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Acts & Schemes – Centre, India, Start ups

Agri startups one of key partners to boost agriculture exports

Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State (Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India said that soon an accelerator programme of Rs 500 crore will be started to take forward the successful initiatives of Agri Startups in which DARE, DPIIT, Agri Incubators, agriculture universities, research institutes, investors and other stakeholders will be included.

Choudhary said that there will be a separate division of Agriculture Startup to be set up in the Ministry to be led by Joint Secretary. “A cell will also be created to work as a single window agency to facilitate all the linkages required for agri startups,” he added.

Dr Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, GoI, emphasised that increasing agriculture exports is a national imperative and Agri startups are potential partners in this journey. Efforts are being made to promote and support agri startups for engagement in agri exports and strengthening of the startup ecosystem.

Agri startups one of key partners to

AgroPolicy, Interaction

The e-NAM as Platform of Platforms will pave way to create an efficient and effective “One Nation One Market” ecosystem

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India is organising a two days’ National Conference of State Agriculture & Horticulture Ministers in Bengaluru on July 14-15, 2022 in the presence of Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministers of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Kailash Choudhary and Ministers of Agriculture & Horticulture of the States.

One of the major interventions of this conference would be launching of e-NAM Platform of Platform by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to promote trade & marketing of agriculture produce for getting better prices of agriculture commodities to farmers.

Government of India has taken a novel initiative for participation of the all stakeholders through this “Platform of Platforms (PoPs) under e-NAM” towards next level revolution in Agri- Produce Marketing which will facilitate the Indian Farmers to sell their produce beyond their state boundaries. This will enhance farmers’ accessibility digitally to multiple numbers of markets, buyers, service providers and to bring transparency in trade transactions with the intent to improve price discovery mechanism for better price realisation of farm produce to the farmers. The e-NAM as Platform of Platforms will pave way to create an efficient and effective “One Nation One Market” ecosystem.

The e-NAM as Platform of Platforms will

AgroPolicy

The Centre also advised that the price to distributors by the manufacturers and refiners also needs to be reduced immediately so that the price drop is not diluted in any way

The Department of Food and Public Distribution in a meeting on July 6, 2022, has directed leading Edible Oil Associations to ensure reduction in the MRP of edible oils by Rs 15 with immediate effect.

The Centre also advised that the price to distributors by the manufacturers and refiners also needs to be reduced immediately so that the price drop is not diluted in any way. It was also impressed upon that whenever a reduction in price to distributors is made by the manufactures/refiners, the benefit should be passed on to the consumers by the industry and the Department may be kept informed on regular basis. Some companies which have not reduced their prices and their MRP is higher than other brands have also been advised to reduce their prices.

During the meeting it was discussed that the international prices of imported edible oils are on a downward trend which is a very positive picture in the edible oil scenario and, therefore, the domestic edible oil industry needs to ensure that the prices in the domestic market also drop commensurately.

It may be recalled that in May 2022, the Department had convened a meeting with the leading edible oil associations and according to sources, the MRP of Fortune Refined Sunflower Oil 1 litre pack had been decreased to Rs 210 from Rs 220 and MRP of Soyabean (Fortune) and Kachi Ghani oil 1 litre pack from Rs 205 to Rs 195. The reduction in oil prices came in the wake of Central Government reducing the import duty on edible oils making them cheaper. 

The Department is continuously monitoring the prices and availability situation of edible oil in the country and it is imperative that the benefit of reduced duty structure on edible oils and the continuous significant drop in prices at the international market be immediately passed on to the end consumers without fail.

The Centre also advised that the price

AgroPolicy

The objective of this conclave was to give thrust to increase the area, production and productivity, marketing, branding of Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) and also to enhance the farmer’s income

Under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, National Conclave on Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) has been organised on July 7, 2022. The objective of this conclave was to give thrust to increase the area, production and productivity, marketing, branding of Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) and also to enhance the farmer’s income. A Technical Session was also conducted to address the issues related to planting material, cultivation practices, post-harvest & marketing and research on Kamlam (Dragon Fruit). Progressive farmers of States namely Haryana, Karnataka, Gujarat and Nagaland shared their experiences during the workshop.

Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI as Chief Guest shared his views and highlighted that there is need to promote and develop a plan for increasing the area of Kamlam (Dragon Fruit) as the fruit is having specific nutritional value and global demand.

He suggested to prepare an Annual Action Plan (AAP) of 5 years in consultation with States to promote overall development in respect to cultivation, post-harvest management, marketing processing and Value addition.

Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, mentioned in his speech that there should be potential market of this fruit so that growers can develop their own branding. There is also need to develop a 5-year strategy to increase the area of Kamlam upto 50,000 ha.

The objective of this conclave was to

AgroPolicy

Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the GOI wants to realise the vision of all-round and balanced development in the country

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the Government of India wants to realise the vision of all-round and balanced development in the country. Tomar said that it is the belief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that if the strength of the Northeast will increase, then the country’s strength will consolidate and with this strength the nation will move forward.

Further, Tomar launched the Honey Testing Laboratory at Dimapur, Nagaland, which will help beekeepers and processors for testing the honey produced. He also visited the Bamboo Museum and Organic AC Market. During these events, the Agriculture Minister of Nagaland G Kaito, Chief Secretary J Alam, Central Horticulture Commissioner Prabhat Kumar, other senior officers and distinguished people, farmers and scientists were present.

“The Northeast Region cannot be overlooked when it comes to all-round development. Therefore, through the schemes-programmes, funding and institutions of the government, it is our constant endeavour that the northeastern region should not depend on anyone, but should stand on its own feet and be able to contribute its fullest to the country’s development.” said Tomar, at an event organised at the North-East Agri Expo, Chumaokedlma.

Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the

Company News

Sonalika Tractors has registered a dominating best ever May sales with 12,615 units which was powered by stupendous 42.1% growth

Revolutionising the tractor industry with its heavy duty tractor portfolio, Sonalika Tractors has further reinforced its FY’23 platform for an electrifying year ahead. Sonalika has continued to register yet another dynamic performance in new financial year and clocked its highest ever May overall tractor sales of 12,615 units. The extraordinary performance includes stupendous 42.1 per cent growth over the 8,878 tractor sales recorded in May 2021 as the demand for advanced tractors continues to see uptick across the industry.

Speaking on the staggering performance, Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, ITL, said, “It feels invigorating as all our concerted efforts have resulted in another electrifying performance by Sonalika in May 2022. With a record 42.1 per cent growth, we have registered our highest ever May sales of 12,615 tractors. Sonalika truly believes in addressing specific farmer requirements and deliver dynamic tractor performance as well as affordability for farmers’ peace of mind. Favourable factors such as consistent increase in MSP by government, improved rabi crop procurement and now the timely arrival of monsoon in the country will set up viable platform for agriculture activities to flourish in FY’23.”

Sonalika Tractors has registered a dominating best

Trade

The government also allowed a wheat consignment headed for Egypt, which was already under loading at the Kandla port

The government of India has announced some relaxation to its order dated May 13, 2022, issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce on restricting wheat exports. It has been decided that wherever wheat consignments have been handed over to Customs for examination and have been registered into their systems on or prior to May 13, 2022, such consignments would be allowed to be exported.

The government also allowed a wheat consignment headed for Egypt, which was already under loading at the Kandla port. This followed a request by the Egyptian government to permit the wheat cargo being loaded at the Kandla port. M/s Mera International India, the company engaged for export of the wheat to Egypt, had also given a representation for completion of loading of 61,500 MT of wheat of which 44,340 MT of wheat had already been loaded and only 17,160 MT was left to be loaded. The government decided to permit the full consignment of 61,500 MT and allowed it to sail from Kandla to Egypt.

According to this order, this restriction would not apply in cases where prior commitments have been made by private trade through Letter of Credit as well as in situations where permission is granted by the Government of India to other countries to meet their food security needs and on the requests of their governments.

The government also allowed a wheat consignment

Agrotech

The eligibility criteria for the PLI scheme for drones and drone components includes an annual sales turnover of Rs 2 crore for drone companies and Rs 50 lacs for drone components manufacturers

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has opened the application window for those manufacturers of drones and drone components, who may have crossed the PLI eligibility threshold for the full financial year.

The final list of PLI beneficiaries is expected to be released by June 30, 2022 after detailed scrutiny of their financial results and other specified documents. 

Earlier on April 20, 2022, MoCA has published a provisional list of 14 PLI beneficiaries based on the financial results submitted by PLI applicants for the ten-month period. These include five drone manufacturers and nine drone component manufacturers. 

The eligibility criteria for the PLI scheme for drones and drone components includes an annual sales turnover of Rs 2 crore for drone companies and Rs 50 lacs for drone components manufacturers; and value addition of over 40 per cent of sales turnover.

The PLI scheme for drones and drone components was notified on September 30, 2021. Under the scheme, a total incentive of Rs 120 crore is spread over three financial year which is nearly double the combined turnover of all domestic drone manufacturers in FY 2020-21. The PLI rate is 20 per cent of the value addition which is one of the highest among other PLI scheme.

The eligibility criteria for the PLI scheme

Pulses, Types

The estimated production of pulses in 2021-22 as per the DA&FW is 26.96 million tonnes

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha has informed that as per the report of Working Group constituted by NITI Aayog on Demand and Supply Projections Towards 2033 – Crops, Livestock and Agricultural Inputs (February 2018), the demand for pulses is projected to increase from 26.72 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 32.64 million tonnes in 2029-30. The estimated production of pulses in 2021-22 as per the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) is 26.96 million tonnes.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare implements the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, which aims at increasing production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and nutri-cereals through area expansion and productivity enhancement in the identified districts of the country; improving soil fertility, farm level productivity besides, transfer of technology through demonstrations and trainings, incentives on critical inputs like quality seeds, water saving devices, farm equipment and machinery etc. 

To boost agricultural productivity, the Government is implementing various schemes for supply of farm inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, agricultural machinery and equipment, irrigation facilities, institutional credit, etc., at subsidised rates to the farmers.

The estimated production of pulses in 2021-22

AgroPolicy, Trade

The export of maize increased nearly six-fold, taking the total value of shipment to $1593.73 million in the last three years despite logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak

The export of maize has touched $816.31 million in the first ten months of current fiscal 2021-22 (April-January), already exceeding the $634.85 million achieved during the last financial year.

From an exports realisation of $142.8 million in 2019-20, the export of maize increased nearly six-fold, taking the total value of shipment to $1593.73 million in the last three years despite logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

“The significant rise in agri-exports is seen as a testimony of the government’s commitment to increase farmers’ income through creating requisite infrastructure and improving value chains on boosting exports of agricultural and processed food products,” Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.

Neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal are the major importers of maize from India. Bangladesh has imported maize worth $345.5 million in the current fiscal (April-January), while Nepal has imported maize worth $132.16 million during this period.

With initiatives of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to explore and diversify new markets, Vietnam has emerged as a major destination for export of maize. India exported maize worth $244.24 million to Vietnam in the first ten months of current fiscal (April-January 2021-22). Other prominent importing countries are Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Taiwan, Oman, etc.

The export of maize increased nearly six-fold,

Oilseeds

The order aims at regulating storage and distribution of edible oils and oilseeds besides, keeping check over hoarding in the country

Centre has chaired a meeting with States/UTs to implement Stock Limit Order of edible oils and oilseeds. The Government of India has notified an order on February 3, 2022, specifying the stock limit quantities on edible oils and oilseeds upto June 30, 2022 with a view to provide impetus to the various steps taken by the Government to cool the prices of edible oil in the country.

The Stock Limit Order empowers the Union Government and all States/UTs to regulate storage and distribution of edible oils and oilseeds. This would also help the Government in checking hoarding of edible oils and oilseeds in the country. A Meeting was held by the Department of Food & Public Distribution on February 8, 2022, with all States/UTs for discussing the implementation plan of the above order dated 3rd February, 2022.

During the meeting it was emphasised that States/UTs authorities may enforce Stock Limit Quantities Order without causing any disruption in the supply chain and also any undue hardship to bonafide trade.

For edible oils, the stock limit specified is 30 quintals for retailers, 500 quintals for wholesalers, 30 quintals for retail outlets of bulk consumers i.e., big chain retailers and shops and 1000 quintals for its depots. Processors of edible oils would be able to stock 90 days of their storage capacities.

For edible oilseeds, the stock limit is 100 quintals for retailers, 2000 quintals for wholesalers. Processors of edible oilseeds would be able to stock 90 days production of edible oils as per daily input production capacity. Exporters and importers have been kept outside the purview of this Order with some caveats.

The order aims at regulating storage and

AgroPolicy

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs stressed for the holistic development of reservoirs in Odisha

Bishweswar Tudu, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs recently inaugurated the ICAR-CIFRI Pen Culture Demonstration-cum-Reservoir Fisheries Enhancement Program at Balidiha, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha. Tudu said, “The Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha and the fishers should join hands with the ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore for the holistic development of the reservoirs in Odisha.”

The minister stressed disseminating the benefits of the reservoir fisheries development program to the local community. Subrata Dash, District Fisheries Officer, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha underlined the various schemes being run by the state government for fisheries development.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Dr BK Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore briefed about the activities being carried out by the Institute in Odisha. He also urged the fishers of Balidiha Dam to work together in a participatory model for the success of the reservoir fisheries enhancement program.

About 250 fishermen participated in the program.

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti

Agro chems – Pesticides, Inputs

The SOP will render guidance to the stakeholders involved in undertaking safe and effective control of pest and diseases by the application

CropLife India, an association of 15 R&D-driven crop science companies, and the leading voice of the plant science industry in India, compliments the Government of India for releasing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for use of drone application for crop protection in agricultural, forestry, non-cropped areas, etc. The SOP will render guidance to the stakeholders involved in undertaking safe and effective control of pest and diseases by drone-based pesticide application.

Asitava Sen, CEO, CropLife India opines, “It is indeed a proud moment that the transparent deliberations within Department of Agriculture, Central Insecticide Board and Ministry of Civil Aviation and industry experts have resulted in the pragmatic SOP and Guidelines for Registration requirements; in an exemplary schedule. These guidelines will now be studied and set the benchmark for ongoing engagements in other Asian countries. Very glad to share that CropLife was allowed to actively participate in several deliberations while framing up these SOP.”

The SOP will render guidance to the

Trade, Types

The move was initiated to help various states with the distribution process

The Government of India has amended the guidelines for procurement, allocation, distribution and disposal of coarse grains dated 21.3.2014/26.12.2014. The distribution period of Jowar and Ragi has been increased to six to seven months respectively from the earlier period of three months. This would increase procurement and consumption of these commodities as the state would have more time to distribute these commodities in Target Public Distribution System/ Other Welfare Scheme. 

The move was initiated as it was observed that several difficulties were being faced by some state governments to distribution period of coarse grain which was three months each for procurement and distribution activity, irrespective of the shelf life of the commodity. 

A provision of inter-state transportation of surplus coarse grains through FCI is incorporated to cater for advanced demand placed by the consuming state before the start of procurement. 

New guidelines would increase procurement/consumption of coarse grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS). As these crops are normally grown on marginal and un-irrigated land, therefore, enhanced cropping of these would encourage sustainable agriculture and crop diversification. With the increased procurement, the number of farmers benefitting from the procurement of these crops would also increase.

Marginal and poor farmers who are also PDS beneficiaries will gain due to procurement and then the distribution of millets at Rs 1 per kg. Region-specific coarse grains can be distributed for local consumption saving transportation cost of wheat/rice.

The move was initiated to help various