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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
H1CY25 agro exports decline by $1bn YoY, says PKI president
LAHORE: Pakistan has incurred a staggering loss of USD 1 billion in agro-exports during the first half of 2025 (January–June), as compared to the same period in 2024, a situation that demands urgent intervention through the establishment of a 'Commodity Price and Export Commission'. This proposed body would monitor domestic production, match it with consumption needs, and recommend export strategies for surplus commodities. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, while addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, said the country witnessed a 70 percent decline in maize exports, 69 percent in bananas, 40 percent in mangoes, and 31 percent in onions and garlic during the first half of the year. He claimed that farmers collectively suffered losses worth PKR 1,264 billion, with maize and rice alone accounting for nearly PKR 1,000 billion. Khokhar pointed to a drastic fall in commodity prices that has slashed farmers' incomes and weakened their purchasing power. Wheat prices have dropped from Rs 3,900 to Rs 2,200 per maund, maize from Rs 2,900 to Rs 1,900, and cotton from Rs 7,700 to Rs 6,700. At the same time, the prices of essential agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers, have surged since 2022, leaving many small and medium-sized farmers unable to apply recommended doses. Fertilizer off take has declined by 29 percent for nitrogen-based fertilizers and by 15 percent for phosphates. He added that vegetable growers also suffered heavy losses, with onion prices plunging by more than 55 percent. Khokhar lamented that Pakistan's cotton production has continued to collapse. According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, cotton output dropped by 30.7 percent - the worst performance in nearly a decade. To meet the demands of the textile industry, the country imported 854,263 metric tons of ginned cotton in the first half of 2025, incurring an import bill of USD 1.66 billion. He compared the current situation to the early 2010s when cotton production peaked at 14.8 million bales and exports reached 1.1 million bales, while imports remained between 200,000 and 500,000 bales. In contrast, cotton production has now fallen below 7.5 million bales and may drop below 4 million bales this year due to rain-induced damage in Sindh and Punjab. He said only 1.3 million bales have arrived at ginning factories so far, and the fiber quality has also suffered due to heavy rains. Expressing deep frustration, Khokhar said farmers were working harder but earning less. He said that fertilizers were unaffordable, diesel was eating into profits, and the government was offering no relief. He blamed the crisis in part on the delay in announcing the wheat support price, which negatively affected not only wheat but also cotton cultivation. He alleged that the ongoing crisis was a result of neglected agricultural research, poor marketing mechanisms, and erratic pricing and subsidy policies. He criticized the minimal public investment in agriculture despite its key role in employment generation and contribution to GDP. According to him, there has been a persistent lack of focus on innovation, extension services, and climate resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UP to set up five state-of-the-art seed parks with Rs 2,500 crore
Lucknow: In its bid to make Uttar Pradesh self-reliant in the production of high-quality seeds, the state govt is set to establish five state-of-the-art seed parks across different agro-climatic zones—Western UP, Terai, Central, Bundelkhand, and Eastern UP—under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These parks will cater to region-specific crop requirements, ensuring farmers get quality seeds suited to their local conditions. According to a state govt spokesperson, the plan involves an investment of Rs 2,500 crore over the next three years. The agriculture department has already identified six large farms with existing infrastructure, ranging from 200 to over 400 hectares, which will be leased to interested parties for seed production. With agriculture being the backbone of the Indian economy—employing 42.3% of the population as per the 2023–2024 Economic Survey—and an even larger share in Uttar Pradesh, this initiative is expected to significantly benefit millions of farmers. The project has already received cabinet approval, and official orders have been issued to kickstart the ambitious seed production programme. The state govt has started work on Uttar Pradesh's first seed park in Lucknow, which will be named after former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Compare Spreads: Bitcoin vs Ethereum CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo The park will feature advanced facilities for seed production, processing, storage, speed breeding, and hybrid laboratories. The first seed park is being set up on 130.63 acres of govt agricultural land in Attari, Lucknow, with an investment of around Rs 266.70 crore. It will include 26 seed blocks dedicated to high-quality seed production, the spokesperson said. To encourage private participation, the govt is offering incentives to investors. Land will be leased for 30 years, extendable up to 90 years if needed. Each seed park is expected to create about 1,200 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs, while connecting nearly 40,000 seed-producing farmers. Across all five parks planned in the state, the initiative will generate around 6,000 direct and 15,000 indirect employment opportunities. Becoming self-reliant in seed production is expected to save the state around Rs 3,000 crore each year and strengthen the local economy by creating jobs in production, logistics, and transport. It will also help improve the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR), which directly impacts crop yields. Despite having the country's largest cultivable land and highest irrigated area, Uttar Pradesh lags behind states like Punjab and Haryana in per-hectare yields due to a lack of quality seeds. For instance, UP's wheat yield stands at 26.75 quintals per hectare compared to Punjab's 40.35, while rice yields are 37.35 against Haryana's 45.33. Officials estimate that better seed availability could narrow this gap by 15–20%. Poor-quality seeds have long been a major challenge for farmers. According to a recent report, in 2023–2024, of the 1,33,588 seed samples tested, 3,630 were found substandard. Low germination rates and delayed re-sowing due to bad seeds often lead to wasted investment in land preparation, fertilisers, and ultimately, reduced yields.
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Intel and Times of India Launch 'The Learning Curve' to Bridge Digital Trust Gap in Education
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], July 28: Intel, in partnership with The Times of India, today announced the launch of The Learning Curve, a landmark campaign focused on reshaping how Indian parents and educators view the role of technology--particularly PCs and AI--in school education. With over 248 million school students across the country (Economic Survey 2024-25) and persistent gaps in digital infrastructure, this initiative takes on the urgent task of rebuilding trust in technology as an enabler of responsible, personalized learning. The campaign draws attention to stark disparities in India's educational ecosystem: only 57.2% of schools have functional computers (UDISE Plus, 2023-24), and a mere 53.9% (UDISE Plus, 2023-24) have internet access. Yet, the pressure on students to succeed academically continues to rise. The Learning Curve leverages real stories, expert insights, and survey data from over 100,000 Indian parents and educators to tackle common fears around screen time, distraction, misinformation, and the perceived replacement of teachers by machines. The campaign takes root in a significant mindset gap: while many parents acknowledge the benefits of technology, 55% still view AI as potentially risky or harmful to critical thinking. Nearly one in three cite academic stress as a top concern, while 43% are actively seeking expert guidance on how to use technology effectively for their children's education. To address these concerns, The Learning Curve is built around three core pillars: * Empowerment Through Education: Positioning the PC as a personalized tutor and productivity partner in a child's learning journey--from discovery to mastery. * Ethical, Safe Technology Use: Advocating for Intel-powered PCs with parental controls, privacy safeguards, and secure learning environments. * Cultural Relevance & Local Stories: Featuring parenting voices across India, from celebrities like Soha Ali Khan and Kranti Redkar to regional teachers transforming classrooms with tech. One of the defining features of The Learning Curve is its emotionally grounded storytelling. The campaign features well-known parenting voices such as Soha Ali Khan, Kranti Redkar, and Prithi Ashwin, who reflect on their own children's evolving learning journeys. From watching their kids engage with interactive educational content to navigating questions around screen time and online safety, these mothers bring authenticity and vulnerability to the conversation. Their stories strike a chord with Indian parents--balancing curiosity with caution, and change with care. In fact, a striking 66% of parents surveyed believe technology can be a powerful educational ally--if guided well. This highlights that the barrier isn't belief in tech itself, but a lack of clarity and trusted direction. The Learning Curve aims to bridge this gap with credible voices and real-world stories that show what responsible, effective tech use can actually look like. These stories will include voices from the education frontlines, such as Ranjitsinh Disale, the Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner known for transforming rural classrooms through innovative, tech-enabled teaching methods. Disale, who famously introduced QR-coded textbooks in a government school in Maharashtra, lends his expertise to advocate for meaningful tech integration in classrooms. His participation underscores the campaign's belief that the right tools--used mindfully--can democratize learning, boost accessibility, and empower both teachers and students to achieve more. Aligned with national policy frameworks such as the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and global calls for digital inclusion, The Learning Curve complements India's push toward future-ready education. With the AI-in-education market expected to grow at around 40% CAGR in Asia-Pacific, Intel is investing in campaigns that not only address access but also perception and trust. From expert-led videos to myth-busting explainers and regional-language guides, The Learning Curve offers a dynamic mix of content in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil--crafted to challenge assumptions and spark fresh thinking about tech in education. Now streaming across TOI's digital platforms and social channels, these stories and insights invite audiences to explore how AI-powered PCs are quietly transforming learning across India. Dive into the conversation at Santhosh Viswanathan, Managing Director of Intel India, emphasizes the urgent need for both infrastructural and attitudinal change in education: "Technology is now the bedrock of education. It's democratising access to learning, enabling personalised experiences, and connecting students and educators like never before. At Intel, we align with UNESCO's view that digital technologies are evolving into integrated networks, forming the infrastructure of modern truly harness this power, we must prioritise areas like digital infrastructure, AI-based learning tools, and intelligent tutoring systems. However, we also need a critical mindset shift. Computers are still seen as distractions, and rote learning is deeply ingrained. With only 57% of Indian schools equipped with functional computers and 53% with internet access (as per the UDISE report), this gap must be urgently addressed." Intel's long-standing commitment to inclusive innovation and ecosystem development continues to drive its work in India. Through collaboration with local partners and institutions, the brand aims to build the infrastructure, awareness, and capabilities needed to make every child's learning journey truly limitless. Intel's vision for education in India is rooted in the belief that technology, when thoughtfully deployed, can be a powerful equalizer. With only about half of the schools having functional computers, Intel is committed to bridging this digital divide while transforming mindsets around tech-enabled learning. The company envisions a future where every child has access to an AI-powered PC--serving not as a distraction, but as a personalized tutor and productivity partner. By fostering digital literacy, enhancing infrastructure, and championing safe, responsible use of technology, Intel aims to unlock every student's potential and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the AI age.
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Expanding women's workforce key to unlocking India's economic growth, says EAC-PM head Dev
New Delhi: The Indian economy could see a significant boost if more women are brought into the formal or informal sectors, according to S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Citing official data and economic studies, Dev said raising the female worker population ratio (WPR) is not just about equity, it is a growth imperative. 'Women's participation in the labour market is essential to achieve faster economic growth, as it has the potential to improve both growth and inclusive growth," Dev said in an interview. The council's chairman said the government is actively working to improve the share of employed women in the population through a multi-pronged strategy that included education, skills training, entrepreneurship support, childcare access, better transport and flexible work options. 'The role of women in all activities of the economy and society has been increasing in India, although the shares of women in some activities are low," Dev said, quoting official figures. Government policies should encourage women's participation in all the sectors of the economy: agriculture, industry and services, he added. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey annual report 2023-24, worker population ratio for females above 15 years has risen to 40.3% in 2023-24 (July-June) from 22% in 2017-18. The legislation that seeks to allocate 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies will also yield positive outcomes for women's empowerment in future, Dev said. "This law will now enable greater participation of women in policymaking and equitable governance at the state and national levels," he added. The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, provides that reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, including that of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, will come into effect after a delimitation exercise is held after a population census. Dev said the government is following a multi-pronged approach—focusing on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, flexible work arrangements, improved childcare and transportation—to improve the worker population ratio for females. 'India could improve GDP significantly by raising the WPR for Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted the systemic barriers that impede job opportunities for women," he said. "It says in order to sustain and enhance women's participation in the workforce, it is essential to remove restrictions on women working in certain occupations. This responsibility mostly lies with the state governments." While the worker population ratio of females has improved over the years, there is still a lot of ground to cover to achieve gender equality. According to statistics ministry's data, worker population ratio among men above 15 years of age is 76.3%. In scheduled commercial banks, only about one-fourth of the staff are women as of March 2024, as per another report from the statistics ministry, titled 'Women & Men in India 2024'. As per this report, declining fertility rate and improvement in education is aiding the rise in working women. Meghalaya, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh are the front-runners in female labour force participation—the share of working or work-seeking women in the population, while Lakshadweep, Delhi and Haryana are the laggards. The report also pointed out the improvement in gender diversity in business ownership, especially in the services sector, where the trend is stronger than in manufacturing and trading. 'There is a lot of focus on women entrepreneurs in India. Women-owned enterprises can improve WPR and boost economic growth. There are government schemes to improve women's entrepreneurship. Certain flagship schemes of the government of India, such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission, etc. are oriented towards promoting women-led enterprises. This increases direct and indirect employment for women. Skill development and technology can also help raising women's employment," said Dev. 'There is also need for raising share of women in company boards," Dev said. As per data available from the ministry of corporate affairs, only about one-third of the professionals who secured director identification numbers (DINs) in June for board positions in companies are women. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that women's economic empowerment and the closing of gender gaps in key areas is associated with positive macroeconomic outcomes, including higher economic growth, lower inequality, increased productivity, better financial sector outcomes, and greater financial stability, the council's chairman said.
The Print
5 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Maintaining sustained growth top priority, says FM Sitharaman
The Economic Survey has projected the GDP growth for FY26 between 6.3 per cent and 6.8 per cent, while the RBI lowered its growth forecast from an earlier level of 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent for the ongoing financial year. The statement assumes significance as the Indian economy grew by 6.5 per cent in FY25. This growth was the slowest in four years, and compares to a 9.2 per cent expansion in the previous 2023-24 fiscal. New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) Maintaining sustained growth is the top priority amid global uncertainties, and an incremental rise in public capital expenditure is one of the drivers for economic development, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday. Speaking at a book release event here, Sitharaman said, 'To maintain the growth is the topmost priority. Growth is the topmost, and therefore, it will have an overlap with how you create jobs…' Keeping India relevant amid global challenges and being there in a leadership position, and moving forward along with other countries are other priority areas, she said, adding that the priority would also be to redefine the voice of the Global South. Finding resources for meeting many domestic economic aspirations within fiscal constraints is another priority, she said while releasing the book titled 'A World in Flux: India's Economic Priorities'. She further said the incremental rise in public capital expenditure is one of the primary drivers of sustained economic growth. 'Public investments have kept pace. It has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear instruction that we have to have capital expenditure grow and grow significantly. I confidently believe that it is one of the primary drivers of sustained economic growth,' she said. The other focus area of the government is to push growth through a friendly and attractive FDI policy to be able to get more and more investments happening in India. Besides, she said, the healthy competition among states to attract investment is also a good sign. Speaking about bilateral trade deals, the finance minister said such agreements are taking priority over multilateral trade. 'On the bilateral trade front, we are moving forward and we have seen bilateral agreements being signed in the last four to five years with Australia, UAE and the UK. Negotiations are progressing well with the United States as well as the European Union,' she said. Asked about relations with China, Sitharaman said it is getting a bit better, and the beginning has been made with the visit of the External Affairs Minister recently. 'We need more access, and we need to have a lot more interaction, and possibly open some windows. And that's not just from our side, even the Chinese have been approaching through the MEA. 'So, you had External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar go. There is something, some kind of a beginning, as to how much it will take us far; how far it will go is something we will have to wait and see. It might help the economy; however, a sense of caution would have to be built in,' she added. PTI DP BAL BAL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
