Govt stand on export development of Agri and dairy in Parliament

Title : EXPORT OF DAIRY AND AGRI PRODUCTS †3399. SHRIMATI RANJEETA KOLI: SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI: DR. MANOJ RAJORIA: Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be pleased to state:

(a) whether India ranks first in milk production in the world; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any proposals for opening the markets for export of dairy and agri products have been sent by the Government to the United States of America and the other countries; (d) if so, the details thereof along with the name of those countries; (e) whether any measures have been taken by the Government to draw benefits from the importexport policies in the national interest; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL) (a) & (b): Yes, Sir. According to production data of Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), India ranks first in milk production in the world contributing 24% of global milk production in the year 2021-22. The milk production of India has registered 51% increase during the last eight years i.e. during the year 2014-15 and 2021-22 and has increased to 221.10 Million MT in the year 2021-22.

(c) & (d): Issues related to market access for export of dairy and agri products are being discussed under the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) mechanism with the USA on regular basis. It was also intended to increase dialogue on food and agricultural trade issues in 2023 and continue work to address bilateral issues in the relationship through the Agriculture Working Groups as well as the relevant Sub-groups. Besides, market access issues have been taken up for various agricultural products through respective Ministries with various importing countries such as USA, Singapore, UK, New Zealand, European Union, China, Australia, Philippines, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, South Africa, Iran, Malaysia, Belarus, Turkey, Thailand, Colombia, Ecuador, South Korea, Israel etc.

(e) & (f): The following measures have been taken to draw benefits from import-export policies by the Government:-

(i) To boost export of milk and milk products, Government has launched export incentive scheme “Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)” from 2021. Under the RoDTEP scheme, a rebate is granted to eligible exporters of dairy products at a notified rate of 0.5% of FOB value.

(ii) The Government has been continuing with a scheme “Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)” to facilitate import of capital goods for producing quality goods (including dairy commodities) and enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness. This scheme aims to encourage the production of goods for export by providing import duty concessions on capital goods.

(iii) Under Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, a new National Cooperative Exports Limited has been set up as an Umbrella organization to promote exports from the cooperative sector. Cooperative societies from Primary to National level including District, State, National level federations and Multi-State Cooperative Societies can become its members. Through this Society, the export of farmers’ products will be facilitated, and the farmers will get better price for their products. The society is promoted by IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, GCMMF and NCDC.

(iv) Prohibition on import of milk and milk products (including chocolates and chocolate products and candies/ confectionery/ food preparations with milk or milk solid as ingredient) was imposed due to concerns of contamination of milk and milk products and its adverse effect on public health. The said prohibition was extended until the capacity of all laboratories at ports of entry have been suitably upgraded for testing melamine vide DGFT’s Notification No. 01/2015-20 dated 23.04.2019.

Source : Website of Sansad in digital format