Mutual Recognition Agreement between India and Taiwan for Organic Products
By virtue of this agreement, agricultural products produced and handled organically in conformity with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and accompanied by an organic demonstration document (transaction certificate, etc.) issued by an accredited certification body under NPOP are allowed for sale in Taiwan as organically produced including display of the “India Organic” logo.
Fresh Updates To List Of Notified And Referral Laboratories Testing Fortified Rice Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has once again revised its lists of notified and referral laboratories authorized to test the nutrient content of fortified rice products. FSSAI permits these laboratories to analyze samples of Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK for iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9.
New Amendments To General Grading and Marking Rules
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified the General Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2024, to strengthen enforcement mechanisms for agricultural produce quality standards. The amendment rules were published on July 5, 2024.
Warehousing Regulatory Authority notifies agricultural commodities to be stored in registered warehouses
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority determines 10 agricultural commodities that can be stored in registered warehouses under the Warehouse (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007.
CAQM Enhances Plantation Drive to Combat Air Pollution
Recognizing the effectiveness of vegetation in mitigating dust, a major contributor to poor air quality, CAQM has set ambitious plantation targets. After exceeding the 2022-23 target of 3.85 crore new plantations, the Commission is aiming even higher for 2024-25, with a target of 4.5 crore new trees across NCR states and Delhi.
India Hosts 64th Council Meeting of International Sugar Organization
India highlighted its role as the world’s largest sugar consumer and a significant biofuel producer. The the importance of biofuels in combating climate change and the success of India’s Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme was also emphasised.
BIS Revises Standards On Cast Iron, Metallic Materials and Human Resource Management
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised certain standards on Microstructure Of Cast Iron, Rice Milling Yield, Cultivation Structures, Metallic Materials And Human Resource Management. These notifications were published on June 26, 2024.
Government Imposes Stock Limits on Wheat to Control Prices and Prevent Hoarding
In a bid to ensure food security and curb price hikes, the Government of India has imposed stock limits on wheat across the country. This move comes into effect immediately from June 24, 2024 and will remain in place until March 31, 2025. The new limits apply to traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, and processors across all states and union territories.
Government Monitors Wheat Prices To Prevent Hoarding Of Stocks
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is closely monitoring wheat prices to ensure market stability and prevent hoarding. As of January 1, 2024, wheat stocks were well above the prescribed buffer norm. Currently, there are no plans to alter import duties on wheat.
Seed Import To Get Easier In India
Previously, seeds of coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder plants, and fruit species could only be imported based on the recommendations of EXIM Committee of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW). Now, by the present amendment order, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has eliminated this requirement.
