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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Coconut prices triple within a year in Kerala, disrupting temple rituals
Temple rituals across Kerala are taking a hit as coconut prices skyrocket, forcing both devotees and temple managements to cut back. At Thiruvananthapuram's Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, where thousands of coconuts are usually offered daily, officials say offerings have dropped by nearly 30 per cent, according to a report by The Hindu Businessline. The price of coconuts has jumped to around ₹75 per kg from ₹28 per kg last year. Devotees who used to offer dozens or even hundreds of coconuts as part of their vows are backing out. While people still offer one coconut, but bigger rituals are being postponed. Temples are also struggling. Coconut oil, used for lighting lamps, has become too expensive. Vendors are refusing to supply it at the earlier contract price of ₹340 per litre. Pazhavangadi Temple has temporarily agreed to pay ₹400 to keep lamps burning. The issue is expected to worsen with the Karkidaka Pooja at Sabarimala starting July 17. Pilgrims typically carry multiple coconuts, some filled with ghee, for offerings at the shrine. But suppliers say they can't meet demand at current prices. India one of the world's largest coconut producers India is one of the world's largest producers of coconuts, contributing approximately 31.45 per cent of global production in 2021-22, with a total output of 19,247 million nuts, according to the India Trade Portal. The sector significantly supports the Indian economy, contributing around ₹30,749.8 crore to the GDP and employing over 12 million people. Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh account for more than 90 per cent of the national production. India's export of coconut also grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent between 2015-16 and 2021-22, with Vietnam, UAE, and Bangladesh among the top importers. Farm neglect, climate change impact coconut supply However, this problem didn't start overnight. According to an earlier report by The Hindu, when the pandemic disrupted transport, farmers switched to making copra (dried coconut) for oil, hoping for better returns. Instead, prices crashed in 2022 and stayed low till mid-2024, leading to neglect in coconut farming. Many stopped using fertilisers or maintaining trees. Climate change made things worse. Hotter weather, erratic rain, and poor farm care all played a part in the drop in production. 'Consequently, the production dropped not just in India but across all major coconut-producing countries in the equatorial region such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka,' a senior official from the Coconut Development Board (CDB) told The Hindu. Adding to the mess is the spike in demand for tender coconuts—driven by post-Covid health trends—meant farmers harvested early. Mature coconuts are now in short supply. At the same time, the growth of industries producing coconut milk, oil, and powder, especially for export under Free Trade Agreements, has increased demand further.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Businessline conclave to focus on MSMEs' role in ‘Make in India' mission
To celebrate the work of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), The Hindu Businessline is hosting its annual MSME conclave. The fourth edition, to be held in two cities, Bengaluru (June 25) and Coimbatore (June 27), will discuss their contribution to the Indian growth story. The first event at Bengaluru, presented in association with NITTE (deemed-to-be university), will feature two power-packed panel discussions — one on defence titled 'MSME: Call to Arms (Supplying to Defence)' and the other on 'Powering Make in India' — and a fireside chat. MSME Day is observed world over annually on June 27 to celebrate these enterprises and recognise their importance, shed light on their contributions, and promote their growth and sustainability. At the Bengaluru conclave, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT and BT of Karnataka, will be the chief guest. The Guest of Honour is Ananth Narayanan, Founder and CEO, Mensa Brands. The first panel, 'MSMEs: Call to Arms (Supplying to Defence)', will feature Navneet Singh, CEO, Kepler Aero; Priyanka Singhal, Founder, CEO, Ammunic Systems; Lt. Col. Velan (retd.), CEO, Elena Geo; Commander LSS Narendra (retd.), COO and Promoter, C2C Advanced Systems. The session will be moderated by Venkatesha Babu, Resident Editor, The Hindu Businessline. The second panel, 'MSMEs: Powering Make in India,' will have Rajeev Kaul, MD, Aequs Ltd; Vijay Peri, Vice-President, India Industrials, Zetwerk Manufacturing Businesses; Digbijoy Nath, Co-founder, CTO, Agnit; Sumeet B Patil, Head, Operations, Ethereal Machines. This session will be moderated by M. Ramesh, Consulting Editor, The Hindu Businessline. The fireside chat with Srinivasagopalan Rangarajan, Chairman and Managing Director, Data Patterns (India) Ltd, will be hosted by Raghuvir Srinivasan, Editor, The Hindu Businessline. The past three years too, on MSME Day, Businessline had hosted similar conclaves for MSMEs, which saw the participation of many from this sector. These enterprises play a vital role in the Indian economy. With a vast network comprising approximately 6.3 crore MSMEs, this sector generates employment opportunities for around 11 crore people. The conclave is brought in association with NITTE deemed-to-be-university, and supported by associate partners NABARD, Canara Bank, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd, SSVM Institutions Coimbatore, Tally, Karnataka Milk Federation, Mysore Sales International Ltd, Milky Mist, Karnataka Udyog Mitra, Government of Karnataka, and Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, Government of Karnataka. Office space partner is Puravankara, Insight partner is Trans Union CIBIL, and Industry partner FICCI Karnataka. Live stream:
Economic Times
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Chennai IT company employees get surprise Creta SUVs as gifts as it marks 10th anniversary
Agencies About Agilisium Who says companies can't be generous towards employees? A Chennai-based firm's rather extravagant gesture of gratitude and goodwill towards loyal staff has grabbed eyeballs on the Internet. To commemorate a decade of its operations, Chennai-headquartered tech services firm Agilisium celebrated its 10-year milestone with a heartfelt gesture—gifting 25 brand-new Hyundai Creta SUVs to some of its most loyal employees. These individuals have been part of Agilisium's journey since its foundation, having devoted ten continuous years of commemorative event was held at the company's office located in the World Trade Center, Chennai. It witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of more than 500 team members. The highlight of the occasion—the surprise SUV handover—had been meticulously kept secret, which intensified the joy and emotional reaction when the announcement was made. According to The Hindu Businessline, the moment left both the employees and their families overwhelmed and addition to the unexpected vehicle gifts, Agilisium rolled out pay increases based on individual performance across every level in the organization. This move, seen as a sign of the company's long-term commitment to its workforce, was especially appreciated during a time when the broader tech industry is navigating uncertainty and conservative Babu, Agilisium's founder and CEO, emphasized that the company's core strength has always been its people. He noted that such meaningful gestures not only acknowledge contributions but also reinforce and energize the company's shared values and internal celebration didn't end with the event. Agilisium later shared snapshots and highlights from the occasion on its LinkedIn page, underscoring the deeper intention behind the celebration. The post described the gesture not just as recognition for completing ten years, but as a celebration of the company's foundational values—generosity, employee-centric thinking, and a focus on nurturing long-term growth and trust. According to the post, it was a reflection of what Agilisium had become: a thriving community that celebrates loyalty, invests in progress, and honors the stories behind each employee's professional post rapidly garnered attention across social platforms, with users appreciating the company's genuine approach to acknowledging commitment. Among the many responses, one viewer praised Agilisium's efforts to highlight employee loyalty with such a significant and thoughtful this move, Agilisium not only commemorated its own growth but also reinforced its image as an employer that deeply values and celebrates the people who shape its success. In an industry where recognition often gets overlooked, this initiative stood out as a benchmark in thoughtful corporate is a top-tier partner in advancing data innovation specifically for the life sciences company works closely with major players in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices to deliver intelligent, data-backed strategies and cutting-edge technological solutions. These offerings are designed to streamline operations across the entire value chain—from research and development to market delivery—ultimately fast-tracking scientific breakthroughs, elevating patient health outcomes, and expanding the availability of cost-effective its consistent excellence and forward-thinking approach, Agilisium has earned recognition from respected industry analysts like the Everest Group and ISG, as well as from major consulting firms such as Ernst & Young and global tech leaders like Amazon Web Services. What sets Agilisium apart is its unwavering focus on disciplined execution and continuous innovation, allowing it to play a key role in shaping what's next for the life sciences landscape.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Indian CEO gifts brand-new SUVs to 25 employees who stood by the company from day one
In a remarkable gesture of employee appreciation, a Chennai-based tech startup, Agilisium, gifted 25 brand-new Hyundai Creta SUVs to its long-serving employees during its 10th anniversary celebration. The grand event was held at the company's office in Chennai's World Trade Centre and witnessed the presence of over 500 employees, according to a report by The Hindu Businessline. (Also read: Chennai company gifts 28 cars including Mercedes Benz to employees to 'boost morale') Agilisium's official LinkedIn post featured images from the celebration and carried a heartfelt message: "We enthusiastically launched our 10th Anniversary Prelude Event—a moment dedicated to honouring our journey and anticipating the main celebration. Marking a decade of collective achievement and guided by our Founder & CEO, Raj Babu's unwavering commitment, we honoured employees who had completed ten years of service by gifting SUV cars. This act embodied our belief that giving back to our people is the foundation of lasting success." The message continued, 'This wasn't merely a recognition of tenure; it celebrated the spirit of generosity in our culture from the start. As long-serving colleagues drove off in their SUVs, they reflected on the journey, the challenges overcome, the teams they helped build, and the confidence in a shared future.' As per the LinkedIn post Founder and CEO Raj Babu also addressed the gathering and shared, 'Our success story belongs to each of you. Without your commitment, we would not be here. I'm honoured to gift SUV cars to those who stood by us from day one as a token of our deepest gratitude.' Apart from the car gifts, the company also rolled out performance-based pay hikes across all levels, further reinforcing its commitment to recognising talent and contribution. (Also read: Billionaire Kamath brothers gift ₹1.5 crore Mercedes to mom Revathi Kamath. Her reaction is everything) The post has gone viral, with several users praising the initiative. One user commented, 'One of the best things about Agilisium Consulting—how truly they value and appreciate their employees.' Another wrote, 'Wow, gifting SUVs is next-level appreciation! Ten years is such a like a true celebration of loyalty and teamwork.' A third added, 'Incredible to see a company that genuinely values its people. Hats off to the leadership for leading with heart.'
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
On 10th Anniversary, Chennai Start-Up Gifts SUVs To Long-Term Employees
A Chennai-based startup has gifted 25 of its long-serving employees brand-new Hyundai Creta SUVs, acknowledging and appreciating their devotion to work. The occasion was the company's 10th anniversary, and more than 500 workers gathered at Agilisium's offices in Chennai's famous World Trade Centre. The excitement heightened, for nobody knew about the surprise gift. Besides the impressive gesture, Agilisium announced performance-based pay hikes on all levels. 'We have always felt that our people are our strongest differentiator. Gestures like these energise our culture deeply and do more than just reward performance,' Raj Babu, founder and CEO of Agilisium, told The Hindu Businessline. When workers witness their dedication being meaningfully recognised, it improves morale, fosters an emotional bond with the organisation, and motivates others to go above and beyond, he added. Agilisium posted pictures from the event to LinkedIn, writing, 'This was not just a tenure recognition; it highlighted the attitude of generosity in our culture from the start.' "With that gesture, we witnessed what Agilisium had evolved into: a community committed to rewarding loyalty, encouraging growth, and appreciating the human story behind every milestone," it said. The company's sincere approach to employee appreciation was widely praised by people on the platform. One user commented, 'Being part of a company that values people this deeply is truly motivating. Congratulations to all those who've shaped Agilisium's success over the last decade! Grateful to be learning and growing in this environment!' 'Wow, gifting SUVs is next-level appreciation! Ten years is such a like a true celebration of loyalty and teamwork. Love seeing companies honour the people who make it all happen!' a second comment read. 'Kudos to Agilisium for recognising loyalty with such a meaningful gesture. Raj Babu's leadership and vision clearly shine through,' another said. The company additionally unveiled Agilisium 3.0, its future roadmap centred on autonomous agentic AI, during the event, according to reports. It stated that the vision is centred on assisting Life Sciences organisations in promoting innovation, enhancing patient outcomes, and enabling business change at scale. Agilisium works with biotech and pharmaceutical firms to offer data-driven insights, creative solutions, and hyper-automation of mission-critical business operations throughout the value chain. Last year, a Haryana-based pharmaceutical company gifted cars to its employees as a Diwali gift. At least 12 employees, including an office helper, of MitsKart received keys to the new Tata Punch cars.
