17-February-2024: APEDA, Cotton Candy Banned, Punjab Farmer Exports Millets, Govt Increases FCI's Authorized Capital, Bird Flu

17 February 2024

• APEDA's Proactive Interventions Drive Exponential Growth in Agricultural Exports

  The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been instrumental in boosting India's agricultural exports to unparalleled levels since its establishment. From its humble beginnings with annual exports of USD 0.6 billion in 1987-88, APEDA's proactive interventions have increased agricultural exports to a remarkable figure of USD 26.7 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. This journey of exponential growth underscores the efficacy of APEDA's strategies, which have expanded the export basket to over 200 countries, showcasing a commendable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12%.

• Cotton Candy Banned in This State Due to Cancer-Causing Element

  Tamil Nadu has taken a decisive step in safeguarding public health by banning the sale of cotton candy following the discovery of a cancer-causing element within it. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian declared the prohibition on February 17, 2024, after a rigorous analysis conducted by the Food Analysis Laboratory.

• Singh is King: Punjab Farmer Exports Millets Globally Worth Rs 38 Lakh

  While farmers across Punjab were toiling to gain some profit from paddy cultivation four years ago, Dilpreet Singh chose to grow millets on his 8-acre farm. Interestingly, this son of Punjab has now not only increased the production of millets but has exported 14.3 tonnes of millet and value-added products, worth $45,803, to Australia.

• Govt Increases FCI's Authorized Capital to Rs 21,000 Crore to Boost Agricultural Sector

  The Government of India (GoI) has announced an increase in the authorized capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from Rs 10,000 Crore to Rs 21,000 Crore in a significant move intended to support the agricultural sector and guarantee the welfare of farmers across the country. This strategic move demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to supporting farmers and fortifying India's agrarian economy.

• Bird Flu Sparks Stringent Measures in AP’s Nellore District Poultry Farms

  Authorities have formally confirmed the presence of the Avian Influenza virus, primarily in the Kovur and Podalakuru mandals, which is a serious setback for poultry producers in the Nellore region. The confirmation of the H5N1 subtype, a variant of the Influenza virus, emerged from reports concerning the Chagatla and Gummalladibba poultry farms situated within Podalakuru and Kovur mandals, respectively.