The Union Health Ministry has disclosed a plan to make FSSAI a single regulator to regulate the food industry and trade in India.

 

In a meeting chaired by the Union Health Secretary here, several crucial amendments to streamline food safety and standards regulations were also approved.

 

These amendments related to both horizontal and vertical aspects of the FSS Act that will replace the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or AGMARK certification for food products.

 

'After the amendments are finalised, food businesses would not have to go to different authorities for mandatory certification with only FSSAI certification being made mandatory for food products,' reads a statement by the Union Health Ministry.

 

Other approvals include standards of Mead (Honey wine) and Alcoholic Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, revision of standards of milk fat products, standards for Haleem and so on.

 

The food authority also approved a first-of-its-kind and comprehensive manuals of methods of analysis for ensuring regulatory compliance of the food products.

 

The amendments across different Food Safety and Standards Regulations were approved in the meeting for draft notification to invite stakeholder comments before finalisation.

 

These regulations included the revision of standards of Milk Fat Products, as part of which the fatty acid requirements for ghee will also be applicable for other milk fat products.

 

The food authority is also going to set standards for ‘Haleem’ as part of standards for meat products. Haleem is a dish made of meat, pulses, grains and other ingredients, which currently does not have any set standards.

 

The meeting was also attended by FSSAI officials.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme - 'Operation Greens (OG)'– A scheme for development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain since 2018-19. The coverage of the scheme has since been expanded from 3 crops (Tomato, Onion & Potato) to 22 perishables crops which include 10 fruits, 11 vegetables (including TOP) and 1 marine i.e., shrimp as per the Union Budget 2021. The scheme has two pronged strategy of Price Stabilization Measures (short term measure) and Integrated Value Chain Development Projects (long term measure). Under the short term interventions of the scheme, MoFPI provides transportation (including air)/storage subsidy for eligible crop @ 50% of eligible cost. In case of export, subsidy towards transportation charges is payable only upto Indian borders.

 

MoFPI through implementation of the Central Sector Scheme, namely, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), interalia, helps in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet across the country. The scheme not only provide a boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also helps in, interalia, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.

 

MoFPI is also implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme- PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) for providing technical, financial and business support for setting up/upgradation of 2 lakh Micro Food Processing Enterprises. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme also launched by MoFPI for the period 2021-22 to 2026-27 to create global food champions and improving the visibility of Indian food brands abroad.

 

No State/UT-wise allocation and release of funds is made specifically for promotion of exports, under any of the above three schemes implemented by MoFPI.

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha recently.

Russia has pivoted its banana import reliance from Ecuador to India. The move comes amidst a diplomatic dispute between Russia and Ecuador, traditionally Russia's primary banana supplier, over arms trade arrangements.

 

Russia Banana Diplomacy: India Steps In

Russia's decision to diversify its banana imports arose when Ecuador opted to exchange high-tech American weaponry for Russian-made military equipment, drawing Moscow's ire. Consequently, Russia welcomed its inaugural shipment of Indian bananas in January, with another expected by the end of February. Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's agricultural watchdog, forecasts a surge in Indian banana imports, signaling a shift in trade dynamics.

 

Expanding Fruit Horizons: Indian Offerings

Beyond bananas, India eyes broader fruit export opportunities to Russia, including papayas, guavas, mangoes, and pineapples. This move underscores India's endeavor to capitalise on Russia's evolving import preferences amidst geopolitical tensions.

 

Pest Predicament: Ecuador's Response

Rosselkhoznadzor's decision to halt banana imports from five Ecuadorian firms due to pest concerns sparked controversy. Ecuador's food safety authority refuted the claim, citing minimal risk, intensifying the rift amid the diplomatic fallout.

 

Geopolitical Chess: Russia's Strategic Maneuvers

While Russia refrains from directly linking the shift to the Ecuador-US spat, it aligns with Moscow's broader strategy of diversifying trade partnerships amid Western sanctions. The discord stems from Ecuador's agreement to supply Russian military gear to the US, perceived by Russia as bolstering Ukraine against its interests.

 

Strengthening Russian-Indian Trade Bonds

Since 2022, Russia has fostered closer ties with India to counter Western sanctions, marking a paradigm shift in trade dynamics. The rift with Ecuador disrupts Russia's fruit import strategy, previously reliant on Ecuador as a key supplier.

Rajasthan's Agriculture Minister, Kirodi Lal Meena, met with Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon and an Israeli delegation on Wednesday and discussed opportunities for technical collaboration in agriculture and horticulture in the state.

The meeting, held at the ministry building, included the Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture, Vaibhav Galaria, and Horticulture Commissioner Laxman Singh Kudi.

 

Kirodi Lal Meena and the Israeli Ambassador discussed the potential for grape and date cultivation in the state, exploring innovative techniques using high voltage (HV) electricity and pH water for agricultural production.

The Agriculture Minister expressed interest in seeking assistance for the processing of guavas produced in Sawai Madhopur. The Israeli Ambassador assured prompt engagement on this matter.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary provided insights into the progress of excellence centres established with Israeli technical support. These centres focus on pomegranate cultivation in Jaipur, citrus farming in Kota, and date cultivation in Jaisalmer.

Covering approximately 2,500 hectares, these centres have trained around 15,000 farmers in advanced agricultural techniques for pomegranates, oranges, and dates. Additionally, 770,000 farmers have been provided with planting material for orchards.

The Israeli delegation highlighted the positive impact of their technical support in these excellence centres. They emphasised that Israeli experts have been actively involved in overseeing nearly 2,500 hectares of improved agriculture techniques, benefitting thousands of farmers in the cultivation of pomegranates, oranges, and dates.

Furthermore, the delegation disclosed ongoing efforts to train farmers and provide high-quality planting material.

The excellence centres have become hubs for the adoption of Israeli agricultural technology. The Israeli delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing their commitment to continuing technical assistance.

The Israeli Ambassador extended an invitation to Kirodi Lal Meena to lead a technical team and farmers on a visit to Israel. This visit aims to provide firsthand experience and insights into Israel's successful agricultural practices.

The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a statutory organization under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, has the mandate to promote export of agricultural products, including millets, from India. APEDA provides assistance to its registered exporters, including those of millets, under Agriculture & Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA. The assistance is provided under various components of the schemes viz. Infrastructure Development, Quality Development and Market Development. Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) are organized in the clusters to provide export-market linkages. Regular interactions, through video conferences, are held with the Indian Missions abroad, to assess and tap export opportunities. Country specific BSMs, through Indian Missions, are also organized.   

 

State-wise details of India’s millet exports during the year 2022-23 are given below.

 

The year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets (IYM – 2023). The Government of India has taken a proactive multi-stakeholder engagement approach (engaging various central government Ministries/Departments, States/UTs, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses, hotels, Indian Embassies etc.) to achieve the objectives of IYM 2023 and taking Indian millets globally.

 

The Government of India has organized various events to make it peoples' movement so that the Indian millets, recipes, value added products be promoted globally. Millets were promoted during the G20 presidency in India, Millet Culinary carnival, International Trade Events, Chefs Conference, exhibition of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), road shows, kisan melas, Chef's training for paramilitary forces, ASEAN India Millet Festival at Indonesia and Delhi etc.

 

To make India a global hub for 'Shree Anna', the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad has been declared as the Global Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the national and international level. IIMR is providing training to the farmers, women farmers, home makers, students and young entrepreneurs on manufacturing of value-added millet food products, daily recipes etc., and supporting them to establish self-enterprise. The institute has also developed value-added technologies, including 'Ready to Eat' and 'Ready to Cook' for millet foods. Other steps taken in this regard are branding of millet foods under 'Eatrite' tag; holding of awareness programmes; and promoting agribusiness incubator and technology business incubators etc.

 

In continuation to the efforts towards mainstreaming millets, a 'Millets Experience Centre (MEC)' has been opened at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi with an aim to raise awareness on Millets and encourage its adoption among general public. To encourage consumption of Shree Anna among government employees, all Government offices have been advised to include Shree Anna snacks in departmental trainings/meetings and Shree Anna based food items in departmental canteens.

 

The Government has been working to leverage partnerships with start-ups, academic & research institutions, Indian missions, processors, retailers and exporters to promote Indian millets in the global markets. An Export Promotion Forum (EPF) dedicated to promoting millets in the international market has been established. A separate millet-specific web portal has been developed containing information about millets, their health benefits, production and export statistics, millet exporter’s directory etc. APEDA has also organized a comprehensive global marketing campaign showcasing India’s potential and accordingly E-catalogues of 30 importing countries and 21 millet producing states have been released.

 

A Virtual trade fair (VTF) for millets has been developed and made available for exporters and importers from across the globe providing a single platform to interact and negotiate business deals. VTF is operational for 24X7, 365 days.

 

APEDA has also organized  participation in international trade fairs like BIOFACH - Germany, Gulfood - Dubai , Natural Products Expo West - USA , International Food and Drink (IFE) and BSM - UK , SIAL Food - Canada, Seoul Food & Hotel – South Korea etc. facilitating exporters to present and promote their millet products in global markets. APEDA is also working with Indian Missions in importing countries to promote millets and value-added products.

State-wise Details of India's Exports of Millets during 2022-23
Qty. in MT; Value in USD Millions
State	Qty	Value
Gujarat	78106.15	34.19
Maharashtra	50486.43	24.07
Bihar	19917.76	5.53
West Bengal	12587.49	3.52
Telangana	1680.25	3.30
Tamil Nadu	2952.63	2.48
Andhra Pradesh	1319.78	0.61
Haryana	301.59	0.42
Karnataka	429.25	0.35
Madhya Pradesh	345.76	0.28
Kerala	326.95	0.27
Rajasthan	405.71	0.26
Uttar Pradesh	112.14	0.11
Punjab	Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Feb, 2024 Centre revises Wheat stock limit for Traders/ Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors. In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India imposed stock limits on Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors in all States and Union Territories. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023 was issued on 12 June 2023 and is applicable until 31st March 2024 for all States and Union Territories.   As part of continued efforts to moderate prices of wheat, Central Government has decided to revise the Wheat Stock limit as under: Entities Existing Wheat Stock Limit Revised Wheat Stock Limit Traders/ Wholesalers 1000 MT 500 MT Retailers 5 MT for each Retail outlet. 5 MT for each Retail outlet. Big Chain Retailers 5 MT for each outlet and 1000 MT at all their depot. 5 MT for each outlet and 500 MT at all their depot. Processors 70% of monthly installed capacity multiplied by remaining months of 2023-24. 60% of monthly installed capacity multiplied by remaining months till April 2024. All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update the stock position on every Friday. Any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under Section 6 & 7 of Essential Commodities Act,1955.   In case the stocks held by above entities are higher than the above prescribed limit, they shall have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issue of the notification. Officials of Central and State Governments will be closely monitoring enforcement of these stock limits to ensure that no artificial scarcity of wheat is created in the country.   Also, Government has taken a series of steps under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)]. A quantity of 101.5 LMT wheat at a subsidised price of Rs. 2150/quintal has been allocated for calibrated release into the domestic open market by the FCI, through weekly e auctions. Additional 25 LMT can be offloaded under OMSS during Jan-Mar 2024, depending on requirement. So far, 80.04 LMT has been offloaded by FCI to processors through weekly e-auctions, and this has increased availability of wheat into the open market at affordable prices, benefitting general consumers across the Country.   FCI is also issuing wheat to Central Co-operative organizations like NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar for processing into atta and for sale under 'Bharat Atta' brand through their physical/mobile outlets, at an affordable price of Rs. 27.50/kg. Areas where prices are reigning higher have been identified, and the agencies are undertaking targeted sales in these areas. 7.5 LMT of wheat has been allocated for converting into Atta and sale under ‘Bharat Atta’ brand.  The allocations to NAFED/NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar are being reviewed periodically to ensure sufficient availability.   The Department of Food and Public Distribution is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of Wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.      Source:  pib.gov.in
09 Feb, 2024 Exports From Madhya Pradesh Find Traction in Middle East & Bangladesh. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has reported that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern countries were the leading importers of agriculture and agro-processed products from Madhya Pradesh.   Additionally, Bangladesh emerged as the primary purchaser for textiles from the region.   The agro and textile products of Madhya Pradesh, identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, have witnessed a significant expansion of their reach into Middle Eastern countries and Bangladesh.   'This has prompted the government to explore untapped markets for exports from the state,' said Suvidh Shah, Joint Director, DGFT.   Suvidh Shah, State Joint director, DGFT, stated, 'The reach of ODOP products mainly agriculture and textiles from the state has expanded to multiple countries and this may grow further as the setting up of rice mills in the Eastern part of MP is expected to give a boost to manufacturing and exports of agricultural products,' as reported by TOI.   Shah also mentioned that rice stands out as a top exportable item from Madhya Pradesh in the agriculture segment.   Currently, 38 ODOP items are exported from the state, with the potential for more products to be added with the inclusion of new districts.   In the fiscal year 2022-23, exports from Madhya Pradesh included bananas (fresh and dried), chili powder, coriander seeds, potatoes, and other products, as per official data from DGFT.   Home textile products, such as floor coverings, carpets, towels, and bed sheets, manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, have witnessed significant growth in markets like Europe, Japan, and Australia, according to exporters and the Handloom Department.   Total exports from Madhya Pradesh in FY 2022-23 amounted to Rs 65,878 crore, marking a 13 percent increase from the previous year.   With over 5000 items exported from Madhya Pradesh, including pharmaceuticals, cereals, machinery, cotton, textiles, plastic articles, automobiles, and edible vegetables, the state's export potential continues to soar.  Source:  knnindia.co.in
09 Feb, 2024 India ranks 38 out of 139 countries on World Bank's Logistics Performance Index Report 2023; India s rank has improves by sixteen places from 54 in 2014. According to the World Bank's 'Logistics Performance Index Report (2023): Connecting to Compete 2023', India ranks 38 out of 139countries. India’s rank has improved by six places from 44 in 2018 andsixteenplacesfrom54in2014.   An Inter-Ministerial dedicated team comprising of Stakeholder Ministries/Departments has been formed. These stakeholder Ministries/Departments focus on targeted action  plans with interventions needed to improve logistics performance across all six LPI parameters i.e. Customs, Infrastructure, Ease of arranging shipments, Quality of logistics services, Tracking and Tracing, and Timeliness. In addition, National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF) has a three-tiered structure, constituting of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation, a Steering Committee, and Focused Working Groups (Outreach, Legislative Issues, Time Release Study, Infrastructure Up-gradation, PGA regulation and procedure). Concerning NTFAP 2020-23, 27 action points have been identi?ed under the working group on infrastructure up gradation.   The Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity on 13 October 2021 and National Logistics Policy on 17th Sept. 2022, for improving logistics e?iciency and reducing logistics costs. Digital reforms such as Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) for ease of doing business and Logistics Data Bank which has digitized track and trace of 100% containerized EXIM cargo, are presently operational. In addition, the line Ministries are taking various measures, which include:   Expansion of electrification of railway tracks by MoR; Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) has reduced the average exportandimportreleasetimethroughinterventions; NLP Marine, which is a single window interface platform for port-related logistics operations, has been launched by MoPSW. In addition, the automation of weighbridges is being undertaken; to name a few key initiatives. This information has been provided by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.  Source:  pib.gov.in
08 Feb, 2024 Task force setup to resolve non-tariff barriers: Govt to Parliament. The government has set up a task force under the Department of Commerce to identify, categorise and develop tailored strategies for the resolution of non-tariff barriers, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.   Such barriers include prior registration requirements in the exporting country, cumbersome testing and certification requirements and unreasonable domestic standards/rules.   'Taking cognizance of the challenges involved in mapping the trade barriers, and to give increased focus, a task force has been set up under Department of Commerce, to identify, categorise and develop tailored strategies for resolution of these identified non-tariff barriers,' commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.   He said India also engages in regulatory cooperation to help ensure that global rules governing the regulatory structures are favourable and consistent.   Pakistan trade   In August 2019, Pakistan took a number of measures to downgrade the bilateral relations with India, Parliament was informed Wednesday.   'One of the decisions was to unilaterally suspend the bilateral trade with India. However, export of only therapeutic products has been allowed...,' commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said, adding that normally, the Atari-Wagah border and Karachi Port are the two major trade routes between the countries.   'The onus of resumption of bilateral trade lies with the Government of Pakistan,' he added.   Red Sea crisis   The government on Wednesday said it has directed the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) to maintain a moratorium on insurance rates for Indian exporters in the wake of the Red Sea crisis.   Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said that the ECGC continues to provide insurance coverage to exporters.   She said that the corporation has not refused cover for export shipments routed through the Red Sea and the credit risk cover is being provided based on the risk assessment and creditworthiness of overseas buyers and terms of payment.   She said that some increase in the freight cost has been reported by the industry.   Exports to US   The government informed Lok Sabha that the fruits destined for export to the US are irradiated in Indian irradiation facilities, in presence of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and India’s Plant Quarantine Inspectors, and then are exported to the US.   The USDA has approved four Indian Irradiation facilities for irradiation treatment. As per the pre-clearance programme agreed between the two nations, the USDA inspector conducts the inspection of fruits destined for export to America in the approved facilities.   India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor   The government is mindful of the current geo-political situation and various India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) partners are consulting each other on various aspects of the IMEC initiative, Parliament was informed.   On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit, India, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US announced an MoU on September 9, 2023, committing to work together to develop a IMEC.   IMEC comprises two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to Europe.   It includes a railway route that, upon completion, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime and road transport routes enabling goods and services to transit to, from, and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.  Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
08 Feb, 2024 Govt directs ECGC to maintain moratorium on insurance rates for exporters. The government on Wednesday said it has directed the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) to maintain a moratorium on insurance rates for Indian exporters in the wake of the Red Sea crisis. State-owned ECGC is an export promotion organisation, seeking to improve the competitiveness of Indian exports by providing them with credit insurance covers.   Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said that the ECGC continues to provide insurance coverage to exporters.   She said that the corporation has not refused cover for export shipments routed through the Red Sea and the credit risk cover is being provided based on the risk assessment and creditworthiness of overseas buyers and terms of payment.   'The government has directed Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd. to maintain a moratorium on rates of insurance for the Indian exporters,' Patel said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.   She said that some increase in the freight cost has been reported by the industry.   Replying to a separate question, Patel said that the fruits destined for export to the US are irradiated in Indian irradiation facilities.   The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved four Indian Irradiation facilities for irradiation treatment.   As per the pre-clearance programme agreed between the two nations, the USDA inspector conducts the inspection of fruits destined for export to America in the approved facilities.   'The fruits are irradiated and inspected in India, in presence of USDA and India's Plant Quarantine Inspectors, and then are exported to USA,' she said.   In another reply, she said that the government is mindful of the current geo-political situation and various IMEC partners are consulting each other on various aspects of the IMEC initiative.   On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit, India, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US announced an MoU on September 9, 2023, committing to work together to develop a new India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).   IMEC is comprised of two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to Europe.   It includes a railway route that, upon completion, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime and road transport routes - enabling goods and services to transit to, from, and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.  Source:  economictimes.indiatimes.com
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