India & Brazil Forge Certification Partnership to Streamline Genetic Material Trade
Source: The DairyNews
India and Brazil have embarked on a collaborative effort to synchronize their certification systems, encompassing veterinary protocols, with the aim of bolstering bilateral trade and fostering technical cooperation, particularly in the exchange of animal genetic material, pork meat, fish, and related products.
A Brazilian diplomat disclosed that the envisioned 'integrated certificates' would entail endorsement by the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. These certificates are anticipated to simplify India's receipt of regular imports of genetic material, fish, pork meat, and associated products by consolidating requirements for both animal health and food safety into a single document, grounded on the principle of mutual equivalence.
Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, agricultural attaché at Brazil’s embassy in New Delhi, revealed discussions held with Indian officials regarding the introduction of new certificates for bovine embryos, semen, as well as avian genetic materials like fertile eggs and day-old chicks. Emphasizing that the intent is not to introduce products in competition with local farmers, Mauricio highlighted the potential benefits in enhancing Indian productivity through advanced animal nutrition and genetic inputs. India, boasting the world's largest livestock population and serving as the leading producer of buffalo meat and milk, stands to gain significantly from such collaborations.
Despite its substantial milk production capacity, India faced stagnation in 2022-23, attributed in part to challenges such as the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. Indigenous and non-descript buffalo breeds contribute substantially to milk production, alongside indigenous or non-descript cows. Efforts to enhance productivity include initiatives such as Brazil's provision of bull semen genetic material, aimed at improving Indian cattle productivity. Collaboration extends beyond genetic material exchange, encompassing technical cooperation projects in animal husbandry and agriculture, with discussions ongoing regarding the integration of certification requirements across relevant departments and institutions.
Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, agricultural attaché at Brazil’s embassy in New Delhi, revealed discussions held with Indian officials regarding the introduction of new certificates for bovine embryos, semen, as well as avian genetic materials like fertile eggs and day-old chicks. Emphasizing that the intent is not to introduce products in competition with local farmers, Mauricio highlighted the potential benefits in enhancing Indian productivity through advanced animal nutrition and genetic inputs. India, boasting the world's largest livestock population and serving as the leading producer of buffalo meat and milk, stands to gain significantly from such collaborations.
Despite its substantial milk production capacity, India faced stagnation in 2022-23, attributed in part to challenges such as the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. Indigenous and non-descript buffalo breeds contribute substantially to milk production, alongside indigenous or non-descript cows. Efforts to enhance productivity include initiatives such as Brazil's provision of bull semen genetic material, aimed at improving Indian cattle productivity. Collaboration extends beyond genetic material exchange, encompassing technical cooperation projects in animal husbandry and agriculture, with discussions ongoing regarding the integration of certification requirements across relevant departments and institutions.
