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HomePosts Tagged "FSSAI"
AgroPolicy, Biofertilizers, India

FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam for the upgrading of laboratories dedicated to pesticide testing

In a significant move towards ensuring the safety and quality of tea production, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), addressed a gathering of Tea Growers and Tea Planters during an interactive session in Kellyden, Assam. The event saw active participation from key stakeholders including officials from FSSAI, the Tea Board, the Tea Research Institute, tea planters, tea processors, industry associations and the Food and Drug Department of the State.

The focal point of the discussion was enhancing traceability and testing measures for raw materials, emphasising the need for screening every batch for pesticide residues and adherence to Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of pesticide usage as prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011 (FSSR). Rao emphasised the importance of adopting bio-pesticides and encouraged collaboration with the Tea Board for joint inspection, sampling and testing processes.

During the session, the Tea Board stressed the significance of awareness campaigns among planters to educate them about the maintenance of a harvesting gap to ensure safe agricultural practices. Planters raised concerns about the use of unauthorised pesticides in tea cultivation and urged the State Government to impose a ban on such substances. Processors advocated for the provision of rapid testing kits at the farm gate level to streamline pesticide testing. Scientific Panel members engaged in detailed deliberations on specific pesticides, monitoring procedures and the prevention of off-label use.

Notably, FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam for the upgrading of laboratories dedicated to pesticide testing. The need for regular interaction with all stakeholders and the formulation of a time-bound action plan to guarantee the availability of safe tea to consumers was also stressed during the meeting.

FSSAI is extending financial assistance to Assam

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains

Through this, Shree Anna-based food can be introduced to the plates of more and more people

Eat Right Summit 2023 was organised at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi under the aegis of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The theme of this summit was ‘Shri Anna’ in view of the ongoing International Year of Millets 2023. Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Chairman, FSSAI and G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI and many health and nutrition experts participated and expressed their valuable views in the day-long summit.

During his keynote address at the inaugural session of the summit, Sudhansh Pant, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Chairperson, FSSAI, said that there is a need to emphasise preventive health care in the country and for this, necessary changes in the diet should be made is most essential. Pant described Sri Anna as a good alternative. He advised that it would be a good initiative to have some shops offering Shree Anna-based dishes in the healthy and hygienic food streets which are being upgraded across the country by the MoHFW. Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, MoHFW and Chairperson, FSSAI, termed the growing awareness about Shri Anna in the country as the Shri Anna revolution and called upon everyone to make their contribution to this revolution.

Mentioning the MoU signed between the FSSAI and the Ministry of Defense, Pant said that just as healthy recipes have been prepared for the brave soldiers protecting the country, similarly, MoU may be signed with other ministries and Central Armed Police Forces. Through this, Shree Anna-based food can be introduced to the plates of more and more people. He said that people can be made aware of the health and nutritional benefits of Shree Anna through other means.

Through this, Shree Anna-based food can be

AgroPolicy, Dairy, India

The surveillance survey will cover around 766 districts across the country and over 10,000 samples will be collected during the exercise

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a nationwide surveillance study on milk and milk products this month, in a bid to curb adulteration of such items, said an official of the country’s apex food regulator.

Satyen K Panda Advisor (Quality Assurance) FSSAI said, “The exercise will continue till October, and the regulator is expected to submit its report to the health ministry by December. The surveillance survey will cover around 766 districts across the country and over 10,000 samples will be collected during the exercise. Two agencies have been engaged for the purpose.”

Panda further added, “Quality Council of India, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the National Dairy Development Board will conduct the survey for FSSAI. The scope for the survey includes milk, khoya, paneer, ghee, butter, curd and ice cream. The test parameters are adulterants, normal quality and compositional parameters, contaminants, antibiotic residues and microbiological indicators.

The surveillance survey will cover around 766

AgroPolicy, Dairy, India, Live Stock

Mithun is included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) database

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognised Mithun as a food animal, effective from 01st September 2023. To commemorate this milestone and celebrate the recognition, ICAR-NRC on Mithun proposes to establish ‘Mithun Day’ on the 01st of September every year and the Mithun meat is named ‘Weeshi.’ In addition, Mithun is included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) database. 

Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor of AH & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Nagaland, was the Chief Guest during the occasion. While delivering the Mithun Day speech, took a moment to compliment ICAR-NRCM’s achievements in research and extension activities. Mithun occupies a significant cultural and dietary role in the indigenous communities of North East regions, he added. He pointed out that this is the right time for us to promote entrepreneurship activities in Mithun as it is recognized as a food animal. Kazheto stated that the rearing and consumption of Mithun not only contribute to the sustenance of these local populations but also reflect the cultural and social significance attached to this remarkable food animal.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Higher Education & Tourism, Govt of Nagaland also attended the program as the Special Invitee. While delivering the speech, he highlighted the importance of ICAR-NRCM in inspiring the Mithun farmers as it provides livelihood security and is considered an auspicious & spiritual animal. He was proud that he was a ‘Mithun farmer’ and encouraged other farmers to take up scientific Mithun farming. He thanked the institute for providing livelihood opportunities to rural people. He in his final remarks urged all the Mithun farmers to stop the indiscriminate slaughter of well-built large-size Mithun and should be kept for breeding.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD, GoI, and Former Director, ICAR – NRC on Mithun, special guest during the occasion strongly emphasised the scope of Mithun as an organic, functional, and alternative food. Dr. Mitra urged the North East Animal Husbandry Department to utilise the animal husbandry schemes demonstrating a commitment to the development of the agricultural and livestock sectors. Utilising these schemes can lead to increased productivity, income generation, and the sustainable management of livestock resources, benefiting both farmers and the broader community, he added.

M Iboyaima Meitei, Advisor (Horticulture), North East Council was a guest of honour during the occasion. He stated that Mithun is a unique and culturally significant animal that deserves preservation. This species not only plays a crucial role in the livelihoods and dietary traditions of indigenous communities but also contributes to the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found. Conservation efforts should focus on sustainable breeding practices and habitat protection to ensure the long-term survival of Mithun, he added.

Mithun is included in the Domestic Animal

Agrotech, Company News, Environment, India, Sustainability

Pune-based Agritech startup Nutrifresh aims to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability initiatives through focussed initiatives

Pune-based Agritech startup Nutrifresh is focused on reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Environmental sustainability is essential for protecting natural resources, mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, supporting human health, and promoting social well-being. It also plays a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

“By reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy, reducing transportation emissions, practising sustainable agriculture, reducing waste, and preserving natural habitats, we are contributing to reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future for all. Additionally, these measures can also have benefits for farmers, including increased crop yields and reduced input costs,

“Speaking about our key achievements, we have 150k Kgs of production capacity per month across farms and the fresh produce is delivered within 24 hours in the service areas. Our total area with active hydroponic production is 33 acres. We have served around 15K households across Mumbai & Pune regions,” said Bina Khan, Board Advisor & Investor, Nutrifresh Farm Tech India Pvt Ltd.

One key sustainable aspect that Nutrifresh focuses on is efficient resource utilisation. This includes optimising water usage, minimising the use of pesticides and fertilisers, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring proper waste management.

Co-founded by two Agripreneurs, Sanket Mehta and Ganesh Nikam, Nutrifresh’s aim is to supply consistent pesticide-free Hydroponic produce that is nutrient-rich to the Indian consumer year-round. Nutrifresh is committed to quality and is one of the few farmers with ISO, FSSAI, APEDA, HACCP, and GLOBAL GAP certifications. As an Agritech startup operating for the last three years under Nutrifresh Farm Tech India Pvt Ltd.’s operations in Pune and Mumbai currently running a 33-acre farm, we are into soilless and hydroponic cultivation.

Nutrifresh now sells its products to over 100 B2B aggregators in India and modern trade aggregators and delivery partners such as Nature’s Basket, Big Basket, Swiggy, Kissan Konnect, Star Bazaar and Zomato Hyperpure. It has an established protected cultivation facility that uses high-quality seeds from Israel and the United States, where the air is given in controlled amounts, water is RO-cleansed, and nutrients are water-soluble. From seed procurement to germination, nursery, harvesting, packaging, and finally delivery to the end user, the entire production is under control. The produce is delivered to the consumer within 24 hours of harvest, demonstrating that the supply chain is fully linked and in sync to ensure consistency of freshness.

Pune-based Agritech startup Nutrifresh aims to reduce

AgroPolicy, Climate, Environment, India, Organic, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Trade

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

Trade

The five day show saw massive footfalls of more than 50000 B2B visitors making this one of the largest trade shows of the country

High-quality agricultural, food, and beverage products from Indian and international players were on display at the recent iteration of the AAHAR Food and Hospitality trade show. Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), as one of the co-associates of the Government of India’s Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), marked attendance like never before.

FIFI International pavilion itself had participation from over 100 businesses, representing over 1750 brands from more than 100 countries topped with 6 country pavilions. The five day show saw massive footfalls of more than 50000 B2B visitors making this one of the largest trade shows of the country.

Amit Lohani, Founder Director, FIFI said, “We are thrilled to see that the sector has re-engineered itself and we are proud to be a part of this fraternity. This segment stood tall during the global pandemic and is now emerging as a market leader for others to learn from. We also appreciate the support we have received from the senior administration of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and applaud participation from international community members. This says India is shining and that we are here to grow with the India story.”

The five-day event saw attendance from various luminaries. FIFI pavilion was inaugurated by the CEO of FSSAI Arun Singhal, who was accompanied by his colleagues Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, and Director Imports Dr Amit Sharma.

The five day show saw massive footfalls