Shri Piyush Goyal reviews revamping of the Department of Commerce to make it future ready

Feb 21, 2022 | Business


The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal chaired a meeting focused on the revamping and fortification of the Department of Commerce to make it future ready. Strengthening the Department is expected to enable the creation of the ecosystem to achieve robust and sustained high export growth.


Speaking at the meeting, Shri Piyush Goyal called for the consistent strengthening of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and other organizations and bodies that promote investment and trade. He opined that constant monitoring of exports was crucial in ensuring the achievement of targets on time. 


It may be noted that there are several emerging opportunities in global trade owing to shifts in global trade dynamics like rapid growth of services and disruptive potential of climate change. There is thus an imminent need to proactively develop exports and build India’s brand in global trade.


The revamping of the Commerce Department is aimed at further building on its strategic direction and aspirations for the next decade. There is also a need for scaling up and re-engineering the operation model with enhanced ‘new-age’ capabilities and to move from inherent traditional roles to new roles.


The revamped Department to have a more coherent trade promotion strategy with clear targets and execution accountabilities. There will be a Strengthened negotiation ecosystem with right expertise and robust end-to-end processes with clearly defined focus areas and institutions. It aspires to achieve an optimal mix of talent with specialists and generalists sourced from across private and government sectors. The Department will have an agile setup responsive to market opportunities and exporter needs via interlinkages across bodies. There will also be synergized branding for India across all domains highlighting clear priority areas. 


To this end, a project was undertaken to design a future ready Department of Commerce. Certain key recommendations were made by the project.  A dedicated ‘Trade Promotion Body’ to drive overall promotion strategy, export targets and execution is proposed to be set up. A stronger active role for missions in Trade Promotion for market intel, leads generation & localized research has been envisaged. Strengthening Negotiations via multi-skilled negotiation teams and separation between bilateral and WTO negotiations has been envisioned.


It has also been proposed to set up a ‘Trade Remedies Review Committee’ Including Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance and line ministries for transparency in investigations outcomes. Centralization and digitization of trade facilitation processes has been recommended to drive ease of compliance and scheme administration. Rehauling data and analytics ecosystem via centralized data management and embedded analytics capabilities in Department of Commerce has been proposed. A concerted push to strengthen Brand India and re-enforces trade priorities is in the works.


The meeting was attended by Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, Ms. Rachna Shah, Additional Secretary, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General, DGFT, Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, CEO, GeM, Shri Anant Swarup, Joint Secretary, Shri Darpan Jain, Joint Secretary, Shri Manish Chadha, Joint Secretary and other officials. 


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Shri Piyush Goyal virtually inaugurates the 50th Convocation Ceremony of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur

Nov 16, 2021 | Business

The Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal on Tuesday virtually inaugurated 50th Convocation Ceremony of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur as a part of celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav being organised by Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD).

In his inaugural address, Shri Goyal said that the Imperial Institute of Sugar Technology at Kanpur was established in October, 1936. In April 1957, the name of the Institute was again changed to National Sugar Institute (N.S.I.).

The institute organized the convocation during which Fellowship, Post Graduate Diploma and Certificates were given to 460 students who passed out during the academic sessions 2018-19 and 2019-20. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadvi Niranjan Jyoti felicitated the students in Kanpur.

Out of it, 34 students were conferred Gold Medals viz Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal, ISGEC Gold Medal, CVSubba Rao Gold Medal and other awards sponsored by ISMA, NFCSF, M/s Shrijee Heavy Engineering Pvt. Ltd. and Praj Industries Ltd. etc. The alumni of the institute occupy very senior position in the sugar industry not only in the country but in other sugar producing countries in the world too.

Shri Goyal congratulated the students. Talking about the quality of sugar in India, he said it’s the best. “The quality of Sugar in India is the best. Like chocolates are found all over the world, can our mithais (sweets) replace chocolates at some stage? If mithais could make way in to the hearts of people in other countries, then our sugar products will get a natural market without needing any subsidies or Govt intervention.”

“The Sugar industry is  the backbone of rural economy & as experts of Sugar Industry you are crucial to bring Aatmanirbharta to farmers, villages & nation,” he added. 

Shri Goyal said that by increasing the productivity, the sugar industry will help to increase income of lakhs of farmers in India.  He said, “As they say “Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope”.

He said that it should be the resolve of the Institute and its students to increase the Productivity & value addition in 50 lakh hectares of land under sugarcane farmers.  He said that the institute and its students have the ability to change lives as well as livelihoods of lakhs of farmers.  “At NSI, you’ve been provided discipline & training; remember this training is for having confidence in your abilities to create change,” he remarked.

He said that at 7.1 MT, India saw an all-time high Sugar exports in 20-21, astounding 20% growth. “In 2020-21, 92% Sugar cane dues have been cleared, highest paid amount in any sugar season. In UP alone, Cane price Arrears in 2017 was Rs.10,661 cr. Under the able leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, current cane price arrears are at Rs. 3,895 cr,” Shri Goyal said.

He added, “Under Double engine Sarkar of PM Modi & CM Yogi, we have brought Ease of Living to UP’s sugarcane farmers.  Sugarcane Productivity (in tons/ hectare) in UP has reached 81.50 in 2020-21 from 72.38 in 2016-17.”

He said that to achieve target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025, NSI, Kanpur can play a central role. “With highest ever Fair & Remunerative Price (Rs 290/qtl) for sugarcane farmers, we have shown

our resolve to Double income of farmers. In UP, state administered price for early variety Rs 350/qtl, normal variety Rs 340/qtl & lower variety at Rs 330/qtl,” he said.

More than 9000 students have passed out till academic session 2020-21 which include students from more than 20 countries e.g. Nigeria, Thailand, Shri Lanka, Bhutan, Vietnam, Uganda, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Iran, Kenya, Yemen and Nepal etc.

In addition to regular courses, the institute also conducts Refresher Courses / Short Term Training Programmes / Executive Development Programmeetc. for enhancing the knowledge of in-service personnel, carrying out skill development and with a view to update knowledge of staff working in sugar factories & distilleries about the recent technological developments.

The Institute, during the last few years has developed many modern amenities for conducting effective teaching & training and is the only institute in the world to have a Mini Sugar Plant, Sugar Refinery, Speciality Sugar Division, Nano Ethanol Unit and Brewery for imparting hands on training to the students of various courses.

The institute is continuously upgrades itself to serve sugar, alcohol and allied industry in a better manner. An analytical lab (NABL & BIS accredited) has also been setup for analysing samples of sugar, ethanol & other process intermediates. The institute is taking steps to setup an innovative centre for value-added jiggery & jaggery based products. A training centre is also under final stages of completion.

The Institute in unison with the sugar industry regularly conducts seminars/workshop/brain storming sessions on various important topics related to by-product utilization, specialty sugar production, environmental issues, energy and water conservation and on adoption of innovative technologies in sugar and alcohol production.

The institute has played a major role in bringing about technological up-gradation of the sugar industry over the years. It provides around 150 – 200 consultancies to sugar, alcohol and other allied industry every year. Institute also extends its services to Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and various other Government Departments upon request.

The institute is conducting 12 courses in Sugar Technology, Sugar Engineering, Alcohol Technology and other related disciplines which include 3 Fellowship, 6 PG Diploma and 3 Certificate level courses.

Various research work particularly on developing innovative process technologies, value addition for better utilization of by-products of the sugar industry are carried out by the institute. The institute has developed various models of sacrificing sugar to boost ethanol production for the benefit of the industry.

Apart from publishing about 40 research articles per year in reputed national and international journals and other proceedings, Institute has filed 07 patent applications during the last five years.

The institute has also recently signed MOUs with various organization including University of Assiut, Egypt and Nigerian Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Nigeria for collaborative research and training in the field of sugar and alcohol industry. The institute is also extending technical consultancy for setting up of a sugar institute at Ilorin, Nigeria and imparting training to their faculty members.

Sugar Standards for each season are prepared and supplied by Bureau of Sugar Standards, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur to sugar factories and other users to facilitate quality control, marking and marketing of sugar. The institute supports BIS in formulating standards for various type of sugars and machinery used in the sugar industry.

Indian sugar industry is the backbone of rural economy. Sugarcane is produced in about 50 lakh hectare area in the country. This year also the record production of sugar, even after diversion of B heavy molasses etc. has taken place and is expected to be around 310 lakh tons. Due to imbalances in demand and supply from last several years, new challenges have arisen in front of the sugar industry.

For the continuous, steady and continuous growth of the income of the sugar industry, due attention is required, first, to balance demand and production of sugar along with improving its quality. Second, to increase the gross income from various sources while balancing the cost of production. The potential of entire sugar cane value chain is to be harnessed. The economic and environmental sustainability is required to be achieved and for which competent manpower is very much needed.

Lot of resources are provided to prepare serious, honest and educated young generation for the service of the nation. Therefore, it is expected from them to come up to the expectations. Hard work with full devotion and commitment to face all the challenges with courage is the key to success.

Under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the Central Government is providing 1kg of sugar per AAY family per month through the Public Distribution System (PDS) for which the Central Government is reimbursing Rs. 18.50 per kg to States/UTs as subsidy on the quantity actually purchased and distributed to beneficiaries by the respective States/UTs. Uttar Pradesh has 40.945 lakh beneficiaries under the AAY scheme.

Following table shows Sugar/EthanolsectorscenariointhestateofUttarPradesh:

Sugar

No.of installedsugar mills

158

TotalareaundercanecultivationinUttarPradesh

27.60lakhHectare

No.ofoperationalmillsinsugar season2020-21

120

TotalNo.ofmillslikelytobeoperatedinSS2020-21

120

canecrushedduring currentseason SS2020-21

1027lakhMT

SugarProductionSS2020-21

110.6lakhMT

Likelysugarproductionin2021-22SS

114lakhMT

Likelysugardiversiontoethanolin2021-22SS

12-13

TotalcanepricepayableforSS2020-21

33014Cr.

Cane Price paid ( As on 11.11.2021)

29,034Cr.(87.95%)

CaneduesPending (Ason 11.11.2021)

3980Cr.

Expectedconsumptionofsugarin UP

45lakhMT

Est.Surplus stock of sugar in UPat the end of 2020-21 SS

40lakhMT

UttarPradeshcontributesabout35-38%tothenationalsugarproduction.

Besides the situation of ethanol in the state of UP is as follows:

No.ofexistinggrainbaseddistilleries

2

Productioncapacityofexistinggrainbaseddistilleries

3.5 Cr Ltrs per annum

No. of Molasses/Cane based distilleries

57

ProductioncapacityofMolasses/Canebased distilleries

151 Cr Ltrs per annum

Quantity of ethanol supplied under EBP

duringESY2019-20

40.15 Cr Ltrs

QuantityofethanolcontractedunderEBP

duringESY2020-21

59.10Cr.Ltrs

Quantity of ethanol supplied under EBPduringESY 2020-21

42.81Cr.Ltrs

Expected capacity creation in Current ethanol Year (25 Projects)

70 Cr Ltrs per annum

Nameofthegroupcompanywhichhavemaximumshareofethanolproduction: –

BalrampurGroup,Dhampur,Dwarikesh,Bajaj&Dalmia.

In addition, two sugar mills one each of Balarampur and Dalmia Group have been permitted to produce ethanol directly from cane juice. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of ethanol in India. 73 proposals have been recommended by DFPD under the Modified interest subvention scheme notified on 14.01.2021 for which GOI has recommended loan for an amount of Rs. 7733 Cr. (Maximum share of ethanol production is in central and western UP). 13 projects of about 37 Cr ltrs/annum capacity are likely to be completed by December, 2021 and 2 projects of 5.5 Cr Ltrs capacity are likely to be completed between January, 2022 and May, 2022.

The surplus production of ethanol on account of excess available capacity in the state can be utilized for supply under EBP in the neighboring deficit States/UTs like Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand & Chandigarh. UP has about 7.73 Lakh hectare area under Maize production during a year. The major share of maize production is concentrated in the districts of Bahraich, Bulandshahr, Faurrkhabad, Kannauj, Kasganj & Mainpuri. 1MT of FCI rice yields about 450 ltrs of ethanol and 1MT of maize yields about 380 ltrs of ethanol. As such, using rice and maize for ethanol production will be economically beneficial for the industry as well as the farmers of the state. It will thus give impetus to the EBP programme.

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Shri Piyush Goyal to inaugurate IITF

Nov 11, 2021 | Business

The India International Trade Fair2021 will be inaugurated by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal on November 14,2021 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.The 40th edition of IITF, a magnum of India Trade Promotion Organization(ITPO), represents India in totality as an ideal destination for numerous business and investment opportunities. This year, the fair assumes a special significance as it coincides with celebrations of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’- 75 years of India’sIndependence.

The fair is being organised including atthe New Exhibition Complex at Pragati Maidan.  Being an integral component of the ongoing iconic International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) project, the Complex comprises four New Modern Exhibition Halls inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 13, 2021.

The Fair focuses on the theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, which aims to promote investment and self-reliance in diverse sectors to meet domestic demand and be a part of the global supply chain eco-system.

The Fair highlights the outstanding performance of Indian entrepreneurs who have shown exemplary commitment to excel despite all odds due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Importantly, IITF offers an ideal platform to showcase Indian products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, and infuse renewed confidence and vigour in the Indian economy.

The event will be organised in a safe and secure environment with all COVID protocols in place.

With nearly 3,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, IITF 2021 is being held in a total area of 70,000 sq.mtr. –almost three times that in the previous edition in 2019.  Bihar is the Partner State, while Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand are the Focus States.

Overseas participation is from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Tunisia and Turkey.

 As in the past, State Day celebrations, seminars and cultural programmes are among the added attractions to the visitors.

Participation of SARAS, JUTE Manufactures Development Council, Small and Medium Enterprises, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Coir Board, Small Scale Industries, Khadi & Village Industries, Cottage Industries, etc., will display the achievements of traditional sectors in order to reinforce their local strength and global appeal. 

ITPO has made extensive efforts to improve the overall experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.  For instance, ITPO has introduced transparent online system for booking of stalls and other services, online registration for dignitaries during first five days, mobile application for the fair and LED screens for display of information.

Apart from dedicated post office, banks and ATMs, other facilities include: Media Centre, Protocol, registration for business days (first five days only).  Paid parking will be available at BhaironMarg for exhibitors.

During IITF and other events, ITPO encourages proactive steps to make the venue plastic-free and replacing the same with environment friendly substitutes.

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Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates 250mm Seer Water supply scheme in Kashmir.

Oct 20, 2021 | Business

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal concludes his two day visit to Pahalgam as part of the public outreach programme of the central government.

The Union minister inaugurated tourist hut of Pahalgam Development Authority at Golf Course Pahalgam. Shri Goyal also inaugurated Forest Departments Deodar sapling plantation drive being conducted under the banner of Green JK Drive. A total of 1 lakh saplings will be planted as part of the drive. Enquiring about post plantation care for the saplings, the minister was apprised that fencing and other appropriate watch and ward measures are taken.

Addressing a gathering at Pahalgam, the Union minister thanked the people of Kashmir for their participation in the development process and appreciated their dedication towards promotion of tourist activity. He said that the concerted efforts of the government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir towards development have started bearing fruit and investors from rest of the country and abroad are eager to invest in the UT.

The minister discussed developments in the tourism landscape and was happy to observe that there is brisk tourist activity in Pahalgam. He highlighted the need to up the tourist infrastructure to attract more foreign tourists.

The union minister inaugurated 250mm Seer Water supply scheme. The project will benefit around 10000 people and will be completed under the ambit of Jal Jeevan Mission within three months. He appreciated the rapid pace of developmental works and commended the frontline workers for working towards realizing the Prime Minister’s dream of tap water for all households.

Goyal also visited Rahi Shawl Unit located at Akad Park. He interacted with the local artisans and examined various handicrafts like zari, sozni, tapestry, etc. The minister appreciated the intricate work being put up by the artisans. He said that handicrafts of Kashmir tell a symbolic story and the govt is committed to ensure this story reaches all parts of the world.

The Union Minister also visited the Sun temple at Martand. Located atop a hillock, the temple is one of the earliest known sun temples much older than Konark and Modhera.

While appreciating the historical significance of the place, the minister passed directions to the district administration to give wide publicity to the temple and bring it on the tourist map. He also underlined the need to bring other such lesser known historical places on the tourist map.

Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries, DC Anantnag and other officials of the district administration were present on the occasion. 

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Shri Piyush Goyal calls upon the Indian diaspora in UAE to encourage others to Invest in India

Oct 3, 2021 | Business

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal has called upon the NRIs and Indian diaspora to invest in India unhesitatingly.  Addressing the Indian People’s Forum (IPF) Business Conclave in Dubai today, Shri Goyal said this is the right time for India’s vast expatriate community to invest in their motherland. There is a great  opportunity in extraordinary growth in India.

“Under Prime Minister Modi we are seeing rise in economic indicators despite the pandemic. Merchandise exports in Apr-Sep’21 touched $197.11 bn, recording 23.8% growth over Apr-Sep’19. Manufacturing PMI average improved to 53.8 (Q2) from 51.5 (Q1) while GST collections have hit a 5-month high in September,” he said.

Shri Goyal said the Government has taken many steps to create conducive business environment.

“From red-tapism to laying the red carpet for businesses, India under Prime Minister Modi has come a long way. As a result, India climbed up in Ease of Doing Business ranking from 130 to 63 in just 5 years and also jumped to 46th spot on the Global Innovation Index (GII), a jump of 35 places in last 6 years. Steps in last 7 years helped us nurture world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem,” said Shri Goyal.

“In the 75 weeks of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, we aim at taking the number of unicorns to 75 in the country. Similarly, India received the highest ever FDI inflow of around $ 82 billion in 2020-21 (during peak of pandemic), up 10% over 2019-20 (pre-pandemic time). Total FDI inflow of US$ 22.5 bn during Q1 of current fiscal is 90% higher compared to US$ 11.8 bn during the corresponding period last year,” he added.

Shri Goyal said the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister has catapulted our nation to a higher pedestal in the international community.

“Our ancient wisdom Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam & Sarve Santu Niramaya inspired us to serve the world selflessly and we supplied medicines and vaccines to world,” he said, adding, “I urge you to spread this message and help strengthen our global ties.. Hope the Indian diaspora to contribute in the best possible manner to take Prime Minister Modiji’s great work forward & make the country ‘Vishwaguru’ again.”

Stating that India and the UAE are going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship next year, Shri Goyal said this is a good opportunity to take our ties to the next level.

“We are celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to commemorate 75 years of Progressive India & to highlight its glorious history, culture & heritage. Coincidentally, UAE is also celebrating this year as the ‘Year of 50’ to  commemorate the declaration of the Union in 1971. ‘Projects of the 50’ of UAE & Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ reflect the statesmanship of our leaders,” he said, adding, “India is focusing on fulfilling its aspirations in next 25 years to celebrate the Centenary of its Independence in a grand way, while UAE leadership is planning their journey for the next 50 years.”

Expressing delight at meeting the Indian community in Dubai, “the City of Gold”, Shri Goyal said, “It is because of you all Dubai is considered as an extended neighbourhood of India, – a 2nd home to our exporters and a prime destination for Indian tourists.”

Shri Goyal underlined that the 3.4 million strong Indian diaspora in the UAE acts as a bridge between the two countries.

“I commend the efforts of Indian People’s Forum (IPF) in connecting the people of Indian origin residing in the region & bringing them on a single platform. By spreading our culture, tradition & values on a far-off foreign land, you are not just NRIs but “cultural ambassadors” of our country,” he said. 

Shri Goyal is in the UAE to inaugurate the India Pavilion at Dubai Expo. The official visit is being seen as major step towards boosting Indo – UAE Strategic Partnership and taking trade and investment between to unprecedented levels. The ongoing Expo is India’s window to the world, An opportunity to showcase India’s capability & potential.

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