India’s oilseed industry stands as a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and export revenues. However, the global oilseed market is fraught with challenges, including trade distortion measures and non-tariff barriers that impede the seamless export of Indian oilseeds. The Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, implementing strategic initiatives to safeguard and promote India’s interests in the global arena.

Understanding Trade Distortion Measures and Non-Tariff Barriers

Trade distortion measures, such as anti-dumping and safeguard duties, are policies implemented by importing countries to protect their domestic industries from foreign competition. While these measures are often justified under the guise of fair trade, they can disproportionately affect exporters from developing countries like India.

Non-tariff barriers (NTBs), on the other hand, encompass a range of restrictive regulations and standards that countries impose to control the amount of trade across their borders. These include sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical barriers to trade (TBT), import licensing, and pre-shipment inspections. For instance, stringent aflatoxin standards in the European Union have historically posed significant challenges for Indian groundnut exports.

IOPEPC’s Strategic Interventions

Established in 1956, IOPEPC has been instrumental in promoting and protecting India’s oilseed export trade. The council’s multifaceted approach includes:

1. Contesting Trade Distortion Measures: IOPEPC actively defends the business interests of Indian exporters by challenging anti-dumping duties and safeguard measures imposed by importing countries. The council engages in dialogues and provides necessary data to contest these measures, ensuring that Indian oilseeds remain competitive in international markets.

2. Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers: Recognizing the complexities of NTBs, IOPEPC works towards their removal by:

   • Providing Inputs During Multilateral Consultations: The council offers insights and data during discussions at platforms like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), advocating for the interests of India’s oilseed sector.

   • Engaging with Indian Embassies and Trade Bodies: IOPEPC maintains regular communication with Indian embassies, international trade bodies, and associations to resolve issues faced by exporters, ensuring smoother access to foreign markets.

3. Crop Surveys and Market Intelligence: To preempt market challenges, IOPEPC conducts crop surveys to assess supply-demand scenarios. These assessments enable the formulation of effective export strategies. Additionally, the council provides market intelligence through research reports and journals, equipping exporters with valuable insights.

4. Promoting Scientific Research: IOPEPC encourages scientific, technical, and economic research in the oilseed sector. This includes collaborations to develop climate-resilient oilseed varieties and address issues like aflatoxin contamination, thereby enhancing the quality and acceptability of Indian oilseeds in global markets.

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Export Quality

In a significant move to boost oilseed production and export quality, IOPEPC has partnered with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). This collaboration focuses on:

• Expanding Cultivated Areas: By bringing more areas under oilseed cultivation, the partnership aims to increase production volumes.

• Deploying Scientific Technologies: The use of advanced agricultural practices and technologies is intended to improve yield and quality.

• Strengthening the Supply Chain: Efforts are underway to provide farmers with better quality certified seeds and enhance the overall supply chain, ensuring that the produce meets international standards.

These initiatives are geared towards making Indian oilseeds more competitive globally by adhering to stringent quality norms and reducing instances of rejection due to non-compliance with SPS measures.

The Role of Policy Advocacy

IOPEPC also plays a crucial role in policy advocacy by:

• Recommending Policies to the Government: The council suggests policies and programs to the Government of India to support the growth of the oilseed sector, ensuring that domestic regulations align with international trade requirements.

• Facilitating Compliance with International Standards: By promoting food safety principles and assisting exporters in adhering to international standards, IOPEPC helps in mitigating the impact of NTBs.

Altus Exports: Partnering with Indian Manufacturers for Global Success

While IOPEPC lays the groundwork for a conducive export environment, the role of export facilitators like Altus Exports becomes pivotal in navigating the complexities of international trade.

Altus Exports is dedicated to forming strategic alliances with manufacturers who aspire to establish a global footprint. Our partnership model is designed to simplify the export process and ensure that high-quality Indian products reach international markets seamlessly.

Key Features of Our Partnership Model:

1. Expertise in Identifying Global Buyers: We leverage our extensive network and market intelligence to connect manufacturers with potential buyers across various countries, ensuring that your products find the right markets.

2. Comprehensive Market Research: Our access to up-to-date databases and information sources allows us to provide manufacturers with valuable insights into market trends, demand patterns, and competitive analysis.

3. Skilled Marketing Team: Our marketing professionals employ a blend of traditional and digital strategies to promote products effectively in the international arena, enhancing visibility and driving sales.

4. Streamlined Export Operations: We assist with the necessary documentation and certifications, ensuring compliance with international regulations and facilitating smooth cross-border transactions.

How Indian Manufacturers Can Partner with Us:

We invite manufacturers who produce export-quality products and possess the requisite documentation to collaborate with us. By partnering with Altus Exports, you gain access to our resources, expertise, and networks, effectively making us an extension of your business dedicated to achieving global success.

To explore a partnership opportunity, please visit our [Manufacturer Partnership(https://altusexports.com/manufacturer-partnership)

Staying Informed: IOPEPC’s Monthly News Bulletins and Circulars

Collaborative Efforts: IOPEPC’s Partnerships to Promote Good Agricultural Practices

Membership Benefits: How IOPEPC Empowers Oilseed Exporters

Procedures for Exporting Sesame Seeds: IOPEPC’s Guidelines

Dispute Resolution: IOPEPC’s Arbitration Services for Exporters

Market Intelligence: IOPEPC’s Crop Surveys and Market Studies

Defending India’s Interests in Global Oilseed Markets: IOPEPC’s Strategies

Navigating Export Challenges: IOPEPC’s Advocacy with Government Bodies

Quality Improvement Initiatives by IOPEPC for Oilseed Exporters

Enhancing Global Reach: IOPEPC’s Role in International Trade Fairs