‘Hathei Chilli’ & ‘Tamenglong’ Orange of Manipur got GI Tag

The famous Hathei Chilli and Tamenglong Orange of Manipur have received the Geographical Index (GI) tag.

Manipur has been promoting these two produce by celebrating the Orange Festival every December and Sirarakhong Hathei festival every August for over a decade now.

About the New GI Products

Tamenglong Orange: It is a unique fruit crop found mostly in Tamenglong district which contributes over 50% of the state’s annual production. It is famous especially for its well-blended sweetness and acidic taste.
Hathei Chilli: It is one of the best varieties of chillies with a distinct flavour and colour, grown in Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district.

Government Allows Wheat and Broken Rice Exports to Five Countries

On 30^th Nov, the government granted permission for the export of specified quantities of wheat, wheat flour, and broken rice to five countries, including Bhutan, Mali, and Indonesia.

Key Points

Quantities for Bhutan: Bhutan's allocation includes 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of atta, 15.226 tonnes of maida/semolina, and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice.
Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Indonesia: Broken rice exports approved for Mali (1 lakh tonnes), Senegal (5 lakh tonnes in six months), Gambia (50,000 tonnes in six months), and Indonesia (2 lakh tonnes).
Export Facilitation: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) jointly facilitate these exports through a government notification.
Export Authority: NCEL, established with cooperative societies as promoters, is designated as the entity through which the permitted exports will be conducted.
Government Approval Basis: While exports of wheat and broken rice were initially restricted to support domestic supply, specific countries receive government permission to meet their food security needs, and exports are facilitated upon request.
Authorized Commodities: Wheat grain, atta, maida/semolina, and broken rice are the permitted food commodities for export.
Export Channel: The government specifies that exports will be carried out through NCEL.

India's Agricultural Output Shortfalls Expected to Persist

Price spikes in pulses this year are linked to uneven monsoon, but a new research report suggests that India's output shortfalls in key protein sources, edible oils, and fruits may continue or widen over the next seven years.

Key Points

Research Source: The research report, titled 'Prospects of India’s Demand and Supply for Agricultural Commodities towards 2030,' is jointly published by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
Import Reliance Warning: Food deficits leading to reliance on imports can elevate the food import bill, urging caution for the long-term impact.
Supply-Demand Gap: Commodities like oilseed, pulses, and fruits are expected to face a supply and demand gap in the coming years, emphasizing the need to boost production and productivity.
Changing Consumption Patterns: As per capita incomes rise, there is a shift in consumption patterns towards nutritious and high-valued commodities, leading to increased demand for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Inflation Challenges: Recurrent high food inflation, as seen this year, limits the scope for monetary and fiscal policies to promote economic growth.
Output Challenges: Preliminary estimates indicate a potential three-year low in the output of pulses, some coarse cereals, and groundnut oil seeds during the current Kharif season.
Demand Growth: Demand growth for non-cereals and high-valued commodities is expected to outpace population growth and cereal commodities' growth in the coming years.
Oilseeds Deficit Concern: The report raises concerns about a potential deficit in oilseeds in 2030, highlighting the importance of technological breakthroughs or area expansion for sustainable solutions.
Import Duty Recommendation: The report echoes a 2012 recommendation to raise import duty when crude palm oil prices fall below $800 per tonne to protect Indian producers.
Scenario Projections: The report projects demand for farm products up to 2030-31 based on alternative growth scenarios, considering per capita income growth ranging from 4.1% to 6.1%.
Policy Recommendations: Policy attention is urged to balance domestic production and absorption of commodities, emphasizing the need for investments in market infrastructure, processing, and storage facilities to build an efficient value chain and reduce food wastages.

Food Subsidy Budget Estimate to Reach Rs 2.3 Trillion for FY25

The Budget Estimate (BE) for the next financial year is expected to set the Centre's food subsidy at Rs 2.3 trillion, with the Revised Estimate (RE) for FY24 indicating a likely increase to Rs 2.14 trillion due to significant hikes in minimum support prices (MSP) for key crops.

Key Points

Estimated Increase: The food subsidy BE for FY25 is anticipated to be approximately 7% higher than the FY24 RE, according to a senior official.
Subsidy Inclusions: The subsidy estimate for the upcoming financial year factors in potential increases in MSP and other incremental expenditures.
Impact on Fiscal Deficit: Despite the expected shortfall in disinvestment receipts, the hike in food subsidy for the current financial year is unlikely to affect the Centre's goal of maintaining the fiscal deficit at 5.9% of GDP, thanks to healthy tax and non-tax revenues.
MSP Hikes: The MSP increases for key rabi and kharif crops this year are the highest since the adoption of a new policy in 2018-19, setting prices at 50% profits over the computed cost of production.
Wheat and Paddy MSPs: The MSP for wheat, the primary rabi crop, saw a sharp 7.05% increase to Rs 2,275/quintal for the 2024-25 marketing season. Paddy, the main kharif crop, had its MSP fixed at Rs 2,183/quintal, marking a 7% year-on-year increase.
PMGKAY Extension: Prime Minister announced the extension of free grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years, benefiting 813 million NFSA beneficiaries with 5 kg of specified grains per month free of cost.

Implementation of Food Security/Subsidy Measures

Ensuring Food Security through Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS):

Distribution of subsidized food grains protects beneficiaries from price volatility due to inflation.
Over the years, despite increased spending on food subsidy, the ratio of people below the poverty line has decreased.

Nodal Ministry and Departments for Implementation:

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution oversees food subsidy implementation.
Two key departments:
- Department of Food and Public Distribution
- Department of Consumer Affairs
98% of the ministry's budget is allocated to the Department of Food and Public Distribution.

Challenges to Food Security in India

Quality and Procurement Challenges:

Beneficiaries' complaints about poor-quality food grains.
Farmers receive Minimum Support Price (MSP) for specific crops, impacting incentive for diverse crop production.
Minimal procurement of crops other than wheat, paddy, and sugarcane.

Nutritional Imbalance and Beneficiary Identification:

Pressure on water table due to water-intensive crops.
Need for expanding subsidies to include protein-rich food items.
Under the National Food Security Act, State Governments lag in identifying beneficiaries.

Storage Capacity and Beneficiary Identification:

Inadequate storage capacity in states as per the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
In 2016, 49% of beneficiaries were yet to be identified by State Governments.

Quantity of Food Grains and Drawal Rates:

States draw around 60-66 million tonnes annually, reaching 91-95% drawal rate.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) increased entitlements, leading to higher drawal rates.

Financial Considerations and Subsidy Bill:

Revised estimate for 2020-21 subsidy at about Rs.4.23-lakh crore, excluding extra budgetary resource allocation.
Increase in food subsidy bill from Rs.1.2 lakh crores in 2014-15 to Rs.3.8 lakh crores in 2020-21.
Borrowing from National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) discontinued in Union Budget 2021-22.
Food subsidy bill includes subsidies to FCI and States, calculated as the difference between Economic cost and Central Issue price.

National Cooperative Organics Limited

Recently, Union Home Minister addressed the National Symposium on ‘Promotion of Organic Products through Cooperatives’ organized by National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL).

Key Points

On the occasion, 6 products under the 'Bharat Organics' brand of NCOL were also launched at the event.
The six organic products- tur dal, chana dal, sugar, rajma, basmati rice, and Sonamasoori rice, will be sold through Mother Dairy's Safal outlets and online platforms.
Besides Safal outlets and online platforms, NCOL will sell organic products via outlets of other four promoters -- Amul, NCCF, Nafed, and NCDC.
‘Bharat Organics’ is a brand under National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), targeting a trusted position in the Indian and international organic market.

About NCOL

It has been established under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 in 2023.
It is a multipurpose initiative that aims to provide a platform to all the farmers doing natural farming across the country and to make arrangements for marketing of their products.
It is headquartered at Anand, Gujarat.
It will sell the organic products in India and later will market in other countries.
About 50% of profits from sale of organic products through NCOL will be transferred directly to member farmers.
It is being promoted by National Dairy Development Board.
It covers the entire supply chain of organic products via activities ranging from aggregation, certification, production, testing, procurement, storage, processing, branding, packaging, labeling, marketing, etc for the ultimate benefit of farmer members.
It is one of the three new cooperatives the government has set up, the other two cooperatives work in the field of certified seeds and exports.

Union Minister Launches Kasturi Cotton Bharat Website

On 21^st October, 2023, Union Minister of Textile, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, unveiled a website for Kasturi Cotton Bharat.

Key Points

Empowering Indian Cotton: Kasturi Cotton Bharat, a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India, Trade Bodies, and the Industry, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian cotton in the global market.
The initiative focuses on self-regulation and takes complete responsibility for branding, traceability, and certification of Indian cotton.
Unveiling of Kasturi Cotton Bharat Brand: On World Cotton Day, which fell on October 7, the Ministry of Textiles introduced the "Kasturi Cotton Bharat" brand for Indian cotton.
This brand is represented by a logo that symbolizes Whiteness, Softness, Purity, Lustre, and Indianness.
Mission-Mode Approach: An MoU was signed on December 15, 2022, between the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and the Textile Industry (TEXPROCIL) to take a mission-mode approach in establishing the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand.
Empowering Ginners: All ginners across the country have been authorized to produce the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand according to specified protocols.
Ensuring Traceability: The initiative ensures complete traceability of Kasturi Cotton Bharat throughout the supply chain by utilizing QR-based certification technology at each processing stage.
A blockchain-based software platform will facilitate end-to-end traceability and transaction certificates.
Promoting Indian Cotton: Union Minister emphasized that the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Initiative goes beyond launching a brand; it is about sharing India's rich heritage with the world.
This initiative strategically positions Indian cotton on the global stage, highlighting its quality standards and commitment to best practices.

Wheat Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 2024-25 Rabi Season Increased

On 18^th October, 2023, the Central government raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat by Rs 150 per quintal, marking a significant increase of 7.06 percent.

The new MSP for wheat, a staple food in India, will be Rs 2,275 for the upcoming 2024-25 rabi marketing season, beginning in April.

Key Points

Record-Breaking Increase: This hike in wheat MSP is the most substantial government came into power in 2014.
Political Timing: The decision to increase the MSP comes ahead of Assembly elections in five states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, both of which are prominent wheat-producing regions.
Wheat Reserve Buildup: The sharp increase in MSP also signals the government's intention to bolster its declining wheat reserves in preparation for the upcoming crop season.
This strategic move aims to prevent potential price spikes during an important election year.
Boosting Masoor Production: In addition to wheat, the MSP for masoor, a vital crop, has been increased by Rs 425 per quintal to Rs 6,425 for the 2024-25 season.
Importance of Masoor: India is one of the world's largest importers of masoor, consuming 2.2-2.4 million tonnes annually.
About 70-80 percent of masoor imports come from Canada, a country with which India has had strained diplomatic relations lately.
Australia has also become a source for masoor imports by Indian traders.
Impact on Diversification: These higher MSPs for rabi crops are expected to support fair prices for farmers and encourage diversification in crop production.
While prices for commodities like wheat, pulses, and sugar have been on the rise due to limited supply, the increase in MSP is not expected to contribute to inflation.
Farmers' Motivation: The substantial MSP increase for wheat is expected to motivate farmers to cultivate more of this crop in the upcoming rabi season, considering the current high rates.
Similarly, mustard and masoor may see increased cultivation due to these significant MSP adjustments.
Record Horticulture Crop Output: The horticulture crop production for the 2022-23 season is projected to reach a record 352 million tonnes, a 1.44 percent increase from the previous season. This marks a significant rise in horticulture crop production in India.

International Conclave on Climate Change in Fisheries Governance

On 17^th October, 2023, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying inaugurated the 'International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthening of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region.'

Key Points

Call for Inclusive Space: The minister emphasized the need for creating an inclusive space for all stakeholders and urged for global collaboration to address the climate crisis in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Global Cooperation: The Minister called for a strategic connection between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, recognizing common challenges and opportunities.
Economic Contribution: The Minister acknowledged the fisheries sector's significant contribution to India's economy, providing livelihoods for over 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers. He highlighted the growth in seafood exports and shrimp exports in recent years, along with the creation of employment opportunities and support for fisher families.
Sustainable Development Goals: FAO representatives stressed the importance of keeping Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the forefront while working towards livelihood, nutrition, and welfare in the fisheries sector.
They also advocated for gender inclusiveness to achieve nutritional security and promote the Blue transformation.

'Kisan Rin Portal' Launched

On 19^th September, 2023, India’s Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister launched the 'Kisan Rin Portal'. This portal aims to provide subsidized loans to farmers under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, bringing a revolutionary change to the country's agriculture sector.

Key Points

Purpose of Kisan Rin Portal: The Kisan Rin digital platform offers comprehensive insights into farmer data, scheme utilization progress, loan disbursement details, and interest subvention claims.
The goal is to enhance integration with banks for more efficient agricultural credit.
Government Disbursement: According to official data, the Indian government disbursed agricultural credit of around Rs 6,573 crore at a subsidized interest rate during April-August in the current fiscal year.
Door-to-Door Campaign: The door-to-door campaign aims to extend KCC benefits to non-KCC holders who are beneficiaries of the central scheme PM-KISAN.
Under this scheme, the government provides Rs 600 annually to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
Enhancing WINDS Initiative: The Ministry intends to enhance the impact of the Weather Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative.
Launched in July, WINDS uses advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights for informed decisions in agriculture.
The portal offers comprehensive guidance to stakeholders for better understanding of its functionalities and data interpretation.
It empowers farmers, policymakers, and agricultural entities to make well-informed decisions.
The portal also shares information about the ministry's parametric crop insurance scheme and non-scheme parametric insurance programs for crop risk mitigation and disaster risk reduction.

Department of Fisheries Launch Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan

On 15^th September, 2023, the Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan program was launched, marking the completion of three successful years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY).

Key Points

Objectives of the Campaign: Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan aims to enhance outreach across India and ensure 'last-mile connectivity.'
The campaign will run for six months from September 2023 to February 2024, featuring 108 events.
It focuses on disseminating information and knowledge about the achievements of the Government of India over nine years, highlighting beneficiary success stories, and reaching 2.8 crore fish farmers and 3477 coastal villages.
Background: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, launched on September 10, 2020, to promote the fisheries sector's growth.
PMMSY consolidates efforts from various schemes and initiatives to boost India's fisheries sector, contributing to income generation, employment, and technology infusion.

India Launches Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg)

On 15^th September, 2023, India introduced the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg), an innovative online platform developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA & FW), marking a significant milestone in agricultural data management.

Key Points

Reduced Search Costs: The UPAg Portal is envisioned as a public good, reducing search costs and enhancing access to reliable, detailed, and unbiased agricultural data.
Crop Estimates and Integration: The platform is designed to generate crop estimates and integrate with other systems that produce agriculture statistics, including price, trade, procurement, and stock data, according to an official statement.
Tackling Data Challenges: The Agriculture Ministry stated that the UPAg portal would address various challenges such as the absence of standardized data, unverified data, and scattered data.
Facilitating Data-Driven Decisions: The Agriculture Ministry stated that the UPAg initiative aims to offer real-time, standardized, and verified agricultural commodity data, enabling data-driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.