Talk between Agriculture Ministry and Russia to boost the export of dairy and meat units

Discussion between the agriculture ministry and  the Russian government to expedite testing and clearing of Indian dairy, fish and meat processing units for exports, a long-standing demand of Indian food processors who are keen to utilize its market. 

According to an agriculture ministry official, “Russia is in the process to approve several processing plants for dairy, meat and fish. This will give market access and lead to rise in exports. In the past one month there have been deliberations between the two countries and various ministries. Officials from food safety, agriculture and trade recently met to facilitate trade in agriculture and food processing. We have come to a basic understanding on issues from health and veterinary, phyto sanitary measures and certification procedures etc."

"Indian exporters are looking at new markets to expand and Russia has a huge potential. Marine exports have seen a 25% growth in the last 3-4 years, with over 1.2 million tonnes, valued at Rs 40,000 crore, being exported in 2016-17. We are the largest exporter of shrimps to the Eurpoean Union and the US, and Russia can be the next market,” the officials said. 

Devendra Shah, Chairman of  Parag Milk food, stated that  “Opening of Russian market for Indian dairy sector will be a good opportunity for India farmers. There is market of over 2 lakh tonnes only for cheese, which we can tap”. 

In 2016-17, India had exported 78,000 tonnes of dairy products, including casein, cheese, flavour milk and ghee, valued at Rs 1,500 crore. The sector has been growing at 10-12% annually, according to government data. 

Fauzan Alavi, spokesperson for All-India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association, said "Russia only wants Indian companies to comply with the animal health requirements as per OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code, and have foot-and-mouth disease free notification for two years from the state. Indian manufacturing units are very modern and it will be a huge boost for units in Uttar Pradesh and Telengana if they are allowed to export.”  

According to government data for 2016-17, over 1.2 million tonnes of bovine meat, valued at Rs 23,000 crore, was exported. The annual growth in export was 8-9%.

Source - The Economic Times