Latest news with #FOCUS
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Assets under farming initiative transferred to Nagaland govt
Dimapur: Six years after successfully completing its project in Nagaland, the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Framing System in the Northeast (FOCUS) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to hand over its assets to the line departments in the state to continue its work. The handing over of assets and signing of MoA was held under the chairmanship of chief secretary J Alam at the Nagaland civil secretariat. The FOCUS project, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, aimed to enhance the climate resilience and agricultural income of 1,18,000 households in Nagaland. The project completion workshop was held in Kohima on June 3, leading to the creation and strengthening of vital agricultural and allied infrastructure, improved market access, and played a transformative role in enhancing rural livelihoods and economy.
Forbes
27-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Energy Insecurity Threatens Food Production
TOPSHOT - In this picture taken on April 23, 2022, farmer Jinadasa Paranamana works in a paddy field ... More in Tissamaharama, Hambantota district. - Farmers were once big supporters of the Rajapaksas, but a bungled fertiliser ban withered their crops along with their backing for Sri Lanka's previously powerful and popular political clan. - TO GO WITH SriLanka-agriculture-economy-politics-unrest,FOCUS by Aishwarya KUMAR (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) / TO GO WITH SriLanka-agriculture-economy-politics-unrest,FOCUS by Aishwarya KUMAR (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images) Prior to Israel's recent attacks on Iran, energy prices and supplies were buffeted by the continuing war between Ukraine and Russia. Following the American bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, Iran threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz, but quickly backed off. Following the Middle East ceasefire declare June 24, energy prices, which did not soar as might have been expected, stabilized, but remain high by recent standards. Brent crude is up more than 10% to over $76/barrel, and diesel in Europe has risen nearly 15%. Like Iran, which targeted the Ashdod power station and the Haifa refinery during its most recent hostilities with Israel, Russia and Ukraine have also made it a point to target each other's vital infrastructure, especially after Ukraine terminated Russian transshipments of natural gas to other parts of Eastern Europe. (Source). Indeed, Ukraine has intensified drone, missile, and bomb attacks on critical Russian infrastructure, from energy depots and logistics railways in Bryansk to major fertilizer plants in the Tula and Stavropol regions. At the same time, Russia has ramped up its bombardment of Ukrainian Black Sea ports and agricultural logistics hubs. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, those two nations, along with Turkey and the United Nations, negotiated the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' in July 2022 as a way to protect the export of grain to the world. (Source). That deal, however, has not kept the cost of the inputs of food production stable. Russia has continued to strike the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Pivdennyi, and Chornomorsk, which according to media reports have been widely used to launch drones attacking Russian warships. In doing so, they also have hit grain elevators and storage facilities, which had the exact opposite impact from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Globally, fertilizer prices already have risen 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year, per World Bank data. (Source). Nitrogen fertilizers like urea, essential for crops, jumped over 20%, with potash and phosphate up 18% and 20%, respectively. The recent Ukrainian drone strikes on the Novomoskovsk Azot plant and the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant, which have a combined output comparable to the annual nitrogen fertilizer consumption of France and Germany, have reportedly caused a temporary suspension of operations at these two facilities. While many are arguing (or speculating) about the true reason behind the attacks, as Ukraine had not attacked fertilizer plants before Russia did so, the global food security and fertilizer markets are likely to suffer severe collateral damage no matter what the reasons for the attacks may be. European farmers are now confronting winter planting decisions against a backdrop of tightened supply and renewed market premiums. It appears that Vladimir Putin may be trying to rerun the disaster that befell Sri Lanka in 2021, only this time caused by an outside stimulus. In Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to ban synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, forcing millions of Sri Lanka's farmers to go organic. The decision, while wrapped in a concern for the environment, was ill-advised. It wound up precipitating a famine that ultimately destroyed Sri Lanka's economy and caused the overthrow of President Rajapaksa himself. (Source). Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Putin is striking grain elevators and storage facilities. It is anybody's guess what happens now if Moscow targets Ukrainian fertilizer plants like those in Rivne in retaliation for Ukraine's strikes on Russian fertilizer plants. Beyond disrupting production, such an escalation risks an environmental catastrophe on the EU's doorstep. The Tula and Stavropol strike already has pushed up prices on nitrogen-based products like urea and UAN by 6-10% in recent weeks, and threatens to add 20-40% to broader fertilizer costs. Commodity markets already are impacted. In agricultural futures trading, wheat has jumped by 50-70% in some contracts during similar past disruptions. (Source). Analysts warn that any renewed Black Sea export interruption could trigger an equivalent surge within months. Corn, with Ukraine responsible for some 15% of all global exports, could spike another 30-50%, assuming U.S. and South American producers do not immediately ramp up acreage. The sunflower-oil market, dominated by Ukraine (50%) and Russia (17%), is particularly vulnerable: March 2022 saw a one-month price jump of 23% alone, and experts now predict possible increases of 40-60% during an export halt, with ripple effects raising palm and soy oil by 20-30%, as well. Earlier this year, Ukraine had to shut down one of its main sunflower plants at Kernel due to a raw material shortage. (Source). Having brokered a ceasefire in the 12-day conflict in the Middle East, the United States has secured considerable diplomatic momentum and might use it to put the brakes on Russia and Ukraine's escalating attacks on critical food and fertilizer infrastructure. For President Trump, the goal of averting a global famine would earn him high marks.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Meghalaya: FOCUS scheme boosts rural transformation; rolls out Rs 8 crore for Garo Hills, Rs 19 crore statewide
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], June 23 (ANI): In a decisive push to empower grassroots communities and strengthen rural livelihoods, the Government of Meghalaya has initiated the disbursement of nearly Rs 19 crore in financial grants to Producer Groups (PGs) under its flagship FOCUS (Farmers' Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) program across the state. A significant Rs 8 crore has been disbursed to over 4,600 PGs in Garo Hills alone, marking a major milestone in the state's mission to make rural economies more self-reliant. The announcement was made during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Additional Secretariat Complex in Tura, a historic move towards decentralising governance, where Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the disbursal ceremony at the Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletic Stadium. Over the years, the FOCUS initiative has emerged as a transformative platform, touching the lives of more than 2.1 lakh rural households across Meghalaya and channelling nearly Rs 120 crore in direct benefit transfers. The scheme promotes the collectivisation of farmers into producer groups. It provides strategic financial support of Rs 5,000 per member for productivity-linked initiatives, particularly in sectors like piggery, poultry, and horticulture. Since its launch, the FOCUS scheme has made significant strides across Garo Hills and Khasi, Jaintia Hills, ensuring inclusive growth throughout Meghalaya. Together, these regions have seen nearly Rs 120 crore disbursed to more than 22,000 Producer Groups, positively impacting around 2.1 lakh rural households. In Garo Hills, close to 12,000 PGs and 1 lakh beneficiaries have been supported, while Khasi and Jaintia Hills have similarly witnessed grants reaching over 10,000 PGs and more than 1.09 lakh families. These year-wise efforts bring the cumulative total to Rs 120 crore, with over 22,500 Producer Groups supported across the state so far. The FY 2025-26 tranche adds nearly Rs 19 crore to this growing outreach, reinforcing the government's commitment to a resilient rural economy. While handing over the cheques at the event in Tura, the Meghalaya Chief Minister emphasised, 'These aren't just grants, they're investments in the potential of our farmers and the promise of our rural economy. FOCUS is not a one-time scheme; it's a long-term vision to empower communities, especially women, with over 60 per cent of beneficiaries being women farmers.' In addition to FOCUS, the day witnessed the disbursal of Rs 10 crore to Nokrek Midan Cluster Level Federation (CLF) under Rongram Block through the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), benefitting over 1.9 lakh women and more than 19,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Garo Hills- a strong step towards enhancing women-led development. Producer Groups in Garo Hills are engaged in diverse activities such as piggery, banana and cashew cultivation, poultry, and mustard farming. These activities enhance food security and create sustainable income streams and job opportunities at the village level. The event also included grants under the Climate Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project (ADB), highlighting the government's multi-pronged approach to climate resilience, livelihoods, and decentralised development. (ANI)
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Meghalaya prod groups to get 19 crore under FOCUS scheme
Shillong: Looking to empower grassroots communities and strengthen rural livelihoods, Meghalaya has initiated disbursement of nearly Rs 19 crore to Producer Groups (PGs) under its flagship FOCUS (Farmers' Collectivization for Up-scaling Production and Marketing Systems) programme. Approximately Rs 8 crore has already been disbursed to over 4,600 PGs in the Garo Hills region. This marks a milestone in the state's mission to foster more self-reliant rural economies. The announcement and disbursal ceremony were led by CM Conrad K Sangma during the foundation stone laying event for the additional secretariat complex in Tura, a release said. The official statement elaborated on FOCUS's initiative impact, noting its transformation into a vital platform that has touched the lives of over 2.1 lakh rural households across Meghalaya. The scheme has channelled close to Rs 120 crore in direct benefit transfers to date. FOCUS promotes the collectivisation of farmers into producer groups and provides strategic financial support of Rs 5,000 per member for productivity-linked initiatives, particularly in sectors such as piggery, poultry and horticulture.
Observer
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Observer
Ancient Myanmar ball game battles for survival in troubled nation
Mastering control of the rising and falling rattan chinlone ball teaches patience, says a veteran of the traditional Myanmar sport -- a quality dearly needed in the long-suffering nation. "Once you get into playing the game you forget everything," says 74-year-old Win Tint. "You concentrate only on your touch and you concentrate only on your style." Chinlone is Myanmar's national game and dates back centuries. Branded a blend of sport and art, it is often played to music and is typically practised differently by men and women. This photo taken on May 8, 2025 show a man weaving cane into a chinlone ball, used in the ancient Myanmar game considered a blend between sport and art, at a workshop in Hinthada township in the Irrawaddy delta region. Mastering control of the rising and falling rattan chinlone ball teaches patience, says a veteran of the traditional Myanmar sport -- a quality dearly needed in the long-suffering nation. - To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP) / To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY Male teams in skimpy shorts stand in a circle using stylised strokes of their feet, knees and heads to pass the ball in a game of "keepy-uppy", with a scoring system impenetrable to outsiders. Women play solo like circus performers -- kicking the ball tens of thousands of times per session while walking tightropes, twirling umbrellas and perching on chairs balanced atop beer bottles. Teen prodigy Phyu Sin Phyo hones her skills at the court in Yangon, toe-bouncing a burning ball while spinning a hula-hoop -- also on fire. "I play even when I am sick," says the 16-year-old. "It is important to be patient to become a good chinlone player." But play has plunged in recent years, with the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the 2021 military coup and subsequent civil war. Poverty rates are shooting up and craftsmen face increasing problems sourcing materials to make balls. But the rising and falling rhythm of the game offers its practitioners a respite. "When you hear the sound of kicking the ball it's like music," Win Tint, vice-chairman of the Myanmar Chinlone Federation, told AFP. "So when you play chinlone, you feel like dancing." - 'Play day is happy' - Different versions of the hands-free sport known as "caneball" are widely played across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia players kick and head the ball over a net in the volleyball-style "sepak takraw". In Laos it is known as "kataw" while Filipinos play "sipa" -- meaning kick. In China, people kicking around weighted shuttlecocks in parks is a common sight. Myanmar's iteration dates back 1,500 years, according to popular belief. Some cite a French archaeologist's discovery of a replica silver chinlone ball at a pagoda built in the Pyu era of 200 BC to 900 AD. It was initially practised as a casual pastime, a fitness activity and for royal entertainment. But in 1953 the game was given rules and a scoring system, as part of an effort to codify Myanmar's national culture after independence from Britain. This photo taken on May 13, 2025 shows players taking part in a game of the traditional Myanmar sport of chinlone at a court in Yangon. Mastering control of the rising and falling rattan chinlone ball teaches patience, says a veteran of the traditional Myanmar sport -- a quality dearly needed in the long-suffering nation. - To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP) / To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY "No one else will preserve Myanmar's traditional heritage unless the Myanmar people do it," said player Min Naing, 42. Despite the conflict, players still gather under motorway overpasses, around street lamps blighted with wartime blackouts and on dedicated chinlone courts -- often ramshackle open-sided metal sheds with concrete floors. "For a chinlone man, the day he plays is always a happy day. I am happy, and I sleep well at night," says Min Naing. "On the days I don't play it, I feel I am missing something." - 'Respect the chinlone' - But Win Tint is concerned that participation rates are falling. "I worry about this sport disappearing," says master chinlone ball maker Pe Thein, toiling in a sweltering workshop in Hinthada, 110 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Yangon. "That's the reason we are passing it on through our handiwork." Cross-legged men shave cane into strips, curve them with a hand crank and deftly weave them into a melon-sized ball with pentagonal holes, boiled in a vat of water to seal its strength. "We check our chinlone's quality as if we're checking diamonds or gemstones," adds the 64-year-old Pe Thein. "As we respect the chinlone, it respects us back." This photo taken on May 8, 2025 shows Mg Kaw, owner of a production workshop for chinlone balls, used in the ancient Myanmar game considered a blend between sport and art, in Hinthada township in the Irrawaddy delta region. Mastering control of the rising and falling rattan chinlone ball teaches patience, says a veteran of the traditional Myanmar sport -- a quality dearly needed in the long-suffering nation. - To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP) / To go with 'MYANMAR-SPORT-CULTURE-CONFLICT-CHINLONE,FOCUS' by Lynn MYAT and Hla-Hla HTAY Each ball takes around two hours to make and earns business-owner Maung Kaw $2.40 apiece. But supplies of the best-quality rattan he covets from nearby Rakhine are dwindling. There is fierce fighting in the state between the military and opposition groups that now control almost all of it. Farmers are too fearful to plunge into the jungle battleground to cut cane, says Maung Kaw, endangering his profession. "It should not be that we have players but no chinlone makers," says the 72-year-old. "I want to work as well as I can for as long as I can." —AFP
