INDIA
Policy Hypocrisy: Protecting the sugarcane farmer and consumer, abandoning the sugar industry
The upward revision of the fair and remunerative price (FRP) and state advised price (SAP) remains a favoured governmental strategy despite the additional cost burden for the sugar milling sector. This coupled with export bans and ethanol caps to keep domestic sugar prices low have reduced sugar companies to a losing proposition, forcing them to drop capacity expansion plans
INDIA
The MSP Conundrum: Striking a balance between farmer welfare and economic realities
Despite widespread support for fixing floor prices for all major crops, the current MSP system's effectiveness is limited. MSP for many crops are indicative in nature due to a lack of an effective procurement mechanism. A nuanced strategy, informed by global experiences and focused on efficiency and innovation, is essential for sustainable agricultural growth in India
BUSINESS
Meat Sale Ban: MP needs a more nuanced policy to ensure food hygiene and safety
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav’s move comes at a bad time for everyone from livestock farmers to the poultry industry, their workers, and food vendors selling these items. Such a demand shock when input costs are rising and there are few jobs for the taking doesn’t make sense
BUSINESS
Why India needs to relax curbs on sugar export
Indian policymakers need to understand that the mere announcement of export curbs signals that there is a serious supply shortage. Further, frequent export curbs create complications for foreign buyers and make India an unreliable supplier
BUSINESS
Satellite data can bridge agricultural data gap, strengthen credit underwriting
The shift towards satellite data is imperative to foster broader financial inclusion and to mitigate the inherent uncertainties that characterise agriculture
BUSINESS
Hard decisions and reforms are needed to improve farm productivity
BUSINESS
Crop-neutral income support programme can give agriculture a sustainable boost
BUSINESS
El Nino may complicate India’s inflation management
BUSINESS
Do the export curbs really help in containing food inflation?
