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UAE chips in for food parks in India to tackle insecurity

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Reuters – The UAE has pledged $2 billion to help develop a series of “food parks” in India to tackle food insecurity in South Asia and the Middle East, a joint statement said on Thursday.

Speaking in Jerusalem at a virtual summit with UAE, Israeli and Indian leaders, US President Joe Biden said the investment could “increase India’s food yields in the region three-fold in just five years”.

The parks would bring farmers, processors and retailers together using advanced climate technology to minimise waste, conserve water and maximise crop yields, focusing at first on crops including potatoes, rice and onions.

The four countries would also advance renewable energy projects in India, including wind and solar energy plants, they said.

The projects would be supported by the Israeli and US private sectors, Biden said at the summit on food security and clean energy amid fears of global food shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine are the world’s third and fourth largest grain exporters, respectively, while Russia is also a key fuel and fertiliser exporter.

The war has disrupted their exports, pushed world food prices to record levels and triggered protests in developing countries already contending with elevated food prices due to COVID-related supply chain disruptions.

India-rice-food-park

Farmers work at a rice field in Madurai in the Indian southern state of Tamil Nadu. Sam Thomas / Shutterstock

Going bananas and potatoes

Economic fallout from the pandemic, climate change, food insecurity and volatile energy markets, Biden said, had been “made worse by Russia’s brutal and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.

“All these issues require cooperation and coordination, and none of us can mount a comprehensive response on our own,” Biden said.

UN agencies warned this month that the war in Ukraine and climate change could push starvation and mass migration to unprecedented levels.

Apart from benefiting local farmers, the food parks would help reduce trade barriers and unify food safety standards, Indian foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said in New Delhi.

They would also provide India with an opportunity to benchmark its perishable food products for global export and allow Indian produce access to the strategic Gulf markets starting with UAE, Kwatra said.

He said Indian states Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh – both ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party – were exploring setting up these parks, which would initially cultivate bananas, potatoes, rice, onions and spices.

Gulf Arab states import as much as 80-90% of their food and while their oil wealth renders them less vulnerable to rising global food prices than poorer countries in the region, disruptions threaten their supply chains.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, depends on Gulf state for meeting most of its oil needs.

Wealthy Gulf states have invested heavily in farmland overseas and have been investing domestically more in agritech, which is also a fast-growing sector in Israel.

Crop yields are relatively low in India, which despite being a major farm goods producer, lacks regular irrigation for around half its farmland. Venture capital firms are increasingly pouring money into local agritech start-ups.

Food

Popular Abu Dhabi eatery Pak Ravi among 6 food outlets shut over health violations

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One of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing Pakistani restaurants, Pak Ravi, has been ordered to shut down by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), sparking disappointment among foodies. The closure was part of a broader crackdown that saw a total of five restaurants and one supermarket shut this week for violating food safety regulations.

In a post shared on Instagram, ADAFSA revealed that the closures were the result of routine inspections aimed at ensuring public health and safety. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger residents’ well-being.

Along with Pak Ravi, the establishments ordered to close include Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant and Cafeteria, Karak Future Cafeteria, Salty Desi Darbar Restaurant, Al Maqamcorner Restaurant, and Rich and Fresh Supermarket.

The specific violations committed by these businesses were not detailed, but ADAFSA said the actions were taken in accordance with Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in the emirate and its executive regulations. This law empowers authorities to take administrative action, including suspension and closure, against outlets that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Just a day earlier, another restaurant, Rupashi Bangla Restaurant, located on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, was also shut down after inspectors found it to be in serious breach of food safety laws. Officials said the Bengali eatery posed a direct threat to public health, and it has since been served an administrative closure order.

Food safety officials in the capital conduct regular inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments across the emirate. The goal, they say, is to ensure that businesses adhere to strict hygiene practices and protect consumer health.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unsafe practices by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555.

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Onions prices set to drop in UAE: Here’s what it means for residents and restaurants

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Exciting news for households, restaurants, and eateries across the UAE. Onions, a vital ingredient in countless dishes, are set to become more affordable. Thanks to India’s decision to abolish export duties on onions — its most significant export — this essential kitchen staple will soon be more accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy their favourite dishes at a lower cost.

The announcement, made yesterday (March 25 )by India’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is expected to bring down onion prices across the GCC, including in the UAE, as well as in Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

For months, high export duties — peaking at 40% before being reduced to 20% — had kept onion prices inflated. But with this duty now completely removed, experts predict a significant drop in onion prices, making them more affordable for shoppers across the region.

India, known as the world’s onion powerhouse, is the primary supplier to the Gulf states, where the vegetable is a must-have ingredient in countless dishes. Other major exporters include Pakistan, China, and Egypt, but Indian onions have long dominated the market due to their quality and availability.

Good News for Farmers Too!

While UAE consumers will benefit from lower prices, Indian farmers are also celebrating. The removal of export duties will allow them to sell onions at higher prices globally, boosting their income.

This move is part of India’s broader strategy to ease export restrictions on staple food items, which were previously imposed to control domestic inflation. The Indian government is now progressively revising these policies to support both farmers and international trade.

With onion prices expected to drop in UAE supermarkets in the coming weeks, shoppers can look forward to bigger savings on their grocery bills.

(Source: Wam)

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Ramadan health, safety alert: Dubai Municipality urges residents to report violations

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Dubai Municipality (DM) is calling on residents to stay vigilant and report any health and safety violations they notice in restaurants, salons, and beauty centres during Ramadan.

If you spot an issue, you can report it by calling DM’s dedicated 24/7 helpline at 800900. In a social media post on X, DM emphasised the importance of public cooperation, stating: “If you come across any health and safety issues in restaurants, salons, or beauty centres this Ramadan, report them by calling 800900. Your safety matters.”

With Ramadan bringing larger crowds and higher demand for services, DM’s approach ensures that violations are addressed swiftly to maintain public health and safety.

To report any concerns, call: 800900 (available 24/7)

(Source: X)

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