The Business Factors News Desk 

NEW DELHI, March 18, 2025: Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, UN World Food Program, today while addressing Roundtable on ‘Advancing Gender-Inclusive Agri Value Chains’, organized by FICCI, jointly with Yara India and Solidaridad Network, emphasized the need for inclusive agricultural functions to create an equitable, efficient, and sustainable food system.
She highlighted that empowering women with comprehensive support mechanisms can drive significant progress in agriculture and ensure long-term food security.

Siraj Hussain, Advisor, Food Processing, FICCI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, underscored the crucial role women play in agriculture and livestock industries. He stated that equal participation of women in these sectors is fundamental to achieving a more inclusive and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia & Country Head, Yara India, stressed the financial challenges faced by women in agriculture. He pointed out that despite their willingness to learn and adopt new practices, women often do not receive adequate financial recognition. Bridging this gap is essential for improving their economic stability and contributions to the sector.

Neha, Senior Manager, Gender (Asia Region), Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd., emphasized the significance of the feminization of the supply chain, which empowers women not just economically but also socially and psychologically. She highlighted the need to ensure financial access and control for women to bring about long-lasting change in the agricultural sector.

A key highlight of the roundtable was the Voices from the Field, where women farmers shared their real-life experiences, contributions, challenges, and success stories. Their testimonies underscored the urgent need for policy interventions, training programs, and workshops to build confidence among women farmers, ensure equal rights and opportunities, and enhance their knowledge of market linkages and industry support to enhance their participation in the agricultural value chain.

The roundtable served as a critical platform to discuss actionable strategies for enhancing gender inclusivity in agriculture, driving sustainable growth, and empowering women as key stakeholders in the sector. It also explored market-driven solutions to empower women in agriculture, highlighted successful initiatives that promote rural livelihoods and gender equality, and examined Ease of Doing Business (EODB) policies to support a more sustainable agribusiness ecosystem in India. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of industry leaders and policymakers to advancing gender equity through targeted interventions, financial inclusion, and skill development initiatives.

The Business Factors News Desk 

Ahmedabad, May 13 (2025): In a move that delights both health-conscious consumers and Gujarat’s mango farmers, the much-awaited Kesar Mango Festival 2025 is set to kick off at Vastrapur Haat in Ahmedabad on May 14. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, this unique month-long festival will offer citizens of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar fresh, naturally ripened, chemical-free Kesar mangoes straight from farms.

Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel will inaugurate the festival, with Minister of State for Agriculture Bachubhai Khabar and Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department Dr. Anju Sharma gracing the occasion, a report of The Blunt Times said. 

The festival, which runs till June 13, is not just a fruit market but a platform to promote sustainable farming and boost farmers’ income by eliminating middlemen. Over 85 stalls have been set up and allotted free of cost to mango farmers, FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), and natural farming groups from across Gujarat.

“This is not just about mangoes. It’s about creating a direct connection between our farmers and urban consumers,” said Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel. “Citizens get safe, fresh produce, while farmers receive fair prices.”

Mangoes from famed regions like Talala-Gir, Junagadh, Amreli, Kutch, Valsad, and Navsari will be available for sale, offering a wide variety of the renowned Kesar mango, ripened without harmful chemicals like carbide.

Chairman of one participating FPO from Junagadh shared, “This is a golden opportunity for small farmers like us. We can now sell directly to customers without depending on traders who often take a big cut.”

The festival aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income and promoting chemical-free agriculture. It was, in fact, PM Modi who launched the Kesar Keri Mahotsav back in 2007 during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. Since then, it has become a celebrated annual event in the state.

In 2023, Ahmedabad residents purchased a record-breaking 2.70 lakh kilograms of mangoes in just one month through this event. Organisers expect an even bigger turnout this year, given the growing demand for safe, farm-fresh produce.

The Business Factors News Desk 

Inspirational Story 

Surat, May 21, 2025: Manjibhai Chaudhary, a farmer from Nasarpur village in Umarpada taluka of Surat district, has achieved remarkable success in turmeric farming by adopting his father’s traditional agricultural practices.

“A graduate by education, Manjibhai chose farming over a conventional job and attained self-sufficiency through agriculture and animal husbandry in Surat,” a report in The Blunt Times says. By cultivating turmeric and enhancing its value, he has not only become self-reliant but is also providing higher education—B.Ed. and B.Sc—to all three of his daughters.

53-year-old Manjibhai shared that he observed his father’s traditional farming methods closely since childhood and gradually developed an interest in progressive and value-added farming.

Adapting to changing times, he began focusing on value addition of farm produce. He adopted environmentally friendly and modern farming techniques such as organic farming, drip irrigation, water harvesting, and mulching. Compared to chemical-based farming, organic farming has significantly increased crop yield and fetched better prices. His produce also sells quickly in the market.

Manjibhai mentioned that earlier, when he practised chemical farming and grew groundnuts, the yields were low and costs were high. However, after switching to organic methods like using Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut, the productivity improved substantially.

For the past 5–6 years, he has been cultivating turmeric. Last year, he grew 50 man (approx. 1,875 kg) of turmeric, which earned him a profit of around Rs2.5 lakh. Earlier, turmeric sold for Rs100–150/kg, but after shifting to organic methods, he now gets Rs300–350/kg. With government support, he also participates in exposure visits and training programs to learn the latest agricultural techniques and apply them to his fields.

He also shared that the government provides a monthly subsidy for rearing indigenous cows, helping reduce costs in animal husbandry. In the extra space on his farm, he has planted drumstick trees (saragava), and 20–25 mango trees of the Totapuri, Rajapuri, and Kesar varieties.

Drumsticks grow at minimal cost and give good yields. Since starting organic farming, he has never used chemical fertilisers or pesticides. His mangoes fetch good prices right from the farm, eliminating the need to visit the market. Additionally, he grows seasonal fruits like chikoo, jamun, bananas, and sugarcane, which provide extra income.

With turmeric now receiving a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, its quality and agricultural value have gained formal recognition. The Government of India has also set up a National Turmeric Board to promote the development and marketing of turmeric and its products, which will boost turmeric exports.

Expressing happiness over this, Manjibhai urged fellow farmers to begin organic farming on at least a small portion of their land and move towards toxin-free cultivation. He emphasised that abandoning chemical fertilisers and returning to natural farming is the only sustainable option.

Source: The Blunt Times

The Business Factors News Desk 

Inspirational story 

Surat, May 19, 2025. From polishing diamonds to harvesting nature’s golden nectar, 45-year-old Vinodbhai Ramjibhai Nakum has redefined success in the most organic way. Originally from Nana-Asrana village in Bhavnagar and now settled in north Surat’s Dabholi area, Vinodbhai has emerged as a leading beekeeper in Gujarat, producing over 35 tons of honey every year through his operations in Umbhel village of Kamrej taluka. 

“His journey began in 2011 during a visit to Haryana, where a beekeeping centre inspired him to take a leap of faith,” a report by TBT Web Desk said. “When I left the diamond trade and started with just 25 bee boxes, people called me foolish. But I kept going. Today, I manage over 1,100 boxes,” Vinodbhai told reporters, standing proudly at his honey cultivation centre.

In 2019, he co-founded Shri Arpit Organic Company and also set up Narmada-Surat Honey Producer Company Ltd, a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). With seasonal honey made from crops like coriander, fennel, and sesame, his enterprise earns nearly ₹30 lakh annually. Italian bees, introduced in the boxes, produce honey within 20–22 days, which is then processed and packaged at the in-house centre.

His passion goes beyond just profit. Vinodbhai has trained 180 Sakhi Mandals and over 1,500 farmers across nine districts, including Surat, Bharuch, Narmada, and Kutch. “Beekeeping is not just about honey. Bees are vital for agriculture and ecology. They increase crop yield by helping in pollination,” he emphasised. In collaboration with DRDO, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the Horticulture Department, and Khadi Gram Udyog, Vinodbhai also offers technical guidance and startup assistance under government schemes. “Many women and farmers I trained are now running their own honey businesses. I consider that my biggest achievement,” he said.

This transformation story gains significance as World Bee Day is celebrated globally on May 20 to raise awareness about bees’ essential role in biodiversity and agriculture. The day also commemorates Anton Jansa, the pioneer of modern beekeeping, born on May 20, 1734, in Slovenia.

Experts in the agriculture sector have lauded Vinodbhai’s contributions. “His work is a classic example of how one individual’s commitment to nature can impact thousands,” said a senior officer from the Gujarat Horticulture Department.

Source: The Blunt Times 

The Business Factors News Desk

Mumbai, May 22, 2025: Ahead of the Kharif season, the Maharashtra government plans to leverage technology to aid farmers. The plan, discussed during a state-level Kharif season review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, includes digitising agricultural information and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) that farmers can access through ‘Mahavistar App’ and ‘Digital Sheti Shala’.

Fadnavis outlined how AI could help answer all the questions concerning farming activities, be it sowing the seed or implementing new techniques to increase the produce, a report by The Hindu bureau said.

The Maharashtra CM mentioned platforms, including Digital Sheti Shala, which will help farmers learn new techniques and other information on farming. The government also intends to start a Mahavistar App, having information and videos on farming methods, stages of farming for various crops, and other information.

“The App will have AI integration and a chatbot that will play the role of a digital friend. We will soon bring that chatbot to WhatsApp as well. It will also show the prices of commodities in real time,” Fadnavis said.

He appealed to farmers to use digital platforms and adopt modern techniques while implementing farming activities. 
As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, Fadnavis has instructed officials to ensure that farmers receive seeds and fertiliser on time and that all the farming schemes are active. DCM Eknath Shinde, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the common complaints raised by farmers were also discussed. Highlighting a few issues, Fadnavis said, “We have started a campaign against the linking (coercing farmers to buy additional products along with fertilisers), besides setting up a system to trace bogus seed supply and provide truthful seeds.” 

The Maharashtra government appealed for registration of seeds on the SATHI portal in order to fight bogus seeds. “For the first time, it will help fight bogus seeds as we will be able to trace where it was grown and take action on the person,” Fadnavis said, adding that for linking complaints, every agriculture centre across the State will have a poster with a complaint number. If the companies are found guilty, the charges will be pressed under the Essential Commodities Act.

Bengaluru, May 22 (2025): Farmers of Mandya district have moved the Karnataka High Court against the state government’s decision to transform Brindavan Garden at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam into a Disneyland-like space. Their public interest litigation alleged that the project is detrimental to the farming community.

A vacation division bench of Justices BM Shyam Prasad and KV Aravind issued notices to various authorities of the state and central governments, including the Jal Shakti ministry, National Dam Authority, state chief secretary, water resources, agriculture, forest and ecology departments, Kaveri Neeravari Nigam Ltd and other authorities of Mandya district.
This was after they heard the petition filed by K Boraiah and four others from KRS village and other surrounding villages, questioning the tenders issued to set up the amusement park in the name of Brindavan Garden Upgradation without statutory clearance, including from the gram panchayat. The government’s decision is contrary to Articles 48-A and 53A of the constitution, Karnataka Forest Act, Environmental Protection Act 1986, and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, they said.
The petitioners stated that by establishing such non-agricultural commercial activity with estimated visitors nearing 10,000 per day along with vehicular movement will create an irreparable damage to agricultural lands. These activities will pollute water and eventually cause a total damage to the environment. The entire area being protected and secured, such activities cannot be permitted. As per experts, the dam is 120 years old and this has not been taken into consideration by authorities, they alleged.

The first notification was issued on September 9, 2024, and the third notification on March 15, 2025. The urgency for the writ petition is the arbitrary decision taken on May 13, 2025, calling for a tender for the Rs 2,663 crore project, in addition to the Cauvery aarati event at Rs 100 crore. They requested the court to stay the tender.

The petitioners stated that they have assailed the arbitrary and hasty decisions taken by the state government and Karnataka Neeravari Nigam, unmindful of the disastrous effect on the agrarian sector, to establish and develop an amusement park. The next hearing will be on June 9.

Source: The New Indian Express 

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

People live better in big houses and in big clothes. I try to contrast; life today is full of contrast. We have to change! I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.

Mass-market fashion is very modern

I think the idea of mixing luxury and, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. There has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I never look at other people’s work. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass.

I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

Luxury will be always around, no matter what happens in the world. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good. I have a fantastic relationship with money. I use it to buy my freedom.

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.

Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. Abstinence from coffee, tobacco. Adventists has afforded a near-unique opportunity.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence

I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. Clothes can transform your mood and confidence.

Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.