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16 Feb, 2023 News Image

FSSAI issues notice on approval of RAFT kit superseding previous one.

The FSSAI has issued a notice regarding approval of rapid analytical food testing (RAFT) kit by the food authority superseding the previous one wherein a revised application format has been issued.

The application format seeks technical information including contents to be submitted with the dossier for pre-evaluation by FSSAI wherein the applicant should clearly state which parts of the application are claimed to be confidential/proprietary and provide verifiable justification.

Also, the applicant was asked to provide details of the conventional method/equipment/test kit with which the said product should be compared along with technical specifications on rapid testing kits/device/method, which is only indicative that all necessary information to support and strengthen the application must be submitted.

The format also seeks info on operational characteristics for kits/devices.

Meanwhile, according to the FSSAI, only duly filled complete and signed application will be accepted by the apex food regulator and incomplete or unsigned applications will be summarily rejected and no fee shall be refunded.

In case of applications with incomplete or insufficient data on validation and verification, the RAFT Secretarial may direct the applicant to submit additional information with supporting documents within stipulated time.

The notice states that validation of the rapid food testing kit equipment/method in accordance with international guidelines by a third-party such as an authorised FSSAI laboratory or international organisations like AOAC, AFNOR, MICKOVAL etc., is mandatory for approval.

'Validation of a method consists of two phases: 1) a single laboratory validation of all of the parameters viz. scope. Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantitation (LoQ), trueness, precision, selectivity, sensitivity, efficiency, linear dynamic range and robustness, repeatability, standard deviation, reproducibility, standard deviation and 2) a collaborative ring trial (at least 5-7 laboratories), the main outcome of which is a measure of the repeatability and reproducibility together with detailed information on the transferability of methods between laboratories,' reads the notice.

The notice added that FSSAI will only consider the application under RAFT Scheme by commercial manufacturers of the rapid kit equipment/method and not through the innovator/ researcher/institute organisation. However, if the technology is transferred and the kit is manufactured commercially, the manufacturer will have to validate the kit again as per the guidelines and apply to FSSAI.

Source: fnbnews.com

16 Feb, 2023 News Image

APEDA to support exports of vegan food ingredients.

The Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA), which is eyeing $30 billion in exports this fiscal, has recently launched a National Programme on Vegan Products to cater to overseas demand for plant-based products. APEDA Chairman M Angamuthu shares details with businessline on the new initiatives which will help diversify the agency’s export product basket. Excerpts:

What are the factors behind APEDA initiating work on the National Programme on vegan products programme?

India produces plenty of protein-rich foods such as pulses, soyabean, legumes, seeds, nuts, and wheat which are excellent alternatives to meat proteins. As we race into the new decade, it is no secret that plant-based diets are on the rise and as the trend continues to grow, so are the companies growing with vegetarian and vegan options within the food and beverage industry. Consumers are becoming receptive to plant-based meat substitutes. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the popularity of these products has surged as they are being perceived as immunity-boosters. Now, vegetarians can relish the taste of animal meat without consuming animal products.

Being a food surplus production country, India has a number of good quality protein raw materials such as chickpea, soyabean, wheat, millets , allowing not only product diversification but also towards a sustainable environment.

What are the export potentials for vegan products?

Given the unique mix of natural, social, and economic advantages, India has the potential to play a prominent role on a global stage by growing and processing plant-based ingredients and building a thriving export market. India is one of the top five producers of core plant proteins — chickpeas, lentils, millet, peas, rice, soyabeans, and wheat. In addition, early signs point to a significant growth opportunity for the plant-based foods industry in the country. The plant-based foods industry in the US has achieved unparalleled growth in recent years and generated over $7.4 billion in retail sales in 2021. There is a tremendous market opportunity for India and it can become a global leader in the plant-based food sector.

How big is the market for vegan products globally?

Comprehensive global data on the plant-based sector is still limited, but data from specific markets provide insight into the sector’s overall trajectory. Retail plant-based milk sales grew 14 per cent to $17.8 billion and plant-based meat sales grew 17 per cent to $5.6 billion in 2021. Over a five-year timeframe, retail plant-based milk sales grew 18 per cent, affected by relatively flat sales from 2018 to 2020. Asia Pacific led the plant-based milk sector in retail sales in 2021 with $9.4 billion and also saw the largest growth at 16 per cent.

Financial institutions are projecting strong continued growth for plant-based foods. Analysing the potential growth for alternative milk and meat (potentially inclusive of plant-based, cultivated, and/or fermentation-derived products), Credit Suisse projects global sales of alternative dairy and meat to reach between $146 billion and $380 billion by 2030. By 2050, the bank projects sales between $748 billion and $1.4 trillion.

How will it benefit the Indian farmers? Are Indian farmers/processors ready to tap the export potential for vegan products?

Consumer interest is high, private sector companies are coming to market at a rapid pace, and the strength of the agricultural sector provides a strong foundation for growth. APEDA will focus on creating an international market for its indigenous crops that will benefit farmers and other key stakeholders.

The plant-based food sector poses an incredible opportunity to provide for Indian farmers in the long term by effectively and efficiently utilising natural resources and adding value through processing. It can cater towards the populations living and working in cities as well as those in rural settings, who increasingly have access to cold chains and supermarkets. It can leverage the unique strengths and qualities of its indigenous crops. It can attract foreign investment, research and technology advancements, and a significant export market.

What kind of intervention/support mechanism are you envisaging to help Indian exporters tap this new market?

The Government of India has been an important and effective supporter of the food processing sector, including as one of the pillars of its “Make in India” initiative. Infrastructure investments, advantageous financial and credit schemes, foreign direct investment policy, and centralised procurement schemes have propelled the sector’s growth. Federal examples of such support are reflected in Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI), and specific support for smaller enterprises.

Through July 2021, 792 of a total of 818 proposed projects have been approved, with approved grants-in-aid totalling $753 million. As of July 2021, the government had approved 41 mega food parks, 353 cold chain projects, 63 agro-processing clusters, and 292 food processing units.

With an outlay of $1.5 billion (?10,900 crore), PLISFPI supports the creation of global food manufacturing champions commensurate with India’s natural resource endowment and will help Indian brands increase success in international markets. Objectives of the scheme include creating jobs, attracting investment, expanding industrial capacity to increase the production of processed foods, increasing farmer incomes, and boosting exports. The scheme will run 2021-22 through 2026-27.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industry is providing strategic support to the industry. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) serving as a strong template for future work. All of these efforts are important to the near- and long-term success of the plant-based foods sector.

What are the categories of vegan products APEDA is exploring to support for export promotion?

While much of the global attention on the plant-based foods sector is on whole products like milks and mock meats, the ingredient market is a significant opportunity as well. Protein-rich concentrates, isolates, and flours can provide nutrition across a wide range of applications – from protein shakes to mixing protein atta into chapati.

National production of plant-based foods can take advantage of and further stimulate a healthy international market for plant protein crops, processed protein ingredients, and manufactured products. Soaring consumer interest and investment for plant-based foods in North America, Europe, and Asia will provide near-term opportunities to fill supply shortages and take advantage of rapidly-modernising technology.

What is the current value of vegan products exported from India?

The plant-based foods sector in India is projected to increase significantly over the next decade, driven by increased consumer interest and access, product innovation, and hundreds of millions in domestic and foreign private sector investment.

The export market for India’s plant-based sector is also projected to be significant by 2030, though the plant-based meat market is expected to be larger than that of milk. The plant-based meat market is projected to range from $283 million to $880 million, whereas the plant-based milk market is projected to range from $59 million to $244 million and the plant-based egg market will range from $34 million to $81 million.

Source: thehindubusinessline.com

16 Feb, 2023 News Image

Next round of India, UK talks for free trade agreement to be held in March.

The next round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is scheduled from March 20-24, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Wednesday. Barthwal said that talks are progressing and it was closed for 13 chapters.

After the eight round of talks in March, it could be assessed that how many more rounds would happen and how much more time the talks would take to conclude.

The last round of talks were concluded on February 10.

India and the UK launched negotiations for the FTA in January last year with an aim to conclude talks by Diwali (October 24), but the deadline was missed due to political developments in the UK.

There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.

Reduction or elimination of customs duty under the pact would help Indian labour intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery to boost exports in the UK market.

The UK is seeking duty concessions in areas like Scotch whiskey and automobiles.

About the trade pact with European Union (EU), Joint Secretary in the department of commerce Nidhi Mani Tripathi said that the commerce secretary and EU's Director General (Trade) will meet in August to review the progress of the talks.

Both have met last on January 24.

The fourth round of talks for negotiations is scheduled from March 13-17.

Both sides have agreed to discuss and finalise modalities for exchange of offer in goods and services during the fourth round of talks.

When asked about the new foreign trade policy, the secretary said that work is going on and it will be released in April.

On cutting down non-essential imports, he said the ministry is holding meetings with different departments on this issue.

'We are also sharing data with them,' he added.

The government had extended the existing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) till March 31, 2023.

FTP provides guidelines for enhancing exports to push economic growth and create jobs.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

16 Feb, 2023 News Image

Govt to decide on raising sugar export quota in March after assessing output estimate: Food Secretary.

The government will take a call next month on increasing the sugar export quota from the present 60 lakh tonnes for the current marketing year after assessing the domestic production, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Wednesday. The food ministry has allowed 60 lakh tonnes of sugar exports for the current 2022-23 marketing year (October-September), which is expected to see a drop in the sugar production. India exported a record 110 lakh tonnes of sugar in the previous year.

'We have not yet taken a call. we are closely monitoring the production and we would take a call may be in March depending on what the final figures of anticipated production are,' Chopra told reporters here when asked whether the government will hike the sugar export quota.

He said the sugar production is estimated to be lower in the 2022-23 marketing year because of bad weather in some producing states.

Recently, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said that sugar production is estimated to fall 5 per cent in the current marketing year to 340 lakh tonnes as more quantity of sugarcane juice is being diverted for the production of ethanol.

Sugar production stood at 358 lakh tonnes in the 2021-22 marketing year.

There will be an estimated diversion of 45 lakh tonnes of sweetener towards ethanol manufacturing. Sugarcane juice/syrup and B-molasses are being diverted to ethanol making.

In the previous 2021-22 marketing year, 32 lakh tonnes of sweetener was diverted towards manufacturing of ethanol for blending with petrol.

The actual sugar production in Maharashtra is estimated to decline to 121 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 from 137 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Uttar Pradesh will see a marginal decline to 101 lakh tonnes from 102 lakh tonnes, while Karnataka may witness a decline to 56 lakh tonnes from 60 lakh tonnes.

In the first four months of 2022-23, ISMA has reported that the country's sugar production rose 3.42 per cent to 193.5 lakh tonnes.

India has exported 27.83 lakh tonnes of sugar till February 9 of the ongoing 2022-23 marketing year, with Bangladesh and Indonesia being the top markets, trade body All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) said recently.

Mills have contracted to export almost the entire 60 lakh tonnes of sugar that have been permitted by the government.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

16 Feb, 2023 News Image

Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Chile for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Chile for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied sectors.

The MoU provides for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The main areas of cooperation envisaged are Agricultural policies for development of modern agriculture, Organic agriculture to facilitate the bilateral trade of organic products, as well as promote the exchange of policies aimed to develop organic production in both countries, Science and innovation to explore partnerships to promote innovation in the agricultural sector among Indian Institutes and Chilean institutes as well as collaborate to confront common challenges.

Under the MoU, a Chile-India Agricultural Working Group will be constituted which will be responsible for the supervision, review and assessment of the implementation of this MoU as well as for establishing frequent communication and coordination.

The meetings of the Agricultural Working Group will be held once a year alternatively in Chile and India. The MoU shall enter into force upon its signature and shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of execution after which it shall be automatically renewed for a further period of 5 years.

Source: pib.gov.in

16 Feb, 2023 News Image

In spite of strong global headwinds, with two months remaining in the current financial year, India s overall exports is projected to grow at 17.33 percent during April-January 2022-23 over same period last year (April-January 2021-22).

India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in January 2023* are estimated to be USD 65.15 Billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 14.58 per cent over the same period last year. Overall imports in January 2023* are estimated to be USD 66.42 Billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 0.94 per cent over the same period last year.

Table 1: Trade during January 2023*

		January 2023 (USD Billion)	January 2022 (USD Billion)
Merchandise	Exports	32.91	35.23
Merchandise	Imports	50.66	52.57
Services*	Exports	32.24	21.63
Services*	Imports	15.76	13.24
Overall Trade (Merchandise +Services) *	Exports	65.15	56.86
	Imports	66.42	65.80
	Trade Balance	-1.27	-8.95

* Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for December 2022. The data for January 2023 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-January 2021-22 and April-September 2022 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data.

Fig 1: Overall Trade during January 2023*

India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in April-January 2022-23 is estimated to exhibit a positive growth of 17.33 per cent over the same period last year (April-January 2021-22). As India’s domestic demand has remained steady amidst the global slump, overall imports in April-January 2022-23 is estimated to exhibit a growth of 22.92 per cent over the same period last year.

Table 2: Trade during April-January 2022-23*

		April-January 2022-23 (USD Billion)	April-January 2021-22 (USD Billion)
Merchandise	Exports	369.25	340.28
Merchandise	Imports	602.20	494.06
Services*	Exports	pib.gov.in
Services*	16 Feb, 2023 G-20 members stressed on increasing climate finance to help farmers take up adaptation measures, says Agriculture Secy. The G-20 members stressed on the need to increase climate finance to help farmers take up adaptation measures in order to mitigate the climate change impact on the farm sector, agriculture secretary Manoj Ahuja said on Wednesday. Addressing media on the concluding day of the G20 first Agriculture Deputies' Meeting here, Ahuja said: 'Climate finance was one of the issues which was discussed. The members felt that there was a need for an environment for increasing climate financing in terms of financing farmers for adaptation measures.' The member countries also suggested that farmers can be incentivised if they are adopting climate friendly farming or green agriculture. One of the ways was carbon credit, he said. The G20 nations also shared their experience on the impact of climate change in agriculture, he added. Climate smart agriculture was one of the four priority areas discussed in the first Agriculture Deputies Meeting. The secretary said: 'There was also discussion on the impact of climate change on agriculture and its productivity. We discussed how we can help save agriculture and make it sustainable.' India also shared the steps taken towards 'climate smart agriculture' like mapping the vulnerable areas and conducting research, he said. On the 'food security and nutrition' issue, Ahuja said, there was a discussion on achieving one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of 'zero hunger'. 'It has been seen that food insecurity has increased after 2018. This is a cause of concern. We discussed what best we can do to reduce hunger,' he said. On the third priority area of strengthening the value chain in agriculture, the secretary said there was a detailed discussion on improving the 'farm to folk' value chain in agriculture. India has already shifted its focus on production-centric approach to value-chain approach. On the fourth priority area of digital agriculture, he said India shared about the Agristack project that will help issuing farm advisories and move towards precision farming. 'Based on the outcome of this meeting, further discussions will continue in future meetings on agriculture to be held in Chandigarh, Varanasi and Hyderabad,' he added. The three-day event of the first G20 Agriculture Deputies Meeting of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) concluded on Wednesday. Around 100 delegates, including representatives of international organisations like FAO, IFAD and IFPRI, attended the event. The secretary said 10 more countries will be invited in future meetings on agriculture. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
16 Feb, 2023 The 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group under India s G20 Presidency concluded successfully today at Indore. The first Agriculture Deputies Meeting under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG), G20 spanning across three days, concluded today on 15th February, 2023.The event was an amalgamation of experiences rich in culture, cuisine, and history, and the greater responsibility of participating in meaningful deliberations during the meetings. Countries’ intervention on the proposed agenda by the Indian Presidency was well received and discussed. The final day of the event started with technical theme- wise sessions wherein, deliberations were held on four themes covering: 'food security and nutrition', 'sustainable agriculture with climate smart approach', 'inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems', and 'digitalization for agricultural transformation'. For discussion on technical session of Food Security and Nutrition, the opening remarks were delivered by Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) followed by context setting by World Food Programme (WFP). Dr. AbhilakshLikhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW presented the Global Framework on Food Security and Nutrition, followed by an introduction to the Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness (MIIRA) by Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, DA&FW. Sh. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary, DA&FW delivered the opening remarks for technical session on Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Approach, followed by context setting by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Technical session on Inclusive Agricultural Value Chains and Food Systems was opened by Dr. AbhilakshLikhi, Additional Secretary, DA&FW and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) set the context for discussion. For technical session on Digitalisation for Agricultural Transformation, opening remarks were delivered by Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW. The discussion context was set by ICRISAT. During each theme-based technical session, there was an open house discussion involving intellectually rich exchange of ideas, suggestions and observations. Insightful presentations paved way for agricultural transformation and importance of digitalization in agriculture with a special emphasis on smallholder farmers. The session co-chair Dr. SmitaSirohi, Joint Secretary, DA&FW, summed up each session, highlighting the concrete points made during the sessions. Concluding remarks and way forward was presented by the session chair Sh. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW emphasizing the need to have greater convergence and collaboration among the G20 member countries on agricultural research and development aspects. The chair assured to carry forward the discussions on G20 agricultural issues in the upcoming AWG meetings. The programme ended with a video showcasing the glimpses of the various events of the last 3 days, as a memoir for the participants to cherish their memorable visit to India. Source: pib.gov.in
16 Feb, 2023 Edible oil imports in Jan 2nd highest; record shipments of cooking oils in Nov-Jan. India's edible oil imports rose 33 per cent in January to 16.61 lakh tonnes, the highest since September 2021, driven by higher imports of sunflower oil, according to industry body SEA. Import of vegetable oils (edible and non-edible oils) in January rose 31 per cent to 16,61,750 tonnes from 12,70,728 tonnes in the same month last year. Edible oil imports rose to 16,61,750 tonnes in January -- the second highest monthly volume after September 2021 -- from 12,51,926 tonnes, while non-edible oil imports fell to nil from 18,802 tonnes, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) said in a statement. The total import of vegetable oils during the first three months of the oil year 2022-23 (November-October) rose 30 per cent to 47,73,419 tonnes compared to 36,71,161 tonnes in the same period last year. Edible oil imports increased to 47,46,290 tonnes during November 2022-January 2023 period of the current oil year from 36,07,612 tonnes in the year-ago period, while shipments of non-edible oils fell to 27,129 tonnes from 63,549 tonnes. 'India's January sunflower oil imports surged to 4,61,000 tonnes, nearly triple average monthly imports as top exporters Russia and Ukraine seek to reduce stockpiles,' the SEA said. India's monthly sunflower oil imports averaged around 1,61,000 tonnes in 2021-22 oil year ended in October last year. 'The surge in sunflower oil and soyabean oil imports could dampen India's palm oil imports and weigh on palm oil prices,' the association said. SEA also expressed concern over the sharp increase in import of RBD (refined) palmolein in the first quarter of 2022-23 oil year at 6.30 lakh tonnes, nearly 20 per cent of total palm oil import, affecting domestic refineries. 'India's palm refining industry is heavily suffering from very low capacity utilization due to excessive import of RBD Palmolein and getting transformed into mere packers,' the association said. The duty difference between CPO (crude palm oil) and refined palmolein/palm oil needs to be increased from the current 7.5 per cent to at least 15 per cent by increasing RBD palmolein duty from current 12.5 per cent to 20 per cent without any change in CPO duty, it demanded. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
15 Feb, 2023 Andhra Pradesh: Mango yield likely to be above average season. There seems to be some good news for mango growers and lovers this season in many parts of the state. After two off years, this year there might be an above average yield. Owing to delay in flowering of mango trees and erratic weather conditions, the quality and quantity of mango dropped in many parts of the state in the last season. Last year, the yield was only six to eight tonnes per hectare as against the average 10-12 tonnes per hectare. Krishna, Annamayya, Chittoor and Vizianagaram districts in AP are home to one of the best mango varieties in the country, and top in export of the fruit. AP claims to be one of the largest producers of mango in the country. Additional director, horticulture, M Venkateswarulu, said if the dry weather continues till April, the yield might be over 12 tonnes per hectare this year. Compared to the previous year, the yield will be more this season. The bad weather conditions in December last year affected the flowering in some districts and overall, around 60 to 80 per cent of trees had the flowering this season as of now. In Krishna district, fruit setting has been witnessed, he added. Most of the mango growers in the state raise Banginapalli, China Rasalu, Pedda Rasalu, Totapuri, Neelam and Suvarnarekha varieties. One of the premium varieties from AP, and most suitable for exports, is Benishan or Banginpalli. There is also a demand for Suvarnarekha variety in the global market. 'We have observed that mango exporters prefer to procure the fruits grown in Annamayya district citing the high quality of the fruit and demand for the variety in global market,' said M Venkateswarulu. Quantity of exports depends on various factors. The mango growers and traders will get at least 30 to 40 per cent more revenue if their produce is exported to foreign countries when compared to domestic market, exporters say. AP exported over 1,600 metric tonnes of mangoes (Banginapalli, Rasalu and a few other varieties) to different countries in 2019. The Covid-19 hit the exports hard in 2020 and 2021. 'We are expecting the price of Banginapalli variety to touch at least 30,000 per tonne this season,' said G Ganesh, a mango farmer in Vizianagaram district. Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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