National Turmeric Board Launched to Boost Golden Spice Industry

The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership, enhance existing efforts, and facilitate coordination with government departments and agencies related to the turmeric sector. This focused approach aims to capitalize on the vast potential for expanding turmeric and turmeric product trade, particularly given the growing recognition of its health benefits.

Conclave in Hyderabad Focuses on Pandemic Preparedness and Animal Vaccine Innovation

Prof. Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog, inaugurated the conclave and emphasized the critical need to bolster veterinary infrastructure to effectively combat future pandemics. The Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, called for increased investment in animal health to improve productivity and enhance supply chain and cold chain systems for effective last-mile delivery of vaccines. The Animal Husbandry Commissioner, stressed the importance of ensuring vaccine security and pre-qualification for animal vaccines.

Draft Insecticides (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2024  

The draft rules propose a fee of Rs. 200 per sample of bio-pesticides where the active ingredient is known. The fee for testing/ analyzing bio-pesticide samples submitted by farmers to ascertain quality would be specified in a revised Second Schedule. The Central Government may also consider exempting specific state governments from these fees for a reasonable period due to genuine difficulties.

DGFT Amends Handbook of Procedures for Import of Tea, Spices, and Coconut Oil

The export obligation period for items covered by Chapter 9 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC(HS)] and coconut oil has been extended from 90 days to 6 months from the date on which the first import consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities. The export obligation period for imported spices used for value addition (VA) purposes like crushing, grinding, sterilization, or the manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom, and chillies has been extended from 120 days to 6 months from the date of importation of the first consignment.

Government Proposes Stronger Scrutiny for GMO Approvals

In a recent landmark judgment, the Supreme Court directed the government to strengthen conflict-of-interest regulations for experts involved in GMO approvals. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed amendments to the existing regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).