Monday, September 22, 2014

Fazilka entrepreneur's 'debt-free farmer' model discussed in UN forum

Dinesh K Sharma

FAZILKA: A business model enabling small and marginal farmers to hire implements for farm operations -- brainchild of a Fazilka-based entrepreneur -- was showcased in an event of United Nations in Indonesia recently.

Vikram Ahuja, proprietor of Zamindara Farm Solutions, was invited for the conference of UN's Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) at Sarpong in Indonesia on September 11, where he discussed the model that helps small peasants to use hi-tech implements without the need to buy them.

On his return from the UN conference, Vikram said his "debt-free farmer" model was discussed by delegates as the event's main thrust was to make agriculture viable for small and marginal farmers.

"Smaller peasants are the worst hit in Punjab, which is the breadbasket of the country. They are forced to spend huge amount of money on buying implements despite having meagre landholdings, which puts a huge financial burden on them. Most of them are unable to pay off the debt as their earnings are not enough due to smaller land holdings. To help such farmers, we formed a company that provides implements like tractors, harrows, JCBs (excavators), rotovators, seed sowers, harvesters, fodder choppers and many more on nominal rent. We hope this model will be emulated across Punjab," said Ahuja.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

In Punjab, Muktsar, Fazilka worst hit by rains

BATHINDA/MUKTSAR: With large tracts of cotton and paddy fields submerged under rain water in several districts, farmers and administration fear that crop damage would be very high this year.

Muktsar and Fazilka districts are the worst affected where huge areas of paddy and cotton fields are submerged. According to agriculture department officials, around 40,000 acres of cotton and 15,000 acres of paddy in Muktsar, over 40,000 acres of cotton and paddy in Fazilka and around 15,000 acres in Mansa were under water on Monday. The state drainage department is trying to pump out water from the fields.

Chances of further rain on Monday evening triggered panic among farmers. Efforts to drain out water have not yielded the desired results till now.

It is feared that over 15% cotton crop could be damaged and more rains could aggravate the situation.

Muktsar deputy commissioner Jaskiranjit Singh said efforts are being made to drain out water from fields and minimize the loss.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Smart Cities in India

Hoping Smart Cities would also transform their residents as smart & responsible citizen, who would love to work more towards their duties than their rights like Right to litter, deface or damage...

To me the definition of Smart city would be in which "a Woman alone can come back to her home safely by using public transport, even after finishing her work during midnight hours ".. This one aspect will cover all aspects of "Good n All Inclusive Cities", like crime free, better transport, gender equality, social inclusion and being environment friendly and sustainable..

#Smartcities