India’s wheat production in 2023 is expected to be a record 112 million tonnes as good weather pushed the acreage under the staple to 34.1 million hectares, 12% higher than the five-year average of 30.4 million, two officials from the agriculture ministry said.

 

A bumper harvest, necessary to lift farm incomes, cool food inflation and replenish low wheat stocks, is 'certain' if the weather continues to be 'favourable and conducive' in the next two months, especially around harvesting, an official said, seeking anonymity.

 

Wheat-damaging heatwaves in early summer in the food-bowl states of northwest India are becoming more frequent. As temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius in March last year, the hottest on record, farmer Gurbaksh Nagi of Punjab’s Mansa district noticed that stalks of his maturing grains had turned brown from yellow, a sign they had shriveled.

 

Last year’s losses came on the heels of a similar heatwave in 2010 and a milder one in 2019. They signal the risks posed by climate change to India’s long-term food security, experts say.

 

The previous record for wheat production was 109.59 million tonne in 2020-21, despite the pandemic. In 2021-22, output of the staple declined to 106.84 million tonnes due to a prolonged heat wave just before harvesting, according to agriculture ministry data. This had resulted in the lowest government purchases in 15 years.

 

Officials expect a bumper wheat crop because cultivators have sown expensive, high-yielding varieties in nearly all of Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, taking a cue from sharply higher wheat prices this year after extreme weather trimmed the country’s wheat output in 2022.

 

Robust wheat output, sown in November and harvested in March-April, will ease the current shortage and help put a lid on record cereal inflation. Stocks ran low despite India, the second largest wheat grower, banned overseas sales of the cereal in May last year.

 

Wheat prices last week were up to 40% higher in Indore markets – a benchmark – than the federally determined minimum support price of Rs.2015 a quintal (100kg) mainly on account of low stocks.

 

The area under all major rabi crops has risen by 3% from a year ago, as winter sowing operations are almost over. The coverage under mustard, a key oilseed, is up 7.5% year-on.

 

Last week, the Centre offered to sell 3 million tonne of wheat in the open market at a discount to tamp prices, a decision aided by expectations of a robust harvest.

 

'The spells of cold wave as well as light rainfall recently in northwestern states is good for the crop,' said Rahul Chauhan of IGrain, a commodities tracker.

Speaking on the occasion of the function organised to mark the 74th Republic Day of India in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Momen said that Bangladesh is the biggest trading partner of India in South Asia. India is the second biggest trading partner of Bangladesh. He pointed out that the total trade between the two countries has increased 3-fold over the last decade marking a robust growth.

 

Speaking about the new initiatives to further expand trade ties between the two countries, Dr. Momen said that Bangladesh and India are in discussion to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He said Bangladesh is working with India to ensure a stable and predictable supply of commodities so that the market remains stable in Bangladesh.

 

Dr. Momen said that Bangladesh and India are complementing each other’s economy. He pointed out that India receives the highest number of foreign tourists, including medical tourists from Bangladesh. Thousands of Indians are working in the service sector in Bangladesh sending remittance to India and also helping the economy of Bangladesh.

 

Foreign Minister Dr. Momen said that Bangladesh is a peace loving country and it has helped maintain peace and stability in the region, especially in the North-East of India.

 

Thanking India for inviting Bangladesh as a guest country to the G-20 process during its presidency, Dr. Momen said it will give Bangladesh an opportunity to engage with its development partners across the globe.

 

Earlier, welcoming the large number of foreign diplomats, parliamentarians and ministers, media and eminent persons from Bangladesh gathered on the occasion to mark India’s 74th Republic Day, High Commissioner Pranay Verma said that Bangladesh is an indispensable partner for India. He said that the brotherhood of the two countries is rooted in the shared sacrifices of the Liberation War of 1971. He said both countries are working together to build critical infrastructure and forge better connectivity to bring the two countries, its people and economies ever closer.

State-owned FCI, which plans to sell 25 lakh tonne of wheat to bulk consumers, on Friday said that it will start a weekly e-auctioning from February 1 at a reserve price of Rs 2,350 per quintal plus freight cost. On Wednesday, the government announced plans to sell 30 lakh tonne of wheat in the open market from its buffer stock under the Open Sale Market Scheme (OMSS) in order to check rising wheat and wheat flour prices.

 

Out of 30 lakh tonne, Food Corporation of India (FCI) will sell 25 lakh tonne to bulk consumers like flour millers through e-auction, 2 lakh tonne will be given to states/Union territories and 3 lakh tonne to institutions and state-PSUs at concessional rates for converting wheat into wheat flour and then sell at not more than Rs 29.50 per kg.

 

Addressing a press conference, FCI Chairman and Managing Director Ashok K Meena said: 'The tenders would be up today, and the e-auction will take place on Wednesday'.

 

The auction will be held weekly on every Wednesday. The first auction will take place on February 1 and will continue till March 15, when the new crop will arrive, he said.

 

Wheat will be offered at a reserve price of Rs 2,350 per quintal plus freight charges. A single buyer can quote for a maximum quantity of up to 3,000 tonne and a minimum of 10 tonne, he noted.

 

'We hope small traders and small flour mill owners will take this opportunity,' Meena said.

 

Regional offices have been directed not only to float the tenders for the e-auction of wheat but also encourage local flour millers, traders and wheat product makers to register themselves on the FCI platform so that they can participate in the e-auction, he added.

 

According to the FCI chief, the wheat stock is available across the country, and all the states will be able to provide the stock.

 

About 5 lakh tonne each will be offered in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, 4 lakh tonne in Maharashtra, 2.5 lakh tonne in Rajasthan, 1.55 lakh tonne in Bihar, 1.25 lakh tonne in West Bengal and 1 lakh tonne in Haryana, he said.

 

He also said the reserve price fixed for wheat is equal to the acquisition cost and is just below the economic cost of Rs 2,654 per quintal.

 

Initially, the old stock will be offered for sale and the new crop will be sold depending on the demand, he added.

 

FCI, the government's nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains, had around 156.96 lakh tonne of wheat as of January 26 in the buffer stock.

 

On April 1, the country would have a wheat stock of 96 lakh tonne, just above the buffer norm requirement of 75 lakh tonne.

 

Under the OMSS policy, the government allows FCI to sell food grains, especially wheat and rice, at pre-determined prices in the open market from time to time to bulk consumers and private traders.

 

The purpose is to boost the supply during the lean season and moderate the general open market prices.

 

The Centre had banned wheat exports in May last year to control prices, after a slight fall in domestic production and a sharp decline in the FCI's procurement for the central pool.

 

India's wheat production fell to 106.84 million tonne in the 2021-22 crop year (July-June) from 109.59 million tonne in the previous year due to heat waves in a few growing states.

 

The procurement fell sharply to 19 million tonne this year from around 43 million tonne last year.

 

The area under coverage for wheat crops in the current rabi (winter-sown) season is slightly higher.

 

The procurement of new wheat crops would commence on March 15.

For the first time, commercial consignment of millets from Odisha has reached the international market. It was sourced from women-managed farmer producer organisations (FPOs) Shaktimayee Ward Mission Shakti Mahasangha to export it to Dubai.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has facilitated the shipment of this maiden consignment of around 1 tonne of whole and flour of millet.

Pradeep Kumar Jena, agriculture production commissioner-cum-additional chief secretary, had flagged off the vehicle loading millets on Tuesday.

A Kolkata-based exporter took the initiative to send the consignment from Odisha to Dubai-based importer. Official sources said many more such shipments will be planned in the coming days. APEDA will provide all sorts of market linkages to develop the export, said an officer.

 

Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tweeted that the UAE got a taste of healthy millets exported from Odisha.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, principal secretary, agriculture and farmers’ empowerment department, on Saturday said they will do their best to take Odisha millets to millions.

'Now the whole world will taste Odisha’s ragi (finger millet). Many thanks to APEDA for their support in facilitating the export of first consignment through Mission Shakti women SHGs. Odisha Millet Mission looks forward to taking the taste of Odisha millets to global markets,' said Padhee.

The consignment has 600 kgs of whole millet and 375 kgs of flour of different millets. It has Kodo millet rice, Little Millet rice, Ragi grain, Sorghum grain, foxtail millet rice, Bajra (pearl millet) grain along with flour of these six millets.

A government official said quality and the packaging should be improved to meet more numbers of shipments. 'State should explore ways to export the products through their own ports to avoid dependency on other states and ports. This will save the inland transportation costs too,' said the official.

The government's rice procurement is likely to touch last year's level of 592 lakh tonnes in the ongoing 2022-23 marketing year ending September, despite estimated fall in kharif output. Addressing a press conference, Food Corporation of India (FCI) Chairman and Managing Director Ashok K Meena said, 'The way paddy procurement is happening, we expect total rice procurement will reach last year's level of 592 lakh tonne.'

 

While the target is 600 lakh tonnes, about 426 lakh tonnes of rice have already been procured till January 26 of this year as against 410 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period, he said.

 

The country's rice production is estimated at 104.99 million tonnes for the 2022-23 crop year (July-June), down from 111.76 million tonnes in the previous year as per the initial government estimates.

The FSSAI has asked state Food Safety Commissioners to check the labels of products being manufactured and sold as butter or ghee having plant origins and initiate enforcement actions against such FBOs (Food Business Operators). The food authority has issued a direction after receiving complaints about plant-based non-dairy products being sold as butter or ghee on e-commerce platforms and in markets.

 

'It is requested to immediately check the labels of such products being manufactured and/or sold under your jurisdiction including on online platforms/websites and take enforcement actions against such FBOs who are selling such plant-based products as ghee, butter etc. or making claims for vegan foods/logo without prior approval of the food authority as per the FSS Act, 2006,' reads the direction issued by the FSSAI.

 

The Commissioners were also asked to submit an action taken report by Feb 15, 2023.

 

According to FSSAI, ‘Dairy Terms’ like ‘plant-based ghee/butter, vegan ghee/butter’ etc. were being used by some food businesses and these products are available in markets and on e-commerce platforms while such products are of non-animal origin.

 

Rakesh Kumar, Director, Compliance, says, 'Such products are of non-animal origin and are usually the blend/mixtures of two or more edible oils/hydrogenated  fats and nature identical flavours etc. Further, it has also been noticed that such products are also being sold deceptively as ‘vegan-ghee’ whereas as per provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022, ghee, butter etc. cannot be claimed to be vegan foods and the use of vegan food claim and vegan logo are permitted only after the prior approval of the food authority.'

 

The food authority has also clarified that the usage of dairy terms, ‘in respect of a product which is not milk, a milk product or a composite milk product, no label commercial document, publicity material or any form of point of sale presentation shall be used which claims, implies or suggests that the product milk, milk product or a composite milk product or which refers to one or more of these products’.

 

Further, the FSS Prohibition and Restriction on Sales Regulations says that ‘no person shall either by himself or by any servant or agent shall sell ghee which contains any added matter not exclusively derived from milk fat’.

India and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to the founding values of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. It was mentioned in a joint statement released on Thursday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held wide-ranging talks covering bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

 

On economic ties, the statement mentioned that the Egyptian side is considering the possibility of allocating a special area of land for the Indian industries in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), adding that 'the Indian side can arrange for the master plan'.

 

The Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is one of the world's busiest trade routes. About 12 per cent of the global trade passes through the canal each day.

 

The statement said India would encourage its companies, which have the potential to establish overseas investments, to make use of the available investment opportunities in Egypt.

 

'In this context, the Egyptian side considers the possibility of allocating a special area of land for the Indian industries in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), and the Indian side can arrange for the master plan,' it said.

 

The Egyptian president, who arrived here on a three-day visit on Tuesday, attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.

 

The joint statement noted that Modi and Sisi reviewed the status of the bilateral relationship based on the pillars of closer political and security cooperation, deeper economic engagement, stronger scientific and academic collaboration as well as wider cultural and people-to-people contacts.

 

'The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, the founding values of the Non-Aligned Movement, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,' the statement said.

 

Though it did not mention any context or country, the reference to sovereignty and territorial integrity of states came amid growing global concerns over China's aggressive military muscle flexing and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 

'The two sides take into consideration the cultural and social sensitivities of all states and, in this regard, they agreed to work together to promote and safeguard these basic principles through regular consultations and coordination at bilateral and multilateral levels,' the statement mentioned.

 

It said Modi and Sisi expressed concern over the spread of terrorism across the world and agreed that it poses one of the most serious security threats to humanity.

 

'Both leaders condemned the use of terrorism as a foreign policy tool. They called for 'zero tolerance' for terrorism and for all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism or provide sanctuaries to terrorists and terror groups -- whatever their motivation may be,' the statement said.

 

It said the two leaders emphasised the need for concerted and coordinated action by the international community, with the objective of eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.

 

'They reiterated their condemnation of efforts, including by States, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries,' it said.

 

'They also called upon all countries to work towards rooting out terrorist networks and their safe havens, infrastructure, their financing channels and preventing cross-border movements of terrorists,' the statement added.

 

Both leaders reiterated their common resolve in promoting the values of peace, tolerance and inclusiveness and making concerted efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremist ideologies.

 

'They emphasised the need for a holistic approach to counter terrorism and violent extremism, which includes inter alia disrupting the use of the internet and social media and preventing the use of religious centres to radicalise youth and recruit terrorist cadres,' the statement said.

 

It said Modi and Sisi also agreed on the need to hold the joint working group meeting on counter-terrorism on a regular basis to exchange information and best practices.

 

The two sides agreed on enhancing the interaction between their respective national security councils.

 

The joint statement said the two leaders look forward to deepening cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied services, while noting the importance of strengthening the supply chain of food articles.

The value of bilateral trade between Qatar and India crossed the $18bn level, recording a 33% year-on-year growth, according to Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of ‘India Utsav 2023’ organised recently by LuLu Group, Mittal said: 'Bilateral trade between India and Qatar has always grown strength to strength. Last year, we saw that the value of bilateral trade crossed $18bn and I think it is a new landmark since it is a more than 33% growth compared to 2021.

'Our effort is how to realise its true potential and how to diversify the trade basket. We are happy that we are among the top five trading missions for Qatar. Our effort continues to find new ways and means to do so.'

Mittal also underscored the need for Qatar and India to work on a comprehensive economic partnership in other fields, such as energy, citing Qatar as a 'steady and reliable partner' of India’s energy security.

'Our effort on both sides is how to deepen these ties and give it a comprehensive relationship because India is diversifying its energy mix. We are increasing our gas target from 6% to 15%, so we can work together in terms of gas-based infrastructure, which needs to be developed in India to increase consumption,' the ambassador pointed out.

Aside from energy, Mittal emphasised that India is also looking to work with Qatar in the fields of food and health security, as well as other areas, such as Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and education and student exchange.

On food security, Mittal lauded LuLu Group for organising India Utsav 2023, which not only showcases and promotes a wide variety of Indian products but also the importance of millets, citing the UN’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’.

'There is a special effort to present all varieties of millets at every LuLu outlet as 2023 was declared by the UN as ‘International Year of Millets’, explained Mittal, who stressed that millets are seen as a ‘super food’ and is environmentally sustainable.

Mittal underscored the need to promote awareness of the importance of millet and its positive impact on people’s health, saying it is a 'very good substitute' for rice and other grains.

'When we talk of climate change and food scarcity, promoting millet is also the same as encouraging mindfulness on the environment and climate action in our way, and India is participating in a big way in these efforts.

'The Indian embassy in Qatar is also doing the same and we are happy that the Indian Business and Professionals Council in Qatar, LuLu Hypermarket and other Indian hypermarkets, and Indian schools, are spreading awareness on millets and its strengths, and I’m sure as awareness on millets grows, the demand and supply of millets will grow, as well,' he stressed.

Asked about the Indian embassy’s role in post-World Cup Qatar, Mittal said many Indians who came to Qatar for the first time during the tournament lauded the economic development achieved by the state.

'Economic co-operation, trade, and investment partnership between India and Qatar are growing steadily and we have seen that during the FIFA World Cup, which was hosted very well by Qatar.

'Around 16% of the fans who came here for the World Cup in Qatar were Indians and many of them came to the country for the first time, and they were very amazed and awestruck with the arrangements of the matches and with the development of Qatar,' Mittal told Gulf Times.

He added: 'A lot of businesses that came to Qatar during the tournament show a huge potential; that in itself speaks that there will be new trends and opportunities that will happen and grow, and we will see this trend growing upwards this year.'

The High Commission of India, Abuja in Nigeria celebrated Millets Food Festival & Cooking Competition today at the Chancery premises in presence of the members of Indian community, Nigerian dignitaries, and friends from Media.

 

The event was organized in partnership with the high-Level Indian Delegation led by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi, who is in Abuja to participate in the event.

 

On this occasion, several restaurants put up their stalls and served food (prepared with millets) to the participants to promote the millets. Several exhibitions from IITA, ICRISAT, Niger State, Farmers Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Export Promotion Council also participated in the event. Apart from this showcasing many partner organizations put up their food stalls including stall of Niger State Showcasing Niger State Cuisine. A cooking competition was also organized by the High Commission of India in which 16 participants took part.

 

Spouses of the Ambassadors of South Korea, Indonesia, Czech Republic, IITA Nutrition Expert and Chef of Johnwood Hotel were the jury of the competition. Several cultural performances from Niger State artists and from Federal Ministry of Information and Culture were also the part of the event today.

 

The High Commission of India in Abuja organized this event in collaboration with the Niger State as a part of Nigeria Millet Initiative. H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Etsu Nupe & Chairman, Nigeria Millet Initiatives, H.E. Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Government of Niger State, H.E Abubakar G. Abdullahi, Director Federal Department of Agriculture, Nigeria, Several Ambassadors, Traditional Rulers participated in the event. H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Director Federal Department of Agriculture and High Commissioner gave their remarks on the occasion.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Likhi said, the “Millet Event” in Nigeria, which is the 2nd Richest and most Populous country of the African Continent could become a launching pad for promotion and production of environment friendly, healthy "nutri-cereals" in the true spirit of South-South Collaboration and Cooperation on Millets. He said, Millets have served as a traditional staple for hundreds of millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia for 7000 years, and are now being revived as alternate to staple food of Rice and Wheat cultivated across the world.

 

Shri Likhi emphasized that Millets are among the first plants to be domesticated and are considered "nutri-cereals" due to their high nutritional content.

 

Shri Likhi informed the delegates that after the Nigerian Success Story, India’s Ministry of Agriculture will undertake such promotional events in coordination with Indian Embassies/ High Commissions/Consulates in other African countries like Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, Ghana and Sudan to address the challenge of Food Security facing 54-Member Strong African Continent.

 

In his brief remarks High Commissioner mentioned that, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets and this was proposed by India and supported by over 70 nations. The International Year of Millets stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote a better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millets as a key component of the food basket.

 

Spearheaded by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, the proposal for International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It may also be recalled that The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, organized an opening ceremony for the International Year of Millets – 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, Italy.

 

It may be underlined that Embassies of India across more than 140 countries will be participating in celebration of IYM during 2023 by conducting side events on IYM involving the Indian Diaspora through exhibition, seminars, talks, panel discussions along with the participation of local chambers, food bloggers, importers of food items and local restaurants etc.

India will find it difficult to realise the 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant) vision till the share of the agriculture and allied sectors in the GDP crosses 24 per cent, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday, pitching for the introduction of technologies in farming and rural and tribal areas. The minister was speaking at the 22nd convocation of Sri Balaji University here.

 

'Our agriculture and allied sector income is 12 per cent of the GDP, manufacturing sector income is 22 to 24 per cent, and service sector is 52 to 54 per cent. I have come here to say that till the time this 12 per cent (of agriculture and allied sectors) does not go beyond 24 per cent, there are difficulties in making 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat',' he said.

 

Gadkari stressed the need for the introduction of technology in rural and tribal regions saying it will alleviate poverty and hunger and elevate the areas from an economic perspective and create job opportunities.

 

'Till the time, we do not augment water, transportation and communication facilities in certain areas, industries won't come,' he said. Industries come with capital investment, which has the potential to create jobs, said Gadkari.

 

Addressing the management students, the minister shared an anecdote about the Pune-Mumbai Expressway during his tenure as Maharashtra's PWD minister in the mid-1990s, when the BJP-Shiv Sena government was in power.

 

Gadkari said he did not accept the Reliance Group's bid, which was the lowest, and instead got the carriageway made through a government entity for Rs 1,600 crore.

 

'Tenders were invited and the lowest tender was from Dhirubhai Ambani-led Reliance Group, which was Rs 3600 crore, and as per rules, the work should have been given to the lowest bidder,' he recalled.

 

Gadkari said his conscience told him that the work could be done for Rs 1800 crore and Rs 3600 crore was high.

 

'(Shiv Sena supremo) Balasaheb Thackeray, Pramod Mahajan (BJP leader) and everyone told me that if it was the lowest bid as per rules, then why I was opposing it? I told them that this can be done for half the price. As I did not sign, the tender got rejected,' he added.

 

The minister said Dhirubhai was disappointed and asked how he planned to build the road. 'It is not the government's work,' he said quoting the late business tycoon.

 

'I told him if I was unable to construct the road, I would shave off my moustache and also asked him jokingly what he would do if I was able to build the road,' said Gadkari.

 

The minister said he then formed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). 'In two years, the road was completed for Rs 1,600 crore,' he said.