Growth in export of agri products slidesGrowth in exports of agricultural products is seen sliding, causing a concern.
Decline in commodity prices, glut in global markets, and import ban by several countries have led to a slowdown in agri exports, after registering a consistent growth..
According to available data, the year-on-year growth in agricultural exports has reduced considerably in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Though in absolute terms, agri products exports have
increased to Rs.1.96 lakh crore in 2013-14 from Rs.1.74 lakh crore in 2012-13, it is significantly lower than 68.4 per cent growth (y-o-y) registered in 2011-12 (Rs.1.33 lakh crore in 2011-12 against Rs.78,854 crore in 2010-11).
“Post global economic slowdown in 2008-09, agricultural exports have been instrumental in keeping India’s export afloat. When most primary commodities had registered slower or negative growth, agricultural products exports from India had registered a steady growth, which is now seen falling,” said Exim Bank of India Chief Manager Suman Sarkar said. Commerce Ministry data until December, 2014, indicate a negative growth in exports of a number of agricultural products, including tea, cereals (except non-basmati rice), spices, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and oil meals.
Guar gum shows a steep fall after rising steadily in recent years. Meat and meat products, rice (non-basmati), cashew and oilseeds, however, continued to register a healthy growth. Exports of basmati rice also have registered a negative growth, mainly on account of ban imposed by Iran recently.
“Besides decrease in global demand for certain commodities, exports have been significantly affected by factors, including inferior quality and presence of pests and chemicals. Recent ban by Saudi Arabia and the EU has had a negative impact,” Ms. Sarkar said . She said a decline in trade might have a significant impact on production levels as well as on the income of farmers.
“The decline in growth is a concern from the point of view of forex earnings. Agri exports account for around 12-14 per cent of our total exports and, hence, they are critical from our balance of payments position. The reason for lower exports is due to high production levels in other countries and domestic issues like quality. Also, prices have come down in global markets which makes it difficult for Indian exporters to compete,” said CARE Ratings Deputy Managing Director Rajesh Mokashi. According to Mr. Mokashi, agri exports are important as most of this demand is based on the pull factor rather than the push factor. “There are limited options to support such exports. Exploring more markets is the way out,” he said.
Despite setbacks, Russia’s decision to open its markets for Indian agricultural products can be a game changer.
Decline in commodity prices, glut in global markets, and import ban by several countries have led to a slowdown in agri exports, after registering a consistent growth..
According to available data, the year-on-year growth in agricultural exports has reduced considerably in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Though in absolute terms, agri products exports have
increased to Rs.1.96 lakh crore in 2013-14 from Rs.1.74 lakh crore in 2012-13, it is significantly lower than 68.4 per cent growth (y-o-y) registered in 2011-12 (Rs.1.33 lakh crore in 2011-12 against Rs.78,854 crore in 2010-11).
“Post global economic slowdown in 2008-09, agricultural exports have been instrumental in keeping India’s export afloat. When most primary commodities had registered slower or negative growth, agricultural products exports from India had registered a steady growth, which is now seen falling,” said Exim Bank of India Chief Manager Suman Sarkar said. Commerce Ministry data until December, 2014, indicate a negative growth in exports of a number of agricultural products, including tea, cereals (except non-basmati rice), spices, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and oil meals.
Guar gum shows a steep fall after rising steadily in recent years. Meat and meat products, rice (non-basmati), cashew and oilseeds, however, continued to register a healthy growth. Exports of basmati rice also have registered a negative growth, mainly on account of ban imposed by Iran recently.
“Besides decrease in global demand for certain commodities, exports have been significantly affected by factors, including inferior quality and presence of pests and chemicals. Recent ban by Saudi Arabia and the EU has had a negative impact,” Ms. Sarkar said . She said a decline in trade might have a significant impact on production levels as well as on the income of farmers.
“The decline in growth is a concern from the point of view of forex earnings. Agri exports account for around 12-14 per cent of our total exports and, hence, they are critical from our balance of payments position. The reason for lower exports is due to high production levels in other countries and domestic issues like quality. Also, prices have come down in global markets which makes it difficult for Indian exporters to compete,” said CARE Ratings Deputy Managing Director Rajesh Mokashi. According to Mr. Mokashi, agri exports are important as most of this demand is based on the pull factor rather than the push factor. “There are limited options to support such exports. Exploring more markets is the way out,” he said.
Despite setbacks, Russia’s decision to open its markets for Indian agricultural products can be a game changer.
About a fortnight ago, when the nationwide tiger count was released, Sonoka Sarkar, 31, was trying to come to terms with her husband’s disappearance and death.
Srinivas Sarkar, 40, was dragged away by an adult tiger while he was catching crabs. The body could not be recovered, and Sonoka became another widow on the Sunderbans archipelago whose husband was devoured by a Royal Bengal Tiger.
“You may celebrate the rise in the number of tigers, I can’t,” says Sonaka. Many on Satjelia and surrounding islands are spending sleepless nights, fearing a rise in tiger attacks. West Bengal officials recently said the number of tigers has substantially increased, and there are over 100 in the Sunderbans.
Sonaka explains why such a rise in tiger population is ominous for people living on the archipelago. “I have lost my husband to a tiger. I do not know how many more will lose their lives, as the tiger numbers swell,” she said, sitting in her mud-and-thatch house.
Srinivas ’s brother Subhash says the pattern of life does not change on the island, and one dead man is replaced by another “who can walk.”
Binay Mondal, 66, has a different story. He single-handedly fought a tiger 19 years ago and survived. Mondal’s friend, who does not want to be quoted, reveals why a sexagenarian cannot disclose the most heroic story of his life. “Because here we fight not only the tigers but the police and conservationists who insist that killing, or even injuring, a tiger is a criminal offence.” “Fighting a tiger could be the subject of a film, but here if you touch one, you will end up in jail,” he says. “Tigers are more valuable than human beings in the Sunderbans,” the old man concludes.
These men, in their 60s or 70s, know they are old enough to escape the forest, the police or the tigers; they know they will have to make a living by catching crabs or collecting honey as neither age nor their financial condition allows them to explore the world outside. But they are desperate to stop their children from depending on the forest. “If you commit a lot of sins, you are born on the edge of a forest and have to enter it to survive…it is not tourism but survival for us,” says Mondal. “But, I told my son to be a beggar rather than survive off the forest.
Canaries breathe easy, as gadgets enter mines
Electronic gas detectors have retired canaries from a dangerous job they had been doing in the coalmines of the Kothagudem region of Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. here. With the company introducing state-of-the-art handheld gas detectors with sensors and alarm systems for deep excavation, the birds are no longer called in to play the role of an early-warning system for carbon monoxide and other toxic gases in the mines.
The rapid breathing rate, small size and high metabolism of the canaries make them die before miners do on inhaling toxic gases. The men can then be quickly evacuated. The canaries used to be carried in cages and miners had to look for distress signs in the birds.
With the advent of a range of portable electronic toxic gas detectors, the canaries became mere ceremonial entities in some of the mines a few years ago. The gas detectors have helped retire them in Kothagudem.
The company has dispensed with the old system as canaries have become a fast dwindling species. Animal rights activists raised objections to the use of the birds, sources said.
The electronic gas detectors are immensely useful in constantly monitoring the presence of dangerous gases inside the mines, says Ramana Reddy, in-charge, Mines Rescue Station of the company. Ten detectors, some of them multi-gas detectors, were allotted to the VK 7 underground mine in the Kothagudem area following safety provisions envisaged by the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1957.
The gadgets are capable of detecting harmful gases with greater perfection and alerting the coal miners with a 90-decibel alarm which can be heard within a radius of five to 10 metres inside the mine.
The rapid breathing rate, small size and high metabolism of the canaries make them die before miners do on inhaling toxic gases. The men can then be quickly evacuated. The canaries used to be carried in cages and miners had to look for distress signs in the birds.
With the advent of a range of portable electronic toxic gas detectors, the canaries became mere ceremonial entities in some of the mines a few years ago. The gas detectors have helped retire them in Kothagudem.
The company has dispensed with the old system as canaries have become a fast dwindling species. Animal rights activists raised objections to the use of the birds, sources said.
The electronic gas detectors are immensely useful in constantly monitoring the presence of dangerous gases inside the mines, says Ramana Reddy, in-charge, Mines Rescue Station of the company. Ten detectors, some of them multi-gas detectors, were allotted to the VK 7 underground mine in the Kothagudem area following safety provisions envisaged by the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1957.
The gadgets are capable of detecting harmful gases with greater perfection and alerting the coal miners with a 90-decibel alarm which can be heard within a radius of five to 10 metres inside the mine.
Mamata-led delegation to visit DhakaShe will attend event to commemorate Bengali language movement
Mamata Banerjee will pay a three-day visit to Dhaka from Thursday, the first by her as West Bengal Chief Minister.
Ms. Banerjee, who will be accompanied by a team comprising Ministers, MPs, officials, businessmen and a cultural delegation, has been invited by Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali to attend the historic occasion commemorating the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.
The trip is taking place amid non-stop transport blockade and hartals spearheaded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of the former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and the Jamaat-e-Islami. The visit has drawn interest among political observers since it was Ms. Banerjee who stalled the India-Bangladesh accord on sharing Teesta waters in 2011 and her party, the Trinamool Congress, until recently, opposed the Land Boundary Agreement to transfer enclaves.
Ms. Banerjee will call on President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She will attend the celebration of February 21 at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the martyrs of the language movement.
The Chief Minister will address a business meet to be organised by the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Chambers of Commerce, Kolkata.
Ms. Banerjee, who will be accompanied by a team comprising Ministers, MPs, officials, businessmen and a cultural delegation, has been invited by Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali to attend the historic occasion commemorating the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.
The trip is taking place amid non-stop transport blockade and hartals spearheaded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of the former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and the Jamaat-e-Islami. The visit has drawn interest among political observers since it was Ms. Banerjee who stalled the India-Bangladesh accord on sharing Teesta waters in 2011 and her party, the Trinamool Congress, until recently, opposed the Land Boundary Agreement to transfer enclaves.
Ms. Banerjee will call on President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She will attend the celebration of February 21 at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the martyrs of the language movement.
The Chief Minister will address a business meet to be organised by the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Chambers of Commerce, Kolkata.
‘Let internally displaced Tamils be rehabilitated first’The State government on Tuesday said that any meeting to discuss voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees was premature and should be deferred in view of the prevailing atmosphere of fear and intimidation, the presence of the Army in Tamil areas, non-settlement of internally displaced people and absence of any concrete and credible measures taken by the Sri Lankan government.In his address to the Assembly, Governor K. Rosaiah said the government was committed to the peaceful, just and honourable resettlement of the refuges. “But it is of the view that voluntary repatriation can be countenanced only after proper rehabilitation of the internally displaced Sri Lankan Tamils,” he said.He stressed that a congenial atmosphere for the return of the refugees could be achieved only by fully restoring the autonomy and democratic rights of Tamil minorities, besides sufficient economic and political measures. While appreciating the efforts taken by the State government to secure the release of five fishermen, who were sentenced to death in Sri Lanka, the Governor said a permanent solution to the attack on Tamil fishermen could be possible only by restoring India’s sovereignty over Katchatheevu.
Metro rail projectAnnouncing that the Metro rail project between Koyambedu and Alandur would be inaugurated soon, Mr. Rosaiah demanded an early clearance from the Centre to extend the project from Washermenpet to Tiruvottiyur. Seeking increased role for the States in development and in nation-building, as well as greater fiscal autonomy, he expressed the hope that the new institution, NITI Aayog, would foster the spirit of cooperative federalism with the active participation of all Chief Ministers in its governing council.
Foodgrain productionMr. Rosaiah also lauded the State government for achieving highest grain production and record production of pulses and winning the Centre’s Krishi Karman award.
UNSC meet to discuss situation in LibyaEgyptian Foreign Minister in New York to seek support for intervention
The U.N. Security Council will meet on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Libya after the apparent IS execution of 21 Egyptian Christians, with Egypt’s Foreign Minister in attendance, diplomats said Tuesday.
The meeting follows the release of a videotape by the Islamic State group purportedly showing the mass beheading in Libya. Egypt launched retaliatory air strikes against IS targets in Libya on Monday.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is in New York where he will also hold bilateral meetings with Security Council members and Arab representatives, diplomats said.
Egypt has asked the U.N. Security Council to provide a mandate for an international intervention in Libya, where fighting among rival militias has thrust the country into chaos.
France and Italy also called for a Security Council meeting to decide on “new measures” in Libya.
The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Wednesday and was to be followed by closed-door consultations.
Mr. Shoukry will lay out the situation in public before the council, Britain’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Peter Wilson told reporters.
Asked about the Egyptian demand for an intervention, Mr. Wilson said, “We are waiting to see what Foreign Minister Shoukry has to say.”
While supporting the Egyptian request, Arab diplomats at the United Nations said they thought it would also require a formal request by the Libyan government.
But Libya currently has two governments and two rival Parliaments, one close to the Fajr Libya coalition and the other recognized by the international community and based in Tobruk.
An intervention “requires a lot of Europeans to come in, it requires a U.N. blessing and it requires also a letter from the Libyan government saying that it will allow troops to get in,” Iraq’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mohamed Ali Alhakim, said. “Without that, the U.N. cannot move.”
U.N. diplomats said they expected no decisions on Wednesday, or even a council statement at the end of the meeting.
Russia and China have been notoriously reluctant to support interventions under a U.N. banner. Moscow accused the United Nations of overstepping its role when it adopted resolutions that led to the international military operation that helped oust Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi in 2011. — AFP
Mine allotment process for PSUs to start todayGovt. to invite applications for 43 coal blocks
The government will on Wednesday start afresh the process for allotting coal mines to State and Central public sector undertakings (PSUs) and will now allot 43 blocks, instead of 36 announced earlier.
“Tomorrow, the Coal Ministry will come out with notification inviting applications for 43 coal blocks,” a Coal Ministry official said.
There is a lot of demand from PSUs for allotment of coal blocks.
Coal Secretary Anil Swarup further said that instead of 36 coal mines the government had decided that it would allot 45 coal blocks to the PSUs.
The Ministry has decided to allot 43 mines instead of 45 blocks as two mines have been held back as they are being examined by a technical committee.
The government has put on sale 19 coal blocks in the first lot. Till now nine coal blocks have been bagged by companies like Hindalco, Jaiprakash Associates, Durgapur Projects and B S Ispat.
The government has already started the process of auction of 21 coal blocks to be put on sale in the second lot.
Meanwhile, Jaiprakash Power Ventures bagged the Amelia (North) mine in Madhya Pradesh, quoting Rs.712 a tonne, the highest among 11 firms, including Adani Power, Balco and Essar Power.
Bids are under way on the fourth day of auction for another two coal blocks — Ardhagram in West Bengal and Chotia in Chhattisgarh to be given to firms in the non-power sector.
“Jaiprakash Power the highest bidder at (Rs) 712 (a tonne) for Amelia North,” Coal Secretary Anil Swarup tweeted.
The ten companies in the race for Amelia (North) mine apart from Jaiprakash Power Ventrues Ltd were — Adani Power, Bharat Aluminium Co (BALCO), Essar Power M P, GMR Chhattisgarh Energy, GVK Power Goindwal Sahib, Jindal Power, JSW Energy, KSK Mahanadi Power Company, RattanIndia Power and Reliance Geothermal Power Pvt. Ltd.
The mine has extractable reserves of 70.28 million tonnes (mt). The other two mines — Ardhagram and Chotia for which bidding is on — have extractable reserves of 19.29 mt and 13.57 mt, respectively.
Earlier tweeting on auctions, Mr. Swarup said “coal block auction gets under way on the fourth day adding that poor States will reap benefits of coal block auctions.”
The five companies vying for Ardhagram coal mine are Easternrange Coal Mining Pvt. Ltd., Monnet Ispat and Energy, OCL Iron & Steel, SS Natural Resources Pvt. Ltd. and Visa Steel. The technically qualified bidders for Chotia mines are: Balco, Godawari Power & Ispat, Hindalco Industries, Prakash Industries, Rungta Mines and Ultratech Cement. — PTI
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