-December 2020 and an increase of 24.74% over USD 206.13 billion in April-December 2019.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum imports in April-December 2021 was USD 325.73 billion, showing an increase of 56.41% compared to non-oil imports of USD 208.25 billion in April-December 2020 and an increase of 21.78% compared to non-oil imports of USD 267.47 billion in April-December 2019.

 

Value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in December 2021 was USD 28.69 billion, registering a positive growth of 28.64% over non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 22.30 billion in December 2020 and a positive growth of 36.21% over non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 21.06 billion in December 2019.

 

Value of non-oil, non-GJ (gold, silver & Precious metals) imports was USD 35.57 billion in December 2021 with a positive growth of 34.68% over non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 26.41 billion in December 2020 and a positive growth of 47.75% over non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 24.07 billion in December 2019.

 

The cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in April-December 2021 was USD 228.25 billion, an increase of 36.66% over cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 167.02 billion in April-December 2020 and an increase of 28.12% over cumulative value of non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports of USD 178.15 billion in April-December 2019.

 

Non-oil, non-GJ (Gold, Silver & Precious Metals) imports was USD 263.66 billion in April-December 2021, recording a positive growth of 47.33%, as compared to non-oil and non-GJ imports of USD 178.96 billion in April-December 2020 and a positive growth of 17.20% over USD 224.96 billion in April-December 2019.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said there was no extraordinary increase in trade with China and that the trade deficit with the neighbouring country has come down to USD 44 billion in 2021 from USD 48 billion in 2014-15.

 

The minister also said that from 2003 and 2013-14, when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power, imports from China had increased 1,160 per cent. There was also a 24 times increase in trade deficit from USD 1.5 billion in 2004-05 to USD 36 billion in 20-13-14, he added.

 

Goyal's remarks come days after Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh criticised the government saying that while China was renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh and setting up villages in Indian territory, the government was still carrying on with 100-billion-dollar trade with China.

 

'It (trade deficit) almost remains steady… I can assure you that there is no extraordinary increase (in trade) with China,' Goyal said.

 

He also noted that India's overall trade with Australia increased 102 per cent, South Africa 82 per cent, UAE 65 per cent and China only 44 per cent.

 

About free trade agreements, Goyal said that India's FTA with the UAE is close to finalisation.

 

India is also concluding the interim agreement with Australia, which will cover 'large areas of interest particularly our labour-oriented sectors like textiles, pharma, footwear, leather products and agricultural products,' he said.

 

India is also planning to launch FTA negotiations with the UK later this month and put in place an interim agreement by March this year while talks with Canada are expected to be launched in the next 2-3 months, the minister said.

The country's sugar production is estimated to have risen by 4.75 per cent to 115.70 lakh tonne during the October-December period of the 2021-22 season, sugar cooperatives body NFCSFL said on Monday. Sugar output stood at 110.45 lakh tonne in the same period of 2020-21 season. Sugar season runs from October to September.

 

About 491 mills had crushed 1227.17 lakh tonne of sugarcane as on December 31, 2021, higher than the year-ago period, as per the latest data released by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSFL).

 

According to NFCSFL, production in Uttar Pradesh, the country's leading sugar producing state, remained lower at 30.90 lakh tonne during October-December of the 2021-22 season, as against 33.65 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

However, production in Maharashtra, the country's second largest sugar producing state, rose to 45.75 lakh tonne from 39.85 lakh tonne, while in Karnataka production increased to 24.90 lakh tonne from 24.15 lakh tonne in the said period.

 

Sugar production in Gujarat remained slightly higher at 3.40 lakh tonne during October-December of this year, as against 3.35 lakh tonne in the year-ago period.

 

There was marginal increase in production in states of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttarakhand, the NFCSFL data showed.

 

The total sugar production in 2021-22 season is pegged at 315 lakh tonne, as against 311.05 lakh tonne during the 2020-21 season, it added.

 

India is in dialogue with Israel for concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said here on Monday.

 

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Both sides are currently in talks to mark the occasion with high-level visits and new agreements.

 

Mr. Goyal also informed that bilateral free trade agreements are being negotiated with the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. He said the agreement with the UAE was ‘close to finalisation’ while the FTA with Australia was at a ‘very advanced stage.’ The FTAs would cover a wide range of sectors such as agricultural products and pharmaceuticals.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said India was trying to expand its bilateral trade relations with several nations and hopes to rapidly launch trade negotiations with Canada over the next two-three months.

 

'We are looking at a free trade agreement and comprehensive economic partnership with the UAE, which is close to finalisation. We are also at an advanced stage with Australia on concluding interim agreement, which will include our large area of interest, particularly about oriented sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, footwear, leather and agricultural products,' Goyal said.

 

 

Talks with the UK are expected to be launched later this month and an interim agreement could be in place by March.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has advised food businesses to apply for licence under  Kind of Business –KOB only for food product which they can specify ‘clearly’  in the licence application instead of seeking licence for multiple food products at one go.

 

According to the food authority, often the food business operators experience delays in processing of licence applications when they apply for licence under Manufacturer Kind of Business-KOB for multiple food products.  

 

'The common reason for the delay was the inability of the FBO to specify the food products clearly in the licence application. And as a result the licensing authorities have to raise multiple queries on the application with respect to some food products,' said an official with the FSSAI.

 

The FSSAI has issued an advisory that the FBOs can delete such food products from the licence application, for which the concerned FBO was unable to make corrections, despite the licensing authority making several queries.

 

'FBOs may delete such products (from the list in the licence application) so that the licence may be issued for the eligible products without any delay.  Once the licence is issued, FBO, if required may file modification of its already issued licence, with fee applicable (Rs 1,000) plus the differential fee, if any for remaining products,' reads the advisory.

 

FSSAI’s statement reads that this faster processing of licence application will promote ‘ease of doing business’ and the food businesses would not face any delay in issuance of licence for products found eligible as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reached out to the farmers in Jat area of western Uttar Pradesh, which had witnessed widespread protests over the now-abolished central farm laws.

 

Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation of Rs 700-crore Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, Modi said the Centre had allocated Rs 1 trillion towards ramping up agricultural infrastructure, storage houses, and cold chain network to benefit small farmers.

 

'We have accorded priority to improving the farm infrastructure and promoting food processing industries,' he said, stressing that the ‘double engine’ government would ensure the development of the entire western UP and the youth of the region.

 

Since Western UP is also known as the sugar bowl due to the extensive cane cultivation, Modi flayed the previous governments for delayed and staggered payments pertaining to the cash crop.

 

'Under the Yogi (Adityanath) government, the total payments made so far is more than the combined payout to the cane farmers during the previous two regimes in the state,' he underlined.

 

The PM alleged the UP sugar mills were earlier sold at throwaway prices, however, new mills were being set up and closed ones revived by the current government.

 

'UP is taking big strides in the production of ethanol made from sugarcane. In the last four and half years, ethanol worth Rs 12,000 crore has been procured from UP alone,' he said, adding Meerut had played a significant role in the country’s freedom movement.

 

He maintained the government was taking steps to facilitate the setting up of big industries in UP and create new markets for farm produce.

 

Meanwhile, Modi invoked the youth power to put India on the path of speedy economic growth.

 

'The country’s youth is making a global mark in both the sports and startup fields. The path that India will take will guide the world to tread the same path and youth have to take the lead in this regard,' he noted.

 

He said the sports university would be developed as one of the finest universities in the world. It would churn out more than 1,000 sports professionals every year.

 

Modi hit out at the opposition parties for indulging in nefarious games in UP during regimes. 'Earlier, criminals and mafias were playing their game and eve-teasing was blatant in the state, while the government of the day was itself busy in its own game of corruption. The people were forced to flee from their ancestral houses.'

 

However, the Adityanath government had put the criminals behind bars and the youth of UP were getting ample opportunities to excel in sports and to make sports a viable career too, he said and attacked the previous governments for their alleged apathy towards.

Agriculture has been the bright spot in the economy despite Covid 19 in the year 2021. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Year End Review of achievements and initiatives of the various Schemes, Programmes and Missions is as follows:

 

Achievement of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare for the year 2021-22

 

Production: For year 2021-22, the production data is available for only kharif crops (as per first advance estimates)

 

Foodgrains (kharif) - 150.50 MT

Oilseeds (kharif) - 23.39 MT

Sugarcane - 419.25 MT

 

PM- KISAN:

 

Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN), more than 1.60 lakh crore rupees have been directly transferred to more than 11.54 crore farmers till now.

 

PM-KMDY:

 

Total 21,42,718 number of farmers have been enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMDY). 

 

AIF

 

Till date, a total of 8702 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme with a loan amount of Rs. 6254 crores, out of which, Rs. 2291 crores have been disbursed for 4315 projects.

 

MSP:

 

The Union Budget for 2018-19 had announced the pre-determined principle to keep MSP at levels of one and half times of the cost of production. In line with the same principle, Government had announced the increase in MSP for all mandated kharif crops of year 2021-22 on 9th June, 2021. The expected returns to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be highest in case of bajra (85%), followed byurad (65%) and tur (arhar) (62%). For rest of the crops, return to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be at least 50%.

 

On 8th September, 2021, the Government has announced the MSP for all mandated Rabi crops for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2022-23. The expected returns to farmers over their cost of production are estimated to be highest in case of wheat and rapeseed & mustard (100% each), followed by lentil (79%); gram (74%); barley (60%); safflower (50%).

 

National Food Security Mission:

 

During 2021-22, NFSM is being implemented in identified districts of 28 states & 2 Union Territories (UTs) viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in the country:

NFSM-Rice in 193 districts of 24 states & UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

NFSM-Wheat in 124 districts of 10 states & 2 UTs viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

NFSM-Pulses in 644 districts of 28 states & 2 UTs viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. NFSM-Coarse Cereals in 269 districts of 26 states & 2 UTs viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

 

NFSM-Nutri-Cereals in 212 districts of 14 states.

 

NFSM-Coarse Cereals in 269 districts of 26 stats & 2 UTs viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

 

NFSM-Commercial Crops, Cotton is implemented in 15 states, Jute in 9 states and Sugarcane in 13 states of the country.

The Targeting Rice Fallow Area (TRFA) programme under NFSM is implemented in 11 states of the country to promote cultivation of pulses in rice fallow areas of the states.

 

An amount of Rs. 1560.00 crore (BE) has been allocated for NFSM during 2021-22.