- Recent tariffs by the U.S. under President Trump and China’s counter-tariffs have caused global trade disruptions.
- Many exporters, particularly in Asia, are now diverting their goods to other large markets, including India.
- Indian authorities are cautious about a potential rise in imports, particularly of goods redirected from the U.S. market.
- India is wary of a flood of redirected imports affecting key domestic industries.
- Countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia are especially significant, with Bangladesh being a leading garments exporter and Indonesia known for electronics manufacturing.
- China, due to internal overcapacity, may also push exports to India.
- China’s subsidized manufacturing model makes it a particularly strong competitor in global trade.
- U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods could impact Indian markets by increasing demand for cheaper imports redirected from China.
- India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is reviewing the situation and has imposed safeguard duties (like the 12% duty on solar cells) in certain cases to protect local industries.
- There’s concern about India’s domestic sectors being overwhelmed by cheaper foreign goods.
3. Way Forward
- India must closely monitor import trends, especially in vulnerable sectors like MSMEs and textiles.
- Measures being taken include:
- Imposing safeguard and anti-dumping duties.
- Promoting coordination among industries to tackle import threats.
- Encouraging domestic competitiveness.
- Experts suggest the impact of redirected imports may remain moderate, especially since sectors like steel already have existing protections.
- The broader challenge lies in policymaking agility—ensuring timely responses to global trade fluctuations.
- Although a full reversal of the trend is unlikely, India can mitigate its effects with smart trade policies and by supporting affected industries.
- Long-term planning includes strengthening domestic production, diversifying import sources, and securing international trade agreements.
“Odisha farmer in for a golden harvest with paddy seed” in three parts: Background, The Situation Now, and Way Forward with bullet points. A visual suggestion is included at the end.
imp for TAT
1. Background
- A traditional paddy variety from Odisha, Keonjhar Kalachampa, is gaining widespread popularity for its high yield and resistance to pests and climate stresses.
- It was originally developed by Anirudha Jena, a farmer from Guhalia village, and officially registered in 2015.
- After his death due to COVID-19, his son Jayant Kumar Jena took up the registration and rights to seek profit-sharing from the seed’s commercialisation.
- This could be the first case in Odisha where a farmer is compensated for conserving and developing a seed variety under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).
2. The Situation Now
- Keonjhar Kalachampa is:
- Resistant to lodging (falling over),
- Responsive to fertilizers,
- Suitable for both early and late sowing,
- High-yielding (approx. 7,000 kg/hectare),
- Resilient against biotic stress (pests, diseases).
- The Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) and private firms are actively producing and marketing it.
- Between 2018–2023, over 87,000 quintals of certified seed were produced, generating large revenues.
- Registration and testing involved:
- 62 characteristics per variety,
- 100 panicles,
- 1.5 kg of seeds submitted to the PPV&FRA gene bank.
- Odisha has created a unique seed gene bank to preserve local paddy and non-paddy varieties under controlled conditions for up to 50 years.
3. Way Forward
- If the PPV&FRA approves Jayant Jena’s request, the family may earn lakhs of rupees yearly through benefit-sharing.
- The case could become a model for other farmers to gain recognition and profits from their indigenous seed contributions.
- Local seed varieties are now seen as vital to:
- Developing climate-resilient crops,
- Ensuring sustainable agriculture,
- Encouraging formal registration and preservation of traditional knowledge.
- Government support through agencies like PPV&FRA can ensure more farmers benefit from their innovations and conservation efforts.
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