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Friday / April 19. 2024
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A new variety of red California pepper called Matga is suitable for the medium-late cycle

Spanish company Sakata has introduced a new variety of red California pepper called Matga, which is suitable for the medium-late cycle. Matga has uniformity throughout the cycle which is remarkable, and its fruits are described as if they were made with a mould. The variety covers transplants from July 20 to 30. Matga also boasts an ideal and uniform calibre even at the end of cultivation, which is spectacular in terms of size and quality of fruits.

Matga fruits have the Sakata quality seal: four hulls, excellent colour in green and red, no silver, and excellent firmness and weight thanks to their thick walls. Matga fruits have good plant resistance, giving the farmer the flexibility to harvest at their convenience and plan the export of goods when it best suits them. Post-harvest is added to the plant’s endurance, and thanks to the firmness of the fruits, the post-harvest is good and prolonged, ideal for export.

Matga shows an open, clear plant structure ideal for preventing thrips parvispinus, a current pest that worries farmers. The structure of the plant makes it difficult for thrips parvispinus to establish. Matga also has hairy leaf characteristics, which favours the establishment of auxiliary fauna, and together with the early flowering, makes it the perfect variety for farmers who opt for integrated control within their greenhouse. The variety also has a complete pack of resistances, including powdery mildew.

A new variety of red California pepper

The total export of fish and related products is Rs 63,969.14 crores in the year 2022-23

The inland fish production has shown rapid growth from 2014-15 to 2022-23. Inland fish production increased from 66.87 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 131.13 lakh tonnes in 2022-2023. This information was given by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry & Dairying in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

The total export of fish and related products is Rs 63,969.14 crores in 2022-23 against Rs 46,662.85 crores in 2019-20. 

During the last three financial years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2022-23) and the current financial year (2023-24), a central budget of Rs 4810 crore has been allocated for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and out of this budgetary allocation, a sum of Rs 3345.28 crore has been released to various State Governments/Union Territories and other implementing agencies for development of fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The share of the Fisheries sector in the total Gross Value Added (GVA), at constant prices, in 2021-2022 is Rs 1,47,519 crores constituting about 1.07 per cent of the total national GVA and 6.86 per cent of Agricultural GVA.

As reported by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, the total import of fish and related products is Rs 1,949.51 crores in 2022-23, against the import of Rs 1,271.11 crores in 2019-20.

The total export of fish and related

Centre directs NCCF and NAFED to procure 7 lakh tonnes of onion for the buffer from farmers

The export of onion has been put under prohibition w.e.f. 8th December 2023 till 31st March 2024 to ensure the availability of onion to domestic consumers at affordable prices. The Government took the decision taking into account the delay in Kharif’s arrival, the quantity of onion exported and the global situation such as trade and non-trade restrictions imposed by major suppliers such as Turkey, Egypt and Iran. To ensure that farmers are not adversely affected, the government is continuously procuring onions from the farmers under the Price Stabilisation Fund.

In the current year, the Government had directed NCCF and NAFED to procure 7 lakh tonnes of onion for the buffer. To date, about 5.10 lakh tonnes have been procured, and procurement of the remaining quantity is ongoing. Onions procured by the government are continuously disposed of in high-price markets through open-market sales and direct retail sales to consumers. Out of 2.73 lakh tonnes of onion disposed of the buffer, nearly 20,700 MT has been sold to retail consumers in 213 cities through 2,139 retail points. Due to these multi-pronged interventions, the all-India average retail price for onion has been brought down from Rs.59.9 per kg on 17 November to Rs.56.8 per kg on 8th December.

It may be recalled that on 29th October, the Government imposed a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of USD 800 per ton for onion exports and simultaneously disposed of onion buffer stock. While the MEP had been effective in reducing the quantum of onion exports, sizable quantities continued to be exported due to the global situation and the delayed arrival of the Kharif crop.

The Government is keeping a close watch on the onion crop availability and prices to take necessary measures in the interest of both the consumers and the farmers. The procurement of onions from farmers under the Price Stabilisation will continue to ensure remunerative prices to farmers and both wholesale and retail interventions will continue in high-price markets to make onions available to consumers at affordable prices.

Centre directs NCCF and NAFED to procure

It has been noticed that despite restrictions on certain varieties, rice exports have been high during the current year

To check the domestic prices and to ensure domestic food security, the Government has been taking measures to restrict the export of rice from India. The export of non-basmati white rice was prohibited on 20th July 2023.

It has been noticed that despite restrictions on certain varieties, rice exports have been high during the current year. Up to 17th August 2023, total exports of rice (other than broken rice, export of which is prohibited) were 7.33 MMT compared to 6.37 MMT during the corresponding period of the previous year, registering an increase of 15.06 per cent. There has been a spurt in the export of parboiled rice and Basmati rice; both of these varieties did not have any restrictions on exports. While the export of parboiled rice has grown by 21.18 per cent (3.29 MMT during the current year compared to 2.72 MMT during the previous year), the export of Basmati rice has increased by 9.35 per cent (1.86 MMT during the current year compared to 1.70 MMT during the previous year). Export of non-basmati white rice, which had an export duty of 20 per cent since 9th September 2022 and has been prohibited w.e.f. 20th July 2023, has also registered an increase of 4.36 per cent (1.97 MMT compared to 1.89 MMT during the previous year). On the other hand, as per the third Advanced Estimate of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, during the Rabi Season 2022-23, the production was only 158.95 LMT against 184.71 LMT during the Rabi Season of 2021-22 i.e., there was a decline of 13.84 per cent.

Internationally, due to strong demand from Asian buyers, production disruptions registered in 2022/23 in some major producing countries like Thailand, and fears of possible adverse effects of the onset of El Nino, international rice prices have also been rising continuously since last year. The FAO Rice Price Index reached 129.7 points in July 2023; its highest value since September 2011, registering an increase of 19.7 per cent over last year’s levels. As the prices of Indian rice are still cheaper than the international prices, there has been a strong demand for Indian rice, resulting in record exports during 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

The Government has received credible field reports regarding misclassification and illegal export of non-basmati white rice, the export of which has been prohibited with effect from 20th July 2023. It has been reported that non-basmati white rice is being exported under the HS codes of parboiled rice and Basmati rice.

It has been noticed that despite restrictions

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, cautioned that such restrictions could exacerbate food price volatility worldwide and lead to retaliatory measures

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that India lift restrictions on the export of a particular type of rice, as these restrictions could contribute to global inflation. To keep domestic rice supplies stable during the festive season, the Indian government banned the export of non-basmati white rice on July 20.

This type of rice accounts for about 25 per cent of India’s total rice exports. However, there will be no change in export policy for par-boiled non-basmati rice and basmati rice, which make up the bulk of India’s rice exports. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, cautioned that such restrictions could exacerbate food price volatility worldwide and lead to retaliatory measures.

India’s non-basmati white rice exports totalled $4.2 million in 2022-23, with major destinations including the US, Thailand, Italy, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

The IMF has projected India’s growth rate for fiscal year 2024 to be 6.1 per cent, up slightly from its previous estimate of 5.9 per cent in April. The IMF has also praised India’s world-class digital public infrastructure, which is driving efficiency gains for businesses. The Indian economy has been robust, and the IMF has called for reforms to increase female labour force participation and training opportunities for youth. Despite the challenges, India’s growth rate is expected to remain above average for the region, with inflation projected to be under control.

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF's Chief Economist, cautioned that

Dr Jitendra Singh chairs the review meeting of the Cannabis Research Project of CSIR-IIIM at Jammu

‘Cannabis Research Project’ of CSIR-IIIM Jammu is a first of its kind in India which has great potential to produce and export quality medicine for neuropathies, cancer & epilepsy, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology;  said this while chairing a review meeting with the top officials of CSIR-IIIM and J&K UT Science and Technology Department.

During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the signing of a scientific agreement between CSIR-IIIM and IndusScan was historic not only for J&K but for the whole of India as it has the potential to produce those kinds of medicines which have to be exported from foreign countries. This kind of project will give an impetus for huge investment in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh added.

While appreciating CSIR-IIIM for this project, Dr Jitendra Singh said, CSIR-IIIM is the oldest scientific research institute in India with a history of discovering the mint way back in the 1960s, the centre of purple revolution and now the Cannabis Research Project of CSIR-IIIM is going to make it more prestigious in terms of scientific research in India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, for such a kind of important project, synergy between institutions like CSIR-IIIM, IIM, IIT, AIIMS etc. is imperative to look for various technicalities involved in it like the marketing strategies that can be done through IIM, clinical trials through AIIMS, technical support through IIT etc. as all these institutions are only situated in a radius of few kilometres in Jammu which is now the hub of education in India.

Dr Jitendra Singh chairs the review meeting

Currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth Rs 8 crores and it will grow up to Rs 8000 crores gradually by 2030

Sikkim is India’s first 100 per cent organic farming state and the government is planning to export agricultural organic produce from Sikkim, currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth Rs 8 crores and it will grow up to Rs 8000 crores gradually by 2030, said Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Textiles and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, at the Asia Economic Dialogue in Pune.

Pune International Centre (PIC) a Pune-based think tank and Ministry of external affairs has organised Asia economic dialogue a three days conference. Experts from various fields participated in the forum.

Goyal said that to Sikkim make organic farm products export hub, the government plans to set Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Agricultural Processed Food Products Export Authority (APEDA) unit in Sikkim.

He said, “While the developed world is the largest contributor to climate change, they are preaching to us today about what we should be doing despite us being only 2.5 per cent of contributors to carbon emissions. The government has focused on addressing climate change as a responsible global citizen. We are promoting circular economies so that we recycle our waste. We are among the top five performing nations in addressing climate change goals. We are also promoting products like sustainable textiles.”

Currently, Sikkim grows organic farm produce worth

No restrictions or prohibitions on the export of onions from India

The central government says there is no ban on the export of onions. India exported $523 million worth of onions from April to December last year, an increase of 16.3 per cent from a year ago.

According to the statement, the government has not restricted or prohibited the export of onions. The extant export policy of onions is ‘Free’. Only the export of onion seed is ‘Restricted’, which is also permitted under Authorisation from DGFT.

India exported, $48 million in onions in April, in May, $ 31.9, in June $ 36, July $ 50.1, August $ 49, September $50.7, October $ 40.8, November $ 45.9 and in December $ 52.1.

No restrictions or prohibitions on the export

Exports 1455 tractors globally

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, has announced its record high tractor sales numbers for October 2022. Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “We have sold 50539 tractors in the domestic market during October 2022, a growth of 11 percent over last year. Festive season kept the spirits high and led to very strong momentum in demand for tractors and farm machinery. The recent Government announcement of higher MSP for key Rabi crops, good moisture content in the soil, high reservoir levels and good progress in sowing for Rabi crops are all positives for continued good demand for tractors in coming months. In the exports market, we have sold 1455 tractors.”

Exports 1455 tractors globallyMahindra & Mahindra Ltd’s

Of the over 5000 LMT sugarcane produced, 35 LMT sugar was diverted to ethanol production

India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar as well as the world’s 2nd largest exporter of sugar. 

A record of more than 5000 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) sugarcane was produced in the country out of which about 3574 LMT of sugarcane was crushed by sugar mills to produce about 394 LMT of sugar (Sucrose). Out of this, 35 LMT sugar was diverted to ethanol production and 359 LMT sugar was produced by sugar mills. 

A watershed season for Indian Sugar Sector as all records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar exports, cane procured, cane dues paid and ethanol production were made during the season.

Another shining highlight of the season is the highest exports of about 109.8 LMT that too with no financial assistance which was being extended upto 2020-21. Supportive international prices and Indian Government Policy led to this feat of Indian Sugar Industry. These exports earned foreign currency of about INR 40,000 crore for the country.

The success story of sugar industry is the outcome of synchronous and collaborative efforts of Central and State Governments, farmers, sugar mills, ethanol distilleries with very supportive overall ecosystem for business in the country.

Of the over 5000 LMT sugarcane produced,

The improved Basmati rice varieties pave the way for sustaining India’s leadership in Basmati rice exports across the world

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) held the ‘Kisan Sampark Yatra’ in the rice growing region of Haryana and Punjab to obtain farmers’ feedback on the three newly released IARI Basmati varieties. IARI had distributed 1 kg per acre seeds of the newly developed disease resistant Basmati rice to farmers during the Krishi Vigya Mela held at Pusa, New Delhi earlier this year for cultivation.

Dr AK Singh, Director, IARI said farmers were advised not to sell the produce of these seeds in the market, instead provide it to other farmers so that the new varieties could multiply and be grown in larger volumes.

Basmati rice is an export commodity with annual forex earning of  INR 25,053 crores during 2021-22. Pusa Basmati rice varieties namely, Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509 and Pusa Basmati 6 occupy more than 90% of the area under Basmati rice cultivation in GI area of Basmati rice in India and account for more than 90 percent of the Basmati rice exports from India. 

Bacterial blight and blast are the most devastating diseases in Basmati rice which cause significant yield losses as well as affect the Basmati grain and cooking quality. Conventionally, these diseases are managed by use of chemicals like streptocyclin and tricyclazole.

Through concerted research, ICAR-IARI develop an improved version of these three Basmati rice varieties with inbuilt resistance to Bacterial blight and blast diseases with the aid of molecular marker assisted breeding resulting in development and release of Pusa Basmati 1847, Pusa Basmati 1885 and Pusa Basmati 1886 in 2021. The three improved Basmati rice varieties with resistance to both Bacterial blight and blast diseases, will pave the way for sustaining India’s leadership in Basmati rice exports across the world, said Dr AK Singh.

The improved Basmati rice varieties pave the

The mango show in Bahrain is part of APEDA’s new initiatives to explore international markets for Indian mangoes under the ‘Mango Festival 2022’

In a major boost to the export of mangoes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched an eight-day-long Mango Festival in the Kingdom of Bahrain on June 13 in association with the Indian Embassy and Al Jazira Group.

At the show, 34 varieties of mangoes from eastern states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, are being displayed at eight different locations of Bahrain’s Al Jazira group supermarket. 27 of these varieties have been procured from West Bengal, while two each variety are from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and one variety from Uttar Pradesh. All the varieties of mangoes have been directly procured from farmers and two Farmer Producer Organisations. The mango show will continue till June 20, 2022.

All the 34 varieties of Indian mangoes have been displayed at eight different stores of Al Jazira located at Hamala, Mahooz, Zing, Juffair, Budaiya, Adilya, Seef and Riffa in Bahrain. Besides, mangoes as a whole, several mango preparations like mango cake prepared in Al Jazira bakery, juices, different varieties of mango shakes, etc. have also been showcased at the festival.

The mango show in Bahrain is part of APEDA’s new initiatives to explore international markets for Indian mangoes under the ‘Mango Festival 2022’. It’s the outcome of APEDA’s commitment to provide a global platform for Indian mangoes that for the first time 34 varieties of mangoes from eastern states have been showcased in Bahrain.

The mango show in Bahrain is part

Requests from several countries for importing wheat from India are being processed at the government level

M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, recently stated that the government’s move to restrict wheat exports last month has been primarily focussed on meeting domestic demand while protecting the farmers’ income.

Angamuthu said India has kept its wheat export options open for those developing countries to meet their food security needs after restriction on shipment of wheat was announced last month. Requests from several countries for importing wheat from India are being processed at the government level.

This year, wheat farmers have been immensely benefited in terms of procurement by the government’s agencies at Minimum Support Price (MSP) while a significant chunk of commodity has been sold to private trade at much above MSP.

The decision to ban wheat export was taken to ensure the availability of wheat for the domestic supply chain. Sudden spurt in exports in April created concern over domestic price stability and supply that prompted the government to take the ‘regulatory’ measure like restricting wheat export.

Keeping the interest of farmers as the top priority, the government allowed them to sell their wheat at higher prices at above MSP to private traders across several mandis besides procuring wheat at MSP across all the key grain growing states including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Government had regulated wheat export from May 13, 2022 which changed the market dynamics, preventing speculative wheat trading and cooled down the inflationary trend of the price of wheat and products made out of it in the domestic market.

Requests from several countries for importing wheat