Agriculture & Rural Development

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 06 oct 2013

According to a research report, private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms have invested US$ 126 million in the Indian agri-business companies in the first half of 2013. This is about 75% more then what was invested last year within the same period. The companies that attracted the chunk of this investment include those that - develops technology and machinery for milling and agri-processing plants; provides seasoning and flavors to mainly quick service restaurants (QSR) in India, Middle-East and Africa; export rice; soybean, oilseeds and spices company; agricultural logistics. Read on...

Business Standard: PE, VC firms increase investment in Agri business
Author: Gireesh Babu

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 27 sep 2013

Recent study conducted by IMS Institute for Health Informatics found that healthcare services in India are more concentrated and focused towards urban population which makes up only 28% of the total population while having access to 66% of the available hospital beds. On the contrary rural population of 72% have access to only 1/3rd of the hospital beds. Moreover insufficiencies in public healthcare facilities is driving people to chose private in-patient service providers, 61% rural patients and 69% urban patients in 2012 as compared to 40% in 1986-87. According to Mr. Arun Maira, member of the Planning Commission, 'the healthcare system in India is not delivering affordable, acceptable and accessible healthcare to all Indians - which must be the test of its quality.' Read on...

The Economic Times: Rural India's access to healthcare patchy: Study
Author: NA

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 04 jul 2013

Entrepreneurs and investors are turning to India's agriculture sector as a result of increasing consumer demand, inefficiencies in the farming processes and shortage of quality produce. According to Professor N. Vishwanadham of Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore there is about 30% loss from farm to fork and there are large number of opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the area of food security and distribution. India's contribution to the international food trade is less then 1.5% although it is one of the largest food producer. There is a consistent increase of venture capital and private equity investments in the agriculture sector (2011 - Deal Count: 9, Deal Value: US$ 104.4 million; 2012 - DC: 16, DV: US$ 356 million). Read on...

The Economic Times: New ventures that build technology-based solutions to boost agriculture
Author: Peerzada Abrar

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 17 may 2013

During the period 2001-2011, the number of Indian farmers decreased by 9 million and is currently at 118.7 million, according to a recent census. Experts say that this trend could be disastrous. The economic contribution of agriculture is about 21% of GDP but its effects are beyond this considering that 70% of India's 1.1 billion population is rural and a large portion of it is poor. As India shifts to urban based manufacturing and services economy, if proper policies are not put in place for agrarian and rural population, it would stifle India's overall growth and would further increase the urban-rural divide. According to a report there were about 17,638 farmer suicides in 2009. About 70% of Indian agriculture still depends on monsoon. Experts say that India has to take bold initiatives to evolve its overall agricultural architecture to increase productivity and stay globally competitive. To fulfill promises of food security program India has to substantially increase its annual production from current levels. Moreover education and skill enhancement programs should be implemented for rural population and long term policies should be formulated to engage rural folks in non-farm related employment. Inclusive growth is key to India's long term future as a strong and sustainable economy. Read on...

Khaleej Times: India's agrarian crisis
Author: Gaurav Choudhury

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 30 apr 2013

Indian agricultural scientists are researching on varieties of crops that can resist drought conditions. Varieties of rice, wheat, maize, etc and innovative methods of crop cultivation are being developed for areas that have less availability of water for irrigation. Government programs like 'Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India' are directed towards save water approach. Read on...

Invest In India: Emphasis on Diversification of Agriculture
Author: NA

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 apr 2013

'National Food Security Bill' is under consideration in parliament and once passed it would mark a brightest chapter in India's agricultural history, says 'Father of Green Revolution' Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The bill is significant for 70% of the Indian population. As India tries to fight malnutrition, ecological sustainability and economic viability of farming should be ensured, he said. More investments in farming are needed; use of advanced technology is required along with skilled human resources; enabling environment for younger educated Indians to adopt farming as profession; encourage organic farming and green agriculture are some of the suggestions made by Dr. Swaminathan. Read on...

Indian Express: Swaminathan bats for Food Security Bill
Author: NA

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 13 mar 2013

Drought in 2012 reduced India's GDP by half a percentage point, says 2013 World Bank report. 70% of India's population is rural, 58% make a living through agriculture and 355 million (living below Rs 62/day) depend on rain-fed agriculture. So the droughts are capable of disturbing the large portion of the population and the government considers it a priority issue. Integrated efforts are required to manage such situations. Farmers should be involved in the decision making processes and better farm and irrigation practices are to be used for effective adaptation to drought conditions. Advance meteorological methods to be used for early detection of drought and subsequent action has to be taken before it creates hardships for farmers. Access to credit and financial services for farmers would also assist them to better tackle drought time problems. Strong and self reliant farming communities can be the backbone of India's growth and prosperity. Read on...

the guardian: India strives to become 'drought proof'
Author: Manipadma Jena

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 mar 2013

Can 'Agricultural Education' provide support to India's sustained growth prospects? The share of agriculture in GDP is about 14.5% and it is the largest source of employment in rural areas, but its employment share decreased by 45.5% (GOI Survey 2009-10). A new approach and road map is needed to overcome the challenges of the sector and agricultural education. A conference is underway and 655 scientists from around the world have gathered to discuss and evolve a strategy to address the issues of agricultural education in India. Let's work towards building a knowledgeable and prosperous agricultural community. Read on...

The Times of India: New policy needed to make agriculture education more attractive - Expert
Author: NA

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 02 feb 2013

President Pranab Mukherjee talks about increasing food production and giving importance and emphasis to the agriculture with new strategies and plans. He points out that 1% growth in agriculture sector would lead to 2-3% reduction in Indian poverty. Other members of the government also spoke on specific challenges and their strategies for the agriculture sector. Read on...

F&B News: Redefine agri sector to double food production in next 5 years - Pranab
Author: Ashwani Maindola

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Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 jan 2013

India's digitization process will lead to convergence across different media and will assist in development by creating connectivity, linkages & opportunities for all thus bridging the rural-urban divide. Read on...

ZDNet Asia: Digitization a win-win for India govt, ecosystem
Author: Swati Prasad

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