Latest news with #FPCs
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Shift in hedging behavior reflects anticipation of prolonged dollar weakness: BoE's FSR
While dollar-denominated US risky asset valuations have mostly recovered since early April, the value of the US dollar remains weaker, according to Bank of Englands financial stability report. At the time of the FPCs June policy meeting, the US dollar exchange rate index was 5% below its early April level and 8% down since the November FSR, at close to a three-year low. Since late February 2025, there has been a notable change in the usual correlation patterns between the dollar and other US assets, including equities and government bond yields, the report noted. Historically, when risky asset prices are falling during times of global stress, or when US Treasury yields are rising, the dollar has tended to strengthen. This means non-US investors have often left some of their equity positions unhedged on a currency basis because they expect the dollar to provide portfolio diversification benefits by rising if stocks fall, or if US Treasury yields rise. But in recent months, these correlations appear to have shifted, increasing the riskiness of unhedged US dollar assets for foreign investors. The trend first emerged in February when weaker macroeconomic data prompted concerns among market participants that activity in the US economy was slowing down at a faster rate than expected. US equities began to decline, and long positions in US dollar futures fell, albeit while remaining at historically stretched levels according to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) data. These moves were further accelerated by deterioration in sentiment toward US assets following the initial US tariff announcement on 2 April. Market contacts report that foreign investors have been increasing their hedging of currency exposures on US assets in recent weeks by selling dollars and buying home currency to guard against further dollar weakness. This shift in hedging behaviour may contribute to downward pressure on the dollar on a continuing basis. The historic under-hedging and slow-moving nature of some of these investors suggests this could be a gradual process. Market contacts report increased positioning among hedge funds anticipating future dollar weakening due to the expectation that these hedging flows will continue.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
‘Smart clusters' for tuber crops on the anvil in four districts
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), in collaboration with NGO Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), will develop four 'smart clusters' for tuber crops in the State. Under this programme, cassava will be grown in Thiruvananthapuram district, elephant foot yam and yams in Kollam, sweet potato in Alappuzha district and arrowroot and minor tubers in Pathanamthitta district. The initiative will be undertaken under the leadership of one farmer producer company (FPC) each in the four districts, according to the CTCRI. Detailed project reports and technological support will be provided by the CTCRI, the institute's director G. Byju said. Complete value chain will be established in those districts involving the FPCs. The action plan is based on a memorandum of understanding inked by the CTCRI and CISSA for strengthening 36 FPCs in the four southern districts under an initiative that places special emphasis on tuber crops. Capacity building training in soil testing using the Pusa Soil Testing and Fertiliser Recommendation (STFR) meter, establishment of tuber crop nurseries and seed villages, production of different bioinputs and biocontrol agents as well as value addition of tuber crops also will be organised for the FPCs at the CTCRI as at the district level under the agreement. A planning workshop held at the CTCRI this week chalked out a long-term action plan for equipping the 36 selected FPCs to strengthen the tuber crop value chain in the four districts. The 36 FPCs are promoted by the CISSA. As part of the MoU, the CTCRI will equip the FPCs with skills in value chain development, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing in the context of tuber crops.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Muradpur's solar-powered lift irrigation scheme promises lifeline to farmers
Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme powered by floating solar panels , calling it a 'boon for farmers' that will not only improve agriculture but also uplift rural livelihoods in the region. The scheme, implemented at the Vadgaon reservoir on the Vena River in Umred taluka, aims to provide year-round water supply to over 465 acres of farmland using solar energy. Floating solar panels installed in the Rama Dam reservoir will generate enough electricity to power the entire irrigation system, drastically cutting energy costs and enhancing sustainability. Speaking at the inauguration, Gadkari said, "Water is the most critical need for our farmers. Regular supply will not only help in agriculture but also resolve many village-level problems. This solar-powered lift irrigation scheme will enable farmers to take up two to three crops annually and increase their income." The project is particularly significant for the local population, 53 per cent of whom belong to tribal communities. Gadkari noted the region's social, educational, and economic backwardness, stating that the govt is working with the spirit of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's Antyodaya philosophy to uplift the last person in society. The event was attended by MP Shyamkumar Barve, MLA Sanjay Meshram, former MLA Sudhir Parwe, local Sarpanch Durga Alam, Deputy Sarpanch Gajanan Gadge, and other dignitaries. Highlighting the scheme's technical details, officials explained that water from the Vadgaon dam is lifted using pumps and transported through MS pipelines to two delivery chambers. From there, 20 HP pumps distribute water to farmlands through drip irrigation. Floating solar panels with a 270 KVA capacity are expected to generate 1,080 units of electricity daily, sufficient to operate all project-related electrical systems without cost. Gadkari urged farmers to form Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to maximise the benefits of the scheme. "With modern practices like drone-based spraying and shared machinery, farmers can save Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 per acre. Technology will boost both yield and profitability," he said. He also announced plans to build a 'Smart Village' nearby, spread over 10 acres with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The project will include 1,000 homes (450 sqft each), concrete roads, and assured lifelong water and electricity, along with a playground and garden. "Around 400 people have already registered for homes," he informed. With sustainable energy, efficient water management, and community-focused development, the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme is expected to set a benchmark in rural transformation through green technology.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Muradpur's Solar-Powered Lift Irrigation Scheme Promises Lifeline to Farmers
Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme powered by floating solar panels, calling it a 'boon for farmers' that will not only improve agriculture but also uplift rural livelihoods in the region. The scheme, implemented at the Vadgaon reservoir on the Vena River in Umred taluka, aims to provide year-round water supply to over 465 acres of farmland using solar energy. Floating solar panels installed in the Rama Dam reservoir will generate enough electricity to power the entire irrigation system, drastically cutting energy costs and enhancing sustainability. Speaking at the inauguration, Gadkari said, "Water is the most critical need for our farmers. Regular supply will not only help in agriculture but also resolve many village-level problems. This solar-powered lift irrigation scheme will enable farmers to take up two to three crops annually and increase their income." The project is particularly significant for the local population, 53% of whom belong to tribal communities. Gadkari noted the region's social, educational, and economic backwardness, stating that the govt is working with the spirit of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's Antyodaya philosophy to uplift the last person in society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The event was attended by MP Shyamkumar Barve, MLA Sanjay Meshram, former MLA Sudhir Parwe, local Sarpanch Durga Alam, Deputy Sarpanch Gajanan Gadge, and other dignitaries. Highlighting the scheme's technical details, officials explained that water from the Vadgaon dam is lifted using pumps and transported through MS pipelines to two delivery chambers. From there, 20 HP pumps distribute water to farmlands through drip irrigation. Floating solar panels with a 270 KVA capacity are expected to generate 1,080 units of electricity daily, sufficient to operate all project-related electrical systems without cost. Gadkari urged farmers to form Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to maximise the benefits of the scheme. "With modern practices like drone-based spraying and shared machinery, farmers can save Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 per acre. Technology will boost both yield and profitability," he said. He also announced plans to build a 'Smart Village' nearby, spread over 10 acres with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The project will include 1,000 homes (450 sqft each), concrete roads, and assured lifelong water and electricity, along with a playground and garden. "Around 400 people have already registered for homes," he informed. With sustainable energy, efficient water management, and community-focused development, the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme is expected to set a benchmark in rural transformation through green technology. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
ICAR-CTCRI, CISSA join hands to strengthen 36 farmer producer companies
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) will help to strengthen 36 farmer producer companies (FPC) in four southern districts of Kerala under an initiative that places special emphasis on tuber crops. Under it, CTCRI will help to equip the FPCs with skills in value chain development, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing in the context of tuber crops, G. Byju, director, CTCRI, said. The 36 FPCs are promoted by the NGO Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) and CISSA and CTCRI exchanged an MoU here on Thursday for the initiative. The CTCRI will provide technical support, business mentorship and entrepreneurial training to the FPCs so as to enhance their capacity to function as successful agro-based enterprises, Dr. Byju said. The FPCs are from the southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. Addressing the MoU exchange function at the CTCRI, former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan said functional linkages among teaching, research and extension organisations are vital to transforming FPCs into sustainable business organisations. On the occasion, Mr. Muraleedharan flagged off 'Ananthapuri 5000,' a programme of CISSA for developing 5000 'impactful enterprises' by September 2025. This initiative is aimed at empowering farmer collectives with technology, knowledge, and entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for resilient and prosperous rural communities.
