Latest news with #FCO
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Outdated fertiliser rules favour imports over domestic production: Industry
The government's "outdated" fertiliser regulations are creating an uneven playing field, favouring Chinese imports over domestic manufacturers and undermining the "Make in India" initiative, industry bodies said on Tuesday. The fertiliser control framework's concurrent nature-governed by both central and state authorities-has led to numerous amendments but has struggled to keep pace with evolving domestic needs and global developments, gradually coming to be seen as a relic of the legacy "Inspector Raj" and "License Raj", they said. The industry bodies called for comprehensive reforms including implementing "One Nation, One Licence" policies, ensuring regulatory parity between domestic and foreign manufacturers, and capping inspector numbers to two per unit. The Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), in a statement, said a major public sector enterprise recently issued tenders for soluble fertilisers that explicitly excluded "Made in India" products, highlighting how current regulatory frameworks discourage local production while facilitating imports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo Under India's Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), domestic startups must obtain multiple licences, maintain offices and establish warehouses in every state where their products will be distributed. In contrast, foreign suppliers face minimal compliance requirements, needing only basic import formalities to sell across all Indian states. The FCO, established under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, was designed to ensure fertiliser quality and monitor distribution during a period when India relied heavily on imports. Live Events "However, the framework has struggled to adapt to modern domestic production capabilities," the statement added. Suhash Buddhe, mentor at IIM Nagpur Incubation Cell, said India's production of 112.62 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables relies heavily on 5 lakh tonnes of imported, non-subsidised fertilisers. "A single manufacturing unit is monitored by as minimum as 32 FCO inspectors, leading to excessive scrutiny and harassment under the guise of regulation. This overregulation deters startup growth and pushes India further into import dependence , instead of nurturing domestic innovation ," Buddhe said. Jayantibhai Kumbhani, President of the Chamber For Agri Input Protection (CAIP), Ahmedabad, said no other industry, including pharmaceuticals, faces such intense level of inspector oversight. "In some cases, a single district can have many inspectors monitoring one fertiliser unit, creating undue pressure on Indian entrepreneurs," he said, emphasising the urgent need for FCO reforms to foster self-reliance in the non-subsidised fertiliser sector. This view is echoed by Vijay Thakur, President of grassroots agri-entrepreneur association OAMA, Maharashtra, who shares similar concerns and advocates for urgent policy intervention. The regulatory burden particularly affects soluble fertilizers, which are critical for horticulture growth. Unlike sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and defence where the Central government's "Import Substitution" and "Make in India" initiatives have gained significant traction, the fertilizer sector has seen little progress. "Grassroots innovation in manufacturing these vital compounds continues to struggle due to a lack of market access, constrained by the outdated and rigid provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order," according to the statement. The high cost of setting up offices, warehouses, and securing licenses in each state-combined with the need for market partners to duplicate these efforts-erodes any competitive edge Indian manufacturers might have, it added. SFIA National Secretary Vinod Goyal said, "A practical path forward includes implementing 'One Nation, One Licence,' ensuring parity with foreign manufacturers by allowing marketers to add sourcing in one state and market across all operational states for Indian sources, capping inspector numbers to two per unit, and ultimately enacting a new law for non-subsidised fertilizers outside the Essential Commodities Act to realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat .
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Outdated fertiliser rules favour imports over domestic production: Industry
The government's "outdated" fertiliser regulations are creating an uneven playing field, favouring Chinese imports over domestic manufacturers and undermining the "Make in India" initiative, industry bodies said on Tuesday. The fertiliser control framework's concurrent naturegoverned by both central and state authoritieshas led to numerous amendments but has struggled to keep pace with evolving domestic needs and global developments, gradually coming to be seen as a relic of the legacy "Inspector Raj" and "License Raj", they said. The industry bodies called for comprehensive reforms including implementing "One Nation, One Licence" policies, ensuring regulatory parity between domestic and foreign manufacturers, and capping inspector numbers to two per unit. The Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), in a statement, said a major public sector enterprise recently issued tenders for soluble fertilisers that explicitly excluded "Made in India" products, highlighting how current regulatory frameworks discourage local production while facilitating imports. Under India's Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), domestic startups must obtain multiple licences, maintain offices and establish warehouses in every state where their products will be distributed. In contrast, foreign suppliers face minimal compliance requirements, needing only basic import formalities to sell across all Indian states. The FCO, established under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, was designed to ensure fertiliser quality and monitor distribution during a period when India relied heavily on imports. "However, the framework has struggled to adapt to modern domestic production capabilities," the statement added. Suhash Buddhe, mentor at IIM Nagpur Incubation Cell, said India's production of 112.62 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables relies heavily on 5 lakh tonnes of imported, non-subsidised fertilisers. "A single manufacturing unit is monitored by as minimum as 32 FCO inspectors, leading to excessive scrutiny and harassment under the guise of regulation. This overregulation deters startup growth and pushes India further into import dependence, instead of nurturing domestic innovation," Buddhe said. Jayantibhai Kumbhani, President of the Chamber For Agri Input Protection (CAIP), Ahmedabad, said no other industry, including pharmaceuticals, faces such intense level of inspector oversight. "In some cases, a single district can have many inspectors monitoring one fertiliser unit, creating undue pressure on Indian entrepreneurs," he said, emphasising the urgent need for FCO reforms to foster self-reliance in the non-subsidised fertiliser sector. This view is echoed by Vijay Thakur, President of grassroots agri-entrepreneur association OAMA, Maharashtra, who shares similar concerns and advocates for urgent policy intervention. The regulatory burden particularly affects soluble fertilizers, which are critical for horticulture growth. Unlike sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and defence where the Central government's "Import Substitution" and "Make in India" initiatives have gained significant traction, the fertilizer sector has seen little progress. "Grassroots innovation in manufacturing these vital compounds continues to struggle due to a lack of market access, constrained by the outdated and rigid provisions of the Fertilizer Control Order," according to the statement. The high cost of setting up offices, warehouses, and securing licenses in each statecombined with the need for market partners to duplicate these effortserodes any competitive edge Indian manufacturers might have, it added. SFIA National Secretary Vinod Goyal said, "A practical path forward includes implementing 'One Nation, One Licence,' ensuring parity with foreign manufacturers by allowing marketers to add sourcing in one state and market across all operational states for Indian sources, capping inspector numbers to two per unit, and ultimately enacting a new law for non-subsidised fertilizers outside the Essential Commodities Act to realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How does nano urea fertilizer benefit farmers? IFFCO's Yogendra Kumar explains
IFFCO Nano Urea serves as an innovative agricultural input utilising nanotechnology to deliver nitrogen to plants. (AI image) Nano urea is being seen as a revolutionary invention in agriculture. From its price to the method of use and potential to increase incomes of farmers, nano urea is an important solution in the agriculture sector . According to Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director at IFFCO, using the nano urea fertilizer will help increase the soil yield. This is because lesser amount of fertilizer will be required. Yogendra Kumar also said that nano urea fertilizer nourishes the crop to make it healthy. Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) is an enhanced version of Nano Urea, featuring a higher nitrogen concentration (20% N w/v equivalent to 16% N w/w). This formulation incorporates various nitrogen forms (Urea-Amide, Ammoniacal, Aminos etc.) and includes bio-polymers and additional excipients in its composition. Incidentally, IFFCO Nano Urea (Liquid) is the world's first nanofertilizer which has been notified by Fertilizer Control Order (FCO, 1985), Government of India. "The crops are healthier and the chances of pest infestation are greatly reduced. Additionally, even if there is a case of pest infestation, the treatment required would be minor." He also says that nano urea is a cost-effective and environment friendly option for farmers. Yogendra Kumar added that healthier crops with higher strength in holding on to the soil due to use of nano urea are able to bear natural disturbances like higher wind speeds better. IFFCO Nano Urea serves as an innovative agricultural input utilising nanotechnology to deliver nitrogen to plants. It represents a sustainable alternative for farmers, promoting efficient agriculture whilst addressing climate change concerns. Its effectiveness as a fertilizer stems from its optimal particle dimensions of 20-50 nm, enhanced surface area (10,000 times greater than a 1mm urea pill) and increased particle count (55,000 nitrogen particles compared to a 1mm urea pill). The enhanced properties of nano urea result in superior crop absorption, with over 80% availability, leading to improved nutrient utilisation efficiency. Top benefits of Nano Urea Better quality food Reduction in chemical fertilizer usage Environment friendly Higher crop yields Easy to store and transport Increased income for farmers Nano urea serves as a crucial element in 4 R nutrient stewardship, advancing both precision farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Its manufacturing process exemplifies clean and environmentally friendly technology, requiring minimal energy and resource consumption during industrial production. Furthermore, Nano urea significantly reduces the environmental impact by decreasing nutrient losses from agricultural lands through leaching and gaseous emissions, which previously contributed to environmental degradation and climate change effects. Nano Urea Plus demonstrates considerable energy efficiency and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to alternative products. Additionally, the application of Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) enables farmers to decrease their usage of conventional top-Dressed Urea (Granular/Prill) by as much as 50%. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office's red list of 25 world's most dangerous countries as Brits warned
The Foreign Office's red list covers more than 21% of the world's landmass - and Brits ignoring its 'do not travel' advice can expect little support in the event of an emergency As recently as 2019, thrill-seeking travellers could take in the stunning sights of Russia 's St Petersburg, and enjoy the breathtaking Persian architecture of Isfahan or gorgeous gardens of Shiraz, both of which can be found in Iran. For adventurers looking for less-trodden paths, the pyramids of Meroe and Mozambique's beaches were exciting destinations, while Beirut and Minsk offered unconventional city breaks. Even Chernobyl was an offbeat weekend getaway for enterprising explorers. But the global landscape for travel has changed dramatically in the last six years. Many of these destinations are now either completely inaccessible, or are strongly advised against visiting, due to ever-escalating dangers. Iran, Sudan Lebanon and Mozambique, as well as the French overseas territories of Mayotte and New Caledonia, are among the latest countries added to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office 's (FCO) travel red list, which now comprises 25 nations covering more than 21% of the world's landmass. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have been especially significant, with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus added to the red list in early 2022, with Israel, Lebanon and Palestine following in late 2023. This reflects a broader trend, as 47 further nations have regions that are partially off-limits, making it difficult to recall a time when so much of the globe was closed to tourism. There are a few positive developments, however. Burundi and Mauritania, once entirely off-limits, now have areas that are deemed safe. And while some areas of Israel and Palestine are now considered safer, the risks remain high. World's most dangerous countries 2025 Based on multiple global risk assessments, the following 25 countries, in alphabetical order, are currently considered the most dangerous in the world: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mayotte, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen. These countries are consistently ranked as extreme or high risk, with travel strongly discouraged by international authorities including FCO. What happens if Brits ignore FCO advice? Traveling against FCO advice carries significant consequences for British nationals. Most notably, nearly all travel insurance policies become invalid if you visit a country or region against official guidance, leaving visitors without financial protection for medical emergencies, cancellations or evacuations. In the event of an emergency such as arrest, detention or serious injury, British embassies and consulates may be limited in the assistance they can provide. While the FCO does not abandon citizens outright, support may be constrained, especially in countries where diplomatic relations are strained or where the host government is hostile to the UK. Furthermore, visitors may face additional legal risks, including fines or prosecution upon return to the UK if they breach specific regulations, such as quarantine rules. The FCO stresses that while their advice is not legally binding in most cases, departing from it means accepting increased personal responsibility and risk. FCO warns: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office."
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Typhoid fever symptoms explained amid fears Victorian disease becoming antibiotic resistant
At its worst typhoid can kill, but others who develop the fever can be left with a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take several months to recover from if left untreated A Victorian illness that was once easily treated has re-emerged with deadly antibiotic resistance - sparking global health fears as it becomes even harder to cure. Typhoid fever, caused by contaminated food or water, has been a persistent threat to human populations for millennia. At its worst, it can kill, but others who develop the fever can be left with a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take several months to recover from if left untreated. More than 110,000 people die from typhoid every year, notably across Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Eastern Europe, where sanitation and water quality are poor. But it can spread to new parts of the world, including the UK - with a new extensively drug-resistant strain making the highly contagious disease much harder to control. According to the NHS, symptoms usually develop 1 or 2 weeks after a person becomes infected with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. With prompt treatment, symptoms of typhoid fever should generally improve within 3 to 5 days. But if the disease is left untreated, it'll usually worsen over time, and there's a significant risk of life-threatening complications developing. Without treatment, it can take weeks - or even months - to fully recover from typhoid, and symptoms can even return. The main symptoms to look out for are: a persistent high temperature that gradually increases each day a headache general aches and pains extreme tiredness (fatigue) a cough constipation Later on, as the infection progresses you may also experience a lose in appetite, feeling sick, a tummy ache and diarrhoea. Some people may develop a rash. When to see a doctor You should see your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of typhoid fever - even if you have been vaccinated against it - and especially if you have recently returned from travelling abroad. While typhoid fever is currently still uncommon in the UK, it's vital to get your symptoms checked out in case you require treatment. If you become ill while travelling abroad, you can get help by: contacting a representative of the travel company you booked with contacting your travel insurer contacting the British consulate in the area you're visiting or, if you're feeling very ill, the local emergency services The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides travel advice by country, and the contact details of all the British consulates and embassies in foreign countries can be accessed on Before you travel, it's a good idea to make a list of relevant contact details and telephone numbers in case of an emergency. Speaking about the new antibiotic resistant strain of typhoid fever, an international team of researchers recently wrote in the journal Scientific Data: "Despite advances in vaccination and treatment strategies, typhoid fever continues to affect millions annually, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, and there continue to be large-scale outbreaks."
