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13 Jan, 2023 News Image FSSAI releases comprehensive standards for identification of basmati rice.
Food regulator FSSAI for the first time has come out with comprehensive standards for the identification of basmati rice as part of efforts to ensure fair trade practices and check adulteration. Basmati rice should have a natural fragrance characteristics of basmati rice and there should be no artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances.
 
These standards, which have been notified, will be effective from August this year.
 
'For the first time in the country, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identity standards for basmati rice...,' the Health Ministry said in a statement.
 
Basmati rice includes brown basmati rice, milled basmati rice, parboiled brown basmati rice and milled parboiled basmati rice.
 
The FSSAI has come out with these standards through Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 notified in the Gazette of India.
 
'As per these standards, basmati rice shall possess natural fragrance characteristics of basmati rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances,' the statement said.
 
These standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking.
 
These norms also state maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice etc.
 
'The standards are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of basmati rice and protect consumer interest, both domestically and globally,' the ministry said.
 
These standards will be enforced with effect from 1st August 2023.
 
Basmati rice is a premium variety of rice cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent and is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture and unique inherent aroma and flavour, the ministry highlighted.
 
Agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographical areas where basmati rice is grown; as well as the method of harvesting, processing and ageing of the rice contributes to the uniqueness of basmati rice.
 
Due to its unique quality attributes, basmati is a widely consumed variety of rice both domestically and globally.
 
India accounts for two thirds of its global supply, the statement said.
 
Being a premium quality rice and fetching a price higher than the non-basmati varieties, the ministry said that the basmati rice is prone to various types of adulteration for economic gains which may include, among others, undeclared blending of other non-basmati varieties of rice.
 
'Therefore, in order to ensure supply of standardised genuine basmati rice in domestic and export markets, FSSAI has notified regulatory standards for basmati rice that have been framed through extensive consultations with the concerned government departments / agencies and other stakeholders as well.'

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
13 Jan, 2023 News Image Govt will take appropriate decision in March-April on lifting wheat export ban: DGFT chief.
Director General of Foreign Trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi on Thursday said the government will take an appropriate decision on the demand to lift the ban on wheat exports at the time of crop harvest around March-April. Before this decision, a review will be done of the gap between the demand and supply of wheat in the country, he said.
 
The head of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) was in Indore to participate in the Global Investors Summit 'Invest Madhya Pradesh' organised by the MP government.
 
India banned wheat exports in May 2022 with immediate effect as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.
 
Asked about the demand for lifting the ban, Sarangi told PTI, 'The wheat crop is harvested in the country generally in March-April. Around that period, the government will take an appropriate decision on this subject.'
 
'At the time when it will be felt that there is an equilibrium in the demand and supply of wheat, arrangements will be made to allow the export of this food grain,' he said on the sidelines of the investors summit.
 
Sarangi also said special attention should be paid to promote exports from Madhya Pradesh in the area of textile production as there is a huge availability of cotton as the raw material for this industry in the state.
 
He also said along with wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables and spices, there is a scope of increasing the export of organic and non-organic chemicals and engineering products from the state.
 
To a question, Sarangi said the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is currently being run for 14 sectors and could be expanded to some more areas.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
13 Jan, 2023 News Image Bangladesh drags its feet to sign contracts with India co-op agencies to import 2 lt rice.
Bangladesh is hesitating to sign contracts with Indian co-operative agencies NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar (National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Ltd) to import two lakh tonnes of parboiled rice under government-to-government (G2G) deals following criticism that is paying more. 
 
Dhaka is dragging its feet as it is being criticised for offering $35/tonne more to these cooperative agencies than what private traders offered in a 50,000 tonnes global import tender. 
 
Bangladesh placed a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase one lakh tonnes each of parboiled rice from NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar on December 21, 2022, at $433.60 and $433.50 a tonne, respectively. 
 
Utilising opportunity
In addition, it floated two global tenders to procure 50,000 tonnes each as part of its efforts to procure 3 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice for the public distribution system.  
 
India’s Bagadiya Brothers was the lowest bidder in the first tender opened on December 21, offering the cereal at $393.90/tonne. Singapore’s AgroCorp International offered the most competitive rate in the second tender opened on December 27 at $397.03.
 
The LOI was placed after accepting the Indian cooperatives’ offer. The Indian agencies were to furnish bank guarantees but as it got delayed by six days, Bangladesh has utilised the opportunity to probably renegotiate by refusing to accept them, trade sources, who did not want to be identified, said.
 
'It was a minor clerical error that delayed the bank guarantee. If it wanted, Bangladesh could have accepted the guarantee,' said a trader. 
 
Dhaka’s need
Bangladesh media reports said the Sheikh Hasina Wajed government’s Food Ministry and the Cabinet committee that decides on public procurement have cleared the imports.
 
Trade sources said Bangladesh had to pay more since it required the rice from the current crop within two months. 'Had it given more time and opted for an older crop, it could have got the rice at a cheaper rate,' an official said on condition of anonymity.
 
Traders say the additional amount that Bangladesh is paying is justified since it is looking for a guarantee in delivery. 'You cannot be sure of delivery of such huge quantity from private traders, who are bidding aggressively by settling for a lower margin,' the trader said. 
 
An email sent to Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Food did not get any response until this report was published. 
 
India most competitive
Rice exporters say Indian rice is the most competitive in view of this aggressive bidding. A South-based exporter told businessline that in 2021 some exporters settled for a margin as low as $1 a tonne.
 
Traders wonder where can Bangladesh find parboiled rice more competitively in the global market. 'Bangladesh officials had gone to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia scouting for supplies in November. They returned empty-handed. India stepped up to help despite being overlooked,' they said.
 
Currently, private traders in India are quoting 5 per cent broken parboiled rice at $380 a tonne free-on-board (f.o.b). Thailand, the main competitor, is offering the rice at $517 f.o.b and Pakistan, whose stock positions are not clear, is quoting $453-57 f.o.b.
 
Traders say India’s kharif rice production scenario is still unclear, though procurement for the central pool is higher than last year. In these circumstances, Bangladesh’s best bet would be to buy from these cooperative agencies under the G2G deal as supply will be guaranteed even if India resorts to any sudden export curb.
 
'Officials in Dhaka have to remember how India banned wheat exports all of a sudden. Rice exports are also restricted,' the trader pointed out. 
 
A senior trader said India, which currently enjoys a 40 per cent of the global rice market, will be calling the shots in two years. 

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
13 Jan, 2023 News Image Trade Policy Forum has resulted into a smoother, friendly and trusted business environment for both India and USA: Shri Piyush Goyal.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal today said the India US Trade Policy Forum has resulted into a smoother, friendly and trusted business environment for businesses from both sides to expand their trade and investment. He was briefing the media after the conclusion of 13th Ministerial Trade Policy Forum (TPF) dialogue at Washington DC.
 
Shri Goyal said TPF, which was relaunched in a new form in November 2021, has become a very robust and outcome oriented platform to have free and frank discussion on a plethora of issues of mutual interest. Informing about the 13th Ministerial TPF dialogue, Shri Goyal said that issues related to resolving WTO disputes, restarting of exports of wild caught shrimps, speeding up of business visas, resilient supply chains, data flow and addressing climate change were discussed.
 
Shri Goyal said both countries had a robust discussion on finding bilateral solutions to outstanding WTO disputes between them. He hoped for a satisfactory outcome in the next few months over these issues.
 
Explaining the background on exports of wild caught shrimps from India to the US, Shri Goyal said exports were banned by the US due to concerns around turtles in the areas where shrimps were being fished. He said that fruitful discussions took place between both for restarting wild caught shrimps exports from India to the USA. He informed that turtle excluder device which will minimise impact of fishing on sea turtle population has been designed with support from the US. He said exports will be restarted post the successful completion of trials of these devices. 
 
He said India has requested USA to expedite the issuance of business visas to facilitate faster movement of business persons across both sides.
 
Another important focus issue was the discussion around strengthening resilient global supply chains. Shri Goyal said both the countries are keen to have an effective and trusted supply chain between them in several areas including telemedicine services.
 
He further informed that discussions took place on environmental issues around sustainable finance to promote innovative clean technology, circular economy, technology required to address climate change.
 
He informed that both nations have shared interest to have greater flow of data between two countries and are continuing engagement on data protection and privacy.
 
He said a data protection and privacy bill which has been put for public consultation by MEITY is an effort by the Indian Government to align the needs of  the industry while also maintaining a high standard of data protection and privacy.
 
Minister also announced that a new TPF working group on resilient trade has been created. This new working group will enable both sides to deepen our dialogue on a range of issues which will help us enhance our resilient supply chains and also help us create sustainable bilateral trade relationships to meet challenges of tomorrow.
 
Briefing about his meeting with his US counterpart Secretary Gina Raimondo, Minister said he had a positive dialogue and Secretary will visit India in March with high power delegation of CEOs. He said CEO forums on both sides are putting in lots of effort to come up with a robust framework to help expand trade business and manufacturing.
 
He said several other aspects regarding India’s efforts to become self-sufficient in areas like semiconductor, defence production, strengthening laws around quality standards, were discussed.
 
He also informed India will be hosting the next round of talks on IPEF in February in New Delhi.
 
Speaking about his engagements with CEOs of US companies during his course of visit, the Minister said they are looking at India as a trusted partner to diversify their dependence on the geographies,  to expand their own manufacturing set-ups. US Companies have ambitious plans and are looking to invest large capital and bring technology to India.
 
Responding to a question on progress regarding GSP, Shri Goyal said India has requested US to restore GSP. Having said that, he also mentioned that withdrawal of GSP has not been detrimental to  growing trade ties.
 
When asked about Mini trade deals, Shri Goyal said both the countries are looking at bilaterally much larger footprints for trade and investments rather than  mini trade deals. Focus is on greater market access, ease of doing business between two countries. 
 
Speaking about IPEF, he said India stands with USA in its commitment to free and open indo pacific.
 
He said the focus at the level of Ministerial meetings TPF is to set context and principles on which further engagements/negotiations can take  place at official level. We have moved out of 1:1 ratio based outcomes and are now looking at bigger substantive outcomes. He informed that progress is being made on specific issues like mangoes issues on agriculture, animal husbandry, FSSAI. 
 
Shri Goyal said the G20 presidency is  a great opportunity for India, which is today the voice of the global south, a voice of the less developed countries, to bring balance in the G20 discussion on areas of world interest. He said for example in the area of environment, while it’s a collective responsibility of all the countries, its important that developed countries also recognize that developing countries will need affirmative actions such as low cost finance, technology support.  He further said G20 priorities in India have been widely welcomed and USA has committed to give full support to India’s efforts to make the G20 truly a vibrant body in which we can discuss issues around sustainability, climate change, poverty alleviation, SDGs. He said G20 presidency is going to be an exciting opportunity for India to provide leadership to many challenges that the world is facing. On G20 engagements in India, he said it will be held in over 56 locations across length and breadth of the country, in every state every UTs. New Initiatives like startup 20 under B20 engagement will also be launched.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
13 Jan, 2023 News Image Guyana offers 200 acres of land to India for production of millets for private sector.

Guyana president Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday offered 200 acres of land in Guyana to India for cultivation and production of millets for private sector after UN declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet (IYOM). The Guyanese president made the offer in a meeting with agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar. 'During the meeting, he asked the Indian minister to send a team of experts to set up millets farm in Guyana and promised all help in production and promotion of millets in the Caribbean and Latin American countries,' said the Agriculture Ministry said. Irfaan Ali also requested for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in February 2023 to present India’s vision on agriculture and food security. 'A virtual address by PM Modi to 17 heads of states will go a long way in promoting and popularizing millets in the Carribean community,' he said. He also extended an invitation to the union agriculture minister to visit Guyana and deliver a lecture on agriculture and millets as chief guest in CARICOM Agri forum scheduled in August, 2023. Tomar said that the International Year of Millets 2023 will provide an opportunity to increase global production, efficient processing and better use of crop rotation. 'It will promote millet as a major component of the food basket.' The minister added that UN declared 2023 as IYOM on the initiative of PM Modi. 'The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is working in mission mode to increase millet production and consumption in collaboration with other central ministries, all state governments and other stakeholder organizations.' He said that millets provide an alternative food system in times of increasing demand for vegetarian foods as it contributes to a balanced diet as well as a safe environment and described them as the gifts of nature to mankind. 'Asia and Africa are the major production and consumption centers of millet crops, particularly India, Niger, Sudan and Nigeria are the major producer of millet and it his earnest desire to see that Millets should take pride of place in every eating plate in the globe.' Millets were the first crops to be cultivated in Asia and Africa, later spreading as an important food source for advanced civilizations around the world.


 Source:  livemint.com
12 Jan, 2023 News Image Cabinet approves setting up three national level co-operative societies to promote export, organic farming.
The union cabinet on Wednesday approved setting up three multi-State co-operative societies to facilitate export, organic farming and seed distribution.
 
'These institutions will help in achieving the goal of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) through the inclusive growth model of cooperatives,' Union Labour Minister Bhupendra Yadav said in a press conference. Further, he added that these will also be instrumental in improving rural economy.
 
All three will be registered under Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.  They can have members from primary to national level cooperative societies including primary societies, district, state and national level federations, multi-State cooperative societies and farmers producer organisations (FPOs). All these cooperatives will have their elected representatives in the Board of the society as per its by-laws.
 
Targeting exports
First of the three, Multi-State Cooperative Export Society, will act as an umbrella organisation for the export of surplus goods/services produced by various cooperative societies across the country with support from relevant Union Ministries. The institution will be promoted with support from relevant Ministries especially the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry through their export related policies, schemes and agencies by following the ‘whole of government approach’ for undertaking exports of all goods and services produced by cooperatives and related entities.
 
'Higher exports through the proposed society will increase production of goods and services by the cooperatives at various levels thus leading to more employment in the cooperative sector. Processing of goods and enhancing the services to match international standards will also generate additional employment. Increased export of cooperative products would, in turn, also promote 'Make in India' thus leading to Atmanirbhar Bharat,' a government statement said.
 
Going organic
Second institution, Multi-State Cooperative Organic Society will manage various activities related to organic sector by providing certified and authentic organic products. It will also provide institutional support for aggregation, certification, testing, procurement, storage, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, logistic facilities, marketing of organic products and arranging financial assistance to the organic farmers through cooperatives and will take up all promotion and development related activities of organic products with the help of various schemes and agencies of the government.  It will empanel accredited organic testing labs and certification bodies who meet the criteria specified by the society to bring down the cost of testing and certification.
 
The third one, Multi-State Cooperative Seed Society will act as an apex organisation for production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling packaging, storage, marketing and distribution of quality seeds; strategic research and development; and to develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds. It will promote seed replacement rate (SRR) and variety replacement rate (VRR) and help reducing the yield gaps thereby enhancing productivity.
 
'Quality seed production through this national level seed cooperative society will increase the agriculture production in the country leading to more employment in the agriculture and cooperative sector; reducing the dependence on imported seeds and provide boost to rural economy, promoting 'Make in India' and leading to Atmanirbhar Bharat,', the statement said.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
12 Jan, 2023 News Image India, US 'thinking big', says Goyal, rules out mini trade deal or FTA.
The Modi government and the Biden administration are 'thinking big' in terms of their trade and commerce relationship, a top Indian official said Wednesday as he ruled out the previously talked about mini trade deal or a free trade agreement and noted that revoking of GSP is not a priority for New Delhi. The previous Trump administration has revoked the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) from India. The GSP allows eligible developing countries to export duty-free goods to the US.
 
It is during the previous administration as well that the two countries were on the verge of a mini trade deal, which has now been kicked out of the table. The Biden administration is also not in favour of a free trade agreement which businesses from either side are now talking about.
 
'I think in terms of GSP, I have not heard any significant clamour from the Indian industry. To focus our energies on the GSP issue, I have raised it today with my counterparts,' Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters at a news conference at the conclusion of the India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting which he co-chaired with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
 
'It's an issue, which is probably something that the Congress will have to take a call on. But it's not something which has been high on our priority lists or something on which we spend a lot of time to discuss, it was discussed, but more in passing,' he said.
 
'I have placed on record our requests that GSP should be restored. But I can assure you the trade between the two countries continues to expand very rapidly. I do not think that GSP withdrawal has been to the detriment of our growing trade ties,' the minister said in response to a question.
 
Responding to another question on the mini trade deal, Goyal said 'it was too mini' to really merit any great effort on both sides. 'We have even forgotten most of those issues. We are looking at much, much bigger ambitions in our trade with the US.'
 
'While of course, we are doing free trade deals, we've concluded and entered into force free trade deals with Australia and the UAE. We are in active dialogue with the UK, Canada with Israel, and the EU. The United States is currently not looking at any free trade deals with any country whatsoever, as a matter of their political policy,' the minister said when asked about the prospects of a free trade deal.
 
'The FTA is not on the table,' he asserted.
 
'Rather than that, we are focusing on greater market access. We are focusing on ease of doing business between the two countries, you're looking at, bilaterally, a much larger footprint between the two countries, for trade, investment and business. And therefore, the small mini trade deals have lost relevance today,' Goyal said.
 
Meanwhile, India and the United States on Wednesday launched a new TPF Working Group on Resilient Trade. This new Working Group will enable officials to deepen bilateral dialogue on a range of issues that can enhance the resiliency and sustainability of the trade relationship so that it is better able to withstand current and future global challenges, said a joint statement.
 
During the meeting, Goyal and Tai underlined the significance of the TPF in forging robust bilateral trade ties and enhancing the bilateral economic relationship to benefit working people in both countries. They appreciated that bilateral trade in goods and services continued to rise rapidly and reached about USD160 billion in 2021.
 
Responding to a question, Goyal disagreed that TPF has not been productive in terms of deliverables.
 
'I don't think so. There are market access issues which don't come into the TPF in terms of the detailing. Both Katherine Tai and I decided that we should leave those details for the officials to work on and continuously expand,' he said.
 
Goyal said they both agreed to move beyond the one is to one issue like India will open table grapes for them and the US will open up their country for Indian mangoes. 'That was the level of discussions and that many trade deals that were once upon a time and massaged or in earlier engagements,' he said.
 
'Katherine Tai and I decided that this is not the age and day where we will be looking at literally, that I give you one item you give me one item and we square off issues. I think we both agreed that we should look at the big picture. We should look at what's good for both countries. And at the ministerial level, we set the context in with them, the official should find that day to day solutions,' he said.
 
'We discussed and decided that let's move out of this one is to one ratio based outcomes and look at the big picture. For example, on the big picture when we discussed semiconductor manufacturing, we are looking at a much deeper engagement with the US on semiconductor manufacturing,' the minister said.
 
Several American companies are looking at the big Indian opportunity on defense production, making it competitive, giving an opportunity to tap into the large Indian market, where they are encouraged to make India products and they feel comfortable working with India.
 
'Because unlike other countries, we do not steal technology. We allow you to maintain the sanctity of your technology. We allow you to keep your technology with you. We don't demand technology transfer,' he asserted.

 Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
12 Jan, 2023 News Image FCI to start open market sales soon.
India’s wheat production in the current crop year (2022-23) is likely to touch a record 112 million tonne (MT), an increase of around 5% compared to the previous year, thanks to favourable weather conditions, higher acreage and sowing of climate resilient varieties. Meanwhile, the FCI has decided to undertake open market sale of 2 – 2.5 MT of wheat to the bulk buyers such as flour millers, this month to curb rising prices of the grain. Sources told FE the finance ministry approval for these sales is expected soon.
 
With higher productions easing concerns over the stocks, the ban on exports of the grain may be up for review in March. India banned wheat exports for ensuring domestic supplies in May last year. Wheat retail inflation rose by 17.6% in November 2022 on year.
 
Following the government decision to discontinue the free ration scheme from December 31, 2022, the FCI is likely to have 3 MT of surplus wheat stock by the end of the current fiscal against the buffer.
 
As per latest assessment, the wheat stocks held with FCI by April 1, 2023 would be a comfortable 11.3 MT against a buffer of 7.4 MT.
 
'Sowing of climate resilient varieties, favorable weather conditions currently prevailing and slightly higher acreage under wheat may lead to this year’s wheat production to reach a record 112 MT,' Gyanendra Singh, Director, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, a Karnal-based institute affiliated to the Indian Council for Agricultural Research, told FE. Singh said that the production may even surpass the 112 MT mark if favorable weather continues till March end.
 
In the current season, area under wheat has touched 33.2 million hectare (MH), against the last five year average sown area of 32.4 MH as per the data released by the agriculture ministry last week. Wheat, a key rabi or winter crop, is mostly grown in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
 
Last crop year (July-June), a sudden rise in temperature in March pulled down the output mainly of late sown crop. 'However, the chances of a repeat of last year’s phenomenon of spike in temperature in March, considered as the grain filling stage of the crops, is unlikely to occur based on experience and views from India Meteorological Department,' Singh said.
 
Climate resilient varieties such as DBW187 and DBW 303 recommended for nearly 75% of the wheat grown area of around 33 MH, can withstand sudden change in temperature and farmers across all the key growing states have been using the varieties. Wheat output in the 2021-22 crop year, as per the agriculture ministry, has declined by around 3% on year to 106.8 MT because of heat waves during the flowering stage of the crop in March.
 
Due to lower production and higher global demand, Food Corporation of India (FCI)’s procurement in the 2022-23 marketing season fell by more than 56.6% to only 18.8 MT against 43.3 MT purchased from the farmers in the previous year.
 
The FCI had earlier stopped sale of wheat in the open market from its stocks for the first time more than a decade in view of a sharp drop in procurement in 2022-23 rabi marketing season and additional allocations of the grain under the free ration scheme.
 
The FCI has fixed Rs 2250 a quintal (excluding transportation cost) as the open market sale scheme (OMSS) price. The FCI’s open market sales stood at 7 MT in 2021-22.
 
'We would like to keep wheat prices under check, prior to the commencement of procurement season which begins from April 1, 2023,' an official said. The MSP announced for wheat to be procured during 2023-24 marketing season (April-June) is Rs 2125/quintal.
 
Sources said that if the mandi prices of wheat prevail far above the MSP, it would adversely impact the government’s MSP procurement drive. According to the department of consumer affairs’ price monitoring cell data, the modal retail price of wheat and flour (atta) on Saturday rose to Rs 28/kg and Rs 35/kg, respectively, fromRs 22/kg and Rs 28/kg six months ago.

 Source:  financialexpress.com
12 Jan, 2023 News Image Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the ideal investment destination: Shri Goyal.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal today highlighted Madhya Pradesh as an ideal investment destination and called upon investors from across the world to become partners in the progress and growth of MP. He was addressing Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 via VC today.
 
Shri Goyal said today’s summit offers an opportunity to the industry to participate in the vibrant future of India. Speaking about the numerous investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, Shri Goyal said it has emerged as the ideal investment destination. It has ample land, infrastructure, skilled resources and offers massive opportunities in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, tourism, textiles, Renewable Energy. He highlighted that in international engagements the interest is also shown in investing in MP.
 
Speaking about MP, he said it is known as the heart of India reflecting the vibrancy and vitality of a New India. India's second largest state, it is very strategically located at the centre of the country, both north-south and east west-corridors cross in MP. He also highlighted that Renewable energy contributes 20 percent in its total power generation. The fact that it contributes to 24 percent of the world's organic cotton production reflects the growing importance of MP in the international market. He noted that the Gross State Domestic Product of MP grew by nearly 20 percent last year.
 
Lauding Madhya Pradesh for making rapid strides in good governance, Shri Goyal said this reflects the impact of the double engine government which is working to fulfil the PM’s vision of rapid transformation.
 
He expressed confidence that the Green hydrogen Mission launched by PM, combined with support of Madhya Pradesh government will help in bringing huge investments in several sectors particularly in green hydrogen and renewable energy. 
 
Shri Goyal said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has on many occasions emphasised that the strength of India lies in its states and if India has to move forward it is very important for states to move forward. He further said Prime Minister Modi always focused on encouraging the development and economic growth in states thereby providing huge opportunities to the people in the remotest parts of India. He said PM Modi believes that states will be the strong pillars to support developed India, a commitment that the entire nation has taken along with PM on 15th august 2022 as the Nation celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 75 years of India's independence.
 
In his remarks, Shri Goyal pointed out that a focussed approach to infrastructure development, which in turn creates a strong foundation of economic development, has always been the cornerstone of a developed economy. He added that Madhya Pradesh has also been a part of this journey to promote infrastructure on a very big scale.
 
Referring to PM’s opening address at the Summit wherein he spoke about various initiatives of the Government- PM Gati Shakti, National Infrastructure Master Plan, Digital India, Shri Goyal said all these have been possible under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi. Citing examples of One Nation, One Tax, IBC, One Nation One Grid, he said the Government is developing infrastructure like never before.
 
Shri Goyal said India is today the 5th largest economy of the world and it is rapidly progressing to become the top 3 economies of the world.
 
Speaking about India’s G20 presidency, Shri Goyal said it is the right time for India to showcase to the world our growing strengths and increasing contribution to the world. India is once again becoming a Vishwa guru and leading the initiative of taking the world to become a safer place to live in. 
 
Stating that MP is emerging as an economic tiger, he hoped that MP will continue to grow at the speed of cheetah which were released in kuno national park by PM some months ago. He exuded confidence that MP will further accelerate the country's economy by attracting industries with newer opportunities.
 
Shri Goyal concluded by saying that India today clearly is the bright spot in the world and hoped that Madhya Pradesh will lead from the front and continue to participate in the nation’s efforts to make India a developed nation in the next 25 years.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
12 Jan, 2023 News Image Chili farmer from Madhya Pradesh sets up processing unit after buying expensive chili power.
About 8 months ago, Prem Tantvare of Piplia Khurd in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh went to sell his chilies in the local market. He was happy to some extent with the price of chili in the local market, but when he bought chili powder, he was very disappointed with the high price.
 
He then made up his mind to start his own business for processing chili into chili powder. For this purpose, Prem approached the Department of Horticulture in May-June 2022 to set up his industry with one district one product scheme.
 
Today, Prem Tantvare has started a grinding unit by purchasing chilies from other farmers besides his own. Now Premji is selling not one but five types of chili powder at good prices. From 15 December 2022 till now, he has sold 10 to 15 quintals of chili powder. His buyers include local farmers of the village, traders, and nearby hotels and dhabas.
 
Bought machines worth 14 lakhs
Prem Tantvare told he received a grant from the government in a very short time. Bank officials visited his house and took complete information after which the bankers were satisfied and the case was also approved.
 
He received a 35 percent grant of Rs. 7.18 lakh through the scheme PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for a total project cost of Rs. 26 lakhs. This amount was received with a 3 percent interest subvention.

 Source:  en.krishakjagat.org