India and Brazil are exploring a significant proposal to open up the Brazilian market for Indian dairy products, which includes camel milk and special cheese. This initiative comes on the heels of Brazil’s recent decision to allow Indian millet exports into its market. The collaboration between the two countries extends to setting up a center of excellence in Amreli, Gujarat, aimed at enhancing milk production and improving herd quality.
India-Brazil Partnership for Dairy Trade
The discussions involve importing camel milk and special cheese, particularly Cazain and yellow cheese, from India to Brazil. Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, the Brazilian agricultural attache, highlighted the interest from certain sectors in Brazil for these dairy products. There are also talks about establishing two sister cities—Uberaba, Brazil, and Amreli, Gujarat—to jointly create a Zebu Research Institute. This institute aims to boost milk production and elevate the quality of herds in both countries.
Additional Plans and Cooperation
The proposal includes the establishment of a research institute in India, with collaboration from Brazil. This project will be overseen by a committee comprising the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), and the embassy. Despite these developments, queries sent to various Indian ministries remained unanswered at press time.
Trade Relations and Future Prospects
India and Brazil have a longstanding relationship, evident in their collaboration across various international platforms. Both countries aspire to increase their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, as stated by commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal. However, in 2023, bilateral trade stood at $11.5 billion, with a trade imbalance primarily due to Indian imports of vegetable oil, sugar, and pulses. This initiative in the dairy trade is seen as a step towards addressing this imbalance and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Conclusion
The potential opening of the Brazilian market for Indian dairy products signifies a deepening of economic ties between India and Brazil. This move not only holds promise for the dairy industry but also reflects a broader commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
FAQs
- Why is Brazil interested in Indian dairy products? Brazil sees an opportunity to diversify its dairy imports and is particularly interested in camel milk and special cheese from India.
- What is the aim of the proposed Zebu Research Institute? The institute aims to enhance milk production and improve the quality of herds in both Brazil and India.
- How are the NDDB and DAHD involved in this initiative? The NDDB and DAHD are part of a committee overseeing the establishment of a research institute in India, in collaboration with Brazil.
- What is the current trade imbalance between India and Brazil? India imports more agricultural goods from Brazil than it exports, with vegetable oil, sugar, and pulses being major contributors to this trade imbalance.
- How do India and Brazil plan to increase their bilateral trade? Both countries aim to increase their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 through enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including dairy.
