It was February 19, 2019, just over four months after the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Brushing aside the raging controversy, PM Narendra Modi was at the airport to receive the all-powerful Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), on his first trip to India, in a special gesture signifying the importance New Delhi attaches to its ties with Riyadh.

 

MBS had then not taken on the additional mantle of PM, which he did only in late September this year. But he held the portfolio of defence, and, more importantly, had been declared heir to the throne by his father, the octogenarian King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in 2017.

 

Since becoming the Crown Prince, MBS has assiduously consolidated his power in the desert kingdom. But for all the reforms he has introduced in his ultra-conservative and insular nation, he's also known to brook no dissent and crackdowns on those who question the authoritarian regime continue unabatedly.

 

New Delhi was hoping to repeat the red carpet welcome for the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia during his stopover for a few hours en route to Bali (Indonesia) for the G-20 summit. Disappointingly, the visit did not materialise, ostensibly due to 'scheduling' issues. MBS and Modi are now expected to meet on the margins of the G-20 summit.

 

MBS has now also postponed his November 21 visit to Pakistan. Embarrassingly for Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif had gone ahead and announced the visit, indicating to his countrymen that financial help was on the way from a 'brotherly country.'

 

MBS virtually made back-to-back visits to India and Pakistan in February 2019. Mindful of New Delhi's sensitivities, Riyadh had then made sure he returned to Saudi Arabia for a few hours and then travelled to India instead of flying directly to New Delhi from Islamabad.

 

For India, the desert kingdom remains a crucial element of its strategic calculus, and not just because it's a provider of energy security. The two countries have in place a Strategic Partnership Council, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has invested about $2.8 billion in India's digital and retail sectors.

 

Saudi Arabia is the 17th largest investor in India, and as of March 2021, its investments amounted to $3.13 billion. Saudi Arabia is also India's fourth largest trading partner, and in FY 2021-22, bilateral trade touched the $42.8 billion mark.

 

The kingdom is a provider of much-needed crude oil and investments, is a valuable trade partner and is home to the largest Indian community in the Gulf, with 2.2 million Indians working there and sending valuable remittances home. Coupled with India's geo-strategic imperatives, it's not difficult to fathom why the New Delhi-Riyadh clinch is becoming ever tighter.

 

External affairs minister S Jaishankar told Saudi diplomats during his visit to Riyadh in September that 'our collaboration holds the promise of shared growth, prosperity, stability, security and development' while underlining the importance of India-Saudi strategic relationship 'at a time when the world is at crossroads.'

 

Driven by each other's economic and strategic needs, neither has allowed hiccups along the way, such as the recent derogatory remarks made by a BJP spokesperson against Prophet Mohammed, to cast a shadow on the bilateral relationship. While Saudi Arabia, like the rest of the Islamic world, did condemn the remarks, it allowed matters to rest there, to India's huge relief.

 

Earlier, MBS faced considerable opprobrium from many western nations for the US-based Jamal Khashoggi's murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2018. The CIA claimed MBS ordered the killing, while he stoutly denied it. India, however, welcomed MBS with open arms soon after.

 

A few months later, Saudi Arabia refrained from issuing a strong statement when the Indian government decided to ify Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370. Riyadh merely called for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, even as Pakistan seethed with rage.

 

The deepening New Delhi-Riyadh ties have meant that the kind of support Islamabad was seeking from the desert kingdom on the Kashmir issue has simply not been there. In fact, Islamabad even managed to anger Riyadh when it sought to have a meeting of the Saudi-led Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir.

 

During the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both India and Saudi Arabia have been on the wrong side of the US and its allies on the issue of Russian oil. India has continued to buy Russian oil at discounted rates, undeterred by the threat of sanctions by the G-7, which has threatened to put a cap on purchases from Russia. India has rightly watched out for its own interests, with Russia displacing Saudi Arabia as its top oil supplier earlier this month.

 

While India's decision hasn't strained its ties with the US yet, Riyadh is facing Washington's wrath after the Saudi-led OPEC Plus group and Russia decided to cut oil production. The decision is likely to benefit Russia by pushing up oil prices, which has left the US fuming and President Joe Biden warning Riyadh of 'consequences.'

 

That Biden and MBS have had no love lost between them for some time is by now an open secret. Biden may have 'no plans' to meet MBS at the G-20 meet, but ignoring Riyadh is not an option for India. In a world in the midst of tremendous geo-political flux, India has to keep its strategic interests in mind.

Saudi Arabia's state grains buyer SAGO on Monday said it had bought 1,009,000 tonnes of wheat in an international tender for April-June shipment next year at an average price of $382.56 a tonne.

 

The tender had sought hard wheat with 12.5 percent protein content for arrival at Saudi Arabian ports between April and June. The tender closed on Friday.

 

Origins offered were the European Union, Black Sea region, North America, South America and Australia, with the seller having the option of selecting the origin, SAGO governor Ahmad Al-Fares added in a statement.

 

SAGO said the folowing purchases were made on a cost insurance and freight (CIF) basis per tonne, with 2023 arrival periods in brackets:

 

Jeddah sea port

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Bunge at $379.90 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from ADM Hellas at $385.73 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 63,000 tonnes from Holbud at $385.85 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 63,000 tonnes from Holbud at $386.50 CIF (May 10 - 25)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Olam at $379.65 CIF (June 10 - 25)

 

Yanbu sea port:

 

- 60,000 tonnes from Agricost at $374.25 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Cargill at $380.60 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 63,000 tonnes from Holbud at $385.90 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 60,000 tonnes from Agricost at $375.25 CIF (May 10 - 25)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Cargill at $384.10 CIF (May 10 - 25)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Olam at $383.65 CIF (June 10 - 25)

 

Dammam sea port:

 

- 60,000 tonnes from Agricost at $381.00 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Cargill at $382.62 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Olam at $385.65 CIF (April 10 - 20)

 

- 65,000 tonnes from Cargill at $378.27 CIF (May 10 - 25)

 

Jizan sea port:

 

- 55,000 tonnes from Viterra at $392.59 CIF (June 10 - 25)

 

In its last reported tender on Oct. 24, SAGO bought 566,000 tonnes of hard milling wheat for arrival in March and April 2023.

SAUDI Arabian barley imports in the 2022-23 marketing year appear likely to increase slightly compared to last season, but they are still expected to be significantly lower than the 10-year average. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drastically reduced the availability of Black Sea barley on the international market, leading to a significant increase in the global price and a reduction in demand from the world’s biggest barley importer.

 

According to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), barley imports are expected to be 4.5 million tonnes (Mt) in the current season, around 10pc higher than the 4.1Mt imported in the 2021-22 marketing year. This is still almost 35pc lower than the 6.9Mt imported in 2020-21, and more than 45pc lower than the 8.19Mt annual average for the preceding 10 years.

 

Barley shipments to Saudi Arabia were relatively buoyant in July and August, with shipping data suggesting 1.42Mt was imported, 29pc higher than the same period in 2021. An abundance of barley available to the international market and a low domestic stockpile that required replenishing are reported to have been the primary drivers. Rumours that the Saudi Government may retrospectively restore the direct barley subsidy regime it removed last year may have also boosted short-term demand.

 

Policy change

The conjecture among the trade is that the Saudi Government might offer an importer subsidy of US$50/t if the international barley price continues to increase. The government has made such a move before. As recently as August this year, the Saudi Agricultural Fund (an agency of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture) purchased 130,000t of barley in conjunction with a local importer.

 

The barley was reportedly used to increase strategic stock reserves, compensate for supply shortages, and ensure the stability of the stockfeed supply chain. The fund was previously used to finance the import of human-consumption products such as rice and wheat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Ahead of the privatisation of the Saudi Arabian barley import program in the first half of last year, the government implemented a new animal-feed subsidy that delivers direct monthly payments to small livestock farmers on a per-head basis. To be eligible, farmers can have a maximum of 300 animals from each of the four livestock categories: sheep, goats, camels, and cattle. With an annual budget of $320M, the monthly payments per head of livestock are $2.13 for goats and sheep, $10.67 for camels, and $16 per head for cattle.

 

Market evolves

While several plausible reasons have been voiced for the significant decrease in Saudi Arabian demand for barley, collectively, they suggest a fundamental, longer-term change in the country’s barley demand profile. The high international price has no doubt had a considerable impact. The elevated cost of stockfeed and a generational shift has seen 'recreational' farmers, who only run small herds, exiting the industry.

 

COVID-19 has been blamed, with tourism shut down and festivals being cancelled. But the overall impact on barley demand due to the pandemic was minimal. Others speculate that the higher raw-material cost has increased transport, storage and feeding efficiencies, reducing waste and making a greater proportion of what has already been imported available for livestock consumption. While that may be the case, it is extremely difficult to see such efficiencies amounting to millions of tonnes in saved losses.

 

Some traditional barley demand has been replaced by processed feed. ARASCO, a privately owned feed-to-food company, was recently selling a 50-kilogram bag of its complete livestock ration, Wafi, for $18.40. That is around 85pc of the cost of the equivalent quantity of barley.

 

The big question then becomes: What raw material is being used in the processed pellet instead of barley? There is no evidence to suggest it is wheat, as imports have remained relatively static in recent years. The other possibility is corn, where imports have increased, but not nearly to the extent required to replace the reduction in barley demand.

 

Australia spike

Australia was a significant contributor to the supply spike in July and August. In June, 266,000t was shipped; in July, 223,000t departed for Saudi Arabia; and in August, it was 323,000t, the second-biggest export month to the kingdom this calendar year. Assuming that half of the June and August exports arrived at Saudi Arabian ports in the July/August period, Australia accounted for more than 36pc of total imports.

 

The rise of Chinese barley imports this century saw it gradually usurp Saudi Arabia as the biggest destination for Australian barley. However, the Middle East kingdom has resumed that role after China imposed exorbitant tariffs on Australian barley in May 2020, swiftly halting barley exports to the Asian powerhouse.

 

Australia’s 2021-22 grain export year concluded at the end of September with barley exports totalling 8.035Mt , slightly higher than the 7.917t shipped the previous season. At 3.177Mt, shipments to Saudi Arabia were just shy of 40pc of Australia’s total barley export program in 2021-22. This is up from 2.858Mt, or 36pc of total barley shipments in the 2020-21 season. The only other destination to take more than 1Mt of Australian barley last season was Japan, with 1.119Mt or just under 14pc  of total shipments.

 

Of greatest concern for the Australian farmer with harvest upon us is finding homes for another big crop. While we are competitive globally, the high-price environment appears to be killing demand. China remains a no-go zone, although Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has locked in a meeting today with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali, and the coercive agricultural trade barriers are sure to be a hot topic.

 

That said, Chinese barley demand out of all eligible origins has reportedly been quite subdued in recent months. And there are no signs that Saudi demand is about to return to the far loftier levels seen over the past 10 years in the absence of a significant global price correction.

Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) under the aegis of Department of Industries and Commerce today organized an export awareness workshop for potential exporters in association with Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), APEDA and various other agencies working in the field of Exports.

JKTPO is reaching out at District Level to promote exports and aware the entrepreneurs regarding its benefits. The workshop is in continuation of the planned events to be held across the UT to promote exports from all districts of Jammu & Kashmir under the District as Export Hub Scheme/ODOP initiative.

This is the fourth district level workshop in a row after Kishtwar, Udhampur and Kathua. Export Awareness Workshops at the district level aims to boost and support exports from UT of J&K with a focus on developing each district as an export hub under the District as Export Hub/ODOP initiatives.

All stakeholders are made aware regarding potential of their products for exports, countries to be targeted and procedures of exports. JKTPO is bringing all export agencies/stakeholders at district level through this platform. Special focus was given on ODOP products and other focus products of the Anantnag district including Trout Fish, Willow Cricket bats, and Scented Rice (Mushkbudji)

The detailed sessions were conducted by the experts on the benefits of exports, the process of getting an Import/Export code, endorsing local products of agriculture to an international market, credit linkages for exports and credit risk insurance facilities, and rural empowerment through cultivation processing and marketing of Aromatic Plants.

Dr. Basharat Qayoom, IAS Deputy Commissioner Anantnag while inaugurating the workshop and addressing the forum said that the District Anantnag has a great potential of exports in Trout fishes, Cricket Bats, and scented rice (Mushkbudij).

Her said Trout fish is selected as ODOP (One District One Product) from district Anantnag with immense potential for exports and other allied derivatives. District Administration is working in full swing with Government and other export institutions to boost exports and make District Anantnag a hub of exports for its potential products under District as Export Hub Initiative, he added.

A.K. Bhushan, ITS Deputy DGFT, J&K, during his address, apprised the participants of the role of DGFT in international trade. He reflected upon the kind of documentation and procedures necessary for entering the international business/IEC registration and other related issues.

He provided the necessary guidance to the participants to update their knowledge by explaining to them about various Government of India Export-related schemes like MEIS.

Debi Prasad, Executive Officer, ECGC Srinagar gave details about Credit Risk Insurance and related services for exports and gave a detailed insight on how exporters can safeguard their shipments and money for exports.

India is going all out to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets as declared by the United Nations General Assembly. To promote shipment of nutri-cereals, the India's Commerce and Industry Ministry, through its apex agricultural export promotion body, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has prepared a  comprehensive strategy to promote Indian millets exports across the globe, commencing December 2022.

 

For exports of Indian millets, the Indian government has planned to facilitate participation of exporters, farmers and traders in 16 international trade expos and Buyer Seller Meets (BSMs). As per the government's robust strategy, Indian missions abroad would be roped in branding and publicity of Indian millets, identification of international chefs as well as potential buyers such as departmental stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets for organising B2B meetings and direct tie-ups.

 

In addition, Ambassadors of Foreign missions in India of the targeted countries and potential importers would also be invited to showcase various millet-based products, including Ready to Eat millet products and facilitate B2B meetings.

 

The APEDA has planned to organise millet promotional activities in South Africa, Dubai, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Sydney, Belgium, Germany, the UK and the US by facilitating participation of different stakeholders from India in some of the significant food shows, Buyer Seller Meets and roadshows.

 

As part of the promotion of Indian millets, APEDA has planned to showcase millets and its value-added product at various global platforms such as Gulfood2023, Foodex, Seoul Food & Hotel Show, Saudi Agro Food, Fine Food Show in Sydney (Australia), Belgium's Food & Beverages Show, Germany's BioFach and Anuga Food Fair, San Francisco's Winter Fancy Food Show among other places.

 

India is one of the leading producers of millets in the world with an estimated share of around 41 per cent in the global production. As per FAO, world production of millets in the year 2020 was 30.464 million metric tonnes (MMT) and India's share was 12.49 MMT, which accounts for 41 per cent of the total millet production. India recorded 27 per cent growth in millet production in 2021-22 as compared to millet production in the previous year was 15.92 MMT.

 

India's top five millet producing states are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Share of export of millets is nearly 1 per cent of the total millet production. Exports of millets from India include mainly whole grain. It is estimated that the millets market is set to grow from its current market value of more than USD 9 billion to over USD 12 billion by 2025.

 

For promotion of Indian millets and its value-added products, the Indian government has developed 30 e-Catalogues on each of the targeted countries comprising information on various Indian millets and range of their value-added products available for export, list of active exporters, start-ups, FPOs and importer/retail chain/hyper markets, that to be circulated to the Indian Embassy abroad, importers, exporters, start-ups and stakeholders.

 

The Indian government is also mobilising start-ups for export promotion of value-added products in the Ready to Eat (RTE) and Ready to Serve (RTS) category such as noodles, pasta, breakfast cereals mix, biscuits, cookies, snacks, sweets among others. Major international retail supermarkets like Lulu group, Carrefour, Al Jazira, Al Maya and Walmart would also be roped in to establish millet corner for branding and promotion of millets.

 

The Indian government has also started formulating five-year strategic plan for the promotion of millets and value-added millet products in the international market in association with ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

 

India has created the Nutri Cereals Export Promotion Forum to give impetus to the export of potential products, including millets, and to remove the bottlenecks in the supply chain of Nutri cereals. Millets have superior nutritional values in comparison to highly consumed cereals such as rice and wheat. Millets are rich in calcium, iron, and fibres that help in fortifying essential nutrients for the healthy growth in children. Also, the usage of millets in infant food and nutrition products is increasing.

A 3-day mega agricultural fair and exhibition at Morena, organized by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh government and district administration, was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and regional MP Shri Narendra Singh Tomar presided over the function. On this occasion, in the presence of thousands of farmers of Chambal-Gwalior region, 103 Amrit Sarovars were inaugurated, foundation stone laid of Mukhya Mantri Sanjeevani Kendras and ground breaking ceremony of various works for indoor and outdoor facilities at the stadium costing Rs 10 crore were performed. The visiting farmers took advantage of various training sessions throughout the day at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium. Several training sessions will also be held tomorrow and on 13th November. A large number of farmers from Morena, besides Sheopur, Gwalior, Bhind, Shivpuri, Datia and nearby areas participated in the mega event.

 

Chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Chouhan thanked the Union Minister and local MP Shri Tomar for organizing this mega event for farmers in Morena, which would benefit thousands of farmers of Chambal-Gwalior region. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Modi's resolve is to double the income of farmers, however this will not be achieved by mere slogans, but measures will have to be taken for this, which are being undertaken by the Central and State Governments. He said that during the tenure of his government, irrigation is now being done in an area of ??45 lakh hectares of the state, compared to the earlier 7-and-a-half lakh hectares irrigated area.

 

Shri Chouhan said that in addition to starting more irrigation schemes in this region, the MP Government has done the work of providing water, starting from Morena to the end of Bhind, by paving canals and through other projects. Accepting the request made by Shri Tomar during his visit to Bhopal, the Chief Minister said that the State Government is going to approve the Chantikheda Major Irrigation Project at a cost of Rs. 539 crore which will provide irrigation facility to 15300 ha fields spread across about 58 villages in Vijaypur of Sheopur district and Sabalgarh legislative assembly of Morena district. This project is proposed on the Kunwari river near village Chantikhedi. The Chief Minister said that apart from this, Tantoli, Bijrauli, Maheshwara, Rithala and Gudala step dams, Navalpura, Godawali and Barghna ponds and Baroda, Patalgarh, Parvati Dam, Moonjri, Sanghata, Baghelrani, Katekara, Harjanbasai, Rani Bringwa, Kanawar etc, the MP Government will leave no stone unturned on completing irrigation schemes so that the income of the farmers can increase. The aim of the government is to reduce the cost of farming along with increasing the production.

 

The Chief Minister said that the MP Government is working to provide loans to farmers at zero percent interest, which will reduce their cost. Shri Chouhan said that Prime Minister has declared and farmers are getting Rs.6,000 in 3 installments every year directly in their bank accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi are being given, in which the state government, on its own behalf, is providing an extra Rs. 4,000 each. This is a big deal for small farmers. He said that at the initiative of the Central Government, now wheat will be procured at an MSP of Rs. 2,125 per quintal, for which he thanked the Prime Minister. Shri Chouhan also said that in the eventuality of crop failure as a result of natural calamity, farmers are being compensated under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. In MP, Rs. 7,618 crore has been disbursed into the bank accounts of farmers under this scheme. Overall, Rs. 2.12 lakh crore has been deposited in the accounts of 80 lakh farmers under various schemes, which is nothing short of a miracle.

 

Shri Chouhan said that natural farming is beneficial, which should be adopted by the farmers, while half the amount will be given to small farmers in Madhya Pradesh to buy stubble straw cutting machines for making fodder. In case of remaining farmers, this aid provided will be 40 percent of the value. With this, there will be no need to burn stubble in the field, while the youth will also get employment. Machines will also be provided on rent from Custom Hiring Centers. For the youth, vehicles will be financed to carry the material from the supply centers to the ration shops, which will fetch them a monthly rent of about Rs 1.20 lakh. The Central and State governments are undertaking several initiatives. Under this, now clean drinking water will be provided by laying pipe lines in every village and not from hand pumps. Praising the Union Minister Shri Tomar, the Chief Minister said that under his leadership, new paradigms of development have been created in this area and farmers are getting benefits continuously.

 

In the function, Union Minister Shri Tomar said that Prime Minister Shri Modi wants villages to develop, agriculture becomes profitable and the living standard of farmers to improve. With this view, under the security cover of crop insurance, - PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, crores of farmers have been given Rs. 2.16 lakh crore directly into their bank accounts, short-term loans amounting to Rs 18 lakh crore extended through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and many concrete steps like the Rs.1,00,000 crore Agri Fund have been taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Shri Modi affirms that if the village grows, the country will grow and if the financial condition of the farmers improves, then the economic condition of the entire country will improve. PM Shri Modi and CM Shri Chouhan are working with dedication in the country and the state respectively towards this effort, which is benefiting everyone. Appreciating the Chief Minister Shri Chouhan, Shri Tomar said that he has steered Madhya Pradesh out of the category of BIMARU states and has taken it forward on the path of development. Today, the Central and State governments are working together for the development of the state, of which this agricultural fair-exhibition is an illustration.

 

Shri Tomar said that this is not just a farmers' conclave, but a big training camp, in which during the three days, training will be imparted in different sessions towards advanced farming, use of technology in farming, shifting towards remunerative crops, use of biofertilizer and drone technology, improving the cultivation of mustard, produce paddy with less water, increase the crops of pulses and oilseeds, expand the area of ??horticulture etc. There will be around 40 sessions in three days. An exhibition has also been put up here, in which all the tools and implements used in farming, from small to large, are displayed. Shri Tomar expressed the hope that the training here will benefit the farmers immensely and they will be able to convert their farming into advanced farming.

 

During the programme, Madhya Pradesh Minister of State and in-charge of Morena district, Shri Bharat Singh Kushwaha also addressed. Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja delivered the welcome address. On this occasion, Kanya Pujan was performed and under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, policies were handed over to the farmer beneficiaries under the 'Meri Policy-Mere Haath' campaign. Also, women of Self Help Groups were given cheques of Rs 2 crore bank loans and Certificate of Incorporation was presented to Farmer Producer Company, - Porsa Crop.

 

Many public representatives including Member of Parliament, Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar were present on the occasion.

Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India chaired a high level meeting at the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema, Nagaland on 12th November 2022 to review the Ministry’s major programmes and schemes for the North Eastern Region (NER). Senior officials of all eight North-Eastern states participated in the deliberations.

 

During the meeting, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Addl. Secretary, DA&FW, informed about the Schemes and Programmes being implemented in the NER, focussing on the National Mission on Edible Oil – Oil Palm, National Mission of Edible Oilseeds, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern region, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), Formation and Promotion of Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), National Bamboo Mission and National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM).The different states of the NER presented status and issues related to implementation of Central Government schemes.

 

In this meeting, major issues of non-availability of planting materials for oil palm and issues related to release of funds were discussed. The concerned Joint Secretary of Ministry held detailed discussion with various HODs of State Governments and also resolved the problems faced by them.

 

After reviewing the schemes and details presentations by North Eastern States Secretary, DA&FW assured the States of the Department’s support to resolve their issues, including the following steps:

 

Setting up of MRL labs, soil testing & seed testing labs in each state.

Timely conduct of State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) for approval of proposal and Projects.

Timely submission of all the UCs and Progress report.

 To coordinate with research institute such as ICAR, SAUs, KVKs for latest production technology and dissemination through extension system.

Value chain development for agricultural produces.

Take up and completion of infrastructure project under RKVY timely.

 

Today, a team lead by Shri Ahuja undertook a field visit to interact with pineapple growers from Molvom village having largest area under pineapple plantation. The members of Molvom pineapple farmers producer company interacted with senior officers of the Ministry and shown interest to create processing facility at village so that the surplus produce may be processed at village level and make it available to the consumers at distant places. The team appreciated the efforts made by FPO under MOVCD-NER which is a major initiative of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

 

Secretary DA&FW and Additional Secretary visited Bamboo Resources Centre at Dimapur to see the facilities developed at the Centre for promotion of Bamboo based products like Bamboo charcoal, Furniture, Aggarbati making and Bamboo Museum.

 

The officers interacted with the state’s officials and suggested various steps to promote bamboo-based activities in the states under the National Bamboo Mission which can change the livelihood of small and marginal farmers having bamboo-based agroforestry system.

 

The team also visited the processing and testing facilities of Honey developed under Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission. The facility is one of the core activities in beekeeping sector in Nagaland for processing of different kind of honey link collected from rock bees, stingless bees and other local bees.

 

Secretary and Additional Secretary, Government of India also suggested various measures for upliftment of beekeeping sector in Nagaland with help of National Beekeeping & Honey Mission.

 

After that the state officials displayed the state-of-the-art facility developed at Dimapur for marketing of Organically grown produce at Organic AC market having facility for grading, packaging, drying and cold storage facilities for perishable products. The produce from Nagaland coming from various district are being sold through organic AC market to local consumers.

 

The Central team appreciated the efforts of Nagaland Govt. for promotion and upliftment of Agriculture and Horticulture sector in the state.

 

Dr. Naveen K. Patle, Addl. Commissioner Horticulture, DA&FW welcomed all the dignitaries from Central and North Eastern states and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, DA&FW.

The world (particularly after the pandemic) has embraced health-consciousness with consumer interest focusing on alternative lifestyles and diets. Consumers in Europe are displaying a predilection for consuming vegan foods. Food manufacturers have to adopt new methods of manufacturing enabled by technology and incorporate food ingredients to meet the needs of consumers. This is both an opportunity and challenge for food ingredient manufacturers.

 

Opportunity presents itself in the form of increased sales revenues and leveraging an ecosystem that supports innovation and new product development. However, regulatory challenges and the complexities in manufacturing processes using functional ingredients have to be dealt with by ingredient manufacturers. Functional foods are costly when they contain natural ingredients. The manufacturing process has to be geared to deal with the complexities associated with incorporating functional food ingredients.

 

Food ingredients sold in Europe must not only be tasty, safe and affordable but they must also be produced using sustainable techniques. Functionality, quality, and performance of the food ingredients is inextricably intertwined. Ingredients are needed for food preservation, food freshness, food safety, taste and flavour enhancement, texture formation, flavour intensification and increased shelf life of food products.

 

Food ingredients market

The global food ingredients market size is valued at US$37.68 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$84.97 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 10.6%. In 2020, plant-based food ingredients market in France was US$570 million. This figure is expected to reach over US$ one billion by 2026. The global specialty food ingredients market is estimated to be valued at US$148.2 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach US$196.2 billion by 2027, recording a CAGR of 5.8%. The United Kingdom food additives market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.02% during the forecast period (2020 - 2025).

 

European market is segmented into the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey and Czech Republic. In 2019, Europe was the second-largest market for specialty food ingredients. European cuisine is world famous. Italy, France and Belgium import specialty food ingredients.

 

Consumer demand is concomitant with sweeping changes in government regulations and directives on food safety and promotion of well-being resulting from healthier food choices.

 

Growing demand for convenience foods has led to increasing use of preservatives to increase the shelf life of those products. Rising demand for functional beverages has led to sale of specialty food ingredients like stevia, specialty flavours, and acidulants. Other ingredients that are in demand in the UK market are sweeteners, emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, enzymes, hydrocolloids, flavour enhancers, food colourants, and acidulants. The processed food industry in the UK has developed substantially leading to a stable market for preservatives.

 

Products that address nutritional deficiencies

Rising rates of diabetes and obesity in Europe have made association of wellness with consumption of food a weather vane for consumers’ food choices. Consumers in Europe are demanding food products with extended nutritious value, demand for cold storage foods and low-calorie diet foods. Consumers desire products that address nutritional deficiencies.

 

Clean label products that are devoid of artificial ingredients and synthetic chemicals are what European consumers desire leading to their preferences for vegan and plant-based products, products free from allergens and probiotics, alcohol free beverages and fermented food. Millennial consumers choose food products based on their personal values.

 

Consumers in the UK have diverse preferences (including desire for plant-based and natural products) and this necessitates importing some of the food ingredients. Health and well-being are the key trends that are driving the demand for plant-based food ingredients in the European market. The pandemic led to consumers focusing on healthy food products and reducing their cravings for cakes and pastries.

 

Food acidulants are much in demand in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Russia as they offer higher order functional benefits. For example, lactic acid is an acidulant that reduces microbial contamination. Milk-based products like butter, cheese, flavoured milk and yogurt are also in demand leading to increased demand for natural food flavours that can enhance the taste of dairy products.

 

Antioxidant rich berries, super powders, teas, medicinal mushrooms are some of the popular flavours that are in demand in Europe. After the pandemic, European population is insisting on buying clean-label items that are free of artificial flavours and colourings. The challenge lays in ensuring that these flavours are stable during the manufacturing process. Food emulsifiers are being used in bakery products particularly in Brazil and Argentina.

 

 

Popularity of ready-to-eat frozen and canned foods, breakfast cereals and confectionery products has expanded the European market for specialty food ingredients. Cooking oils are now fortified with vitamins and antioxidants.

 

Food coating ingredients are used in dietary supplement products to enhance the organoleptic properties of ready-to-eat processed products, bakery and confectionery products.  Organoleptic properties add to the sensory appeal of food and influence customer experience.

 

Ingredients in food coating are derived from natural and minimally processed sugars, honey, chocolate and sauces. Growing sales of chocolates and baked products has led to spiralling demand for food coating ingredients. Antimicrobial coatings have to be developed in accordance with local European regulations. Food coating ingredients improve flavour, colour and sweetness of the product being coated. Flour is an attractive coating ingredient in fried meats and fast foods.

 

Food manufacturers face the daunting choice of reducing the sugar, fat and salt content in their products. Artificial flavours, colours and preservatives do not hold any appeal any longer as “natural” seems to be the buzz word.  

 

Innovation in food ingredients

The global market landscape for food ingredients will be characterised by intense competition in the future. Diversified food products will necessitate the need for innovations in developing food ingredients that balance taste with affordability and functionality with sustainability.

 

Food ingredient suppliers have to innovate to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the food industry. Additionally, the food ingredients manufacturers have to comply with stringent regulations too. New regulations pertain to the use of plastic packaging and use of ingredients that are rich in salt, sugar and fat in moderation. Innovations have become a necessity in food flavours and enhancers. Natural extracts with fruit flavours are also in demand.

 

New trends in food processing technology have sharpened the focus on new product development. Food processing and confectionery companies abound in the UK and Germany. Flavours and colours are used in candy, cakes, chocolate and ice cream. Confectioneries and functional foods and beverages bank on innovative food ingredients.

 

In the food industry in particular, when food legislation and consumer demand reach a tipping point, they act as a springboard to spur innovation. For example, stringent regulation on imported vegetables and fruits and food ingredients has led to the emergence of hydroponic farming techniques in the UK. This may affect future imports. This soil-less farming technique uses less water than traditional farming. It has been used to grow tomatoes, baby plum and vine.

The next round of talks between India and the European Union (EU) on a proposed free trade agreement, which aims at boosting trade and investments between the two regions, is scheduled to start from the end of this month, an official said. India and the EU on June 17 this year formally resumed negotiations on the proposed agreement, after a gap of over eight years.

 

'The EU delegation will be here on November 28 for the third round of talks for India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement, including the Geographical Indications (GI),' the official said.

 

The second round of negotiations were held in Brussels.

 

India's bilateral trade with the EU rose by 43.5 per cent to USD 116.36 billion in 2021-22.

 

At present, the EU is India's second largest trading partner after the US, and the second largest destination for Indian exports.

 

According to the commerce ministry, the trade agreement with the EU would help India in further expanding and diversifying its exports of goods and services, including securing the value chains.

 

Both sides are aiming for the trade negotiations to be broad-based, balanced, and comprehensive, based on the principles of fairness and reciprocity.

 

A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

The FSSAI has issued an order releasing the names of laboratories as National Reference Laboratory (NRL) recognised under the FSS Act for the specified subject matter. These laboratories will have recognition until March 31, 2023.

 

A total of 11 NRLs have been named along with two ancillary NRLs.

 

The labs include Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, and the scientific area for which it was declared NRL is nutritional information and labelling; Export Inspection Agency, Kochi, for GMO testing; Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, Mohali, for Sweets & Confectionary including Honey; ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, for Pesticides Residues and Mycotoxins; Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, for Fish and Fish Products; Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food –National Dairy Development Board, Anand, for Dairy and Dairy Products; CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, for Toxicological Evaluation/Risk Assessment of Nutraceutical, Functional Foods and Novel, Emerging Foods/Food Ingredients.

 

The other NRLs include Vimta Labs, Hyderabad, for Water, Alcoholic Beverages and Non Alcoholic Beverages; Fare Labs Pvt Ltd in Gurugram, for Oils and Fats; and Neogen Food and Animal Security India Pvt Ltd, Kochi, for Food Allergens.

 

The two ancillary NRLs include labs of Export Inspection Agency in Chennai and Kolkata for support facility in microbiology testing and heavy metals testing in all food categories, respectively.

 

According to the FSSAI, the National Reference Laboratories in India carry out the functions including acting as a resource centre for provision of information for certified reference materials; developing standards for routine testing procedures and reliable testing methods; providing technical support in the area of competence; evaluating the performance of other notified laboratories; coordinating exchange of information amongst notified food laboratories; collaborating for data generation among the network  of notified food laboratories and referral food laboratories and collate the data related to their specific domain; and such other functions as may be specified by the Food Authority.