Project Overview and Major Findings
from Eight States
Anutosh Biswas
CUTS International
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Background
Grassroots Reachout and Networking in
India on Trade and Economics (GRANITE)
phase II
Overall Objective: Enhance economic literacy at the
grassroots, foster accountability in economic
governance and raise a coherent civil society voice.
Duration: 3 Years (2007-2010)
Project Partners:
Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal
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Objective of GRANITE II
First year (2007-08):
To examine the involvement of state government in
the formation and implementation of NFTP
Second year (2008-09):
To find out how the NTFP is impacting the livelihoods
of related stakeholders in specific product categories
Third Year (2009-10):
Given the above results, advocate a pro poor, pro
development trade policy in 2009
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Relevance of Case Study
Objectives of the Case Study:
To understand whether NFTP has impacted (or not
impacted) exports of specific products

To explore various channels through which benefits
of international trade trickle down to the
grassroots.

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Why NFTP?
•
Mainstreaming International Trade into National Development
Strategy
•
Inclusive growth (Livelihood concerns)
•
It is a consultative policy (NFTP Supplement)
The objectives are:
•
To double India’s share in Global Trade
•
To generate Employment
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Major Schemes under Agriculture sector
•
•
Assistance to states for infrastructure development of exports
(ASIDE)
Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Marketing Development
Assistance (MDA)
•
Promotion of Towns of Export Excellence (TEE)
•
Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY)
•
Focus Market Scheme (FMS)
•
Focus Product Scheme (FPS)
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Methodology


Preparation of questionnaires especially targeted
towards different stakeholder groups such as
State Government Officials, Farmers,
Manufacturers, Trading Houses, Exporters,
Workers etc.
Interviews to discuss relevant Issues in a
comprehensive manners.
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Project States and Product Selected
Project States
Product Selected
Andhra Pradesh
Turmeric
Karnataka
Spices
Maharashtra
Grapes
Orissa
Spices
Rajasthan
Gems and Jewellery
Tamil Nadu
Black Tiger Shrimp
Uttar Pradesh
Chikan Craft
West Bengal
Mango
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Major Findings From Eight Project States
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Positive Impact of NFTP

Increase in the area and production

Improvement in the quality of orchards

Increased employment in supporting sectors

Exporters are being able to access various government
schemes better than before

Women are more involved

Better information dissemination
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Limitations of NFTP
•
Centralised in nature
•
Lack of grassroots inputs
•
Lack of consideration for local specifics and variations
•
No percolation of decision making process to the bottom
•
MPs/MLAs/political parties seldom discuss economic problems and
trade related issues
•
Lack of reflection of grassroots demands in formulated trade policy
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Limitations of NFTP (contd…)

Absence of representation of CSO’s small and medium enterprises

No targeting of the small and medium entrepreneurs

Lack of information regarding NFTP at the grassroots
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Major Roadblocks
Lack of necessary export infrastructure
Low degree of awareness about trade and economic issues, especially
government policies
Lack of systematic dissemination
Lack of Research and Development (R & D)
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Recommendations
Special schemes should be targeted towards small players are the need of the
hour.


Information dissemination mechanisms need to be more extensive.
Schemes should be made less complex and more transparent.
 Inclusive , consultative policy making process


Empowerment of Panchayats

Development of a Market Intelligence cum Marketing Network

Technological Support, especially to the ailing food processing units


Representation of all Stakeholders in the Board of Trade
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Recommendation (contd…)

Excise duty on branded jewellery could be removed

Useful marketing strategies to meet demands
An urgent need to disseminate information about
various trade policies


Better working conditions
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Thanks
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