The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi today. The Prime Minister also inaugurated 600 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. Furthermore, the Prime Minister also launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana - One Nation One Fertiliser. During the event, the Prime Minister also released the 12th instalment amount of Rs. 16,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition. During the event, the Prime Minister also launched ‘Indian Edge’, an e-magazine on fertiliser. Shri Modi took a walkthrough of Theme Pavilion of Startup Exhibition and inspected the products on display.

 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister started by acknowledging the presence of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan in one premise, and said that we can see the live form of this mantra here today. He further elaborated that Kisan Sammelan is a means to make the lives of farmers easier, boost their capability and promote advanced agricultural techniques.

 

'More than 600 Pradan Mantri Sammridhi Kendra have been inaugurated today', Shri Modi said. He further elaborated that these Kendras are not merely sales centres for fertiliser but a mechanism for establishing a deep bond with the farmers of the country. Regarding the fresh instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), the Prime Minister said that the money reaches the accounts of the farmers directly without involving any middleman. 'Another instalment of Rs 16,000 crore has also been released to crores of farmer families as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi', Shri Modi added and expressed happiness that this instalment is reaching the farmers just before Diwali. The Prime Minister also said that today, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana - One Nation One Fertiliser has also been launched which is a scheme of ensuring affordable quality fertiliser of Bharat brand to the farmers.

 

Highlighting the steps that have immensely benefited the hardworking farmers, the Prime Minister remarked that India is rapidly moving towards self-sufficiency in liquid nano urea production. Shri Modi pointed out, 'Nano Urea is a medium to produce more with less cost.' Stating its benefits, the Prime Minister said that a sack full of urea can now be replaced by a single bottle of nano urea. He further added that the transportation costs of urea would go down significantly.

 

The Prime Minister mentioned two new measures in the fertiliser reform story of India. Firstly, a campaign is being initiated today to develop more than 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops across the country as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras. These will be centres where farmers can buy not only fertilisers and seeds but also implement soil testing and avail useful information about farming techniques. Secondly, with One Nation, One Fertiliser, the farmer is going to get rid of all kinds of confusion about the quality of the fertiliser and its availability. 'Now the urea sold in the country will be of the same name, same brand and same quality and this brand is Bharat! Now urea will be available only under ‘Bharat’ brand name in the entire country', Shri Modi remarked. He further added that it will result in reducing the cost of fertilisers and increase their availability.

 

while addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that PM’s presence on this occasion reflects his commitment for farmers. He also said under PM’s able leadership new initiatives are being taken.  Dr Mandaviya said that PM has always worked with ‘Total Approach’ for farming sector and that several initiatives have been taken to strengthen farmers by government. Union Minister further said that whether its adoption of new technology in Agriculture, encouraging ‘Smart Technology’ or providing better marketplace for farmers’ produce, much has been achieved under PM’s leadership.

 

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya further added that Research in Agriculture has also been encouraged and due to this, India became world’s first country which started commercial production of Nano Urea. The Minister said that 600 Kisan Samriddhi Kendras will strengthen farmers in many ways.

 

The Minister also informed that the Pradanmantri Kisan Samrudhi Kendra (PMKSK) will cater to the needs of the farmers in the country and provide agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds, implements) including testing facilities for soil, seeds and fertilizers. These Kendras will also help create awareness among the farmers.

 

Background

 

The event brings together more than 13,500 farmers from across the country and around 1500 Agri Startups. More than 1 crore farmers from various institutions are expected to attend the event virtually. The Sammelan will also witness the participation of researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

 

The Prime Minister inaugurated 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. Under the scheme, the retail fertiliser shops in the country will be converted into PMKSK in a phased manner. PMKSK will cater to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and provide agri-inputs (fertilisers, seeds, implements), testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers; generate awareness among farmers; provide information regarding various government schemes and ensure regular capacity building of retailers at block/district level outlets. More than 3.3 lakh retail fertiliser shops are planned to be converted into PMKSK.

 

Taking major policy initiatives for Agriculture Startups, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar made several key announcements today. In the Agri Startup Conference organized on the second day of PM Kisan Samman Sammelan at Pusa Mela Ground, Delhi, Shri Tomar informed that a high-level steering committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of Agriculture Minister for overall guidance of the Agriculture Startup ecosystem. A Rs. 500 crore accelerator programme for taking forward and popularizing the successful initiatives of Agri Startups will be started.

 

Amidst a large gathering of Agri Startup delegates, Shri Tomar announced that an Executive Committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture, comprising of concerned agencies like DARE, DPIIT, agricultural incubators and knowledge partners, agricultural universities, research institutes, top investors and other stakeholders. Also, a separate Division will be created under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary for Agriculture Startups in the Ministry of Agriculture. A cell will also be created to work as a single window agency for Agri Startups to facilitate all linkages required with certification agencies, financial institutions, agricultural universities etc. Shri Tomar informed that a marketing linkage will be created with organizations like e-NAM and NAFED to meet the market needs of the products developed by the Agri Startups. A portal will also be developed to create a database for all Agriculture Startups and monitor their development. Shri Tomar said that efforts will be made to organize Agri Startup Conclave at national and regional level to promote Startups in Agriculture sector.

 

Shri Tomar said that in the last eight years, it has been the constant endeavour of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that India should emerge strong on the global political stage. if the power of our country's farmers, youth, Startups etc are harnessed in a planned manner with an eye on the targets, the day is not far when India will stand on the political platform of the world to guide everyone. Whenever Prime Minister Shri Modi has gone abroad, apart from meetings, he has encouraged the NRIs by interacting with them. We are proud of our brothers and sisters who have the capacity to nurture the world. Shri Modi has given a call to make a self-reliant India and vocal for local; in such a situation, those who once flaunted branded foreign pens in their shirt pockets, today they feel pride in carrying bamboo wood pens made by self-help groups. Earlier, there was a race to go abroad and get jobs, but today many of our young colleagues are taking pride in starting an enterprise or find livelihood in India itself, quitting lucrative jobs abroad. These changes are a good sign. Eight years ago there were only 80-100 Agricultural Startups, whereas after becoming the Prime Minister, as a result of relentless efforts of Shri Modi, today their number is more than 2,000, out of which hundreds of them have been provided training and financial assistance under the scheme of Ministry of Agriculture. The target of the Central Government is to take this number to 10,000.

 

The Union Minister said that the government is committed to develop technology. The government wants our startups to be useful to the country and the world by solving the existing challenges. In this direction, the Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and other institutions including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are working with utmost commitment. Shri Tomar said that it is necessary to popularize technology, only then people will get its real benefit, as well as technology should be affordable to the common man. Startups should work by deciding their focus and sector, so that farmers can draw full benefits of their output. In view of the rising population of the country and the world, one should also work for food security, especially in view of the challenges of climate change. Startups should innovate with vision and determination. Following the call of the Prime Minister, we have to be successful in making India a developed nation by the centenary year of our Independence. Shri Tomar said that the Government of India has stood shoulder to shoulder and walked step by step with the Startups towards this goal.

 

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje were also present on the occasion. Agriculture Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and Director General of ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak also addressed the conclave. Initially, representatives of hundreds of Startups from across the country put forward their key suggestions to the ministers. Earlier, Union Minister Shri Tomar along with both the Ministers of State visited various stalls and inquired about the Startups.

 

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) would like to take Sikkim’s organic model to other parts of the country, said Dr. M. Angamuthu, chairman, APEDA at a one-day International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) held in Gangtok today. 

 

The global buyer-seller meet is a part of APEDA’s robust strategy to promote the export of indigenous and locally grown organic agricultural and horticultural products from the northeastern region.

 

The meet was held in association with the state Agriculture Department to showcase a variety of agricultural products, including exotic fruits and vegetables, grown in landlocked Sikkim to the world market.

 

The exclusive BSM will provide an opportunity to the producers and processors of Sikkim to showcase their products and promote the exports as well as their wholesale and retail sales.

 

Sikkim is the first 100 percent organic state in the world and has a huge agricultural potential as the state is one of the hot-spot in the Eastern Himalayas.

 

APEDA chairman M. Angamuthu said, 'We all know Sikkim is a leader in organic products. We want to promote Sikkim’s purest form of organic in the country as well as across the globe in the days to come. Let us work together and promote Sikkim as the choicest and finest destinations in terms of horticulture, value-added organic products and other range of products where we have a competitive and comparative advantage.'

 

'Sikkim can set an example in the Indian organic market as we want to take the Sikkim model in other parts of the country. On the lines of Sikkim, we want to develop Jammu & Kashmir and other Himalayan states, including the northeast region states for organic farming and promote organic agricultural products in the international market,' he said.

 

The potential crops grown in Sikkim are ginger, large cardamom, Sikkim mandarin, turmeric, orchid, local chillies, aromatic rice, mushroom, and baby corn. Sikkim is well known for producing the highest amount of large cardamom (Amomum sabulatum) in India. The state is also producing a special variety of tea that is known for its taste and quality throughout the world.

 

At the exclusive buyer-seller meet, ten importers from Oman, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, as well as 15 exporters from across the country participated. Over 50 participants from all eight northeastern states displayed a wide range of their organic agriculture products. 

 

The international buyer-seller meet was inaugurated by Lok Nath Sharma, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Livestock & Veterinary Services.

 

In his inaugural address, Agriculture Minister L.N. Sharma invited investors to participate in the agricultural growth story of the state.

 

'Besides cultivable land, the state has a huge bank of barren land. I invite global leaders to invest in the agriculture and dairy sector in Sikkim and take forward the organic brand of the state to the international market,' Sharma said.

Stressing on potential in the dairy sector, the minister said, 'Milk production in Sikkim has increased from 30,000 litres to 60,000 litres in a day. We have set a target to make it one lakh/day and export it to the global market with the help of APEDA.'

 

Hailing the efforts of APEDA in export promotion, Sharma also sought the intervention of APEDA in playing a key role in showcasing agricultural and horticultural products of Sikkim such as ginger, turmeric, land cardamom, orange, etc to international buyers.

 

With the intervention of APEDA, which is an export-promotion body under the Ministry of Commerce, there is a tremendous increase in the export of agricultural produce from NE states like Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

 

Due to the initiatives taken by APEDA, the NE region witnessed an 85.34 percent growth in the export of agricultural products in the last six years as it increased from $2.52 million in 2016-17 to $17.2 million in 2021-22. The major destination of export has been Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Middle East, the UK and Europe.

 

To provide potential market linkages, APEDA organised field visits of importers to have first-hand information about the qualitative cultivation practices being followed by farmers by inviting the importers from the neighbouring countries, the Middle East, far Eastern countries, European nations and Australia, etc. The field visits were carried out in all eight states of NER.

 

APEDA organised a national buyer-seller meet in Guwahati on June 24 this year to promote the export of organic products grown in Assam. 

 

APEDA also signed an MoU with Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat to conduct various training programmes on pre-harvest and post-harvest management and other research activities for the promotion of export from the region.

 

The APEDA promoted GI products from NER like Bhut Jolokia, Assam Lemon, etc drew the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had mentioned it during his Maan Ki Baat programme. Assam Lemon is now exported regularly to London and the Middle East and as of now, more than 50 MT of Assam Lemon has been exported.

 

Even during the Covid-19 period, APEDA showed no signs of abating and continued to push its export plans through virtual buyer-seller meet in association with the Embassy of India located in different countries with exporters and FPOs/FPCs from NER regarding the sourcing of pineapple, ginger, lemon, orange, etc. APEDA also organised virtual trade fairs during the pandemic and facilitated the export to foreign countries.

 

APEDA has also planned to undertake several other projects like capacity building of 80 budding entrepreneurs and exporters from the region, the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and the state govt. officials, organise skill development and training in food processing, value addition on horticultural produce, etc.

 

 

APEDA also extends its support to NER to undertake branding and promotion of northeast products such as KIWI Wine, processed foods, carrying out a wet sampling of Joha Rice Pulao, Black Rice kheer, etc.

 

As a part of capacity building, APEDA organised skill development programmes for manufacturers, exporters and entrepreneurs to utilise the local produce for value addition and export. Training programmes are being held in different states of the northeast in association with the Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore (CFTRI) and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), for five days.

 

APEDA, in association with the Industries and Commerce Department of Assam, organised an export conclave on February 19 last year in Guwahati.

 

With the APEDA’s intervention, Tripura’s jack fruit was exported to London, and Nagaland’s King Chilli to London through a local exporter for the first time. Also, Assam’s local fruit called Leteku (Burmese Grape) was exported to Dubai and Assam’s Betel leaves have been regularly exported to London.

 

Tapping the export potential of pork and pork products, APEDA assisted the Assam Govt in setting up a modern pork processing facility at Nazira which has a slaughtering capacity of 400 animals per day. The unit is ready and set to be commissioned soon.

 

APEDA organised a training programme on the promotion of organic pork export from Sikkim in association with the State Animal Husbandry Department. 

 

APEDA has also developed guidelines for the export of fresh and processed pork with the help of NRC on pigs located at Rani, which is near Guwahati. 

 

In the NER, Sikkim is the first state to have an organic certification agency, which was established in 2016 with the support of APEDA.

 

APEDA under its Agricultural Export Policy is encouraging states to harness the potential of Agri produce exports. APEDA aims to create a platform for the buyers to get the products directly from the producer group and the processers.

Even as excess rains continue to hurt the kharif crops across key growing regions, the Government is looking to build stocks of imported pulses mainly tur (pigeon pea) and urad (black matpe) to augment supplies and for potential intervention in the market going ahead.

 

NAFED, on behalf of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has recently invited bids for the supply of imported tur at designated warehouses in Chennai, Nhava Sheva, Kandla and Mundra. The bids are for the supply of tur from origins such as Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Myanmar and Sudan and of the 2022 crop year.

 

Similarly, bids have been invited for the supply of the whole urad of Myanmar or any other overseas origin at designated warehouses in Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Nhava Sheva.

 

Lower than estimates

'The Government does not have adequate stock of tur and urad and that’s the reason they are buying it to build stocks, so that going forward they can intervene in the market to stabilise the prices. Also, they know that the crop is damaged by rains and there could be a lower crop,' said Rahul Chauhan of IGrain India.

 

Chauhan said the tur has already started coming from African countries, while the domestic crop will start arriving from December.

 

Bimal Kothari, Chairman, India Pulses and Grains Association, said there is a crop damage in tur and the losses are likely to be known by the end of the month. The upcoming domestic tur crop might be lower than the Government’s first advance estimates of 3.89 million tonnes. Prices of tur, which had eased a bit with the start of imports from Africa, have now rebounded on concerns of crop damage. Tur prices, which had come down by Rs.10 a kg in August, are now gone up to the same extent, he said.

 

Wrong signal

'It is not a good idea,' Kothari said on NAFED’s move to build stocks of tur and urad. 'The government coming to buy gives a wrong signal in the market and that too when the crop is down. This gives a wrong signal to the exporting countries. They should buy only when there is huge availability and create buffer stock and not to intervene in the market when already there is a scarcity,' Kothari said.

 

Satish Upadhyay, an international agri commodities broker, said NAFED could be looking to buy around 1 lakh tonnes of imported tur and there is no carry-over stocks from the previous year. This year tur sowing was less and delayed and the crop has been impacted by the excess rains. Imports from Africa could go up to 7 lakh tonnes and from Myanmar about 2-2.5 lakh tonnes, which can help bridge the demand-supply gap. A near to clear picture of the domestic crop would be available in a month’s time as there has been some late sowing in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Upadhyay said.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory asking food businesses involved in the import of food articles to use the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) and avoid delays in speedy clearance of the imported consignment.

 

According to the FSSAI’s advisory, in order to facilitate faster clearance of the articles of food imported at the port and minimise the clearance time the food businesses were advised to avail the facility of advance processing of ‘Bill of Entry’ in FICS while importing food consignments.

 

'FSSAI has already provided easy facility of advance filing of Bill of Entry in Food Import Clearance System of FSSAI forwarded from the Custom ICEGATE so that scrutiny of documents submitted by the Food Importer to the Authorised  Officer is carried out in advance, before the actual arrival of the article of food at port,' said Dr Amit Sharma, Director (Trade and IC), FSSAI.

 

According to the FSSAI, although several importers file advance Bill of Entry in ICEGATE but when its transmitted to FSSAI for examination, they don’t file it on FICS. 'Hence to reduce overall food import clearance time and demurrage charges incurred, all the food importers/ FBOs are hereby advised to avail the facility of advance processing of Bill of Entry in FICS while importing food consignments,' read the advisory issued by FSSAI.

 

Earlier this month, some food importers challenged FSSAI in the Delhi High Court against the delay in clearances of the imported food articles.

 

The High Court however did not gave any ruling but in principle agreed to the submission that the importers should be given a public warehouse to place their imports until the clearance was given.

Exports to South Asian nations have faltered this fiscal as key markets of Bangladesh and Nepal have restricted purchases mainly to essential products in the wake of foreign exchange crises there. It has added to the woes of Indian exporters as they battle a demand slowdown in major economies like the US, EU and China.

 

Latest data showed exports to South Asia contracted 10.5% in August from a year before to $2.1 billion. Outbound shipments until August grew 10.7% to $11.9 billion, underperforming the growth in overall merchandise exports. India’s goods exports rose 10.6% in August to $36.9 billion and 19.5% in the first five months of this fiscal to $196.4 billion. These nations include Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives. Barring Pakistan, India has been a major supplier to rest of these countries.

 

Exports to Bangladesh shrank 22.7% in August to $0.89 billion and recorded only an 8.7% rise in the first five months of FY23 to $5.82 billion. Similarly, despatches to Nepal contracted 11.3% in August to $0.69 billion, which weighed down growth in supplies until August to just 3% to $3.65 billion.

 

While exports to Pakistan grew 35.9% until August to $304 million, they were primarily driven by a low base and remained way below the level witnessed before the 2019 Pulwama terror attacks that also hit bilateral trade relations.

 

Interestingly, India’s exports to crisis-ridden Sri Lanka still grew 39% until August this fiscal, primarily due to New Delhi’s credit line to the island nation for purchases of Indian goods.

 

New Delhi has extended assistance, including credit lines and currency swaps, worth nearly $4 billion to Colombo since January to bail out the island nation of its worst forex/economic crisis in about 70 years. While the forex problems of Bangladesh and Nepal are less severe in magnitude, they have reined in imports to conserve dollars, hurting India’s export prospects.

 

Given the expected slowdown in global trade, Indian exporters have been bracing for a rough sail particularly in the second half of this fiscal. From the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the World Trade Organization (WTO), multilateral bodies have trimmed their global trade forecasts for 2022 and 2023 and even warned of a possible economic recession next year.  

 

The IMF has pegged global trade growth at 4.3% for 2022, down from 10.1% in the previous year. Worse, it has forecast a meagre 2.5% growth rate for 2023. The WTO has put out more conservative estimates, as it warned of a 'darkened 2023'. It now expects merchandise trade volumes to grow 3.5% in 2022 and just 1% in 2023.

 

Subdued global trade growth will weigh on India’s exports and complicate the country’s efforts to replicate its FY22 stellar performance in this fiscal as well. India’s exports had hit a record $422 billion in FY22, far exceeding the previous best of $330 billion. Domestic exporters had cashed in on an industrial resurgence in advanced economies last fiscal, which has now lost momentum due to a slowdown in economic growth.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24.

 

Government has increased the MSP of Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce.  The absolute highest increase in MSP has been approved for lentil (Masur) at Rs.500/- per quintal followed by rapeseed and mustard at Rs.400/-  per quintal.  For safflower, an increase of Rs.209/- per quintal has been approved.  For wheat, gram and barley an increase of Rs.110/- per quintal, Rs.100 per quintal respectively has been approved.

 

MSP for all Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24

(Rs. Per quintal)

S.No.	Crops	MSP RMS 2022-23	MSP RMS 2023-24	Cost* of production RMS 2023-24	Increase in MSP (Absolute)	Return over cost (in per cent)
1	Wheat	2015	2125	1065	110	100
2	Barley	1635	1735	1082	100	60
3	Gram	5230	5335	3206	105	66
4	Lentil (Masur)	5500	6000	3239	500	85
5	Rapeseed & Mustard	5050	5450	2670	400	104
6	Safflower	5441	5650	3765	209	50

*Refers to cost which includes all paid out costs such as those incurred on account of hired human labour, bullock labour/machine labour, rent paid for leased in land, expenses incurred on use of material inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures, irrigations charges, depreciation on implements and farm buildings, interest on working capital, diesel/electricity for operation of pump sets etc., misc. expenses and imputed value of family labour.

 

The increase in MSP for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at lease 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production, aiming at reasonably fair remuneration for the farmers.  The maximum rate of return is 104 percent for rapeseed & mustard, followed by 100 percent for wheat, 85 per cent for lentil; 66 per cent for gram; 60 per cent for barley; and 50 per cent for safflower.

 

From the year 2014-15, there has been a renewed focus on increasing the production of oilseeds and pulses.  The efforts have yielded good results.  Oilseeds production has increased from 27.51 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 37.70 million tonnes in 2021-22 (4th advance estimates).  Pulses production has shown similar increasing trend.  The Seed Minikits programme is a major tool for introducing new varieties of seeds in the farmers’ fields and is instrumental for increasing the seed replacement rate.

 

The productivity of pulses and oilseeds have increased substantially since 2014-15.  In case of pulses productivity has been increased from 728 kg/ha (2014-15) to 892 kg/ha (4th Advance estimates, 2021-22) i.e. 22.53% increase.  Similarly, in oilseed crops productivity has been increased from 1075 kg/ha (2014-15) to 1292 kg/ha (4th Advance estimates, 2021-22).

 

The Government’s priority is on increasing production of oilseeds and pulses and thus fulfilling the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat.  The formulated strategies are to increase production through area expansion, productivity through High Yielding Varieties (HYVs), MSP support and procurement.

 

 Government is also promoting adoption of smart farming methods through the use of technology and innovation in the agriculture sector in the country.  Government is implementing a Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), which includes India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA), Farmers Database, Unified Farmers Service Interface (UFSI), Funding to the States on the new Technology (NeGPA), Revamping Mahalnobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC), Soil health, Fertility and profile mapping.  Under the NeGPA programme, funding is given to State Governments for Digital Agriculture projects using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Internet of Things (IOT), Block chain etc.  Adoption of drone technologies is being done.  To promote smart farming, the Government also promotes Startups in the Agriculture sector and nurtures agri-entrepreneurs.

India’s shipments to sanctions-hit Russia could grow by an additional $5 billion once the rupee settlement mechanism becomes functional, partially offsetting the demand slowdown in key western economies, according to a study by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

 

The study shows that farm products, food, drugs and engineering equipment are the key areas where India could see a boost in exports to Russia, with supplies from the European Union nearly coming to a halt, especially for industrial and engineering goods, thereby creating opportunities for India.

 

'India’s exports to Russia can grow by $5 billion once the rupee settlement mechanism comes into effect in the next one year. While our exporters want to ship to Russia, the exchange rate risk is holding them back. Once the rupee mechanism is in place, a slew of sectors can gain, especially industrial equipment and food and agro-processing. There is immense potential there,' said Ajay Sahai, director-general and chief executive of FIEO.

 

Currently, exports to Russia are being settled in euros.

 

'Now, export orders to Russia are picking up with supply partnerships in place for at least the food items,' Sahai said.

 

A slew of Russian companies has tied up with Indian buyers for supplies.

 

India’s exports to Russia have seen the contraction ease to 4.72% in August on a year-on-year basis from a decline of 13.1% in July. New Delhi’s exports to Moscow saw a 24% decline in the April to August period to $992 million.

 

'With Russia, our imports are ten times the imports. But there is a very good chance of increasing our exports to Russia. That’s because when they are holding much of the Indian rupee, either they will want to invest in capital in India or they would increase our exports,' a government official said.

 

Queries sent to the ministry of commerce and industry remained unanswered till press time.

 

Exim Bank managing director Harsha Bangari said in an earlier interview that INR invoicing will be very process-driven and that there would be RBI oversight over the entire process. RBI has approved the mechanism, but banks which will open Vostro accounts will have to take due permission. So we are talking about RBI oversight over the entire process, she highlighted.

 

Exporters are also urging the department of commerce to ask the Reserve Bank of India to expedite the rupee settlement mechanism through the special Vostro account. Besides, it has asked the government to also extend the export benefits from incentive schemes like Remission of Duties and Taxes of Export Products (RODTEP) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) to be available in case trade is settled in rupee. Currently, it is allowed only in case settlement is in freely convertible currencies like the dollar, euro, and British pound.

 

Nevertheless, imports from Russia grew by more than fivefold in the first five months of the current fiscal to $17.23 billion. Although crude oil imports accounted for 85% of total imports from Moscow, shipments of sunflower oil, fertilizers, silver, printed books, coriander seeds, and furniture items reported a sharp spike, suggesting that New Delhi was steadily expanding trade ties with Russia.

 

The prices of Russia and Ukraine’s major exports, particularly food, fuels, and industrial metals, soared as the war has disrupted supplies of these essential commodities,' the DHL Trade Growth Atlas report said..

Organisations from across the nation are set to participate in the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM), Conference taking place in Abu Dhabi this week, profiling the remarkable work being undertaken to support food security in the UAE.

 

The event, which is being held in the Middle East for the first time, is a major meeting of the world’s largest network of wholesale markets and is set to attract leading fresh food producers, retailers, food logistics companies, air and maritime freight providers and startups as well as local, national and regional government representatives and policymakers.

 

UAE organisations represented at the event as partners and speakers include the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Ghassan Aboud Group, Etihad Cargo and SILAL. AD Ports Group is hosting the event and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is a Destination Partner.

 

Such significant cross-organisational support reflects the UAE’s recent major efforts to increase food supply resilience both nationally and internationally. By launching the National Food Security Strategy 2051, the UAE aims to achieve zero hunger by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round, throughout the world. The strategy specifically aims to implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production and help to maintain ecosystems.

 

Data from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment shows that the UAE has over 170 advanced farms that deploy modern agricultural technologies and hydroponics and more than 100 entities that currently deploy organic farming techniques.

 

Stephane Layani, chairman, World Union of Wholesale Markets, and chairman and CEO, Rungis International, said, 'We are delighted to see such strong UAE representation at WUWM Abu Dhabi 2022, reflecting the important role that our hosts are playing in support of global food security. The event will provide a key opportunity for all the central actors involved in the global fresh food supply chain. Working together, we will be able to build new sustainable ‘food architecture’ from the farm to the fork that can ensure better production, better supply chains, better nutrition, a better environment, and better life for all.'

Hyderabadi Haleem, a popular dish mostly consumed during Ramzan and Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi, famous for its healing properties have bagged the 'Most Popular GI' award in the food category and agriculture category, respectively.

 

Hyderabadi Haleem emerged as the winner by beating 17 food items from across India with a Geographical Indication (GI) status, including Rasogulla, Bikaneri Bhujiya, and Ratlami Sev.

 

Similarly, Thanjavur Art Plate from Tamil Nadu received the award in the handicraft category, Mysore Sandal Soap from Karnataka in the manufactured category, and Chuna Balua Patthar from Uttar Pradesh in the Natural category, respectively.

 

The prizes were given away by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The winners were selected through an online voting system carried out in India and abroad and conducted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the commerce ministry.

 

'The voting lines were open for people from both India and overseas between August 2 and October 9,' said an official associated with the event as reported by The Times of India (TOI).

 

Hyderabadi Haleem is a meat preparation unique to Hyderabad. It is an aromatic stew-like dish made up of pounded meat, lentils, and wheat along with spices and other ingredients. The dish is mostly consumed during Ramzan. During the holy month of Ramadan, many restaurants set up Haleem outlets in Hyderabad, mainly catering to Muslims for breaking their fast in the evening. However, seeing the popularity of the dish, some eateries have made it available 365 days a year.

 

Hyderabadi Haleem was first accorded GI status in 2010 and this was the first non-vegetarian dish in India to receive the tag. The Haleem Makers Association, which got the GI tag in 2010, got it renewed for another 10 years recently in May. The tag had expired in December 2019. The GI tag established that no other city/state could make or market Haleem as Hyderabadi Haleem.

 

'It is very heartening to see that people from all over India and abroad voted for the Hyderabadi Haleem as their favourite. The response, overall, has been overwhelming,' said GI attorney, S Ravi as quoted by TOI.

 

'We have set its parametres like copper utensil should be used, or if charcoal should be used & It's a 12 hour slow cooking process,' said MD, Pista House, Mohd Abdul Majeed who received the award from minister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi recently. He is also the president of Hyderabad Haleem Makers Association. Incidentally, it was Haleem from Pista House that was awarded the GI, over a decade ago.

 

Kandhamal Haldi

Kandhamal Haldi is a variety of turmeric which is indigenous to southern Odisha. It earned the Geographical indication (GI) tag from Intellectual Property India, an organisation functioning under the auspices of the Union ministry of commerce and industry in April 2019.

 

Kandhamal, situated in the southern region of Odisha, is known for its turmeric, a spice that enjoys its pride of place in an array of cuisines. The agricultural product is also famous for its healing properties and arresting aroma.

 

In December 2018, the Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing, based in Phulbani town, moved for registration of ‘Kandhamal Haldi’, which was accepted under sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.