Agriculture Export Import
Farmers asked to follow good agricultural practices to improve exports of spicesCOIMBATORE: Using good agricultural practices and cultivating crop varieties based on demand will improve exports of spices, said speakers at a national seminar on spices here on Thursday. The third edition of the seminar was held at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Homey Cherian, director, directorate of areca nut and spices development, ministry of agriculture, said, "Almost 90% of the spices produced are utilized within the country, and only the remaining are exported. And, with Indian spices being in large demand, farmers and scientists like us should work on increasing the yield." He said Malabar pepper, Madras turmeric and many other spices were in huge demand across the globe. "The horticulture crops contribute for 30% GDP, spices occupy 5-6% of agricultural GDP every year. The yield has risen from three million to five million tonne," said Cherian. He added that small agricultural centres should be set up to address the needs of farmers cultivating spices. In his inaugural address, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University vice-chancellor K Ramasamy called up on farmers to stick to good agricultural practices and restrict themselves from using unnecessary methods to achieve high yield. He said, "There are numerous methods available to misguide farmers. But the university and the Spices Board of India and its scientists are here to offer the good agricultural practices for spice cultivation." He added, "I urge the farmers not to fall prey for such practices." K Nirmal Babu, project coordinator, All India Coordinated Project for Spices, highlighted the special features of spices, which included non-adulterated product and disease free-product. He said, "Farmers should cultivate varieties based on market demand. This will help them in selling their products better." Babu said farmers should closely work with the industry to identify the market scenario and thus cultivate crops accordingly. |
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Growth in export of agri products slidesCOIMBATORE: Using good agricultural practices and cultivating crop varieties based on demand will improve exports of spices, said speakers at a national seminar on spices here on Thursday. The third edition of the seminar was held at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Homey Cherian, director, directorate of areca nut and spices development, ministry of agriculture, said, "Almost 90% of the spices produced are utilized within the country, and only the remaining are exported. And, with Indian spices being in large demand, farmers and scientists like us should work on increasing the yield." He said Malabar pepper, Madras turmeric and many other spices were in huge demand across the globe. "The horticulture crops contribute for 30% GDP, spices occupy 5-6% of agricultural GDP every year. The yield has risen from three million to five million tonne," said Cherian. He added that small agricultural centres should be set up to address the needs of farmers cultivating spices. In his inaugural address, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University vice-chancellor K Ramasamy called up on farmers to stick to good agricultural practices and restrict themselves from using unnecessary methods to achieve high yield. He said, "There are numerous methods available to misguide farmers. But the university and the Spices Board of India and its scientists are here to offer the good agricultural practices for spice cultivation." He added, "I urge the farmers not to fall prey for such practices." K Nirmal Babu, project coordinator, All India Coordinated Project for Spices, highlighted the special features of spices, which included non-adulterated product and disease free-product. He said, "Farmers should cultivate varieties based on market demand. This will help them in selling their products better." Babu said farmers should closely work with the industry to identify the market scenario and thus cultivate crops accordingly. |
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Coffee Board sees exports at 2 lakh tonnes this seasonCoffee Board said India will be able to export around 2.10 lakh tonnes of the commodity this season (‘02-03) nearly the same as last year, but a lot will depend on the quantum, which is eventually produced in the country. “Being an export-oriented coffee nation, depending on how much is produced, more than 70% will be exported at whatever international price is offered,” the board’s chairperson said. She said post-blossom estimates are that India will produce around 2.8 lakh tonne coffee this season and the post-monsoon estimates will not be much different from this figure. Exports this year at 2.10 lakh tonne will only be marginally lower than last season’s 2.13 lakh tonne. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 30 '02 |
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Grain offtake from central pool doubles in first half on higher exportsOfftake of rice and wheat from the central pool during the first half of the current fiscal has nearly doubled over the same period last year on account of increased exports of the commodities. The offtake of these foodgrains during April period stood at 223.43 lakh tonnes against 114.4 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period of the last fiscal, an official release said. The 95.3% increase in offtake has been achieved mainly on account of increased exports of the two commodities. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 28 '02 |
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Farm exports treble in 7 years to Rs 10,000 cr.India’s agricultural exports have registered a three-fold increase in seven years to a record Rs 10,000 crore in ‘01-02, even though substantial headway will have to be made to correspondingly augment income of the farmers. Furthermore, India’s share in the world agro-trade remains minuscule and efforts should be made to achieve at least 5% share in the sector’s global exports. Stating this in a function organized by APEDA minister of state for commerce RP Rudy said while exports have increased from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 10,169.4 crore in seven years “farmers still have to be made the ultimate commercial beneficiary of the sale, as it is his produce that is traded”. Agro exports will be sustainable and competitive in the global scenario only if adequate return to the farmers is assured. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 26 '02 |
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Wheat export planPunjab State Co-operative Supply Marketing Federation (Markfed) plans to capitalize on a global supply squeeze to expand its markets in the Middle East, S S Channi, Markfed’s MD, said. He said the company was approaching buyers in Iran and Iraq, two of the region’s biggest importers, with offers to supply wheat as per their quality specifications. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 27 '02 |
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Coir exports to set new recordCoir exports during the current fiscal ending March ’03 are expected to touch an all-time high, even surpassing the export target of Rs 408 crore, Coir Board sources said. During April-September this year, export of coir touched 40,848 tonnes, valued at Rs 179.27 crore, recording an increase of 21% in terms of quantity and 18% in value terms as compared to the exports in the previous fiscal. If the trend continued, export of coir during the current year would exceed Rs 450 crore, sources said, adding that would be about Rs 129 crore more than the previous year. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 26 '02 |
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Govt. hikes ex-FCI prices of grain for export by Rs 250-600 per tonneThe government on Friday hiked ex-FCI export prices of food grains by Rs 250-600 per tonne. Official sources said except for the price of new crop of rice harvested last month, which will be effective from Saturday, the rest of the rates would be applicable from January next year. This will make Indian wheat and rice costlier by $5-12 a tonne in the international market, they said. Price of last year's lustre loss wheat affected by rains has been left unchanged at Rs 3,960 per tonne. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 16 '02 |
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Sugar exports may touch 15 lakh tonnes tThe current slump in domestic sugar prices could prove to be a blessing in disguise as they may spur exports of the commodity which may touch 15 lakh tonne this season(October-September), traders said here. If domestic prices continue to fall, local mills may soon offer their produce for export at $195 per tonne free-on-board (FOB) against $213 at present. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 14 '02 |
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Indonesia to buy Indian wheatA local firm has got an order to export 30,000 tonne wheat to Indonesia through a Japanese firm and the delivery is scheduled for early next year. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 13,'02 |
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High soyabean prices may hit meal exportsSoyameal exports have taken a beating owing to a smaller crop this year and rise in domestic demand and prices. Exports are pegged to decline by a significant 28% this fiscal to 18 lakh tonnes from 25.09 lakh tonnes last year, traders said. Exports so far have fallen to 3.2 lakh tonne in April-October this year from 5.3 lakh tonne in the year earlier period. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 12,'02 |
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Tea exports up in Jan-Sept despite fall in productionTea exports showed a positive trend during the nine-month period ended September ’02. While exports of tea from the country stood at 134.5m kg between January and September ’01, it was 137.1m kg in the same period this year, according to data compiled by the Tea Board. However, production of tea on an all India basis has declined by 1.8m kg during the period January to September. While production at the northern gardens during September was up by 0.8m kg, the southern tea estates registered a fall of 2.6m kg in the same month. Sources in Indian Tea Association said the fall in production was due to erratic climatic conditions, adding that the target level of 822m kg during the year was still attainable. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 2,'02 |
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Coffee exports edge up in SeptemberThe International Coffee Organization said on Friday producing members’ exports in September ’02 rose to 7.7m 60-kg bags, compared with 6.9m in September ’01. Provisional cumulative exports from October ’01 to September ’02 totalled 87.9m bags, against 89.7m during the same period in ‘00-01, representing a drop of 1.9%. Courtesy: The Economic Times, November 2,'02 |
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Rice exporters to meet Yadav over access to local marketMuch to the chagrin of rice exporter, the government has failed to give the ‘promised’ 45 day time before switching over to a new policy under which traders will not be provided additional rice for processing and will be prohibited to sell ‘brokens’ in the domestic market. Ina last ditch effort, exporters are scheduled to meet food minister Sharad Yadav tomorrow to convince him of the efficacy of giving the earlier incentive at least to those contracts which had been signed for export before the new policy was announced on August 16 this year. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 29,'02 |
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Farmers in a bind as rice exporters join hands to beat down pricesCountry’s top basmati exporters have decided this year to operate as a cartel and stagger procurement so that they can beat down mandi prices. Exporters have also decided to officially adopt Rs 10 a kg as a bench mark while buying Pusa basmati from farmers. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 22,'02 |
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Centre clears N-E agri-export aid planThe centre has cleared a scheme of inland transport reimbursement for horticulture produce exports from the north-eastern region, including Sikkim. The scheme would apply to transportation by road, rail or for of export shipment of all fresh and processed items and certified organic products from the north-east, official sources said. The scheme, meant for exports during the current fiscal, may be extended depending on the exporters’ response. The rate of assistance for road transport is Re 1 per kg from NE states to Guwahati for export by air. It will be Rs 2 per kg if transported by these states to Calcutta by rail. In case of products transported by air, the assistance will be 75% of the airfreight from an airport in NE states and Bagdogra airport to Guwahati or Calcutta. The processed items include ones prepared from guava, lemon, citrus, oranges, pears, pineapple, jaggery and pepper. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 19,'02 |
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Malaya trade bags rubber export orderKottayam-based Malaya Trade Impex has bagged major exports orders for natural rubber, and has targeted export of 2,000 metric tonne of rubber before December. Malaya group MD said this was a major initiative in rubber export from the private sector. The export is also significant in the context of depressed natural rubber prices in the domestic market, and a threat of NR imports faced by the domestic plantation sector. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 18,'02 |
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No move to cut import duty on palm oilThere is no immediate proposal to reduce import duty on palm oil, a top official told. “How can we bring down the duty at a time when Indian farmers are preparing to market their kharif oilseeds production?” he asked. Even at the present rate of duty, palm oil imports constitute a large chunk of total edible oil imports, so there is no immediate need for any review of duty structure, he argued. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 17,'02 |
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Edible oil imports up 52% in Sept on lower output fearsEdible oil import have show a massive 52 % increase in September this year at 6.1 lakh tonnes against 3.9 lakh tonnes in the same month last year, says Solvent Extractors Association. Importers said this is primarily due to the likely fall in kharif oilseeds output which the government has tentatively pegged at 117 lakh tonnes against 133 lakh tonnes in the ’01 kharif season and the higher demand during the ongoing festival period. However, due to sluggish imports during the first half of the season, the overall imports at 40.3 lakh tonnes are 11% lower than 45.5 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year. The imports in September are the highest in any month this oil year (November-October) and have crossed the five-lakh tonne mark for the first time. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 16,'02 |
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Cashew is second among farm exportsExport of cashew kernels, cashewnut shell liquid and allied products had earned the country foreign exchange of Rs 1,781.6 crore during ‘01-02, chairman of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, K Krishna Pillai has said. Among agricultural commodities exported from India, cashew held the second position contributing 0.9% of the total export earnings of the country during ‘01-02. United States continued to be the major buyer of cashew kernels during the last year, importing 48,161m tonnes valued at Rs 884 crore, comprising 49.4% of our total exports in quantity and 49.8% in value terms. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 14,'02 |
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Oilmeal exports fall 7% in April- SeptemberIndia's oilmeal exports have recorded a 7% decline to 547,346 tonnes in April-September, 02, down from 586,111 tonnes in the same period last year. The fall in soyameal export led to the decline in oilmeal exports in total. Oilmeal, saw a sharper cut in their exports during June-July when the meal supply was very tight fearing a severe damage in kharif oilseeds crops. Due to uncertainty in the domestic oilmeal market, their exports fell 25-27% in those months. However, the rate of decline had been contained a bit since August when the kharif oilseeds crops outlook appeared not so bleak as what had been perceived in the early part of the season. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 11,'02 |
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Pepper imports rise as trader’s cash in on re-export sopsIndia remains the world's largest pepper producer but has imported 12,000 tonnes of the commodity during January-August ’02, almost two and half times more than that imported during the same months of previous year. And according to Kishor Shamji, president, Indian Spices and Trading Association, another 8,000 tonnes of pepper is expected to land on Indian shores between October and December ’02. Despite the increase in pepper imports for re-exports, Indian exports of the spice would be far short of the target. As per the Jakarta-based International Pepper Community (IPC), India sets a target to export 25,750 tonnes this year. “But the country would at the most be able to export 18,000 tonnes. In addition to 15,000 tonnes, which have already been exported during January-August, a maximum of 3,000 tonnes are likely to be exported in the last quarter of ’02,” Mr. Shamji, said. Indian pepper is increasingly losing ground in international markets due to its high price compared to other international varieties. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 8,'02 |
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Govt. unveils norms for edible oil importsThe Centre has laid down the procedure for import of three lakh tonnes edible oils at concessional rate of duties, but traders say “the inordinate delay” in doing so is likely to result in lapsing of the major part of the tariff rate quota notified by finance ministry on March 1, ‘02. Imports have to be completed before March 31, ’03. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 8,'02 |
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Rice exports pegged at 5.5m tonnesRice exports are unlikely to be hit though the Centre has halted providing additional rice for processing. Rice exports are pegged at 5.5m tonnes this year, but the trade will shift to 25% brokens from 5% while sales of parboiled exports will be affected. Of the estimated exports of 5.5m tonnes, as much as four million tonnes will be raw rice which is mostly 25% brokens and around 1-1.5m tonnes will be of parboiled rice. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 7,'02 |
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Exporters opt for certified raw materialsThe all India Seafood Exporters Association of India has decided to streamline the purchase of raw material in order to eliminate the risk of the presence of antibiotics. Following the restrictions imposed by EIA on 5 top seafood units from producing and exporting the association has decided to purchase the raw materials only if it is accompanied by an antibiotic free certificate. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 7,'02 |
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Sugar export dipIndia's sugar exports fell drastically by more than two-thirds in August to a mere 60,000 tonnes compared to 1.9 lakh tonnes in the same month last season owing, among other factors, to unremunerative international prices. The cumulative exports in the first eleven months of the season (October-August) are also lower by 30.6% at 7.8 lakh tonnes against 11.2 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year. According to an industry release, output during the period has gone up marginally to 184.2 lakh tonnes as against 183.9 lakh tonnes last year. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 5,'02 |
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Milk exports may riseIndia's exports of milk products could get a big boost with European Union likely to issue a notification soon allowing such exports, official sources said. “Until now Indian milk products are not allowed to be exported to the EU. However, we are expecting a notification by the EU soon allowing exports of such products from India”, sources said. Courtesy: The Economic Times, October 4,'02 |
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West Bengal goes on Agri-export blitzThe West Bengal government will set up three Agri-export zones in the state, state minister for food processing Sailen Sarkar said. The three agri-export zones to be formed would be for pineapple, litchi and potato. He said that the state government intends to set up another two, for mango and vegetables, for which approval was pending. The minister said that the state government would invite investments from the private sector for setting up agri-export zones. Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 28, |
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Government asks exporters to identify new markets for sugarThe government has asked the sugar industry to brace up for greater competition and explore new markets for its produce even as it assured the industry of a buffer stock soon to shore up the bottomline. The minister said on its part government will do everything possible to assist millers but upgradation of technology is their responsibility at the end of the day. To be more viable economically, mills should go for ethanol manufacture from molasses and co-generation of power from bagasse. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 23, www.economictimes.com ) |
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Indonesia to buy 10,000/t of Indian sugarMillers are now bypassing trading firms to directly sell sugar abroad and one such mill belonging to the Rs 700 crore Warana group will be exporting 10,000 tonnes to Indonesia next month thus avoiding high carrying costs of the commodity. “We will be exporting 10,000 tonnes sugar to Indonesia at $210 free-on-board from Mumbai port for October delivery taking our total exports this season to 42,500 tonnes”, Vasantrao S Chavan, MD of the Tatyasaheb Kore Warana Co-operative Sugar Mill, said. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 19) |
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Agri export zones to boost basmati sectorThe Punjab State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation (Markfed) plans to infuse a new vitality in Punjab's basmati sector through agri export zones, to be set up in the state in collaboration with Agriculture Produce and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (Apeda). A MoU to this effect was signed by Markfed managing director SS Channy and Apeda Secretary-General DB Sabharwal. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 19) |
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Wheat exports hitExporters are unable to tap new markets for wheat or increase volumes for exports in a big way as it is being outpriced by much cheaper produce from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. “A MNC firm has got an order to export 50,000 tonnes feed wheat to South Korea at $94 a tonne C & F, price being low, the company will source it from Kazakhstan rather than India”, market sources said. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 17) |
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India's rice exports may dropIndia is likely to lose its recently gained share in the global rice market next year due to smaller crop and lower stocks but will continue to be a major exporter gaining at Pakistan's cost. The country's exports are pegged at 40 lakh tonnes in calender year ’03 down from an estimated 55 lakh tonne this year, according to the latest USDA forecast. The USDA projects that Thailand and Vietnam will bounce back next year though Pakistan will continue to lag from a lack of exportable supplies. USDA has kept the expected exports from India next year at the last month's forecast of 440 lakh tonnes but upscaled this year’s figure to 55 lakh tonnes from 45 lakh tonnes. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 16) |
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Aug edible oil imports dip 31%Edible oil imports of the country declined 31% in August to 4.52 lakh tonnes from 6.54 lakh tonnes despite an anticipated shortfall in kharif oilseeds crop this year. Total import of vegetable oils this season (November-August) is also lower by 17% at 34.24 lakh tonnes against 41.48 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 14) |
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Spices board object to chilli export zone planThe proposed Agri Export Zone (AEZ) for chillies in Guntur, proposed by the government of Andhra Pradesh, seems to have hit a roadblock in the form of objections raised by the Spices Board. The Spices Board is learnt to have questioned the wisdom of having a separate AEZ for chillies, when it is also involved in the same business of promoting chillies production and exports across the country. The board is an apex body under the ministry of commerce created with the objective of developing, regulating and promoting a number of spices produced in the country, including chillies grown in Andhra Pradesh. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 14) |
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Cut-flower exports likely to hit $20m this seasonExports in cut flowers are likely to rise to $20m this season with a marketing centre set up in Amsterdam acting as a major facilitator to give a boost to the trade. In view of the benefits accruing, it has now been decided to continue with the centre and build upon the gains made during the previous season. An amount of Rs 35.9 lakh has been sanctioned by the government for the purpose. This season's estimates cut flower exports are pegged at $20m and targeted to double by ‘05-06 with Amsterdam-based marketing to help increase the volumes and unit price realization, Anil Swarup, chairman, APEDA, said. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 5) |
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Tea board launches drive to reverse fall in exportsIndia's tea exports dropped from 224m kg in 1980 to 180m kg in ’01 and, if the present trend continues, could taper off to below 170m kg by the yeaar ’06. The Tea Board and the industry had, therefore, worked out a medium-term export initiative called ‘Vijay’ to raise exports to around 270m kg through a strategy of market diversification involving an appropriate shift from CTC to Orthodox teas, an upgradation of quality and a focus on improving productivity to scale down the cost of production and make Indian teas more price-competitive. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 3) |
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Govt. may cut duty on RBD palmoleinThe government is considering slashing import duty on refined bleached and deodorized (RBD) palmolein oil in view of the anticipated fall in production of kharif oilseeds particularly groundnut and corresponding increase in domestic prices of edible oils. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September, 2) |
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First basmati export zone in PunjabThe country will have its first agri export zone for basmati rice in Punjab targeting an export of around Rs 2,340 crore in five years from an investment of Rs 23.3 crore. The Punjab basmati export zones one of the four such zones which have received Centre's nod, including one for apples in Himachal Pradesh, mangoes (AP) and flowers (Tamil Nadu), Apeda chairman said. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September, 2) |
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India set to make big gains in rice exportsIndia has been projected to make big gains in rice exports in ’02 which is expected to rise sharply to 4.2 m tonnes as competition for international rice market share intensifies during the year, according to a rice market report released by the UN. The report issued by the Bangkok head-quarters of the food and agriculture organization (FAO) said export are expected to rise sharply despite a two m tonnes fall in India's paddy output from the previous years 1136m tonnes (by labret). Exports will increase by 600,000 tonnes to 4.2m tonnes this year which will be nearly double the ’00 level of 2.2m tonnes. It said world paddy production in ’02 is now forecast at 595 m tonnes, up six million tonnes from the previous estimate, but still one million tonne below the ’01 figure. (Courtesy: The Economic Times, September, 2) |