India trade mission bears more fruit for Maryland

Veena Annadana

Well-Known Member
India trade mission bears more fruit for Maryland
Several deals struck at end of trip could produce more than 100 jobs

by Lindsey Robbins, Staff Writer

More than 100 jobs could be coming to Maryland, as an Indian manufacturer and exporter of organic food products has announced plans to build a $10 million facility in the state.

The announcement was part of several business deals that concluded Maryland's six-day trade mission to India this weekend. During the mission's final leg in New Delhi, a Baltimore cybersecurity company landed an $10 million joint-development agreement for cybersecurity services for mobile devices, and a Gaithersburg design company established a partnership with one of India's premier hotel chains.

“Our mission to India has been a great success in terms of the new partnerships we’ve established, the new doors we’ve opened for job creation, trade and investment, and the many Maryland companies who have signed deals with our Indian partners,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley in a statement.

The mission, consisting of 100 participants — including 43 business officials — and led by O'Malley (D), previously has secured deals for eight Maryland businesses and fostered future opportunities through sister-state agreements signed in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Prithvira, officials have said.

Jasco Nutri Foods is one of the latest results of the trip, with the company planning to open its new facility on a 1,500-acre location. The exact location will be decided in the next two months and the facility could generate as many as 100 jobs, according to a press release from O'Malley's office.

CyberPoint International of Baltimore also has signed a partnership with Appin Security Group of New Delhi to jointly develop new enterprise-level security services for mobile devices. This deal is expected to create jobs for both Baltimore and New Delhi and be worth $10 million, according to the governor's office.

A representative from CyberPoint International could not be reached for comment.

Also, Electro-Media Design on Gaithersburg, which specializes in consulting and design in event technology and acoustics for meeting and entertainment facilities, partnered with ITC Hotels about a week prior to the trade mission to provide contemporary design services for the Indian company. The partnership involves a virtual entertainment venue and business auditorium in Shinai and a high-tech venue in New Delhi, said Jeff Loether, president of Electro-Media.

This also marks Electro-Media's first time doing business with an Indian-based company, although Electro-Media has consulted with many major American-based hotel companies with foreign properties such as Marriott in Bethesda, he said.

"We're very excited and relieved. India's been a bit of a mystery to us so having this opportunity is absolutely a win-win," Loether said. Loether visited India and ITC's management staff during a seven-week trip to the Middle East and India.

Electro-Media might have to double its staff of seven to meet ITC's requirements, Loether said.

The partnership follows Electro-Media's first meeting with ITC at the Hotel Technology Show in 2010 in Anaheim, Calif., and benefits from assistance through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

“We see win-win opportunities to realize advanced design concepts leveraging the considerable resources of India’s media content creation community even beyond India’s borders. We are grateful for the assistance from Maryland’s Division of International Investment and Trade in developing this opportunity, " Loether said in a statement.

Following the trade show encounter, discussions between ITC and Electro-Media "sort of went quiet," Loether said. But help from the state got them interested again, he said.

Loether has yet to receive any signed agreements from ITC, although the two companies shook hands on the deal Nov. 14, he said.

O'Malley also joined the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Friday in signing an agreement to create an India-Maryland Center in Maryland, which the federation would operate to boost trade between the regions. The federation also will lead a delegation to Maryland in April to establish partnerships in biotechnology, renewable energy and infrastructure, according to O'Malley's office.

“The signing of the agreement with [the federation] and Maryland will foster greater cooperation between the private sectors of our two regions,” said Rajiv Kumar, secretary general of the federation, in statement.

lrobbins@gazette.net
Source: Gazette.Net: India trade mission bears more fruit for Maryland
 

Himachal cabinet grants approval to eco-friendly organic farming policy

Himachal cabinet grants approval to eco-friendly organic farming policy


Punjab Newsline Network
Friday, 02 December 2011

CHANDIGARH:Himachal Pradesh cabinet in its meeting held here on Friday granted approval to the eco-friendly organic farming policy to benefit small, medium and large farmers, by making efficient use of local and renewable resources, improve fertility of the soil, maximize circulation of plant nutrients and motivate farmers to avoid use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc.

The policy aims at providing support services to farmers switching over to organic farming. Critical cadres of scientific manpower with knowledge of organic agriculture will be built up. Scientists of Dr. Y.S.Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan and Chaudhary Sarvan Kumar University of Agriculture, Palampur, will be carrying exhaustive research in organic farming besides introducing diploma or certificate Courses in Organic Agriculture.Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, presided over the meeting.

The cabinet also gave approval for the procurement of citrus fruits during the intervening period from November 21, 2011 to February 15, 2012, under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) through 54 Procurement Centres to be established in different areas and per kilogram procurement price for Kinnow,Malta and Santra fixed at Rs. 5.85, Malta for Grade B and Rs. 5.25 for Grade C respectively. Galgal procurement price fixed at Rs. 4.15. HPMC, HIMFED and HP Agro Industries Corporation will be designated agencies for procurement of the fruit. Handling charges for Kinnow,Malta,Santra will be Rs. 3.50 per kg and Galgal Rs. 1.50 per kg.

Approval has been granted to the Draft Mukhya Mantri Grameen Parivahan Scheme to generate self employment to the educated unemployed youth by generating opportunities to operate transport vehicles on various routes, besides providing transportation facility to the villagers who have so far not been availing the benefit of regular transport service. Vehicle owners granted permits will be covered under Special Road Tax. Private operators plying buses on routes not covered by HRTC buses and carrying pass holders will be eligible for financial incentives from the state government. 29, 22 and 17 seater bus operators, on giving undertaking of carrying pass holders, @ Rs. 2,200, Rs, 1,500 and Rs. 1,000 per month as financial incentive respectively from the state government. Unviable routes shall also be included on need basis.



The cabinet decided to enhance the superannuation of faculty members of Medical and Dental Colleges in the Medical Education Department in the State of Himachal Pradesh from existing 58 to 62 years.It has been decided to make Rain Water Harvesting System from the roof tops of the buildings compulsory in the planning areas of the State by carrying amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Rules, 1978 so that optimum use is made of the same for non-consumption purposes.Draft Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Rules, 2011 has also been granted approval.

Approval has been granted to the Amendment in fixation of circles rate for determining stamp duty and registration fee for sale and purchase of the land in the state. It has been decided to accept the bid of M/s Ropeway and Resorts Limited, Kolkata, for execution of Palampur-Neugal Ropeway Project in district Kangra for construction of the same on BOT basis.

It granted approval to fill up 100 posts of Junior Engineers in Public Works Department to strengthen the field work force in the department.Approval has also been granted to fill up 20 posts each of the Surveyor and Steno-typists in Public Works Department through direct recruitment on contract basis.

It has been decided to regularize the services of 5 daily wagers working in HIMUDA as Peon,Chowkidar, on fulfillment of mandatory conditions.Approval has also been granted to the revision of the provisions in the Himachal Pradesh Land Record Manual for issuing computerized certificates for various requirements and also simplify procedure for mutation.

Cabinet approved cancellation of MOU with Himachal Indage Limited for setting up of Wineries in Nagwain in district Mandi and Pragati Nagar in district Shimla forthwith.

It granted permission to put nine small mineral mines falling in Neugal Khad of Palampur in district Kangra to public auction.
Approval has been granted two settlement of liabilities by HP Financial Corporation of to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) amounting to Rs. 67.15 crore on payment of Rs. 40 crore in 19 quarterly instalments.It granted approval to changes in location/elevation in respect of 17 Small Hydro Power Projects as per the conditions laid down in the present Power Policy.

It has been decided to upgrade the Institute for Disabled Children at Sunder Nagar to plus two level. This will serve the hearing impared and visually impaired children.It has been decided to open 5 Government Polytechnics in the districts of Sirmour, Bilaspur, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti.It granted permission to fill up vacancies of six Naib Tehsildars, in the Revenue Department in Shimla Division through direct recruitment through HP Public Service Commission.

It granted approval to the Amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1999 by incorporating provision that no vehicle owner shall paint or exhibit any particulars or insignia other than the registration mark in the Registration Plates of their vehicle.It granted approval to the rationalization of Token Tax of public and private transport vehicles by amending the Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicle Rule, 1999, Schedule-I aimed at checking traffic congestions and pollution problems.

It approved Amendment in Himachal Pradesh Registration of Societies (Amendment) Act, 2011, by bringing Sports Societies also into the ambit of the Act and raise the annual balance sheet limit from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh for publication of the same in the newspapers and save the small societies from financial liabilities.

It has been decided to create one Irrigation and Public Health Division for Finna Singh Medium Irrigation Project at Sadhwan, Nurpur, district Kangra.It has been decided to transfer ownership of PWD Rest House in Main Bazar, Hamirpur to the local Municipal Committee. (nk)

Source: Himachal cabinet grants approval to eco-friendly organic farming policy @ www.punjabnewsline.com
 

Seminar on agriculture & marketing conducted

Seminar on agriculture & marketing conducted
Font size: morungexpress



Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): One day seminar on agriculture organic farming and marketing development awareness programme was organized by the Chakhesang Hoho Dimapur District and Sponsored by ATMA – Dimapur on November 26 at North East Agri-Expo, 4th Mile, Dimapur based on public private partnership mode under the chairmanship of Vekhosai President of the Tribal Hoho.
About 150 delegates from 15 villages attended and benefitted out of the seminar output. The main speaker was Nguzonyi Wetsah, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland addressed the participants with special reference to prospect for socio-economic development of the people and concept of organic farming for eco friendly and healthy living. He also talked to farmers to plan properly as to what to produce? Where to produce? How to produce? Where to sale? for successful implementation of any undertaking project.
While another topic on agriculture market development was stressed by Pungotso Marketing Officer, Directorate of Agriculture, Kohima dealt with strategic crop zoning, market infrastructure development, organizational set up and composition of market committees. Pastor R. L. Tsory invoked God’s blessings for the programme and all participants followed by welcome note by N. Medo Vice President CHDD. Vote of thanks was pronounced by Kiesalie Thopi G.S. of the Hoho expressed deep gratitude to ATMA Dimapur and agriculture department for sponsoring of the important Seminar with resource persons.
The Hoho also passed resolution during the seminar to extend full cooperation with the concerned departments for implementation of Govt. policies and programme and to facilitate the famers community and village councils to organize wholesale market and daily bazaar at various channels for uplifting the economy of the people.

Source: The Morung Express :: Nagaland News | Current News | Latest News | Breaking News - Seminar on agriculture & marketing conducted
 

J&K Govt signs MoUs for promotion of organic farming in Jammu

K Govt signs MoUs for promotion of organic farming in Jammu
PTI | 10:11 PM,Nov 30,2011
Jammu, Nov 30 (PTI) To promote organic farming in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three companies to help cultivators switch over to this mode of farming. The agreement was signed by Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir with M R Morarka-GDC Rural Research Foundation (Jaipur), International Panaacea Ltd (New Delhi) and Sarveshwar Organic Foods (Jammu). Under the MoUs at the first instance the companies would help to introduce the organic mode of farming over a sown area of 800 hectares land across the region, Mir said. The salient features of the MOU include promoting group organic farming by arranging conversion of conventional fields/farms to organic, besides ensuring necessary technology transfer to farmers, certification by agencies approved by Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) and assistance to the farmers in marketing of the organic produce. The Service Providers shall discharge their responsibilities by motivating farmer groups/clusters by enforcing internal control system, besides acting as technology messenger and advise farmers on various issues. The minimum period of conversion into organic farming shall be three years.

Source: JK Govt signs MoUs for promotion of organic farming in Jammu, IBN Live News
 

UAE law to regulate organic food

UAE law to regulate organic food
New laws to be introduced next year will limit import of organic food
By Waheed Abbas
Published Wednesday, November 30, 2011

(From the left) Ms. Yasmina Mungroo, Co-Managing Director, Nafha-French Organic Cosmetics; Joby Mathew Muricken, Project Manager, Global Links Dubai LLC; Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Head of Consumer Products Safety Section, Dubai Municipality; Haresh Bhatia, Country Head, Choithrams; Sandhya Prakash, Founder-Director, Middle East Vegetarian Group (MEVEG); Juma Abdulla Al Hosani, Chairman, Organic. (SUPPLIED)
The UAE federal government is working on laws to regulate the nascent organic food industry and is expected to complete the process next year, said an industry player.

Currently there are no laws related to governing the local industry and imports of organic food items into the country, said Juma Al Hosani, Chairman of Organic, a newly-launched company exclusively focused on natural products in the UAE.

The new laws are aimed at strict monitoring and limiting import of organic food items from certain registered companies from Europe and US, he said, adding that the government is also considering issuing certifications for locally-produced organic food items and labelling of organic food items.

Al Hosani was speaking at a press conference to announce the ninth edition of the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (Menope), which will run on December 5-7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 100 exhibitors from 25 countries will take part in the niche show. The highlights of the three-day expo includes the two-day MEVEG Conference and a conference on traditional complementary and alternative medicines.

Al Hosani said organic food items’ prices are high compared to conventional food items due to high cost of production. “The prices (of organic food items) could come down if more companies enter into this sector and volumes increase.”

Confirming the growth trend and the potential, Al Hosani said: “Awareness is the key to the growth of the organic sector and thanks to the increase in the number of players in the market and the competitive environment it will create; there will be enhanced efforts at educating the consumer on the benefits of these products.”

Al Hosani said his company imports food from US and European companies as local soil is not conducive for mass cultivation of organic food.

Nadim Al Fuqaha, Managing Director, Global Links, organisers of Menope, said: “From a slow beginning, the regional organic products market is certainly on an upswing as more and more consumers continue to shift away from conventional encouraged by the health benefits of these products. The gradual expansion of the organic market base is also fuelled by the entry of a host of new focused players bringing in new products and global brands into the regional market.”

Organic and natural cosmetics are also a growth sector, said Yasmina Mungroo, Co-managing Director of Dubai on Heels, which represents Nafha, a French organic cosmetics range. “Organic cosmetics is on a growth curve in the Middle East and though the current market share is only 0.1 per cent compared to over 3 per cent in European and North American markets, the potential to grow is huge,” she added.

Source: UAE law to regulate organic food - Emirates 24/7
 

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