National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a meeting of the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) on Farm Sector Development for the Financial Year 2023-24 at the Assam Regional Office.

 

The theme of the meeting was ‘Prospects of Value Chain in Floriculture & Coffee Plantations in Assam.’ NABARD through its various interventions, Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP), Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) has provided opportunities to the famers and SHGs for promotion of production, value chain creation and credit linkage through banks in the floricultures sector.

 

The delegates of the meeting included Member representative, Assam Agriculture Commission; Principal Scientist, Horticulture Research Station; Deputy Director, National Horticulture Board; Senior Liaison Officer, Coffee Board, Director (Open & Distance Learning), Assam Agricultural University; Regional Head, APEDA; MD, NERAMAC; DGM, NEDFi, Chief Manager, SLBC, SBI along with other government officials, banking partners, farmers and entrepreneurs.

 

The deliberations emphasized on the importance of floriculture market in Assam and the need to look for the scope of value-creation in this segment.

 

Nabin Kumar Roy, General Manger & OIC, NABARD, Assam RO said that there is a dire need for awareness and mobilization of farmers in line with the Floriculture Mission of the State Government for doing away with the huge imports in the state by area expansion of flowers and thus, contributing to the state’s economy.

 

With regards to the feasibility of promoting coffee plantations in Assam, he expressed having close coordination with Coffee Board of India for promoting Coffee in the state. He exhorted the members to come forward with ideas, initiatives and guidance for taking the issues forward and for development of a comprehensive strategy in convergence for promoting the ethos of ‘Gaanv Badhe toh Desh Badhe’ in Assam.

 

As a part of Natural Resources Management, NABARD has been supporting the implementation of various Projects like Integrated Watershed Dev. with Climate Proofing Interventions (IWDCPIs), Integrated Tribal Dev. Programmes (ITDPs), UPNRM & Climate Change Projects, etc.

 

Accordingly, NABARD Assam RO has recently sanctioned the Full Implementation Phase (FIP) of its first Watershed Project in the State. The FIP will be implemented at Derapathar villages in Lumding Development Block of Hojai district.

 

Under the FIP, NABARD would support creation of 485 major/ minor structures like Check Dams, Percolation Tanks, Water Harvesting Structures, Control Bunds, Earthen Bunds, Farm Ponds, Staggered Contour Trenches etc. in the fields of 332 identified beneficiaries in a cluster of four villages in and around Derapathar with a grant assistance of Rs 2.30 crore. Further, in addition to undertaking measures pertaining to Area & Drainage Line treatments, NABARD would also support Climate Proofing interventions like installation of remote sensing Automated Wireless Weather Stations, Soil Moisture Sensors, Solar Pumps, Micro/ Drip Irrigation systems etc. The Project also envisages livelihood & women development trainings on activities including Vermicomposting, Agarbatthi making, Livestock rearing, Tailoring & Embroidery, Handloom Design Development etc.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal said that the government does not rush to conclude trade negotiations because Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) impact the country for several years and follows a careful and calibrated approach. During an interaction at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, the Minister said that extensive stakeholder consultations, inter-ministerial meetings, etc. are conducted during FTA negotiations to ensure that FTAs are fair, equitable and balanced.

 

For the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference 13 (MC13) to be held next week in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Shri Goyal said that there are attempts to include issues in the WTO that are not part of world trade and India will try to ensure that the guiding principles of WTO are maintained. The Minister highlighted India’s role in the past at the WTO MCs and expressed strong support for making the organisation stronger with the necessary reforms. Shri Goyal said that WTO is important for a fair and robust multilateral trading system.

 

On the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) issue, Shri Goyal said that India is concerned by the tax imposition of the European Union (EU) and will take up the issue within the rules of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and will also look to address the issue bilaterally with the EU. Further, the Minister assured the stakeholders that the government is conscious of the challenges and will work towards turning this challenge into an opportunity.

 

Shri Goyal emphasised that India is willing to engage with the world and be competitive by embracing global value chains and becoming self-reliant. He said that the large domestic market coupled with the nation’s ability to innovate will make India the best destination for investments. The Minister stated that the government undertook initiatives to perform, reform and transform the economy to ensure that India becomes a developed nation with strong macroeconomic fundamentals. Shri Goyal said that the aim of the welfare schemes is to reach the beneficiaries at the last mile.

 

Shri Goyal said that the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has undertaken initiatives for food security, healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure, etc. for public welfare. The Minister cited multiple initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, etc. that have transformed India into the fastest developing large economy. He noted that these initiatives encourage private and public investment in infrastructure and manufacturing which will help India become a developed economy by 2047.

The Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (FPI), Smt. Anita Praveen chaired the roundtable interaction with industry at Invest India here yesterday. The primary focus of the meeting was to brief the industry on the next edition of World Food India 2024 to be organized from 19th-22nd September 2024. The meeting deliberated on the involvement and expectations from the industry in the event and marked a continuation of a series of discussions aimed at informing stakeholders about the Ministry's action plan for World Food India 2024 and exploring potential areas of collaboration. Notably, senior representatives from key agri-food companies actively participated in this roundtable session.

 

In her keynote address, Secretary, MoFPI mentioned about the growth and vast opportunities present in the food-processing sector. She added that the ministry is organizing the 3rd edition of the highly anticipated World Food India event, envisioning an even larger scale compared to the previous 2023 edition. The Secretary extended a heartfelt invitation to all companies to participate in the event with great enthusiasm in the Mega Food Event scheduled to take place from September 19th to 22nd 2024 in New Delhi.

 

Additionally, the participating companies enthusiastically expressed their interest in joining World Food India-2024, demonstrating their readiness to exhibit their products and technologies in dedicated stall spaces. Additionally, the participating companies demonstrated strong interest in collaborating with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for the planned event sessions. Noteworthy suggestions and feedback were received and discussed.

 

The Secretary, Food Processing Industries (FPI) concluded her remarks by urging all stakeholders to come together and collaborate to ensure the success of the event. She emphasized the significance of harnessing individual strengths and providing supplementary support to foster robust partnerships and engagement from a diverse range of stakeholders.

 

Furthermore, the Investment Facilitation Cell (Invest India) received instructions to stay in touch with the companies to firm up the participation details.

India will ensure that the guiding principles of the World Trade Organisation are maintained at the Abu Dhabi meeting next week, union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

 

The country will also raise the issue of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the WTO and bilaterally with the EU, Goyal said at the Raisina Dialogue 2024 here.

 

'There are attempts to include issues in the WTO that are not part of world trade, and India will try to ensure that the guiding principles of WTO are maintained,' he said.

 

Delegates from 164 countries will discuss agriculture, fisheries and the moratorium on imposing customs duty on ecommerce trade among other issues at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to 29.

 

'WTO is important for a fair and robust multilateral trading system,' Goyal said, noting that the intergovernmental organisation needs to be made stronger with reforms.

 

The minister especially highlighted the issue of CBAM, which the EU will introduce in 2026 as a mechanism to prevent 'carbon leakage', assuring stakeholders that the government was conscious of the challenges.

 

According to experts, the EU's carbon border tax is expected to increase costs and reduce competitiveness. 'The implementation of CBAM is poised to have an adverse effect on the economic performance of enterprises operating within India's energy-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE) industries,' research organisation CSEP highlighted in a working paper, assessing a 2.9% reduction in export earnings for steel and iron industry last year.

 

Goyal also emphasised the need for India to become part of global value chains and become self-reliant. A large domestic market coupled with the nation's ability to innovate will make India the best destination for investments, he said.

 

The minister made a call for bringing various issues, especially the dispute resolution mechanism, to a conclusion.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has created a specialized division for organic promotion, which is a major step towards expanding India's organic export industry. This division is composed to serve as a central hub for coordinating efforts aimed at maximizing the country's organic export potential.

 

Uttarakhand's Organic Sector

APEDA's new division is strategically focused on strengthening Uttarakhand's organic sector through a comprehensive strategy. The plan encompasses various features, including the improvement of farming practices, streamlining certification procedures, and identification of key export products. The main goal is to elevate Uttarakhand's standing as a major player in the global organic market.

 

Sikkim's Organic Farming

Building upon Sikkim's pioneering status as India's first fully organic state, APEDA is crafting a strategic roadmap to further diversify exports and strengthen sustainable practices. By leveraging Sikkim's unique strengths in the organic farming, the promotion body aims to enhance its visibility and impact on the international stage.

 

With successful initiatives already underway in Uttarakhand and plans taking shape for Sikkim, APEDA envisions replicating these strategies in more states across India. By targeting regions with substantial organic farming potential, the aim is to establish a network of thriving organic export hubs nationwide.

 

Updates to NPOP for Global Compatibility

 

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is undergoing major revisions in an effort to improve the accessibility of organic products in foreign marketplaces. The forthcoming revisions in NPOP guidelines are designed to align with prominent global regulations and standards, including the EU Regulation.

 

This strategic realignment anticipates ongoing and prospective Mutual Recognition Agreements. A crucial aspect of this renovation involves the modernization of NPOP's IT infrastructure, poised to offer a more robust oversight mechanism, with a specific focus on Certification Bodies and their certified operators. The revamped IT system also includes provisions for geo-tagging farms and geo-locating inspection visits.

 

With targeted strategies for Uttarakhand and Sikkim, along with plans for expansion across states and updates to NPOP for global compatibility, India is set to solidify its position as a key player in the international organic market.

India and Greece aim to double their bilateral trade to nearly $4 billion by 2030 and enhance connectivity through infrastructure projects like the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec).

 

'It is a matter of happiness that we are moving forward quickly towards the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after discussions on Wednesday with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis who is currently on a visit to India.

 

This is the first visit by a Greek premier to India since 2008.

 

The two countries identified pharmaceuticals, ports, chemicals, shipping, food, communications and defence as key sectors to help double their bilateral trade, which stood at $1.9 billion in 2022-23.

 

The partnership in shipping is particularly noteworthy, with India eyeing investment opportunities in Greek ports and seeking Athens’ support to modernize its shipping industry, as reported earlier by Mint.

 

Greece’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea makes it a major player in the global shipping industry. The country’s shipowners own roughly one-fifth of the world’s shipping fleet and almost 60% of the European Union’s fleet, according to the International Trade Administration, a US government agency.

 

The country is expected to be a key player in Imec, which will help facilitate export of Indian goods to the European markets.

 

'The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor is one such corridor that would strengthen this (India-Greece) connectivity. Given the strategic importance that Greece holds in terms of its location, the manner in which Greece could partner with the Imec was discussed,' foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a press conference in New Delhi.

 

The two nations also agreed to establish a joint working group on defence, maritime security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, building on a history of defence collaboration. This includes recent military exercises and naval operations, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between India and Greece.

 

The Mediterranean, a crucial corridor for global trade, has seen instability due to civil wars in the Middle East and maritime disputes over the past decade. India's increased defence ties with Mediterranean nations, including Italy, Egypt, and recently Greece, indicate a strategic move to amplify its influence in the region.

 

The discussions also covered space, advanced technologies, and the initiation of direct flight connectivity. A migration and mobility partnership is expected to be signed soon, in line with similar agreements signed with the UK, Germany and other European countries.

 

Greece's Prime Minister Mitsotak is set to be the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue, the Indian foreign ministry’s premier geopolitical conference, which kicks off on Wednesday. His visit underlines the deepening ties and shared strategic interests between India and Greece, setting the stage for a strengthened bilateral relationship.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in a significant move to bolster India's organic export sector has created a dedicated organic promotion division for the promotion of organic exports. This division is now serving as a focal point for coordinating efforts to amplify the country's organic export potential.

 

The agri-promotion body is working towards enhancing Uttarakhand's organic sector through a comprehensive strategy. APEDA’s plan focuses on enhancing farming practices, optimizing certification procedures, and identifying prime export products. The ultimate aim is to elevate Uttarakhand's profile as a significant player in the global organic market.

 

Building on Sikkim's pioneering status as India's first fully organic state, APEDA is formulating a strategic roadmap to diversify exports and fortify sustainable practices. Leveraging Sikkim's unique strengths in the organic realm, the promotion body’s plan aims to elevate its prominence on the international stage.

 

With successful initiatives underway in Uttarakhand and plans shaping up for Sikkim, APEDA’s vision extends to replicating these strategies in more states. By targeting regions with substantial organic farming potential, the body aspires to create a network of thriving organic export hubs across India.

 

Further, in an endeavour to bolster the accessibility of organic products in international markets, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is undergoing significant updates. The forthcoming revisions in NPOP guidelines aim to harmonize with prominent global regulations and standards, including the EU Regulation. This strategic realignment is crafted with a foresight into ongoing and prospective Mutual Recognition Agreements. A pivotal aspect of this overhaul involves the modernization of NPOP's IT infrastructure. The revamped IT system is poised to offer a more resilient oversight mechanism, particularly focusing on Certification Bodies and their certified operators. The revamped IT System envisages provisions for geo-tagging of farms and geo-location of inspection visits.

 

The government on Thursday permitted traders to export 54,760 tonnes of onion to Bangladesh, Mauritius, Bahrain and Bhutan till March 31. 'We have allowed export of 50,000 tonnes of onion to Bangladesh, 1,200 tonnes to Mauritius, 3,000 tonnes of Bahrain and 560 tonnes to Bhutan with immediate effect,' Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh told PTI.

 

Traders are allowed to export this quantity till March 31. The modalities are being worked out, he said.

 

Singh said the decision has been taken following a recommendation from the external affairs ministry.

 

Currently, there is a ban on onion exports till March 31. The ban was imposed on December 8, 2023, in order to boost the domestic supply and check price rise.

 

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said India negotiates trade and investment agreements with fairness and open mind and takes care of the interest of people. He also said countries that are negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and investment pacts with India should keep in mind that New Delhi offers a huge market to them in terms of demand and business opportunities.

 

'I can assure you that India negotiates with fairness, with an open mind... India also takes care of its wider and larger interest in the long run,' he said at the CII India-Europe conclave.

 

FTAs or Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), or agreements on geographical indications, will have to stand the test of fair, equitable, and balanced agreements as the level of economic developments varies, he said.

 

'We will have to respect the very different opportunities that are offered by India vis-a-vis the offer on the table from other countries,' he said, adding that India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world.

 

The young population, demand for goods and services, opens up huge opportunities for businesses across the globe, the minister added.

 

The remarks assume significance as India is negotiating such agreements with countries such as the UK, Oman, and the European Union.

 

Speaking at the conclave, the UK's minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said that British businesses are major investors in India and bilateral trade is growing between the two countries.

 

He also said the two nations are working on an ambitious free trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty.

 

'This will boost our trading partnership further... and (would) show the world that India and the UK are serious about trade and very much committed to prosperity at a global level,' Ahmad said adding huge business opportunities are there for Indian firms in the UK.

 

With the negotiations for the proposed India-UK free trade agreement reaching its last leg, a high-level Indian official delegation is in London to iron out the differences on remaining issues.

 

India and the UK launched the talks for a FTA in January 2022. There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.

 

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

 

Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Germany, said the India-EU free trade agreement holds immense potential to amplify trade and foster trade-economic integration.

 

He added that the agreement would benefit private sector investments in Indian manufacturing and services sectors and provide access to Indian businesses to the world's largest single market.

 

The seventh round of India-European Union talks is underway here.

 

In June 2022, India and the EU restarted the negotiations for the long-pending trade and investment agreement after a gap of over eight years.

PM Modi reiterated Thursday his govt’s unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare and income enhancement during a one-day visit to Gujarat, underscoring the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and livestock management for India’s economic growth and prosperity.

'Our focus is on improving the lives of small farmers, enhancing livestock health, and promoting allied activities such as growing fish and beekeeping to boost farmers’ income,' Modi said, criticising previous govts for looking at requirements of villages 'in pieces'.

 

While inaugurating and laying the foundation for development projects worth Rs 57,000 crore, Modi emphasised that Indian dairy sector’s annual turnover of Rs 10 lakh crore surpasses that of paddy, wheat & sugarcane combined.

PM: Our dairy sector growing at 6% against global average of 2%

While highlighting the significance of several initiatives of his govt aimed at rural prosperity, PM Modi said, 'Modi’s guarantee starts where hopes from others end.'

 

Speaking at golden jubilee celebrations of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets the iconic brand Amul, the PM gave an overview of India’s dairy sector, which is growing at a rate of 6% per annum against the global average of 2%. 'In the past 10 years, India has witnessed 60% growth in milk production. Its per capita milk availability has increased by 40%,' he said.

'We have taken a vow to make India a developed country in 2047. It also marks 75 years for Amul. You have set a target to double your production… govt is with you. This is Modi’s guarantee,' he said, addressing over one lakh dairy farmers at Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera.

 

He announced key govt measures, including a Rs 1 lakh crore fund to support cooperative societies and a Rs 30,000 crore fund to bolster cattle-rearing infrastructure.

Addressing a public rally in Tarabh village of Mehsana, Modi accused Congress of perpetuating cynicism and fostering animosity while the nation celebrated Ram temple’s construction. 'If temples are being built in the country, govt is also building pucca houses for crores of poor people,' he said.

He criticised Congress for viewing India’s rich legacy through electoral lenses. 'If someone is guilty of creating this hostility, it’s solely Congress…These are the same people who raised doubts about the existence of Lord Ram and created roadblocks in the construction of the temple,' he said.

In Navsari, Modi targeted dynastic politics, asserting that a party entrenched in nepotism prioritises family over merit. He highlighted Congress’s attempts to discredit him based on caste , emphasising that such attacks strengthen his resolve and support for his party.