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Sahyadri Farms: Farmers Pay More to Government Than Receive

Sahyadri Farms, based in Nashik, has emerged as India’s largest integrated platform for fruits and vegetables, redefining agricultural economics amid Maharashtra's ongoing farmer distress. Over 14 years, the cooperative has reversed the typical financial flow, contributing ₹218 crore to the government against just ₹55.49 crore in subsidies. In FY25, Sahyadri reported a turnover of ₹1,955 crore, with a net profit of ₹99.7 crore, showcasing its success as a leading agri-business model. The cooperative procured 3.82 lakh tonnes of produce, including grapes and tomatoes, and has expanded its workforce to over 7,000, with 30% being women. Sahyadri’s inclusive model emphasizes fair compensation for small-holding farmers, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs. With products reaching 42 countries, it exemplifies how collective enterprise can foster agricultural prosperity, according to Chairman Vilas Shinde. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 6 pm

CAG Establishes Financial Audit Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for financial audit in Hyderabad, aimed at enhancing innovation and professional development in the field. Deputy CAG AM Bajaj highlighted that the centre will incubate global best practices, cultivate advanced skills, and standardise high-quality audit methodologies, reinforcing the CAG's role as a leading audit institution. This initiative, unveiled during the 32nd Accountants General Conference, signifies a strategic shift towards leveraging data and artificial intelligence to revolutionise audit practices. Bajaj emphasized the importance of integrating audit and accounts functions to utilise comprehensive financial data effectively. The CAG is also developing an indigenously built Large Language Model to enhance audit precision and impact, alongside a renewed commitment to incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into audits, reflecting a forward-looking approach to sustainability. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

PM disburses ₹18,000 crore to 9 crore farmers' PM-KISAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit-2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he announced the release of over ₹18,000 crore as the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting around 9 crore farmers nationwide. Highlighting the transformative changes in agriculture over the past 11 years, Modi noted that agricultural exports have nearly doubled and emphasized the importance of modernizing farming practices. He pointed out that the Kisan Credit Card scheme has provided over ₹10 lakh crore in assistance this year alone. Modi advocated for natural farming as a sustainable solution to combat climate change and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, urging farmers to adopt practices like "one acre, one season." He called for a collaborative effort to integrate natural farming into agricultural education, aiming to establish India as a global hub for sustainable agriculture. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

Gujarat buys ₹1,177 cr groundnut crop in 11 days

The Gujarat government announced on Wednesday that it has purchased ₹1,177 crore worth of groundnut from approximately 70,000 farmers over the past 11 days, utilizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi revealed that 1.62 lakh tonnes of groundnut have been procured so far, with over 9.31 lakh farmers registered to sell their Kharif produce at MSP, which began on November 9. The state plans to buy ₹15,000 crore of various Kharif crops this season, including groundnut priced at ₹7,263 per quintal. Farmers have faced challenges due to unseasonal rains affecting their crops, prompting the government to announce two assistance packages. More than 10 lakh farmers have registered for aid under a ₹10,000 crore package, while an additional 1.25 lakh farmers have sought support from a ₹1,138 crore compensation package for losses incurred during September 2025. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

IMD issues depression watch for Monday

A projected depression is set to impact the coasts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu by Monday morning, according to forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has issued a watch for a developing depression over the south Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify as it moves west-northwest towards the Tamil Nadu-south Andhra Pradesh coast. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area has brought heavy rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with significant rainfall recorded in various locations, including Oothu in Tamil Nadu, which saw 23 cm. The Climate Prediction Centre of the US has raised the likelihood of a storm forming in the south-west Bay to 40-50%, as satellite imagery reveals increased thunderstorm activity in the region. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as conditions evolve. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

Protect Wetlands: Engage the Public Actively

The Tropical Bio Summit (TBS) 2025 has opened at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, focusing on the conservation of wetlands and sustainable management of tropical ecosystems. In her inaugural address, B. Meenakumari, former Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority, emphasized the necessity of public participation in wetland protection. KUFOS Vice Chancellor A. Biju Kumar highlighted the importance of community-oriented governance and stakeholder involvement for effective restoration efforts. The summit aims to assess the pressures on coastal and wetland habitats and develop a bio-financing model for ecological restoration, integrating biodiversity values into financial systems. Discussions led by experts covered themes such as wetland health, climate adaptation, and community engagement. The proposed model will adapt global best practices to India's unique wetland landscapes, particularly in coastal and island regions, fostering partnerships among industry, local communities, and scientific institutions to create sustainable funding pathways for conservation. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

MCA to finalize thresholds for large digital companies' law

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct a market study aimed at establishing qualitative and quantitative thresholds for systemically significant digital enterprises (SSDE) as part of the ongoing efforts to redraft the Digital Competition Bill (DCB). Following the withdrawal of the initial draft last year due to significant opposition from stakeholders, including major tech firms, the MCA seeks an evidence-based approach to inform ex-ante regulations. The study will evaluate proposed thresholds, assess the implications of the DCB on core digital services and their stakeholders, and consider the impact on smaller players like start-ups and MSMEs. The RFP outlines a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan, targeting at least 30 big tech firms and 30 start-ups, alongside input from experts and civil society. This initiative follows extensive consultations with over 100 stakeholders, highlighting concerns over the draft's regulatory framework and thresholds. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 6 pm

Karnataka coffee body welcomes new leadership

M Salman Baseer has been elected as the new chairman of the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA), the leading organization representing coffee growers in the state. His election took place during the 67th annual general meeting held in Chikmagaluru on Tuesday, where M C Kariappa was appointed as vice-chairman. The KPA also announced the election of several other members to its executive committee, including Yeshwant R Gurjer, Sameer Gurjer, A P Rajaram, A Namitha Rao, P M Pavan Monnappa, K P Appaiah, A Nanda Belliappa, and Krishanth Chowdlu. This leadership change comes as the KPA continues to advocate for the interests of coffee producers in Karnataka, a state renowned for its coffee cultivation. The announcement was made public in a statement issued by the association. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 6 pm

"Natural Rubber Cultivation Boosts Tripura's Rural Development: Minister Chakma"

Tripura's Industries and Commerce Minister, Santana Chakma, emphasized the significant impact of natural rubber cultivation on the state's socio-economic development during the mRube Best Performer Awards ceremony in Agartala. She highlighted the government's initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission and support for genetically modified rubber, which have bolstered rural employment and progress. The mRube online trading platform, launched by the Rubber Board in 2022, has facilitated the trade of over 43,500 tonnes of natural rubber, ensuring transparency in transactions. The awards recognized top performers in various categories, with Balkrishna Tyres winning in the tyre sector. Each awardee received a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation, aimed at encouraging broader participation in the rubber trade. Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industries & Commerce, reiterated rubber's vital role in Tripura's economy and its potential to enhance the state's GDP. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 6 pm

NABARD, IAMAI to host Earth Summit 2025-26 in Hyderabad

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) are set to host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025-26 in Hyderabad on November 20-21, focusing on the theme ‘Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change.’ NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. emphasized that the summit aims to foster investments, policy outcomes, and cross-sector collaborations to accelerate rural transformation. The event will serve as a global platform for industry leaders to address the intersections of technology, finance, agriculture, and climate action. Following the Hyderabad summit, the second edition will take place in Gandhinagar on December 5-6, 2025, with a third meeting scheduled for New Delhi in February 2026. IAMAI President Subho Ray highlighted the summit's goal of converting local innovations into sustainable and equitable rural economic growth, ensuring their relevance on a global scale. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 6 pm

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