The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is actively driving initiatives to enhance the contribution and share of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in the exports of Agri and processed food products and has till date registered more than 1000 FPO/FPC’s as APEDA Members.

 

APEDA UAE Export Initiative

With a dual aim to unlock export opportunities for agricultural and processed food products from the region and to enhance the contribution of FPO’s/FPC’s in the Agri and Processed food products, APEDA organized an exposure visit for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the UAE. The delegation comprised 47 members, representing FPOs from UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

 

During the visit, FPO's visited the Al-Aweer fruit and vegetable market to explore the possibilities and opportunities for Indian agri products specially grown in UP, Bihar and Uttarakhand. Further the delegation of FPOs visited LuLu Hypermarket to understand the requirements and pattern of purchase at Dubai market. During the visit, the FPO representatives also met with a good number of buyers and pitched their produce for export. As an immediate outcome, an FPO among the delegation finalized an order of fresh turmeric which was also flagged off to the UAE market. The other FPO's have also been able to get promising leads and are currently in negotiation with the buyers. Thus more orders are expected in the near future.

 

To evaluate the benefits of the visit and disseminate its outcomes among farmers, APEDA conducted a capacity-building and experience-sharing program in Varanasi on 5th March 2024. In the program, the representatives of FPOs who undertook the visit to the UAE, shared their experiences and learnings of the visit among other member farmers. They briefed them about the requirements/regulations to be followed for exporting agri commodities to the UAE market. They also briefly highlighted the potential products which have a significant untapped demand in the UAE market namely Mango, Green Chilly, Okra etc. which could be tapped by the farmers of the region. They also encouraged the farmers to implement good Agricultural practices (GAP), while farming so as to enable their produce to meet the regulatory requirements of the Importing countries.

 

Notably, the event also marked the flag-off of a consignment of fresh turmeric to Sharjah, UAE, showcasing the region's potential for export. Additionally, fresh fruits were exported from Varanasi's LBSI Airport to the international market, highlighting the region's expanding export capabilities.

 

Operating through its regional wing in Varanasi, and taking forward the above vision,  APEDA has identified the Purvanchal region as a model Agri Export Hub, recognizing its significance in agricultural trade and has enrolled more than 120 FPO’s from the region as its members. Special focus is being given towards enrolment of FPO’s/FPO’s dealing in ODOP/GI products, those which are Women & SC/ST led and those from the NER/Himalayan States and landlocked areas.Taking this theme forward,  APEDA officers along with departmental subject experts from the GOI and the State Government sensitized the farmers and other FPOs with the requirements of agri-export supply chain.

 

Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi Division, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Kaushal Raj Sharma praised APEDA's significant efforts in the Purvanchal region, emphasizing the exposure visit for FPOs as an invaluable opportunity facilitated by APEDA. He highlighted APEDA's role in guiding FPOs towards meeting agricultural export requirements and international standards. He also noted the remarkable progress in agricultural exports, citing an increase from 151 MT in FY 2021-22 to 702 MT in FY 2023-24 (April to December), reflecting the positive outcomes of APEDA's initiatives since 2020.

 

Chairman APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, emphasized the significance of exposure visits in exploring agricultural export opportunities, underlining their potential to boost national foreign exchange earnings and improve farmer incomes. He remarked on the keen interest shown by FPOs in agricultural export, recognizing it as a positive indicator of the region's capacity to meet international market demands. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh's rise as the third-largest agricultural exporting state in India (APEDA Basket), attributing this achievement to the region's deep potential and APEDA’s sustained efforts in enhancing the contribution of land-locked areas in exports.

 

APEDA's interventions are positively transforming the agri-export landscape in the Purvanchal region, with significant advancements in infrastructure, market linkages, and export promotion activities. This has resulted in growth in agri-exports, positioning UP as the third-largest agri- exporting state in the country (APEDA Basket).

 

Through targeted capacity-building programs and international buyer-seller meets, APEDA has empowered FPOs and exporters, enabling them to tap into global markets and showcase the region's diverse agricultural products. The success stories of agricultural exports, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to rice, demonstrate the region's ability to meet global demand and establish itself as a key player in the agricultural export market.

The Union Cabinet Thursday discussed the proposed free trade agreement between India and the four European nation bloc European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

 

The pact, called Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), is likely to be inked on Sunday, said sources. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland comprise the EFTA, and these are not part of the EU with which India is separately negotiating a trade pact.

 

The agreement has several chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, trade in services, investment promotion and cooperation, trade and sustainable development, and trade facilitation. New Delhi has sought $100 billion of committed investments from the grouping and is considering giving quota-based duty concessions on gold imports from Switzerland.

 

Nod to NE industrial package

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 10,037-crore new industrial development scheme called Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) scheme, for northeast states to generate gainful employment and for the regions's overall socio-economic development.

 

Under the scheme, incentives would be provided to investors for setting up new units or undertaking significant expansion of the existing units.

 

The scheme will be effective from the date of notification and up to March 31, 2034, along with eight years of committed liabilities.

 

As per a government statement, eligible industrial units will be able to commence their production or operation within four years from the grant of registration. The scheme envisages approximatelyRs 2,180 applications.

 

Districts have been categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) & Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) . 60% of the outlay of Part A has been earmarked for the eight northeastern states and the remaining 40% would be allocated on a First-In-First-Out basis.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an apex body under the ministry of commerce & industry, organised a capacity-building and experience-sharing programme in Varanasi on Tuesday.

As part of the event, a flag-off ceremony for fresh turmeric took place, marking a significant milestone. For the first time, a consignment of 1,600 kg of turmeric was sent directly from Varanasi to Sharjah, UAE, exported by Banaras Organo Farmer Producer Comp.

Ltd. This achievement came as a result of an order secured during a recent exposure visit to the UAE organised by APEDA.

In the effort to unlock the export potential of agricultural and processed food products from the region, APEDA arranged an exposure visit to Dubai, UAE, from February 26 to March 1. A delegation of 47 members, including 31 representatives from FPOs in Uttar Pradesh, five from Bihar, and one from Uttarakhand, actively participated in the visit.

To evaluate the benefits of the visit and disseminate its message among farmers, APEDA organised the capacity-building and experience-sharing programme, which was attended by the divisional commissioner, Kaushal Raj Sharma, and APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev (virtually). Commissioner Sharma commended APEDA’s efforts in the Purvanchal region, emphasizing that the exposure visit for FPOs was a unique opportunity, facilitated by APEDA’s guidance in meeting agricultural export requirements and international protocols. The region has seen significant growth in agricultural exports, rising from 51 MT in the fiscal year 2021-22 to 702 MT in 2023-24 (April to December), a testament to APEDA’s initiatives since 2020.

APEDA chairman highlighted the importance of exposure visits in exploring agricultural export opportunities, which contribute to national foreign exchange earnings and significant farmer incomes. He noted the keen interest of FPOs in agricultural export as a positive sign for the region, positioning Uttar Pradesh as the third-largest agricultural exporting state in India, following Gujarat and Maharashtra.

 

India allows export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to UAE, Bangladesh

The government has allowed the export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to the UAE and Bangladesh through NCEL. Despite the ban on onion exports, 14,400 tonnes are permitted to the UAE. India has exported 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions this year, with the top importers being Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE. NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society.

FTA and knowledge sharing with S Korea will boost seafood exports

Woochan Chang emphasizes the importance of stringent standards in maintaining the marine ecosystem. The workshop organized by FAPCCI and ILO highlights South Korea's seafood industry's focus on efficiency, quality, and innovation achieved through cutting-edge technologies and rigorous quality control measures. The Secretary, Dre. N Yuvaraj, stresses the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration with South Korea.

Electronics exports from Tamil Nadu touch $7.37 billion

Tamil Nadu has emerged as India's top exporter of electronic goods, with exports valued at $7.37 billion, accounting for 32.5% of India's total export of ESDM goods. The state's exports have grown by 37% compared to the previous financial year's $5.37 billion. TRB Rajaa unveiled the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy 2024 to further boost the sector.

Central Asia's biggest state Kazakhstan is keen to increase trade with India via the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

 

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov travelled to Moscow to attend a meeting on March 4 with the Prime Minister of PM, Mikhail Mishustin.

 

High on the agenda was INSTC and in particular, the section of railway interlinking Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan route is the one of the branches of INSTC to connect India with Eurasia.

 

Russia and Kazakhstan are connected by the longest land border in the world spanning over 7,500 km. Noting that “the most important transit routes in Eurasia run through our countries', the Russian prime minister highlighted the huge potential for cooperation in transport and logistics.

 

In February, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Maksat Kaliakparov reported on plans by the railway administrations of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan to launch a joint venture to improve services and reduce cargo delivery time along the INSTC.

 

In 2023 the volume of cargo transported via this route amounted to 2.1 million tons; an increase of 4% compared to 2022. By 2027, the transport potential of the entire corridor could increase to between six – 10 million tons per year.

 

To maintain progress and facilitate transit between the two countries, the Kazakh prime minister stressed the need to speed up work on checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian border. According to plans, 29 of the 30 checkpoints are due to be modernized by 2027. INSTC will enable Kazakhstan to target markets in India and beyond in ASEAN and Indian Ocean Region.

 

Kazakhstan is India’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia. During Jan-Dec. 2020, bilateral trade is US$ 2.37 bln and during the same period exports from Kazakhstan to India is US$ 1.99 bln and exports from India is US$ 382.9 mln.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is undertaking various initiatives to promote agricultural exports from India. APEDA's forward-looking strategy involves a paradigm shift towards expanding the export basket with focused initiative on priority products like fresh fruits, vegetables, processed foods and animal products to reduce the reliance on a few products and to move up the value chain. With a focus on expanding into key markets such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia, APEDA aims to forge small partnerships with global supermarkets to showcase its products on an international arena. Moreover, the organization is working on to reducing logistical expenses by establishing sea protocols through collaborations with research institutions. These strategic initiatives reiterate APEDA's commitment to boost India's agricultural exports by enhancing competitiveness and driving sustainable growth.

 

Further, APEDA's concerted efforts to promote Shree Anna-Millets resonate with the government's vision for cultivating a healthier and more diversified food landscape. Over the past year, with a particular focus during the International Year of Millets-2023, APEDA has diligently worked towards the development and integration of a wide array of value-added products under the Shree Anna brand.

 

This strategic initiative has led to the creation and mainstreaming of various value-added products, including pasta, noodles, breakfast cereals, ice cream, biscuits, energy bars, and snacks, among others. By diversifying the Shree Anna product line, APEDA has not only infused innovation but has also seamlessly connected these products to the export value chain. Through these endeavours APEDA continues to play a pivotal role in elevating the profile of Shree Anna Millets, thereby contributing to the government's overarching agenda of promoting healthier dietary choices and facilitating the expansion of India's agricultural export portfolio.

 

During April-November 2023, APEDA facilitated exports to major markets like Iraq, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and the UK experienced substantial growth compared to the previous year. Surging by 110%, 46%, 18%, and 47%, respectively, this remarkable expansion underscores the increasing global demand for Indian agricultural products in key markets.

 

As part of its goal to foster inclusivity, APEDA is extending support to startups, women entrepreneurs, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs/FPCs) by enabling their participation in global events.

 

In response to feedback from exporters, APEDA is spearheading the initiation of participation in new fairs across emerging markets such as Turkey, South Korea, Kenya, South Africa, and Japan. This proactive approach aims to facilitate greater market access and foster sustainable growth opportunities for Indian exporters.

Australia’s relationship with India is at a 'historic high point' and has manifested in bilateral economic ties, Australian trade commissioner John Southwell said on Wednesday.

 

In an interview to PTI at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, he also shared how food, wine and cricket can not only help foster people-to-people and cultural ties but also boost trade both ways.

 

Southwell, currently based in Mumbai, is visiting the national capital to take part in the first Delhi edition of the event ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ on Thursday and the 38th edition of Aahar International Food and Hospitality Fair being held from March 7-11.

 

Asked where the bilateral relationship between the two countries stands at present, he asserted that it has 'never been better'.

 

'It is fair to say that Australia’s relationship with India is at a historic high point. Our bilateral relationship has never been better and that has manifested in our economic relationship,' Southwell told PTI.

 

Already, there has been a '50 per cent increase in our two-way trade over the last five years, which is fantastic,' he said.

 

He noted that India is the fifth largest export market for his country.

 

'The two-way trade between Australia and India at the moment is about Aus $45 billion, and India is also our fifth largest export market, over the course of the Australian financial year 2022-23. Goods export was approximately Aus $25 billion a year, during that financial year.'

 

The Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said, 'The sky is the limit' in how far the Indo-Australian bilateral relationship can progress.

 

'And tomorrow night’s  ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ event is going to be reminiscent of that and celebrations of that, as also a way to engender business-to-business connections and explore how we can further those bilateral economic ties.'

 

The event to be hosted at the Australian High Commission will provide an opportunity for Indian and Australian businesses to come together to network, enjoy Australian food and beverage and celebrate the depth of the bilateral relationship, officials said.

 

The event will include a host of guests from the Indian government and businesses relevant to priority sectors  – agrifood, education, critical minerals, innovation, infrastructure, digital health and defence, advanced manufacturing and space, they said.

 

Asked where he saw the bilateral trade ties standing in the next few years, Southwell said, 'I think, probably I can say… In coming days, of course in the next five days, you will have 23 Australian companies as well three industry associations coming at Pragati Maidan for Aahar (2024) International Food & Hospitality Fair to both, increase the visibility of the companies which are already here in the market, as well as those who are looking to explore (this) market for the first time as well.'

 

This is the 'first time that Australia has been in such force at Aahar' which augurs well as it reflects the level of commitment that Australia has chosen, the trade commissioner said.

 

On whether the highest-ever number of participating Australian companies in Aahar shows a growing appetite from Australian firms to explore Indian markets and eventually invest, Southwell said, 'Yes, absolutely'.

 

The Australian trade commissioner also shared the two-way impact the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has had since it entered into force on December 29, 2022.

 

'It has been very well utilised, certainly within the agrifood sector,' he said.

 

'We’ve seen exports of some commodities increase, albeit off small bases, so lamb and goat meat has gone up 163 per cent, seafood up 56 per cent,' he said.

 

The ECTA is also working for Indian agriculture exports to Australia, so roasted cereals are up 23 per cent while bread, pastry and biscuits are up 22 per cent, the trade commissioner added.

 

Southwell said that since the trade agreement came into force, Austrade has received 'dozens and dozens of enquiries' from the Australian export community wanting to explore India to see 'what is possible', but equally also a number of enquiries from the Indian side showing interest in food items like macadamia, walnuts, almonds and many other things that Australia potentially can provide.

 

To a query on progress on the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) front, he said, 'Both counties have committed to undertaking negotiations on a comprehensive agreement.'

 

Australia and India first launched negotiations for it in May 2011.

 

Southwell described India as an 'incredibly important' market for Australian international education as well as tourism.

 

On the Indian diaspora in Australia, he said the community is 'strong' and Australia has benefited much from this diaspora. During bushfires, people from gurudwaras, etc have assisted in relief and recovery efforts, he said.

 

Southwell also shared about his love for cricket and Indian food.

 

Asked if cricket in many ways can also touch diplomacy and trade relationship, he emphatically replied, '100 per cent'.

 

'We recently played our own version of the Almond Board cricket tournament with representations from India’s Dry Fruits and Nuts Council as well. I played for the Almond Board (of Australia),' Southwell said. 

In Madhya Pradesh, Riyawan garlic, renowned for its distinctive bold flavors and higher oil content, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag as of March 2. This recognition marks the second GI tag for the region's agricultural produce. The initiative, led by the Riyawan Farm Fresh Producer Company, began in January 2022, culminating in this significant achievement. Cultivated in the Riyawan village of Ratlam district, this variety stands out for its robust flavor, pungent taste, and medicinal properties, making it a preferred choice for culinary uses such as pickles and chutneys.

 

The successful acquisition of the GI tag was propelled by the efforts of MLA Rajendra Pandey, with support from the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing. Riyawan garlic, characterized by 5-6 cloves per bulb, not only enhances the taste of dishes but also boasts long-term storage capabilities. Its cultivation spans approximately 200 hectares in Riyawan and extends to around 1300 hectares in neighboring areas, involving over 700 farmers in its production.

A shift to natural farming can turn out to be a revolutionary change, policy advocacy group ICRIER  (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) said in a report citing instances of Andhra Pradesh where yields ‘seemed’ to have improved. However, to balance the findings, it also warned that 'if the yield and production plummet' the implications for food security can be severe.

 

In a report titled 'Zero Budget Natural Farming — Implications for Sustainability, Profitability, and Food Security', commissioned by NABARD and released last week, ICRIER said: 'The sheer disparity in the outcomes of the two experiments conducted by CESS-IDSAP and ICAR-IIFSR suggests the importance of long-term experimentation before declaring this as a nationwide agriculture practice. If the yield and production plummet, as the ICAR and IIFSR findings advocate, the implications for food security can be severe.

 

'Naturally obtained inputs like cow dung, cow urine, leaves, etc. are without any reservation sustainable alternatives to the chemical inputs which have destroyed nature’s inherent ability to rejuvenate the soil. If the yields improve as they seem to have in Andhra Pradesh, then a shift to natural farming can turn out to be a revolutionary change,' the study said.

 

Financial aid

According to NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, natural farming can cover in 25-30 per cent of the total area of 140 million hectares under cultivation as there are several places where there is hardly any use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The government has never proposed natural farming to replace current practices in every land, but its emphasis is only in an overall reduction to save soil.

 

Authored by Sandip Das, Mahima Khurana and Ashok Gulati, the report said farmers be given financial support directly into their bank accounts on per hectare basis and the prices of chemical fertilizers be determined by free play of markets. 'Let farmers choose the crops and farming practices that suit them most. That way, those who want to practice ZBNF will not be discriminated against,' it said.

 

Currently, chemical fertilizers are excessively subsidised leading to their imbalanced use, and therefore adverse impact on environment. 'Much of this can be reduced/eliminated by creating crop-neutral incentive structures,' it said.

 

'While organic farming and related practices like natural farming are successful in niche markets where a premium price can compensate for the returns from lower yields, a complete switch to organic approaches can hamper national food production. Resilient supply chain networks for the farm inputs required in natural farming are a prerequisite to transitioning towards natural farming,' the authors concluded.

Majority of the issues in the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the U.K. are either finalised or at an advanced stage of talks, a government official said on January 15.

 

Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce L. Satya Srinivas said that the 14th round of negotiations between the officials of the two countries is underway in New Delhi.

 

'The majority of the chapters are either closed or at an advanced stage of negotiation. Discussions are being held at the higher level as well as at the team level to iron out differences,' he told reporters.

 

The talks for the pact began in January 2022. The current round of talks is expected to be the final one.

 

Talks are also progressing on the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

 

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

 

Issues from both goods and services are pending for conclusion.

 

The bilateral trade between India and the U.K. increased to $20.36 billion in 2022-23 from $17.5 billion in 2021-22.

 

On the progress on the proposed trade deal between India and the European Union (EU), he said the seventh round of talks will be held from February 19-23 here.

 

The track and chief negotiator level discussions on modalities for the services and investments chapter are scheduled this week.

 

Similarly, the sixth round of negotiations for a proposed trade agreement between India and the South American nation Peru is scheduled from February 12-15.

 

The ministry has held stakeholder consultations with the line ministries, export promotion councils, and industry chambers on the pact.

 

On the progress of talks for the India-Oman free trade agreement, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Amardeep Singh Bhatia said that substantial progress has been made on the deal and the next round of talks will start from January 16.

The legal vetting for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Oman is nearly complete, with the deal likely to be signed in either the coming days or after the general election, two people aware of the matter said.

 

'The government hopes to sign the pact before the announcement of dates for general elections, and in case it cannot be signed before the announcement, the government may nevertheless seek permission from the election commission to announce it as the FTA is in the interest of economy,' said the first person mentioned above, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.