The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs, which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport (LRET).

Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development. POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.

Considering its commitment towards providing safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had notified the ‘Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The regulation inter alia prohibited the manufacture, trade, use, import and export seven chemicals namely (i) Chlordecone, (ii) Hexabromobiphenyl, (iii) Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether (Commercial octa-BDE), (iv) Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE), (v) Pentachlorobenzene, (vi) Hexabromocyclododecane, and (vii) Hexachlorobutadiene, which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm Convention.

The Cabinet’s approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates India’s commitment to meet its international obligations with regard to protection of environment and human health. It also indicates the resolve of the Government to take action on POPs by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals’ stockpiles and review as well as update its National Implementation Plan (NIP). The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the NIP.

The Cabinet further delegated its powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministers of External Affairs (MEA) and Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations thereby streamlining the procedure.

India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default “opt-out” position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary.

Constructed at a total cost of about Rs. 68.60 Crores, these four KVs have been running in temporary buildings till now. About 4000 Students will be benefitted with these newly developed campuses in the states of Odisha, Haryana and Rajasthan.

All the four new buildings of KVs have been constructed as per ‘Green Building’ norms and facilitated with Rain Water Harvesting System to ensure maximum water conservation. Buildings are constructed barrier free for the easy access to Divyang people. Ample space for Sports and Physical Activities has been allotted for encouraging students towards fitness.

During the virtual inauguration ceremony, Union Education Minister will also address the local gatherings and dignitaries through Video Conferencing.

India’s elite men and women boxers will travel to Italy and France for a period of 52 days from October to December for their overseas training and participation in international competition. The overseas training and exposure has been sanctioned by the government at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.31 crores.

A 28 member contingent will travel which include 10 male boxers and 6 women boxers along with the support staff. Amongst the boxers who will be participating include Amit Panghal, Ashish Kumar, Satish Kumar, Simranjit Kaur, Lovlina Borgohain and Pooja Rani, all of whom have earned quotas for the Tokyo Olympics. All the four events (Men’s 57 kg, Men’s 81 kg, Men’s 91 kg, Women’s 57 kg) where India is yet to win a quota, will have boxers who will be a part of the travelling contingent. They will be accompanied by 8 coaches and support staff in the men’s team and 4 coaches and support staff in the women’s team.

Lovlina Borgohain, Women’s 69 kg boxer, is looking forward to be participating in competition again, “It is very good that we will be getting a feeling of competition again. I am very excited about this. With 10 months to go before the Olympics, getting to compete against European opponents will be really helpful.”

The men’s and women’s boxing team will be training at Assisi, Italy for a period of 52 days from October 15 to December 5. The expenses will include their boarding, lodging, airfare and visa fees. Covid Tests of all 28 players and staff will also be covered under this expense.

13 boxers from the contingent will also participate in the “Alexis Vastine” International Boxing Tournament to be held in Nantes, France from October 28 to October 30.

Ashish Kumar, Men’s 75 kg boxer said that this is good preparation as they would be coming up against opponents who they might face at the Olympics, “It will be very helpful for us to play against competitors from abroad. We were already at camp in Patiala and regained our fitness, going abroad will really help. When we meet new competitors, we will get an idea of our level. It will help us get a better idea of where we stand and what aspects we need to improve on.”

Nine boxers, the highest ever for a single Olympics from India have earned quotas for the Tokyo games. The World Olympic qualifying event scheduled for next year is the last event for Indian boxers to obtain quotas for the Olympics.

CA Kutappa, Chief Coach, Indian Men’s Boxing Team is very happy that the boxers will travel abroad and calls this exposure trip as an opportunity to know where they stand against international competition after all the disruptions that have taken place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “At this time last year, we were at peak competition fitness, participating in the World Championships and were training intensely. Thank the government for sanctioning this. The boxers are very happy, they wanted to do something different, they need competition and training. They want to see where they stand compared to the European boxers. This overseas exposure will give a better idea of competition from Europe.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the beginning of his 20^th year as a public representative. In a series of tweets, the Union Home Minister said “October 7 is a very important day in the history of our country. On this day in 2001, Shri Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and from that day onwards, an unstoppable journey dedicated to the cause of the nation and public service was begun which has helped us in achieving new milestones in the country’s development every day.

Shri Amit Shah said that “Inspired by the thoughts, vision and charismatic personality of PM Modi, every Indian today is working towards re-establishing India as a ‘Vishwa Guru’. It is a matter of great pride for me to work for the welfare of the nation under his extraordinary leadership and guidance”.

He further added that “if anyone can truly understand the aspirations of 130 crores Indians, then he is none other than Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. With his visionary thinking, PM Modi is working relentlessly towards creating an India that is strong, modern and self-reliant, said Shri Amit Shah.

Shri Amit Shah said that “as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi brought a revolution of development in the state and now as Prime Minister, he is bringing a positive change in the lives of millions of poor, farmers, women and deprived sections of society by empowering them with various historic schemes and initiatives”.

Shri Amit Shah said “whether it was bringing Bhuj out from the catastrophic earthquake and placing it on the development path, or to make Gujarat a symbol of peace and harmony, or to provide the Gujarat model of development and progress to the country through hard work and visionary thinking, it is solely the result of the untiring commitment of Modi ji”.

Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence organised the Ambassadors’ Round Table Virtual conference on Aero India 2021, chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh here today. The major reach-out effort of the Ministry was well attended by 200+ invitees comprising Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches of over 75 countries indicating the growing stature of the 13^th mega biennial event, to be held in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru from February 3-7, 2021. The senior representatives of foreign missions at New Delhi were briefed about the Aero India-21well in advance with a view to encourage the presence of their leaders and senior most decision makers at the event in February 2021 wherein India’s Aerospace and Defence manufacturing capabilities will be displayed under one umbrella.

Addressing the conference, Raksha Mantri said, Aero India-21aligns with India’s vision to be among the top five countries of the world in defence and aerospace industries, with active participation of public and private sector fulfilling the objective of Self-Reliance as well as requirements of other friendly countries. Shri Rajnath Singh stated that “Aatmanirbhar Bharat was the centerpiece of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and towards this, Ministry of Defence has announced numerous government reforms such as increase in FDI to 74% through automatic route, the Defence Acquisition Procedure -2020, revised Offset guidelines to promote Investment in India for co-development and co-production as also formulated the draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020)during the preceding pandemic months to steer the vision as also for ease of business”.

Shri Rajnath Singh added that India’s Aerospace and defence sector has matured and is exploring mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly countries to set up manufacturing industries in India and defence equipment produced in India to be exported abroad. He further stated that “Aero India-21 will showcase Government’s intent to achieve a turnover of USD 25 billion with exports of USD 5 billion in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2025”.

The representatives from across the world were briefed that Aero India-21 will be a business oriented event and will be compliant to the COVID-19 stipulations. The event has received tremendous interest since the launch of the event website by the Defence Minister on 11 Sep 2020 and more than 90%of space has been booked reflecting the tremendous interest shown by exhibitors to participate in the aero show. The fine tuning of the business events and seminars are being planned and over 500 exhibitors are expected at Asia’s Largest Aeroshow.

Raksha Mantri also urged the Ambassadors to impress upon their leadership and Industry captains of their respective countries and defence industries to participate in Aero India-21 in a big way so as to “dive deep into the strategic and business opportunities available in India with the aim of establishing strategic partnerships”. Shri Rajnath Singh also released the official Aero India 2021 inaugural film on the occasion.

The theme of the event ‘The runway to a billion opportunities’, encompasses the gamut of Aerospace and Defence manufacturing including opportunities in the civil aerospace domain. The Defence Minister expressed confidence that Aero India-21 will demonstrate India’s ability to take the lead and further build on our strengths in the post COVID world.

Department of Defence Production gave a detailed presentation on all aspects of Aero India-21 and built in assurances to be compliant with COVID-19 stipulations. The Government of Karnataka also gave a presentation informing the participants about the preparedness of the state to conduct the show in a controlled and safe environment.

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri BS Yediyurappa also addressed the distinguished audience and assured them that Government of Karnataka would make all necessary preparations towards safe conduct of the Aero India-21 in February 2021 at Bengaluru keeping in mind the safety of the participants and in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik; Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Raj Kumar also addressed the gathering and echoed the resolve of the Ministry of Defence to steer the indigenous defence industry as one of the pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat and invited the Foreign delegates to Aero India-21.

Indian Railways today opened the applications submitted by various entities in response to the RFQs for PPP in Passenger Train Operations Project.

MoR has received excellent response.In all 120 Applications have been received for the 12 Clusters, from 15 applicant firms.

It may be noted that Ministry of Railways (MOR) had invited Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for private participation in operation of passenger train services over 12 Clusters comprising 140 Origin Destination pair of routes through introduction of 151 modern Trains to increase high quality trains operated on the network.

This is the first major initiative of attracting private investment for running Passenger Trains over Indian Railway Network. The project is expected to entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crores.

The private entities for undertaking the project would be selected through a transparent two-stage competitive bidding process comprising of Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP).

The RFQ for 12 clusters were published on 01 July 2020. 

MoR will expeditiously complete the evaluation of Applications and RFP documents will be made available to the qualified applicants by November 2020. MoR has targeted to award all the Clusters by February, 2021.

Details of Participation Cluster wise

SN	Cluster Name	Number of RFQs received
1	Mumbai 1	9
2	Mumbai 2	12
3	Delhi 1	10
4	Delhi 2	12
5	Chandigarh	9
6	Howarh	9
7	Patna	9
8	Prayagraj	10
9	Secunderabad	10
10	Jaipur	10
11	Chennai	9
12	Bengaluru	11
	Total	120

Details of Participants

SN	Applicant’s Name
1	Megha  Engineering and Infrastructures Limited
2	Sainath sales and Services Pvt Ltd
3	IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited
4	Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation LImited
5	GMR Highways Limited
6	Welspun Enterprises Limited
7	Gateway Rail freight Limited
8	Cube Highways and Infrastructure III Pvt Ltd
9	Malempati Power Private Limited
10	L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Limited
11	RK Associates and Hoteliers Pvt Ltd
12	Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarrriles, S.A
13	PNC Infratech Ltd
14	Arvind Aviation
15	BHEL

Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, on behalf of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji and his own behalf today congratulated PHD Chamber on its 115^th Annual Session. He praised the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi and appreciated the extensive measures undertaken in tough COVID-times.

DrPandeysaid that Skill India is a concept that has been making a footprint, both in and outside India. He said that all our ecosystem of education and skill departments in every state and district came together to contribute with their innovative ideas during the last 7 months of the COVID pandemic.He opined for skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling, skill training centres, industry connect skilling and industry demand skilling are important for achieving the vision of a USD 5 trillion economy and making India self-reliant, going forward.

Dr. MahendraNathPandey mentioned about the importance of Atmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM), a database to bridge the gap of demand and supply of skilled workforce across the sectors.Dr. Pandey was affirmative that PHD Chamber could play a significant role in supporting the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Government has a whole, in achieving its Skilled India mission and overall vision of high economic trajectory and self- reliant India.

With a vision to make India Skill capital of the world, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has worked towards making more than 5 crore people skilled in the country since 2014-15. Also, the Ministry signed various MOUs on skill development with different countries, worked on recognition of Indian skilled youth in the world, amplified apprenticeship programme, among others.

Union Railways and Commerce & Industry Minister Shri PiyushGoyal has said that Trade & economy is one of the most important pillars of India- European Union (EU)  partnership. Addressing the Diplomatic & Industry Leadership Session on EU-India Collaborative Economic Growth today, he said that we are also hopeful of working with EU towards a FTA, possibly starting with a Preferential Trade Agreement for an early harvest to get faster outcomes.

Shri Goyal said that under the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi, we have furthered our relationship across the European Union.India was one of the first countries to develop diplomatic relations with the EU & extend our hand of friendship.“Our friendship with the people of EU & the chemistry between PM Modi& various leaders of EU member countries is indeed remarkable. Our partnership surpasses political, innovation & cultural collaboration. We are both very natural partners willing to engage as responsible global citizens to address very pressing global challenges.We believe EU & India are 2 very important stakeholders when it comes to finding solutions for pressing matters.” 

The Minister called for strengthening 3-R approach that EU & India are using: Re-energise, Re-invent and Re-orient. He said that removing barriers to trade between Europe & India is essential to move forward. Shri Goyal said that EU is India’s largest trading partner block, with about $105 billion trade in goods in 2019.It is also the 2nd largest destination for Indian exports. He said “We believe we have to work towards balanced, ambitious & mutually beneficial trade & investment agreements. During the 15th India-EU summit in July 2020, we had adopted the EU-India strategic partnership which will guide our co-operation in the future.”

Shri Goyal said that to combat the COVID crisis, India & Europe worked together whether it was for adequate supply of medicines to different European countries or other goods required tobattle coronavirus. He said that through the lockdown, our Information Technology sector continued to serve businesses in Europe, without any interruption. “We met all our international obligations & therefore, India is looked upon as a trusted partner of the EU. India can be the trusted partner to move away from single source supply chains and countries can work in partnership with India for robust & sustainable global supply chains. During the pandemic, India never let down any of our friends.”, he added.

On the Covid-19, Shri Goyal said that when it came to addressing the problem in India, we moved swiftly into lockdown so that we could save lives & as we were able to prepare ourselves to fight COVID. “We started unlock process from June. As we move from protecting lives to saving lives & livelihoods, we have evolved as per the emergent situation.We can see benefits of that in having one of the highest recovery rates in the world & one of the lowest fatality rate. We have one of the highest recovery rates in the world.”

The Minister said that as we have opened up the economy, we are seeing that India is rapidly turning around, restoring its economic situation, rapidly coming back to normalcy. Recently, we have removed all restrictions on export of N-95 masks & Personal Protective Equipment. In the month of September, in the goods & merchandise sector, we have grown by 5.27% over the corresponding period of last year. Power consumption is up by 4.6% in September 2020 year on year.On the world trade also, India’s presence is felt. In goods & merchandise sector, in September 2020, we have grown by 5.27% over the same period last year. In the month of September and in the 1st 6 days of October, Railway freight has grown by 15% over the same period last year.  He said that Indian economy is poised not only for normalcy but for growth in the years to come given that Prime Minister has offered Aatmanirbhar Bharat package  for relief to the people & the industry. The Government has embarked on a series of reforms in Agriculture, labour, defence, space technology, mining, energy.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has awarded projects for a total cumulative length of 1330 km in the current Financial Year. The Authority reports that projects awarded so far in first half of the current Financial Year are1.6 times higher of 828 km awarded in FY 19-20 and 3.5 times higher of 373 km awarded in FY18-19 during the same period. For the awarded projects, NHAI has already completed atleast 80 to 90 percent of the land acquisition, actioned utilities shifting and has obtained required clearances from various forest and environment authorities.

As per an NHAI statement, during April to September 2020, it awarded a total of 40 projects covering 1330 km length. Capital cost of these 40 projects is Rs. 47,289 crore, which includes cost of civil work, land acquisition, and other pre- construction activities. NHAI has set a target of awarding 4500 km of projects during current Financial Year and is likely to exceed the target.

NHAI is committed to improve ease of doing business and facilitate better working relationshipwith all its stakeholders. Recently, NHAI has agreed to implement various suggestions made by different industry bodies towards improving National Highways. NHAI has taken various initiatives from time to time to instil confidence of the bidders in the Road Sector.

In March 2020, NHAI disbursed Rs. 10,000 crore through online payments and ensured that no payments remain pending due to closure of office during the lock down. In the first quarter of current Financial Year, NHAI disbursed more than Rs. 15,000 crore to the vendors. Additionally, steps such as monthly payments to the contractors were taken to ensure cash flow to the contractors. Such moderations will result in a spiraling effect not only on the growth of the road sector but will also play a critical role in nation building and advancing the growth of the Indian Economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a Campaign tomorrow on 8th October, 2020 by way of a Tweet on Jan Andolan for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour.

The campaign will be launched in view of the upcoming festivals and winter season as well as the opening up of the economy.

The campaign will be launched with the aim to encourage People’s Participation (Jan Andolan). It endeavours to be a Low Cost High Intensity Campaign with the Key Messages of ‘Wear Mask, Follow Physical Distancing, Maintain Hand Hygiene’

A COVID-19 Pledge will be taken by all. A Concerted Action Plan will be implemented by Central Government Ministries/ Departments and State Governments/ Union Territories with the following highlights:

• Region- specific targeted communication in high case-load districts.
• Simple and easily understandable messages to reach every citizen
• Dissemination throughout the country using all media platforms
• Banners and Posters at public places; involving Frontline workers and Targeting Beneficiaries of Government Schemes
• Hoardings/ wall paintings/ electronic display boards in government premises
• Involvement of Local and National influencers to drive home the message
• Running mobile vans for regular awareness generation
• Audio messages; pamphlets/ brochures on awareness
• Seeking support of Local Cable Operators for running COVID messages
• Coordinated media campaign across platforms for effective outreach and impact

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhanhas appealed to every citizen of the country to contribute in the making of a prosperous and self-reliant India. Addressing a web conference on ‘Building Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by  PHDCCI today, he shared his views on Prime Minister’s vision of #AatmanirbharBharat and its role in transforming India into a global manufacturing hub that not only caters to own requirements, but also of the world.

Shri Pradhan said that today, India is becoming a role model for emerging economies. “Our focus is on serving the last man in the society and truly achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.  India is rich in natural resources, has demographic dividend, widespread availability of ports that offer a conducive ecosystem to businesses and industries. We are working to build an India of 21st century that is able to fulfill its own requirements and also of the world”, he added.

The Minister said that from Swadesi movement &Dandi march by Mahatma Gandhi to the clarion call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the philosophy of ‘aatmanirbharta’ has been the constant driving force behind building a more resilient and self-reliant India. He said that Corona crisis has not dampened the spirit of the countrymen, and the country’s economy is on the path of revival. The GST collections last month were 4% more than the corresponding period last year, the Railway freight has shot up 15%, and exports are up 5%. Sale of petrol and diesel has also reached the normal levels.

The Minister said that the Government is working to make India a manufacturing hub, and also move towards the knowledge based economy. He reiterated that the Government has no business to be in the business, and it should focus only on people’s welfare. In this direction, he said, the Government has taken initiatives for ease of doing business, adopting transparent procedures, eliminating corruption, and respecting the wealth creators.  Talking about the initiatives in the Petroleum and Natural Gas sector, he said that the LPG connections have reached 95% of the population, including over 8 crore poor families. BS-VI standard fuels have been introduced this April. Energy justice is being ensured. The Minister said that Steel sector has also been contributing in the export push of the country.

The procurement of Paddy during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 has started from 26th September, 2020 in Haryana and Punjab. The Procurement of paddy has started from 1st October, 2020 in Western Uttar Pradesh and from 2nd October 2020 in Chandigarh and from 5th October 2020 in Tamil Nadu. Stating this at a Press Conference in New Delhi today, Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India said that upto 06.10.2020, the Paddy Procurement of 4,82,656 MT in Haryana, 10,08,028 MT in Punjab, 6,945 MT in Chandigarh, 1545 MT in Uttar Pradesh and 1809 MT in Kerala and 25,551 MT in Tamil Nadu totaling 15,26,534 MT having MSP value of around Rs.2882 cores has been done from 1,27,832 farmers of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval has been accorded for procurement of 30.17 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds for Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra (the perennial crop) for the State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under Price Support Scheme (PSS) so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.

Shri Pandey informed that upto 06.10.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 201.15 MT of Moong having MSP value of Rs.1.45 crore benefitting 161 farmers in Tamil Nadu and Haryana. Similarly, 5089 MT of copra having MSP value of Rs. 52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu against the sanctioned quantity of 1.23 LMT for the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling at or above MSP. Respective State Governments are making arrangements for commencement of procurement in respect of Moong.

Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Secretary, Agriculture, Government of India, said that the Government of India declares Minimum Support Price (MPS) for the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of agricultural crops like Cereal, Pulses, Oilseeds and commercial crops every year at the beginning of the sowing season on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Based on the recommendation of Swaminathan Committee report, the Government announced MSP to ensure minimum 1.5 time of cost of production since Kharif 2018-19 seasons onwards. Under the Price Support Policy, Government is committed to provide assurance of remunerative prices to farmers in case of fall in the market price of their produce. In addition to announcement of MSP, the Government also arranges procurement of MSP notified crops through Government/ Central Nodal Agencies.

Shri Sanjay Agrawal said that the procurement of MSP crops has increased many folds during the recent years. The comparative statement of procurement of major crops during the 2009-10 to 2013-14 and last five years are as under:-

Crop	2009-10 to 2013-14	Last 5 Years	Increase in Times
Qty(in LMT )	MSP Value(Rs in Crore)	Qty(in LMT ).	MSP Value (Rs in Crore)	Qty.	In MSP Value
Paddy	1,768	2,06,059	3,069	4,95,043	1.74	2.4
Wheat	1,395	1,68,202	1,627	2,97,073	1.17	1.77
Pulses	1.52	645	112.28	63,523	73.95	98.51
Oilseeds	3.65	14.54	56.36	249.71	15.44	17.17

In the recent years the Government has put special effort in making procurement of Pulses and oilseeds. The procurement of pulses under Price Support Scheme(PSS) and for making National Buffer Stock of Pulses has resulted in to 74 time increase in procurement  during 2016-17 to 2020-21( upto  Rabi 2020 season) than the procurement of pulses made during 2009-10 to 2013-14. Due to announcement of minimum 1.5 time of cost of production while announcing the MSP and sustained procurement policy of Government the production of pulses has increased substantially and making Aatamnirbhar Bharat in pulses production. Similarly, oilseeds procurement during 2016-17 to 2020-21(upto Rabi 2020 season) is almost 16 times higher than the procurement of oilseeds made during 2009-10 to 2013-14. 

Procurement operations did not stop due to threat posed by the pandemic and disruptions in logistic activities during the initial days of lock down time.  The number of procurement centres was increased by more than double in comparison to previous years. The Central Government is committed to continue the MSP operations to ensure the remunerative prices to the farmers in days to come. The arrival of KMS 2020-21 has just begun and the Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at MSP from farmers.

Shri D.V.Prasad, CMD, Food Corporation of India, informed that the procurement of paddy from farmers across the country has registered an increase of 5% in current KMS till now as compared to corresponding period last year. Maximum procurement has happened in Punjab where 7,82,685 MT paddy has already been procured from the farmers through APMC system as against24,452 MT procured last year. The pace of procurement as well as the enthusiasm displayed by farmers in selling paddy stocks to FCI in Punjab and Haryana conclusively put to rest any misgivings the farmers of these states might have had regarding continuation of MSP procurement operations through APMCs after the introduction of new farm acts. FCI and state agencies have kept an ambitious target to procure 495 LMT rice (738 LMT paddy) from the farmers at MSP during current Kharif season throughout the country as against the quantity of 420 LMT rice ( 626 LMT paddy) during last Kharif season. Punjab and Haryana contributes maximum quantity to this with 23% and 9% respectively.

A total amount of Rs.2,02,696 crore has been paid to farmers by FCI and State Agencies during 2019-20 in whole of the country, out of which Rs.82,478 crore has been paid to Punjab and Haryana which comes out to be 40.69% of the total amount. During RMS 2020-21, approx. Rs.74,882 crore has been paid to the farmers across the country, out of which Rs.38,719 crore has been paid to farmers of Punjab and Haryana, which comes out to be 51.7% of total payment.

Shri Ravi Capoor, Secretary, Textiles, Government of India said that in 2019-20, area under cotton cultivation was 133.74 lakh hectares and cotton production at 357 lakh bales. Unprecedented procurement in the history of Cotton Corporation of India- 105.14 lakh bales in 12 states valuing Rs.28,500 crore. Post Global pandemic (April 2020 to September 2020), CCI procured 20.71 lakh bales valuing Rs.5615 crore.

In 2020-21, area under cotton cultivation is estimated at 133 lakh hectares and cotton production is expected to be 360 lakh bales. CCI has been geared up fully for smooth conduct of MSP operations. CCI has opened 430 procurement centres in 135 district of 12 cotton growing states. CCI will undertake MSP operations till last arrivals of all FAQ grade kapas from farmers without quantity restrictions.

Till 6th October 2020, kapas equivalent to 3.12 lakh bales have arrived in market. Therefore, CCI could procure 2311 bales in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan as against nil procurement in the corresponding period of last year. The value of MSP procurement is expected to be Rs. 35,000 crores.

Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development launched the 1st ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton on 2nd World Cotton Day on 7th October, 2020 through Video Conferencing. Now India’s premium Cotton would be known as ‘Kasturi Cotton’ in the world cotton Trade. The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness. 

Speaking on this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister said, this is a much awaited moment that TODAY the Indian Cotton has been endowed with a Brand & Logo. This event becomes more important as the 2nd World Cotton Day is being celebrated world over today.

The Minister recounted the importance of Cotton in Indian economy. She said, ‘Cotton is one of the principal commercial crops of India and it provides livelihood to about 6.00 million cotton farmers. India is the 2nd largest cotton producer and the largest consumer of cotton in the world. India produces about 6.00 Million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton.  India produces about 51% of the total organic cotton production of the world, which demonstrates India’s effort towards sustainability.

Smt. Irani said that to ensure sustainability, integrity and end-to-end traceability of the organic products, a certification system based on comparable international standards verified through internationally acceptable institutional system is required to be put in place. Accordingly, Ministry of Textiles through APEDA under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed a certification system for organic Cotton which will be introduced in phases in the entire textile value chain. Similarly, prescribing a certification system for non-organic Cotton has also been taken up with APEDA so that usages of cotton can be suitably augmented. 

The Minister stated that Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) made ever highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) operation of cotton and hopeful that during the new cotton season, the procurement under MSP will be increased.   CCI has opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton growing states and payments are being made digitally to farmers’ account within 72 hours. Further, leveraging the technology, a    mobile app, “Cott-Ally” has been developed by CCI for providing latest news regarding weather condition, Crop situation and best farm practices. Discount of Rs.300/- per candy is being offered by CCI in its regular sale to MSME mills, Khadi and Village industry, Cooperative sector mills to enhance their competitiveness and efficiency. It was also stated that cotton may be used across all dimension of Technical Textiles. Further, Hon’ble Minister has intimated that Government has  passed bills for the welfare of the farmers, which also be beneficial to the industries.

Hon’ble Minister graced the inaugural session of the webinar organised by TEXPROCIL and CITI on the theme of “NEW-LOOK COTTON” to facilitate exchange of ideas on the emerging scenarios in cotton usage and application.