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Hans India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Agriculture can be revived in India only if farmers get right prices for the produce
In a complete reversal of its earlier stand, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), which boasts of the largest support base in Punjab, now calls for a rethinking on making Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal right for farmers. Saying that a legal mechanism for MSP will lead to 'higher inflation', the leader of the farm union, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, has stirred a hornet's nest. While another farmer leader, owing alliance to BKU (Dakounda), Jogmohan Singh, termed any move that goes against the popular demand of the farm bodies for seeking a legal protection for MSP as 'back stabbing' the farmers, other farmer's voices expressed surprise at the turnaround. 'All factions should stick to the demand for hike in MSP as per MS Swaminathan's recommendation for 50 per cent profit over the input cost,' Jagmohan Singh had asserted. Till only a few weeks back, prior to the time when the protest at the Punjab and Haryana border were not forcibly lifted, farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, were both calling for MSP to be converted into a legal right across the country. Even after the farmers protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders ended, these leaders maintain that a legal MSP is the only way forward. So do others. Nevertheless, the volte-face by the dominant farmers union in Punjab is baffling. While speculation is rife about why and how did the farm union go for a flip-flop, the split in economic thinking isnow wide open. As quoted in the media, Ugrahan says that beyond a point, the increase in MSP can't be sought as it will lead to increase in prices of foodgrains, making it out of reach of poor and marginalized classes. That is why the union is seeking a reduction in input costs, which will eventually bring in a fall in the cost of production. Any fall in the cost of production will indirectly mean a higher price for farm produce, he says. Before I go any further, let's first look into a fallacious call for reducing the input costs such as that of chemical pesticides, fertilizer, diesel, seeds and other inputs that the farmers have to fend for. For several years now, I have seen academicians saying, and mainline economists have often echoed, saying while there is no need to increase farmgate prices, what is required is to reduce the cost of production. They always knew that the input prices are not in the control of farmers and we often hear farmers rue that the MSP does not cover even the cost of cultivation. I don't blame the farmers, but at least the academicians should have known that the call for reducing the input costs is not workable and so it is meaningless. But I still see many academic papers that repeat the call for reducing the cost of cultivation. The reason is simple. Academicians and policy makers have never been in favour of enhancing farm incomes and therefore the best way is to divert attention to something that is undoable. Even if the Government decides to follow cost reductions it will only be possible with subsidy support, which means more budgetary support. And then at the same time, any increase budgetary support for agriculture is decried saying it will lead to fiscal imbalance. Ugrahan says: 'Not only farmers, we have to think about all sections of the society, particularly the poor. In case, there is an increase in MSP, it will lead to inflation. So, to benefit the farmers, the cost of agriculture inputs should be kept under check.' Therefore, I am a little surprised to know how come a senior farmer leader goes for a turnaround using the bogus argument of reducing the cost of production. In reality, what the farmer leaders need to know is that a majority of country's poor are in fact farmers. It is well-known fact, they produce enough food for the country, but themselves sleep hungry. The latest report of the Situational Assessment Survey for Agricultural Households, which was based on 2019 data, clearly shows that the average monthly income of a farm household, at only Rs10,218 is at the bottom of the pyramid. I don't think any miracle has happened in the past five years that shows a remarkable jump in farm incomes thereby to change the perception about prevailing levels of farm distress. If Joginder Singh Ugrahan is satisfied and comfortable with such low-income levels knowing (or perhaps unknowing) that his suggestion would not in any way lead to enhanced income levels, there is no reason why the farmer leader himself should not be rethinking. It is never too late to make a correction. I find this switch over most intriguing knowing that an OECD (organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) had worked out that in the 16 years period, between 2000 and 2016, Indian farmers had lost Rs 45-lakh crore. Moreover, the latest 2024 OECD report on producer support had categorically shown that Indian farmers were the only community globally that continued to incur losses year after year since the year 2000. What more evidence is required to demonstrated a broken food system that has been pushing farmers into a cycle of indebtedness, distress and suicides? Surprisingly, the policy makers who continue to call for reducing the cost of cultivation have never given any economic justification for not asking the industry to reduce the cost of production. Name one industry that continues to incur losses even for a year, and still stays in business. Tell me which section of the urban society has reduced the cost of living if it made any economic sense to them. I haven't heard of any section of employees wanting the pay commissions to be frozen. In fact, an imaginative 'fitment factor' continues to jack up employee salaries every ten years. Academicians and policy makers are fine with that (because it also raises their incomes) but then why is that such stupid arguments are floated only for farmers? The answer is again simple -- because farmers will fall for such outlandish arguments. Agriculture is in a dire crisis. Over the years, farm incomes have been deliberately squeezed. It is time to rebuild agriculture and that can only happen if farmers get an assured income (by way of a guaranteed price) along with a package of practices that actually usher in prosperity on the farm. (The author is a noted food policy analyst and an expert on issues related to the agriculture sector. He writes on food, agriculture and hunger)
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
MoF: Accept or reject, don't ignore
On June 19, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) convened a rare meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance. I think it was the first meeting since the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha in June 2024. The members are MPs of both Houses representing all parties nominated to the Committee. It is a useful mechanism if the government intends to use it. The finance minister (FM) presides over the meeting. The meeting on June 19 was formal — in fact, too formal and stiff. The chief economic adviser (CEA) made a 19-slide power point presentation (PPT), members were invited to make their comments and observations, the finance secretary summarized — literally encapsulated — the comments but offered no answers or clarifications, and the FM made her closing remarks. On no issue was there a consultation. Fortunately, in the 19th slide of his PPT, the CEA requested suggestions from members on four issues: For further improving farm productivity; Agenda for deregulation to reduce compliance burdens esp. for industry; Adapting our skilling programmes to AI and tech-driven disruptions; and How to accelerate formalization of the economy. I did not wish to make off-the-cuff suggestions at the meeting. I have since thought about the four issues and here are my suggestions: One of the slides mentioned MSP, PM-Kisan, PM-Fasal Bima, KCC, e-NAM and Food Parks: these are intended to increase efficiency and consequently boost productivity. In another slide on 'empowering farmers', the data on increase in yield per acre for major crops has been given. In each major crop, the increase in yield per hectare between 2013-14 and 2023-24 has been in double-digits. In fact, we have been on the right path since the days of the green revolution beginning 1965 and not only since 2013-14. However, productivity must be measured against world standards: Crop India Global Avg Best in average (Kg per the World /best hectare) Wheat 3,559 3,548 EU/Egypt /5,045 6,500-7,700 Rice 2,882 4,700 China 6,500 /4,516 Maize 3,351 5,824 USA 10,532 /6,239 Sugarcane 84,906 75,000 Brazil 75,000 /105,000 Cotton 443/602 1,040 China 2,252 There is another metric of productivity: productivity per farmer/farm worker. 58 per cent of the Indian population (as against 22 per cent in China) depends on agriculture and agriculture-related activities. Hence, the productivity per farmer is very low in India, and the average farmer is not only poor but is also burdened by debt. The way to accelerate productivity per farmer is to create non-farm jobs and to wean millions away from agriculture into non-farm jobs. However, because of high urban unemployment and the lamentable state of the manufacturing sector, that process has been in a start-stop mode; actually, there is data that in recent years labour has moved back to the agriculture sector. Suggestion: Accelerate the growth rate and expansion of the manufacturing sector. After 2014-15, the Modi government has re-established more control. RBI, SEBI, Ministry of Company Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, the Income-tax department, UGC and every other Ministry or arm of government have made hundreds of pages of rules and regulations. The old control regime has come back as 'regulations'. Government authorities exert power and control through disputation and litigation. Doing business in India means challenging regulations and orders, and seeking redress in courts and tribunals. The GST laws have added to the burdens of business. The high and multiple rates of GST are per se bad. The rules, regulations, notifications, forms and compliances under the GST laws are worse. Together with the manner in which the laws are interpreted and applied by the Income-tax, Customs, DGFT and GST departments, it is a nightmare for any business. The CBI, ED, DRI, GST enforcement and SFIO seem to regard every businessperson as a suspect and every chartered accountant and lawyer as an accomplice. If trade and industry have to be the prime drivers of the economy, the suffocating environment in which they find themselves must be removed. Suggestion: Light a bonfire every quarter, there is enough rubbish to burn. Read the Annual Status of Education Reports (ASER). The appalling levels of reading, writing and arithmetic skills of school children virtually rule out a technologically- empowered society. The triumvirate of UGC, NTA and NAAC have robbed the Universities of the essential character of a University — autonomy, inquiry and strive for excellence. They have driven serious teachers, scholars and researchers to foreign lands. The central and state governments have tied Universities hand and foot by starving them of funds. Thousands of teaching posts in Universities are vacant. According to a reply in Parliament, as on October 31, 2024, there were 5,182 teaching posts in central universities that were unfilled. I am afraid the way forward on this vexed issue lies far outside the ambit of MoF. Suggestion: CEA may delete this issue from his to-do list. What does the CEA mean by 'formalization of the economy'? Does he want more economic activities that are carried on in the 'informal' economy (e.g. part-time maid services in middle class homes) formalized? Suggestion: Absent clarity, I have none. Please accept the suggestions; or reject them; do not ignore them.
CBS News
14 hours ago
- CBS News
Ohio motorcyclist killed in crash on westbound I-94 in Detroit
An Ohio motorcyclist was killed late Friday night in a crash on westbound I-94 in Detroit, Michigan State Police say. Troopers say the crash happened at around 11:50 p.m. Friday on I-94 near Lonyo Street, when the motorcyclist, a 22-year-old man from Lakewood, Ohio, was reportedly weaving in and out of traffic lanes at a high rate of speed and sideswiped a vehicle in the right lane while trying to pass the car on the right shoulder. Police say the motorcyclist lost control and hit a bridge abutment on the right shoulder and then crossed all lanes, striking a median wall. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The freeway was closed overnight for an investigation. "While we have made progress in the amount of speed related crashes in the last five years," said MSP Lt. Mike Shaw. "It is preventable crashes like this one that drives home that excessive speed kills. We want to remind motorcyclists to drive the speed limit, wear protective gear, including a helmet, and obey all traffic laws. It only takes one poor decision to lose your life."
Hans India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rare earths crisis: India taking concrete steps to mitigate possible disruptions
New Delhi: As recent export restrictions imposed by China on key rare earth materials disrupt global supply chains, India has been taking a series of steps on the domestic front to mitigate possible disruptions, according to Finance Ministry. A concerning phenomenon amidst the tariff and trade developments was the imposition of restrictions on the export of rare earth elements (REEs) by China. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are vital for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. 'Hence, such restrictions are bound to hamper the development of industries such as electric vehicles, defence and renewable energy,' said Finance Ministry's 'Monthly Economic Review for May 2025'. 'A list of 30 critical minerals was identified, with 24 brought under the exclusive auction authority of the Central Government through August 2023 amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Government of India had also launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025, a seven-year initiative (2024-25 to 2030-31), to build a self-reliant and resilient framework for securing critical minerals essential to India's clean energy transition and strategic sectors,' according to the Economic Review document. The NCMM targets 1,200 domestic exploration projects and supports overseas acquisitions by both PSUs and private entities. It also aims to strengthen the entire value chain through patents, skill development, mineral processing parks, and recycling of secondary sources. India is also expanding offshore exploration and forging international partnerships, including with Argentina and Australia, to diversify supply sources. The country joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) that aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains through public and private sector investment. India is the only developing country member in the 14-member MSP. 'Further, India is investing abroad in exploring and acquiring critical mineral assets in resource-rich countries. A Joint Venture, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), has been incorporated with the objective of acquiring critical mineral assets abroad,' said the Economic Review. Under the NCMM mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has intensified its exploration programmes. In the 2024-25 field season, GSI had taken up 195 projects, focused on identifying and assessing critical mineral deposits. The guidelines for setting up Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the NCMM were issued in April 2025. CoEs will identify, develop and implement extraction processes and beneficiation technologies for a host of critical minerals from multiple sources and conduct directed R&D to reach Technology Readiness Levels. The Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Amendment Rules, 2025, were notified by the Ministry of Mines on June 12, 2025, to revise the exploration norms for establishing "evidence of mineral contents" in respect of REEs in a mineral block. This is crucial for determining when a mineral block is ready to be auctioned for mining or composite licenses, for rare earth elements. Earlier this week, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, said the government is likely to take a decision within the next 15 to 20 days on launching a subsidy scheme to support domestic production of rare earth magnets. The scheme is aimed at reducing India's dependence on China for critical components used in electric vehicles and other high-tech industries.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Zayo Ranks #2 on the 2025 Channel Futures MSP 501 — Cementing Its Position as a Global Leader in Managed Services
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zayo, a leading communications infrastructure and managed services provider, has been ranked #2 on the 2025 Channel Futures Managed Service Provider (MSP) 501, the definitive global list of top managed service providers. Climbing from #8 in 2023 to #7 in 2024, Zayo's continued rise in the MSP 501 ranking reflects its commitment to expanding and optimizing its managed services to deliver the high-performance, scalable solutions and expert support organizations need to navigate today's complex digital landscape. 'As networks grow more complex, customers need a partner who can simplify operations, strengthen security, and help them adapt to rapid technology shifts like AI,' said Michael McKerley, SVP of Advanced & Managed Services at Zayo. 'This ranking reflects the investment we've made to deliver agile, intelligent managed services that support long-term transformation. It's a strong validation of our direction and our role as a trusted partner to our customers.' Through its direct sales team and network of channel partners, Zayo delivers critical Managed Communications, Edge, Security, and Network services to the largest and most innovative organizations, encompassing over 6,000 customers across 60 countries. Over the last year, Zayo has made significant enhancements to its managed service portfolio, including expansions to its managed edge and communications offerings, strategic additions to its vendor partner network, and AI-driven monitoring and automation across its entire portfolio. Zayo's best-in-class managed services, combined with its expansive tier-1 network, not only enable connection for organizations from edge to edge, edge to cloud, cloud to core, and everywhere in between, but also provide impactful observability and insights into network performance and health to streamline IT workflows, reduce costs, increase the ROI of their network technology, and mitigate incidents. For the past 18 years, managed service providers around the globe have submitted applications for inclusion on this prestigious and definitive listing. MSPs that qualify for the list must also pass a rigorous review conducted by the Channel Partners research team and editors. Channel Partners ranks applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency. "The MSP 501 is more than a ranking—it's a reflection of the innovation, operational excellence, and customer-first mindset that drives the world's top managed service providers forward. Earning a place on this list signals to customers, partners, and the broader tech community that these MSPs are setting the pace for the industry and defining what success looks like in today's complex technology landscape," said Robert DeMarzo, Sr. Director of Informa Channels events and digital content. Said Kelly Danziger, Informa Channels GM: "Making the MSP 501 isn't just about performance metrics—it's about leadership, vision, and the ability to drive meaningful outcomes for customers. This recognition places these MSPs among an elite group shaping the future of technology services worldwide." To learn more about Zayo's managed service offerings, visit Methodology The Channel Partners MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Partners research and content teams which work closely with a wide range of industry experts to ensure the most pertinent data on managed services performance is collected. Companies are asked to provide their actual calendar 2024 financials or fiscal equivalents. Data was collected online from February to May 2025. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors. The data collected by the annual MSP 501 helps every company on the list and every provider with a managed services practice, benchmark their performance and uncover new ways to grow. About Zayo For more than 17 years, Zayo has empowered some of the world's largest and most innovative companies to connect what's next for their business. The Zayo group of companies connects 400 global markets with future-ready networks that span over 19M million fiber miles and 147,000 route miles. Zayo's tailored connectivity solutions and managed services enable carriers, cloud providers, data centers, schools, enterprises, and channel partners to deliver exceptional experiences, from core to cloud to edge. Discover how Zayo connects what's next at and follow us on LinkedIn. About Channel Futures Channel Partners is a media and events destination for the information technology and communications industry. We provide information, perspective, and connection for the entire channel ecosystem, including solution providers (SPs), managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors, technology solutions brokerages, subagent and agents, as well as leading technology vendor partners and communication providers. Channel Partners properties include awards programs such as the Channel Partners MSP 501, a list of the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry; the Channel Circle of Excellence, which honors innovative leaders from top channel vendors and distributors; Channel Partners events, which delivers unparalleled in-person events including Channel Partners Conference & Expo and MSP Summit. Channel Partners is part of Informa Connect, a leading provider of live events, digital content and training for the global business technology community. Through in-depth expertise and an engaged audience community, Informa Connect helps business professionals make better technology decisions and marketers reach the most powerful tech buyers and influencers in the world. Informa Connects portfolio includes more than 450 annual events attended by 12,000 business professionals.
