Author: Gurvinder Singh
Kolkata, India – Last year, Aditya Manaksia started exporting food products to Bangladesh in an attempt to expand his business. Now, with the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, his hopes of business expansion are uncertain. Rajeev Goenka, another Kolkata-based entrepreneur, faces production halts in Dhaka due to protests, impacting his apparel manufacturing unit. The situation has left many exporters worried about their future dealings in Bangladesh. Strong trade relations Despite the challenges, India maintains strong trade relations with Bangladesh. While some industries like cotton traders remain optimistic, others like perishable goods exporters express concerns over the uncertain situation. ‘Completely vacant…
Jorhat, India: Priya Ram Duwarah, a 65-year-old farmer, has ventured into oil palm cultivation in Assam, India, planting 60 seedlings in his half-hectare of land. With promises of high returns and support from the state agriculture department, Duwarah switched from growing paddy to oil palm. The demand for edible oils in India prompted the government to invest in oil palm cultivation, aiming for self-sufficiency. However, despite the potential, challenges like lack of processing facilities and low market prices have deterred early adopters like farmer Josmi Rabha. Huge demand for edible oils The push for oil palm cultivation in northeastern regions…
Araku Valley, India – Gemmala Sita, a proud coffee farmer in Araku Valley, India, cultivates organic, fair-trade Arabica beans that are enjoyed in cafes around the world. Despite the success of her beans, Sita and her husband, like many in their tribal community, face daily struggles for basic necessities. The region, known for its high-quality Arabica beans grown alongside black pepper, has gained international recognition. However, the locals in Araku Valley are disillusioned with the lack of government support and basic infrastructure. Amidst the picturesque coffee fields lies a community deprived of proper sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare, and educational…