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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

The first International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting of G-20 under the chairmanship of India will be held in Chandigarh on 30-31 January 2023. The meeting will be inaugurated by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Food Processing Industries Minister Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras. Shri Tomar reached Chandigarh this evening ahead of the meeting beginning tomorrow, where he was welcomed with cultural performances from Punjab and Haryana.

 

The International Financial Architecture Working Group is one of the important working groups under the G-20 finance track, which focuses on strengthening the international financial architecture. It will also aim to address various challenges faced by vulnerable countries. Around 100 delegates from G-20 member nations, invited countries and international organizations will participate in the two-day meeting. Discussions during the two-day meeting will be jointly moderated by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India, as well as by the co-chairs of the International Financial Architecture Working Group, - France and South Korea.

 

The meeting will discuss ways to enhance the stability and cohesion of the international financial architecture and how to make it capable of addressing the global challenges of the 21st century. The meeting will also focus on finding ways to maximize aid to poor and vulnerable countries. On the sidelines of the G-20 Working Group meeting on January 30, a G-20 event titled 'Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Opportunities and Challenges' will also be held. The objective of the event is to share country experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the wider implications of CBDCs. Prior to this meeting, a number of events have been organized across the city in Chandigarh, indicating widespread 'people's participation' and interest in the G-20 events under India's chairmanship.

As part of its promotion strategy for agri exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) proposes to use river names as tag line and branding for Indian agri products.

 

APEDA is identifying agri products that can be sourced from the Gangetic, Brahmaputra, Cauvery and Godavari river basins, among others, across the country.

 

'We have an excellent number of unique and distinct agri and food product range, products specific to regions, states and geographical indication (GI) too. APEDA intends to promote and create a niche market and branding of these unique products. In fact, we intend to promote river as a tag line and brand for promotion of Indian agricultural and food products. We want to identify our products with the production centres,' M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, told Business Line on the sidelines of Agriculture Day organised by Hubballi-based Deshpande Foundation.

 

'We will work out a systematic strategy where the entire country will be covered. Promotion of natural and vegan products also offers uniqueness and identity to producers and farmers as a whole. Value-added and diversified product promotion will be APEDA strategy to strengthen value chain management,' Angamuthu said.

 

Pitching to overseas restaurants

He said GI-tagged agri products were receiving a good response in overseas markets. 'Last year we exported over 101 GI-tagged products and retail chains were keen to display them,' he said.

 

Angamuthu said APEDA is also working with Indian restaurants to promote agri exports. 'There are over 1.5 lakh dedicated Indian restaurants overseas. We intend to promote our agri product through Indian restaurants, not only to our Indian diaspora but also the entire world,' he said.

 

As of 2022, India exports agri products to over 200 countries as compared to 150 about 10 years ago. India, which is currently the eighth largest exporter of agri products, aims to be among the top five by 2030, he said.

 

The exports of agri products monitored by APEDA grew 16 per cent to $17.435 billion during April-November in the current financial year, compared to $15.072 billion in the same period last year. APEDA exports stood at $24.74 billion during 2021-22.

In the recently concluded 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group (ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) at Rome during 18 -20 January 2023, India was elected as Vice-Chair and represented Asia & Pacific region. Dr B N Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Sciences), ICAR, and the National Coordinator, vice-chaired the Session and also act as Rapporteur.

 

The Working Group, established by the FAO’s Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), functions to review technical issues, advise and make recommendations to the Commission and further implement the Commission's programme related to AnGR at global level. 

 

In the 12th Session of ITWG, implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, monitoring of AnGR diversity and preparing 3rd Country Report were reviewed.  Further agenda points on role of microorganisms relevant to ruminant digestion, role of genetic resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change; access and benefit-sharing for AnGR; digital sequence information and potential implications for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources were discussed.

 

Earlier to the ITWG Session, the Global National Coordinators’ Workshop was held at FAO Head Quarter, from 16-17th January, 2023. In the Workshop, Dr B N Tripathi shared the country’s experience in updating data in Domestic Animal Diversity – Information System (DAD-IS) and presented framework for cataloguing native populations including breed registration, notification system etc. National priorities for germplasm cryopreservation and documenting non-descript AnGR to fulfil SDG indicators were appreciated by the members.

For the first time millet produced in Odisha has been exported abroad. Development Commissioner and Agriculture Production Commissioner Pradip Kumar Jena flagged off a vehicle transporting minor cereals for export.

 

For the first time Shaktimayee Mahasangh promoted by Mission Shakti and Odisha Millet Mission have exported a variety of minor cereals cultivated in Odisha. A one day workshop-cum-minor cereal export programme was held at Institute On Management Of Agricultural Extension ( IMAGE) here today.

 

Participating in the programme organised by the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department jointly with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry as the chief guest requested APEDA officials present to export other agricultural produce of Odisha along with minor cereals.

 

Speaking at the programme, APEDA’s regional office Sandip Saha said that the main objective of APEDA is to export diffferent types of agricultural produce, thereby ensuring good profits for farmers and related agencies.

 

Among others, Shailendra Kumar Mohanty, Joint Director, Odisha Millet Mission, Bibhuti Sahu, NABARD Odisha Head, Dinesh Balam, State Coordinator, Odisha Millet Mission, Sitakant Mandal and Sukant Panigrahi of APEDA, and senior officials from across the State, buyers, farmer produce organisations (FPO) and farmers attended the export oriented skill development programme.