1. 1 Project Overview and Major Findings from Eight States Anutosh Biswas CUTS International

2. 2 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

3. 3 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

4. 4 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.

5. 5 Why NFTP ? Mainstreaming International Trade into National Development Strategy Mainstreaming International Trade into National Development Strategy Inclusive growth (Livelihood concerns) Inclusive growth (Livelihood concerns) It is a consultative policy (NFTP Supplement) It is a consultative policy (NFTP Supplement) The objectives are: To double India’s share in Global Trade To double India’s share in Global Trade To generate Employment To generate Employment

6. 6 Major Schemes under Agriculture sector Assistance to states for infrastructure development of exports (ASIDE) Assistance to states for infrastructure development of exports (ASIDE) Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Promotion of Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) Promotion of Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) Focus Market Scheme (FMS) Focus Market Scheme (FMS) Focus Product Scheme (FPS) Focus Product Scheme (FPS)

7. 7 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.

8. 8 Project States and Product Selected Project States Product Selected Andhra Pradesh Turmeric KarnatakaSpices MaharashtraGrapes OrissaSpices Rajasthan Gems and Jewellery Tamil Nadu Black Tiger Shrimp Uttar Pradesh Chikan Craft West Bengal Mango

9. 9 Major Findings From Eight Project States

10. 10 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

11. 11 Limitations of NFTP Centralised in nature Centralised in nature Lack of grassroots inputs Lack of grassroots inputs Lack of consideration for local specifics and variations Lack of consideration for local specifics and variations No percolation of decision making process to the bottom No percolation of decision making process to the bottom MPs/MLAs/political parties seldom discuss economic problems and trade related issues MPs/MLAs/political parties seldom discuss economic problems and trade related issues Lack of reflection of grassroots demands in formulated trade policy Lack of reflection of grassroots demands in formulated trade policy

12. 12 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

13. 13 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)

14. 14 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

15. 15 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

16. 16 Thanks