Several infrastructure development projects including connectivity projects have been taken up by the concerned Ministries and Departments of the Central Government in the North Eastern Region (NER). These relate to improving rail connectivity, road connectivity, waterway connectivity, power connectivity and telecom connectivity in the NER. These inter-alia include:-

 

i. Rail connectivity: As on 01.04.2022, 19 projects costing Rs.77,930 crore for 1,909 km length falling fully/ partly in North Eastern Region including those sanctioned during the period from 2004 to 2013 (except Agartala-Sabroom new line project and Lumding-Hojai Doubling project) are under different stages of planning/ approval/ execution, out of which 409 km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of Rs.30,312 crore incurred upto March, 2022. These include (i) 14 New Line Projects covering a length of 1,181 km at a cost of Rs.61,520 crore, out of which 361 km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of Rs.27,458 crore incurred upto March, 2022; and (ii) 5 Doubling/ Multitracking Projects covering a length of 728 km at a cost of Rs.16,410 crore, out of which 48 km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of Rs.2,854 crore incurred upto March, 2022. Agartala-Sabroom new line project (112 km) was sanctioned in 2008-09 and commissioned in 2019-20. Lumding-Hojai Doubling project (45 km) was sanctioned in 2012-13 and commissioned in 2019-20.

 

ii. Road Connectivity: During the period from 2004 to 2013, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has undertaken 394 projects of total road length 5595.14 km costing Rs. 23038.58 crore for connectivity and development in the North Eastern States. Out of which, 337 projects of total road length 4232.55 km costing Rs. 13154.86 crore have been completed, and 57 projects of total road length 1362.60 km costing Rs. 10073.64 crore are ongoing.

 

iii. Waterway connectivity: National Waterway-2 (NW-2) (river Brahmaputra) was declared in 1988 from Dhubri to Sadiya in the State of Assam for a length of 891 km and was developed and maintained with terminal facilities, fairway and navigation aids. To maintain waterway connectivity between NW-1 & NW-2 in North Eastern Region, maintenance of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) Route was continued which existed since 1972, under which inland vessels of one country can transit through the other country. During the period 2004-2013, 03 projects on Brahmaputra River (NW-2) in Assam and 02 projects of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Transit and Trade were undertaken for connectivity to North Eastern Region

 

iv. Power connectivity: Ministry of Power had undertaken Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) projects through Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) and Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode in the North Eastern States. During the period from 2004-2013, 03 projects costing Rs.11178.26 crore were undertaken by POWERGRIDE under RTM in NER and 01 project under scheme for enabling import of NER/ER surplus by NR through TBCB mode.

 

v. Telecom connectivity: BharatNet project (earlier known as National Optical Fiber Network) was initially approved by the Union Cabinet on 25.10.2011. BharatNet project is implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity through an optimal mix of media (Optical Fibre Cable /Radio/Satellite) to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) of the country, including NER. As on 04.07.2022, total 5804 GPs have been made Service Ready in NER States. 

 

For providing broadband connectivity to Rural & Remote areas, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) signed an agreement with BSNL on January 20, 2009. Under this scheme, as of 31st January 2015, a total of 15,313 broadband connections and 270 kiosks were set up in NER.

 

A scheme has been launched by USO Fund to provide subsidy support for setting up and managing infrastructure sites/ towers spread for provision of mobile services in the specified rural and remote areas, where there was no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage. Under this scheme, as on 30th November, 2013, 542 towers were set up, and 963 BTSs were commissioned in NER.

 

Agreements were signed with BSNL in the year 2003 for replacement of VPTs with reliable technologies, which were earlier working on Multi Access Radio Relay (MARR) technology and installed before 01.04.2002. Under this scheme, as on 30th June 2012, total 12576 MARR VPTs were replaced, in NER. All the remaining inhabited villages as on 01.10.2007 as per Census 2001 have been included for provision of VPTs with subsidy support from USO Fund under this scheme. Agreements in this regard were signed with BSNL on 27.02.2009. Under this scheme, as on 30th March, 2015, total 38,220 VPTs were replaced  in NER.

 

In addition, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) implemented various schemes/packages viz. Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Scheme, Special Packages of Assam for Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Schemes of North Eastern Council (NEC), for the development of North Eastern Region. Under these developmental schemes/packages, 1689 projects worth Rs.17,748.54 crore, including connectivity projects, were sanctioned during the financial years 2004-05 to 2013-14. The year-wise details of the projects sanctioned are as under:

 

*Projects sanctioned to different agencies for various sectors under Schemes of NEC for all the North Eastern States.

 

This information was given by Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

A total of 17 projects for food processing have been approved by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under various sub-schemes of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Smpada Yojana (PMKSY) in 2021-22 having processing capacity of 3.6428 Lakh MT/annum and preservation capacity of 2.2149 Lakh MT/annum.

 

The 17 projects sanctioned in 2021-22 have employment capacity of 11,137.

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha recently

 

According to media reports, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is likely to visit the neighbouring country Bangladesh shortly further to strengthen the age-old relations between the two countries. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma confirmed the matter in a tweet.

 

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has been asked to visit Bangladesh by Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. AK Abdul Momen in order to advance bilateral relations. The Assam CM’s Office in Guwahati verified that Dr. AK Abdul Momen sent the invitation through letter dated July 5th.

 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gifted her country’s famed 200 kgs of ‘Amrapali’ mangoes to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma this month earlier.

 

 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen departed for Guwahati in order to attend the third NADI Conclave International River Conference, which was opened by his Indian colleague S Jaishankar, from May 28 to 29. The Chief Minister (CM) of India’s Assam state, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last month (June) for her administration’s 'zero tolerance policy' toward terrorism and insurgency, noting that peace and stability are crucial to his state’s development.

 

He extended his appreciation to Dr. AK Abdul Momen, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, during their meeting at the Koinadhara State Guest House in Khanapara, Guwahati. This visit not only strengthen the relations between Bangladesh-Assam-Northeast India but also the relationship between the two countries. This visit will open a new chapter of bilateral ties between Bangladesh-NER when Bangladesh and Northeast India are facing some common problems such as devastating flood. This visit will ensure the better interest of the two sides in the case of connectivity, transborder trade, mutual confidence.

 

Earlier, former director-general of Indian NSG (National Security Guard), Jayanto Narayan Choudhury said recently that the security challenges India faced in its northeastern region have been controlled and managed, in part thanks to the enormous assistance Bangladesh has provided. It is true that Bangladesh played major role in ensuring peace in northeast India.

Bangladesh is responsible for laying the foundation for a tranquil North East India. North East Indian provinces are gaining from those as regional states. Bangladesh has been crucial in the region’s efforts to reduce terrorism. North East India especially Assam has been liberated from separatism and extremism thanks to Bangladesh’s transfer of ULFA fighters to India. Bangladesh wants its neighbors to live in peace and harmony. Bangladesh rejects anarchy and turmoil. As a result, Bangladesh deserves to receive eternal gratitude from North East India. Conflicts on either the domestic or international front are disliked in Bangladesh. In order to achieve this, Bangladesh and the CHT militants signed the 'Chittagong Hill Tract Peace Accord' in 1997. In the past, it also returned a number of Chakma refugees to their home country.

 

Major security concerns that India has long had have already been addressed by Bangladesh. A substantial portion of the insurgents in India’s northeast have been turned up to India by Bangladesh. These insurgents were operating against India from Bangladeshi territory. The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) insurgent group member Major Anup Chetia caused the Indian security officials a lot of trouble. Additionally, Bangladesh turned him over to India. Bangladesh strictly forbade the activity of these terrorist and rebel organizations that receive support from abroad. Bangladesh truly wishes North East India well. This should be understood by all the North-East Indian regions, especially Assam.

 

Nevertheless, Bangladesh and India share a border. India and Bangladesh enjoy a cordial, complex, and wide-ranging relationship. The 50th anniversary of bilateral ties is being commemorated by both nations. The other partner in this partnership is Assam. Bangladesh is bordered by five provinces of India, including Assam. Assam, the largest state in India’s Northeast Region (NER), and Bangladesh share about 263 kilometers of riverine and land border. The Indian government values Assam’s involvement in trade and commerce with Bangladesh given its size, population, and location. Assam is therefore crucial for Bangladesh.

 

When External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited in Dhaka, Bangladesh, last month (in May, 20220 to extend an invitation to Sheikh Hasina for her upcoming New Delhi visit in September this year, Sheikh Hasina offered India the use of the Chittagong Port.  The northeastern provinces of India, particularly Assam and Tripura, will benefit from the prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent offer to India. This is particularly important since there has long been a demand for connectivity between Bangladesh and mainland India’s northeast via multiple modes of transportation. In-depth conversations were held before efforts to increase capacity on railroads, highways, and waterways were started. Over the past few years, successful trial runs and transshipments have also taken place.

 

West Bengal forms the bulk of the Bangladesh-India border. In terms of commercial operations, this Bengali-speaking region of India dominates. The strength and potential of the bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and North East India should be a priority for the North-Eastern Indian states, particularly Assam. This is something that Assam should pay close attention to. In South Asia, Bangladesh is experiencing an economic miracle. It is real. Therefore, strengthening the business relations between Assam and Bangladesh will be advantageous. Assam ought to take advantage of any prospective connections with Bangladesh. Growing connectivity and trade relations could be advantageous for Bangladesh. In this regard, Assam and Bangladesh can work together.

 

The economic growth of Bangladesh can help Assam. For Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, connectivity between Assam and Bangladesh may be advantageous. (Potential link between Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand). Also Read: All dynasties need to pay attention after Shinde’s insurrection Given that Bangladesh is cut off from the northeastern region of India, transit across it is crucial. Because of this, it is necessary to foster cooperation in Bangladesh’s development. Southeast Asia will be accessible once Chittagong and Mongla ports are fully utilized. Railway, river, and aviation connectivity would improve the area. On the Bangladeshi side of the border, both parties should erect 'Border Huts' where people can exchange a range of items for their home currencies.

 

The ultimate winners would be people from both sides. Both governments anticipate that people will find this style of border cottage to be quite appealing. In the Dhubri area of Lower Assam, India and Bangladesh are permitted to construct border huts along the international boundary. Ultimately, using this will be advantageous to the residents of Sylhet and Assam. More land tariff stations can be built along the border between Bangladesh and Assam. This will promote and boost volume of land-based international trade. The land tariff stations at Sheola, Balla, and Bholaganj could increase and speed up cross-border trade. Bangladesh and Assam tourist exchange could be a potential industry.

 

Through their borders, Bangladeshi visitors can travel to Assam. The historical linkages that once existed on the border between Assam and larger Sylhet should be strengthened. Reopening long-suspended rail, road, and river connections will improve connectivity between the two nations. Sutarkandi is the international border between Bangladesh and India and is well known for being a hub of international trade. Fruit, silicon, and coal exports are all carried out through this area.

 

The location is in the Assam district of Karimganj. However, Assamese can visit places like Malini Chara Tea Garden, Bichana Kandi, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Jaflong, Shaha Jalal Dargah, Sri Mangal, etc. as tourist destinations. On March 9, 2021, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly opened the Bangladesh-India 'Goodwill Bridge,' noting that regional connectivity not only promotes the friendship between Bangladesh and India but also creates strong trade links. According to the Prime Minister of India, such a connection between Bangladesh and India would be crucial for trade between Bangladesh and North East India, especially Assam.

 

The location is in the Assam district of Karimganj. However, Assamese can visit places like Malini Chara Tea Garden, Bichana Kandi, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Jaflong, Shaha Jalal Dargah, Sri Mangal, etc. as tourist destinations. On March 9, 2021, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly opened the Bangladesh-India 'Goodwill Bridge,' noting that regional connectivity not only promotes the friendship between Bangladesh and India but also creates strong trade links. According to the Prime Minister of India, such a connection between Bangladesh and India would be crucial for trade between Bangladesh and North East India, especially Assam.

 

In a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, Bangladesh and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the building of a high-speed diesel pipeline from Numaligarh in Assam to Parbatipur in Bangladesh. As a gesture of goodwill, the Indian Railways have already sent a first shipment of 2,200 tonnes of diesel in 50 wagons from Siliguri in West Bengal to Parbatipur. During Modi’s most recent visit, the choice was made to construct the pipeline. There could be some NRC issues between Bangladesh and Assam. However, these issues should be handled diplomatically and politically. Bangladesh and Assam should gain from improved connectivity and trade relations.

 

The potential for increased exports of goods from Sylhet and Bangladesh to Assam in northeastern India is enormous. Assam may help Bangladesh by contributing. Assam can convince the Indian Central Government to support Bangladesh in the event that a solution to the Rohingya problem is needed, cease border killings along the India-Bangladesh border, and sign the Teesta water-sharing agreement as soon as feasible. The Brahmaputra-Barak-Padma-Meghna riverine waterways must connect Bangladesh’s ports with Assam in order to promote regional economic development and restore train connectivity between Bangladesh and the North East. Assam and Sylhet have a long-standing friendship.

 

It is necessary to sustain Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with its seven sister states, including Assam and Meghalaya in northeastern India. The expansion of trade and commerce between Bangladesh, including Sylhet, and the seven sister states, including Assam, won’t happen till then. Bangladesh and Assam can collaborate in the apparel, medical tourism, IT, and educational sectors. Additionally, Bangladesh and Assam can cooperate in the fight against terrorism, human trafficking, and the illegal drug trade, among other areas. With cooperation from MEA and the Assam government, the state can fight for improved rail, road, and air connectivity with Bangladesh in the future, as well as an emphasis on fisheries, tourism, organic food, silk, crude oil, and work permits for talented youth.

 

Bangladesh forms an important triangle with Bhutan and Myanmar around Assam. Assam must be encouraged and assisted by the Union government to benefit from its proximity to these three nations. In general, Assam and Bangladesh have enormous potential for trade, connectivity, people-to-people exchange, and cultural diplomacy. The potentials should be reaped by Bangladesh and Assam. The moment has come for Bangladesh and Assam to benefit. As Bangladesh paved the way for the Assam peace process in North East India, North East India should now pave the way for fulfilling Bangladesh’s demand. Commerce, conservation, culture, connectivity and capacity building are central to mutual growth.

In a bid to harness the export potential of naturally grown fresh pineapples from the northeastern states, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Saturday organised an in-store export promotion event in Dubai, to promote Assam’s pineapples, considered the sweetest in the world, among consumers for wider acceptance in the Gulf countries.

 

With a production of 338.98 metric ton in 2020-21, Assam ranks second in pineapple production having a share of 18.75% in total production in India.

 

The ‘in-store promotion show’ was organised in association with Dubai’s largest supermarket group, Lulu Group, and the organisers said it was part of APEDA’s strategy to promote locally produced agricultural products in the international market. The showcased pineapples are procured from Hmarkhawlien village under Lakhipur sub-division in Cachar district, Assam. Consumers were offered to taste the sweetness of the pineapples, one of the most sought-after tropical fruit rich in fibre.

 

APEDA chairman M Angamuthu insisted on promoting the processed form of value-added pineapple from the northeastern states to sustain production in the global export market for a longer time. 'We need to focus on promoting pineapple sourced from farmers in processed form in the Gulf countries in collaboration with private entities, including the Lulu Group. It will help farmers in better price realization of their produce,' he said, emphasizing that 10-15 aggregators should be identified for expediting hassle-free export from the northeast.

 

Before Assam made its debut in pineapple export to Dubai in 2019, Tripura was the first northeastern state to export its ‘queen’ variety of pineapple to Dubai and Doha in 2018. Tripura’s pineapple was also exported to Bangladesh in 2020.

 

APEDA informed that the top 10 importing countries of Indian pineapples are UAE, Nepal, Qatar, Maldives, USA, Bhutan, Belgium, Iran, Bahrain and Oman. 'A quantity of 7665.42 MT of pineapples valued at $4.45 million was exported in the year 2021-22,' it stated.

 

APEDA said the northeastern region witnessed an 85.34% 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.

Chandauli is an eastern Uttar Pradesh district adjoining Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some years back, it was among the 'aspirational districts' lacking development. Of late it has turned the corner, earning a place among the four most progressive districts across India under the ‘Aspirational Districts Programme,’ says a UNDP appraisal report. An agricultural experiment has brought laurels to the district: ‘black rice’ has turned gold for farmers.

 

Chandauli, also known as UP’s rice bowl, has two-thirds of its population engaged in farming with most farmers cultivating paddy. To increase farmers’ income, the district administration, in coordination with the district agriculture department, experimented with the cultivation of black rice in the sustainable agricultural sector. It proved to be a boon for farmers.

 

Different from white rice, the black variety is cultivated in an ecosystem free from chemical fertilisers, and has a unique nutritional value with high dietary fibre blended with the richness of iron, zinc, magnesium, Vitamin E, minerals, antioxidants and protein. Black rice is naturally gluten-free and is believed to boost cardiac health. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in preventing cancer. It is good for people with diabetes and is known to be a natural detoxifier. It also helps in the prevention of ailments such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and hypertension, among others.

 

Chandauli, also known as UP’s rice bowl, has two-thirds of its population engaged in farming with most farmers cultivating paddy. To increase farmers’ income, the district administration, in coordination with the district agriculture department, experimented with the cultivation of black rice in the sustainable agricultural sector. It proved to be a boon for farmers.

 

Different from white rice, the black variety is cultivated in an ecosystem free from chemical fertilisers, and has a unique nutritional value with high dietary fibre blended with the richness of iron, zinc, magnesium, Vitamin E, minerals, antioxidants and protein. Black rice is naturally gluten-free and is believed to boost cardiac health. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in preventing cancer. It is good for people with diabetes and is known to be a natural detoxifier. It also helps in the prevention of ailments such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and hypertension, among others.

 

Black rice cultivation has been promoted under various schemes of the Yogi government, such as ‘One District-One Product’ and ‘Export Policy 2020-25’. These schemes aim at doubling farmers’ income and increasing exports from various sectors, including agriculture. District agriculture department officials say black rice cultivation leads to an exponential increase in returns to farmers against conventional rice. The price of black rice paddy is around Rs 80-85 per kg, against Rs 19-20 per kg MSP of Grade A paddy. The price of processed black rice is Rs 160 per kg; it is sold for around Rs 200-500 per kg in the market.

 

According to a senior agriculture department official, by sowing 15 kg of black rice with an investment of Rs 42,000, the farmer gets Rs 2,55,500 by selling his crop. In the case of normal rice, the farmer after sowing 30 kg of paddy with an investment of Rs 58,000 gets only Rs 54,500 in return, which is four times lower than what he earns from black rice.

 

'The number of farmers producing black rice has gone up to 700-850 since 2018 in Chandauli,' says Mithilesh Singh, a farmer of Jalalpur village, engaged in black rice cultivation. Raj Bahadur Kushwaha of Akauni village says the area of cultivation of black rice has increased from 1,500 hectares in 2018 to 7,000 hectares now. He accepts that there are some challenges in its cultivation as it is completely organic, requiring a lot of manual labour. 'Some farmers initially treated it with chemical fertilisers but faced losses. The yield is as high as 25 quintals per hectare,' says Raj Bahadur.

 

ECONOMICS OF BLACK AND WHITE  

According to a senior agriculture department official, by sowing 15 kg of black rice with an investment of Rs 42,000, the farmer gets Rs 2,55,500 by selling his crop. In the case of normal rice, the farmer after sowing 30 kg of paddy with an investment of Rs 58,000 gets only Rs 54,500 in return, which is four times lower than what he earns from black rice.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan, Italy, Vietnam, and Taiwan. 

 

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of MOFPI, and Jal Shakti said that under the automatic route, 100 per cent of foreign direct investment (FDI) is permitted in the food processing sector. He added that in 2021-22, there was USD 320.62 million of FDI in the food processing sector from ASEAN countries.

 

An MoC has been signed between the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GoI, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan, for the promotion of investment in the food processing sector, including cold chain.

 

The MOFPI Ministry said that the MoU will enhance cooperation in the field of food processing to promote capacity building, skill development, exploring market potential and supply of advanced food processing technologies. 

 

In order to cooperate in fields of standardisation and conformity assessment, the ministry has also signed a memorandum with the Bureau of Indian Standards of India and the Directorate for Standard, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam. 

 

As Taiwan has been able to maintain effective cooperation in the field of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, aqua culture and food processing fields, the  Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has signed  an MoU with Taipei Economic & Cultural Centre. 

The Agriculture Ministry has so far, received proposals worth Rs.23,000 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Friday. 'So far, we have received proposals worth Rs.23,000 crore, of which proposals worth Rs.13,000 crore are under consideration. Banks have disbursed over Rs.9,000 crore under the AIF, for which work are going on,' Tomar said. He was speaking on the outcome of the two day National Conference of State Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers in Bengaluru.

 

'Every State has agreed to give a push for creation of agri infrastructure projects under the scheme to attract more investments,' Tomar said.

 

The Government had announced the creation of a Rs.1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund in 2020 to attract the private sector investments in areas of post harvestment management, storage and processing among others. The scheme provides for medium-long term debt for creation of agri infrastructure assets through credit guarantee for loans upto Rs.2 crore, interest subvention of 3 per cent per annum, limited to Rs.2 crore per project in one location among other mechanisms.

 

Focus on natural farming

Tomar also said that there were plans to give a mission mode approach to natural farming, which will not only improve soil health but also reduce the usage of chemicals. A total of 4 lakh hectares is under natural farming in the country.

 

Based on the deliberations at the conference, States have agreed to adopt technological interventions in areas of natural farming, digital agriculture, crop insurance, promotion of FPOs, sharing of good agriculture practices among others. The deliberations will help facilitate the Centre to develop a road map and prepare a strategy for sustainable agriculture development and income enhancement of farmers, he said.

 

Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture, said 2023 has been declared as International Year of Millets. The State ministers meet also deliberated on marketing and export of millets besides discussing on how to achieve self sufficiency in edible oils and fertilisers.

The inflow resumed Saturday (23 July) after the government reduced the import duty on rice and allowed the import of rice by private companies. 

 

Two trucks carrying 74 tonmes of rice from India entered Bangladesh around 12:30pm. AK Trading of Naogaon district imported the rice, said Hili land port public relations officer Sohrab Hossain. 

 

'Rice import stopped last year after the government imposed a 62.5% import duty on 31 August. But recently, to control the price of rice in the domestic market, the duty on Indian rice imports has been reduced to 25%,' he told The Business Standard. 

 

Rice import resumption will increase government revenue, and increase the income of port authorities and port workers, he added. 

The Central Government has initiated the One District One Product (ODOP) in different States/UTs of the country. ODOP is seen as a transformational step towards realizing the true potential of a district, fueling economic growth, generating employment and rural entrepreneurship, taking us to the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. ODOP initiative is operationally merged with ‘Districts as Export Hub (DEH)’ initiative of the DGFT, Department of Commerce, with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a major stakeholder.

 

The ODOP Initiative is aimed at fostering balanced regional development across all districts of the country enabling holistic socio-economic growth across all regions. The objective is to convert each District of the country into a Manufacturing and Export Hub by identifying products with export potential in the district. Institutional mechanism under Districts as Export Hubs in the form of State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) and District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) have been constituted in about 36 States/UTs to provide support for export promotion and address the bottlenecks for export growth in the districts.

 

District Export Plans are prepared and implemented through an institutional structure at the district level. These plans address challenges for exports of such identified products/services, improving supply chains, market accessibility and handholding for increasing exports etc. So far, in about 557 districts, export plans have been prepared and in about 218 have been adopted by DEPCs as per list Annexed

 

The Department engages with State and Central Government agencies to promote the initiative of ODOP, which is an on-going process.

 

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

India and Egypt, along with around 90 other countries have pushed to establish a fairer trading system at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhance domestic production amid the severe food and nutrition challenges being experienced by many net food-importing developing countries and least developed countries.

 

At a meeting of the Committee on Agriculture at the WTO on Thursday, India said that a permanent solution for food security is a long overdue mandate and insisted on a solution that the General Council can approve without waiting for the next ministerial conference of the multilateral trade body.

 

'The ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific countries)Group, G33 Group, the African Group, and least developed countries demanded food security to be at the heart of the future agriculture negotiations,' said a Geneva-based official.

 

 

They also stressed that more policy space is needed to tackle food insecurity, in particular a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security purposes along with a special safeguard mechanism to check sudden import surges and price drops.