Category Archives: Business & Economy

Tuticorin port to resume cracker exports after a hiatus

October 19, 2013Business & Economyadmin

Madurai :

The export of crackers made in Sivakasi is set to get a fillip after Tuticorin VOC port authorities agreeing to resume the service. The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the E M Sudarsana Natchiappan, Union minister of state for industries, on Friday in Madurai. Officials from the Tuticorin port and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation attended the meeting along with cracker manufactures from Sivakasi.

Crackers from Sivakasi were mainly exported to destinations in Africa and Europe. In fact, sea-borne cracker trade to these continents was active between 1994 and 1997, though the consignments from Tuticorin port were routed through the Colombo port. Then, crackers were taken in small boats from Tuticorin to Colombo, from where the consignments were sent in ships to various ports in Africa and Europe. However, the trade came to a standstill when the Sri Lankan government stopped the practice when the internal war escalated there, said the exporters.

Natchiappan urged the port officials led by deputy chairman S Natarajan to take steps to restart the export. He suggested exporting crackers directly from Tuticorin in ships, instead of routing through Colombo. The port officials have accepted the suggestion. They have also promised to carry out further processes involved, said R Venugopal, the deputy chief controller of explosives (in-charge), Sivakasi.

The cracker manufacturers of Sivakasi have welcomed the move, saying the export would get a boost. “The export opportunity would double the cracker unit industry in Sivakasi. India’s share in cracker trade will increase. It would also augment the job opportunity in the industry,” AMSV Asokan of We Two crackers remarked. Raja Singh Chelladurai of Jumbo fireworks also hailed the initiative. “It is a good move and would provide the necessary boost for the industry. However, the cracker industry has to improve the quality of the products. The US and European countries follow stringent pollution norms. We should reduce the polluting content in the crackers,” Chelladurai said.

Cracker industry owners claimed there is good demand for crackers among people of Indian origin in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and other African countries. A huge market exists in European countries too. Around 3,200 tonnes of crackers were exported annually in the 1990s. The Rs 1,600 crore fireworks industry exported products worth only Rs 2 crore last year. As manufacturers have to use the Mumbai port for export, incurring high transportation charges, export is rarely attempted these days, the cracker makers said.

At present China has the largest share of world cracker trade, cornering 90% of global exports.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Industry / TNN / October 19th, 2013

Indian fabric sales to double by 2016, says Exports Council

October 17, 2013Business & Economyadmin

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) :

Indian fabrics sales are expected to double in the next three years, according to the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC).

“The Minister of Textiles, Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao, is trying his level best to increase exports, and also domestic export of textiles, because it is next to agriculture in terms of revenue generating capacity. He has already talked to the government that there should be skill development, there should be some separate chapter for the interest deduction,” said A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC).

The Indian Government is also taking all effective steps to make sure there is a surge in the textile exports by implementing different schemes and benefits for the workers working in the garment industry.

“I think all the steps have been taken. Now, 700 crores has been released two days back and the state development scheme is already announced. The Minister of Textiles is also talking with the government and the Labour Ministry for the 50 hours work. And also he is talking about the separate chapter especially for the textile export with the Finance Minister. He has met already the Prime Minister of India and in turn he met a group of ministers to recommend what are the steps can be taken by the government to increase the export as ell as the import market,” added Sakthivel.

The reasons for buyers to get attracted towards India are raw material strength and due to the rupee depreciation India has now been identified as a new market by both Japan and Australia. (ANI)

source: http://www.newstrackindia.com / News Track India / Home> Economy /by ANI / Coimbatore – Saturday 05th, 2013

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University releases 4 new maize varieties at national level

October 15, 2013Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Science & Technologiesadmin

Coimbatore :

Four maize varieties have been recently released by the maize department of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) at the national level this year.

All of them have passed rigorous field trials held across various states. “These varieties have passed tests proving that they have a higher productivity than 4 high varieties,” said G Nallathambi, professor of maize breeding, department of millets at TNAU. These maize varieties were developed with the support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). A variety tested successfully in 4 states can be released at the national level.

Nallathambi said that maize is considered to be a crop which would replace rice at the global level. “With temperature rise, paddy is becoming tough to cultivate, whereas maize is an ideal substitute,” he said. Moreover, without any support mechanisms, farmers are able to get attractive rates.

Thousands of products can be developed from maize. This includes food, poultry feed and industry products. “The uses of maize are growing. Glucose and starch can be made from maize. Maize is even used to build the outer body part of airplanes. United States is focusing on developing bio-fuels from maize. Maize takes around 75 to 110 days to mature.

In 2005-06, maize was cultivated across 2 lakh hectares in Tamil Nadu, generating an annual production of 2.41 lakh tonnes. In 2011-12, when the latest study was held, the cultivation area was 2.81 lakh hectares and productivity stood at 16.95 lakh tonnes. While in 2005-06, the average productivity was 1,189 kilos per hectare, it increased to 6,042 kilos per hectare in 2011-12. “This jump in the productivity levels can be attributed to improved varieties of crops from both the public and private sectors.

Nallathambi said that many crop varieties are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, one of their varieties released last year, CO6, which is known as CMH08-282 at the national level has begun to receive acceptance from other states. Two weeks ago they received a letter from the Gujarat State Seeds Corporation (GSSC) saying that they wanted to take up the production of CO6 variety of seeds and sought seeds from the centre. “We hope our efforts will help fulfill the food requirements of the nation,” he said.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore> Maize / by Arun P. Mathew, TNN / October 07th, 2013

Kanyakumari harbour to turn reality

October 15, 2013Business & Economyadmin

Chennai:

The demand of the fishermen in coastal Kanyakumari district for establishing a harbour at Colachel is decades old. Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa’s allocation of Rs 87.75 crores after approving the revised project estimates has raised hope among the fishing community that the project would fructify soon.

The issue had echoed in the state Assembly on several occasions when Congress legislators raised the issue demanding that the state government initiate steps to pave way for developing a natural harbour in the historic town of Colachel, which is in existence since 1920.

At one stage, an exasperated Congress member J. G. Prince, who could not withstand the delay in commissioning the project, stood up and appealed to Jayalalithaa to take a personal interest and ensure the project materialised.

The Chief minister promptly assured that the project would be taken up and also reminded him that the state government had to fund several major projects despite little help from the Centre on the financial front.

In the absence of good berthing facilities, over 1,500 mechanised boatmen of this tiny town on the west coast have been depending on Kerala ports and port at Rameswaram for berthing. Some of them had even switched operations to neighbouring states and this often led to territorial disputes.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / by J.V. Siva Prasanna Kumar / October 07th, 2013

Indian Bank celebrates founder’s birth anniversary

October 12, 2013Business & Economy, Leadersadmin

The 150th birth anniversary of V Krishnaswamy Iyer, who founded Indian Bank, was celebrated recently in a grand function at the Music Academy. The chief guest of the function was K Rosaiah, Governor, Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Bank, founded in 1906 by Krishnaswamy Iyer, was just one of the great institutions that Iyer had founded. A doyen, who propagated ayurveda, sanskrit and several other facets of Indian culture, was also the founder of Sri Venkataramana Ayurveda Dispensary, Madras Sanskrit College and Kuppuswamy Sastri Research Institute.

Rosaiah spoke about the philanthropic capacity of V Krishnaswamy Iyer and said, “For well over a century, trained, talented ayurvedic physicians have come out of institutions that he founded. And they have succeeded in propagating the rich science.” Talking about his contribution to the freedom struggle, the Governor said, “He took active part in the freedom struggle and lead the congress session held in Bombay. In 1890, he attended the Calcutta Congress as a delegate. He actively participated in the Madras session as well. He also developed close friendships with stalwarts such as Sri Gopale Krishna Gokhale, Lok Manya Tilak, Ashutosh Mukherjee, Madan Mohan Malaviya and Feroze Shah Mehta.”

Rosaiah further added that glorious tributes were paid to Krishnaswamy Iyer by the Governor of Madras Presidency and all leading public figures in India then.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / September 30th, 2013

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry see Rs 5,590 cr FDI equity inflows in Q1 this fiscal

October 9, 2013Business & Economyadmin

The GDP of Tamil Nadu in fiscal 2013 stood at Rs 72,311 crore as compared with Rs 63,903 crore last fiscal

The foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows into Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had touched Rs 5,590 crore during Apr-Jul period 2013. It also grew 18.4 per cent during the fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2013.

Making a presentation at the Madras Chamber of Commerce (MCCI’s) Chamber Day here on Monday, Rajan Ekambaram, partner, Ernst &Young (EY) said the FDI equity inflows in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry stood at Rs 15,250 crore in fiscal 2013 against Rs 6,710 crore in the fiscal 2012 and Rs 6,120 crore in 2010 fiscal.

Quoting Reserve Bank of India’s data, he added, the GDP of Tamil Nadu in fiscal 2013 stood at Rs 72,311 crore as compared with Rs 63,903 crore. However, the real GDP growth rate dropped to five per cent in the fiscal 2013 from 7.4 per cent during 2012.

The share of services sector in the state’s total net domestic product (NDP) increased in the last two decades. In the fiscal 2013 it was at 60 per cent, up from 14 per cent in fiscal 1993. Trade, hotels and restaurants were the biggest contributors to the sector.

The state also has a prominent IT and healthcare services sector (particularly known for medical tourism).

The share of industry in total state NDP has reported a decrease of four per cent since the financial year 1993.

Agriculture, which used to contribute 11.9 per cent to Tamil Nadu’s NDP in fiscal 2011 dropped to 10.9 per cent in fiscal 2013. Manufacturing, which contributed 16.5 per cent in fiscal 2011 too dropped to 14.9 per cent. However, in value terms, it increased to Rs 9,616 crore from Rs 8,395 crore.

Electricity, gas and water supply contributed 0.36 per cent to state’s NDP in fiscal 2011 and increased to 1.4 per cent.

While welcoming the state’s decision to bring out Vision 2023 document, which targets around 10.9 per cent growth in the state’s economy, Ekambaram said executing the document was the key. He noted, in late 80s the state industrial growth was around 35 per cent.

“There are some homegrown issues like power and other infrastructure related issues, which the government should focus on. Power, compliance, export opportunities and labour are the key areas the government has to maintain focus besides having a proper dialogue with the industries and other stakeholders to address these issues,” he said.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Economy & Policy> News / by BS Reporter / Chennai – September 30th, 2013

Ra Ra Rambutan…

October 8, 2013Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Natureadmin

K. Subramani, who sells purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) at his fruit cart near Race Course in Coimbatore. / Photo:M.Periasamy. / The Hindu

Ah…the taste. Refreshing, sweet and juicy. I relish the pearly white flesh of rambutan and smile. “It takes nearly 10 minutes to enjoy a single fruit,” says K. Subramani as he arranges the decorative red fruits in a mound on his fruit cart near the Race Course corner.

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) from Burliar near Mettupalayam are sought after in Coimbatore for their health benefits. The seasonal fruit is being sold at Rs.300 a kilogram./ Photo: M. Periasamy. / The Hindu

Rambutan mimics lychee in taste and form. Once you peel the spiky red rubbery skin, you find a translucent oval fruit, firm and juicy. Subramani says rambutan helps control blood sugar levels. “Diabetics and those with blood pressure buy it regularly,” he says.

Rambutan is seasonal and available from June to August. It comes from Barliyar, near Mettupalayam.

“People still go in for apples and oranges, which are imported and preserved. They are stale by the time they reach customers. Rambutans are fresh as they are locally grown. Sadly, many are still not aware of its health benefits.”

Purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) known for curing stomach ulcers arrive in Coimbatore from Tenkasi during the month of July. The seasonal fruit is being sold at Rs.200 a kilogram./ Photo: M. Periasamy./ The Hindu

Another purple mound on his cart catches my eye. That is mangosteen. I hold the fruit with both hands, pull out the fibrous skin and scoop up the juicy white flesh. It is delicious. “Mangosteen is cooling. It helps heal stomach ulcers and internal surgery wounds. Many doctors buy it regularly,” says Subramani.

Subramani’s day begins at the crack of dawn at the Town Hall market. Every single day, about 3,000 kg of mangosteens arrive from Tenkasi near Madurai. He supplies the mangosteens to about 50 carts and shops in Race Course, Raja Street, Ukkadam and Mettupalayam Road. Then, it’s business as usual at his cart in Race Course, till 8 p.m. He also makes a powder out of the dried skin of mangosteen. This can be consumed with milk or curd, he says. The soft and crunchy seed of Rambutan can also be used in powder form with milk.

Jamun (Syzygium cumini) that come from Andhra Pradesh are known for their health benefits and it arrives in plenty to Coimbatore markets in the month of July. The fruit is being sold at Rs.200 a kilogram./ Photo: M. Periasamy./ The Hindu

Then, there are jamuns, another seasonal fruit that comes from Andhra Pradesh. “Jamuns are always popular and the sweet-sour taste is a big hit among everyone. People now make juice with jamun pulp, salt and a squeeze of lemon. A lot of my customers substitute their morning tea with a drink made from jamun seed powder and warm water for a healthy start.” An added attraction at his cart are plump guavas that have come all way from Ayakudi in Palani.

To know more, call Subramani at 96984-45453.

Price

Rambutan (Rs.200 a kg), Mangosteen (Rs. 200 a kg) and Jamun (Rs. 240 a kg)

Where to find them

At the Race Course corner (opposite to Big Bazaar)

When available

Every year, the fruits are available only for three months. You will find them only from June to August

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by K. Jeshi / Coimbatore – July 09th, 2013

Farmer bags Progressive Mushroom Grower award

October 7, 2013Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technologiesadmin

Coimbatore :

A mushroom grower hailing from Villupuram district has bagged the Progressive Mushroom Grower award for this year for his outstanding contribution to the mushroom industry in Tamil Nadu.

A R Mohamed Khan from Kallakurichi in Villupuram district was earlier trained at Mushroom Research and Training Centre in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in 2010.

The average mushroom production at his farm is 100 kg per day and he has also established a mushroom spawn laboratory with the production capacity of 300kg per day, said a statement from TNAU.

Apart from this, he is the only manufacturer of mushroom rusks in Tamil Nadu having the production capacity of 500 kg rusk a day.

Mohamed has also engaged around 10 dealers to supply mushroom rusks in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His other products include mushroom pickles and mushroom pakodas and he has also developed the technology for producing mushroom noodles and mushroom bathing soap.

Considering such outstanding achievements in the mushroom industry, the award was presented to him by Directorate of Mushroom Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Dr Vijay Singh Thakar, Vice-Chancellor of Dr.Y.S.Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry at Solan in Himachal Pradesh presented the award during the National Mushroom Mela held recently at Solan. TNAU officials said that his keen interest in providing support to small and marginal mushroom growers and efforts taken to popularise mushroom consumption needs special mention.

Mohamed Khan also gives free consultations to budding entrepreneurs and is a pioneer in introducing value addition of mushroom.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore> Agri Research / TNN / September 30th, 2013

Madurai farmers turning tech savvy

October 6, 2013Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Science & Technologiesadmin

Farmers harvesting paddy in a field using a machine./ File Photo / The Hindu

They reap benefits of automation and modern agro methods

Technology has made inroads into agricultural operations in Madurai district. Farmers have started reaping benefits after they have automated and adopted modern agriculture methods.

Paddy yield has steadily increased over a span of four years. In 2009-10, the yield was 5,554 kg per hectare (ha). It increased to 6,367 kg/ha in 2010-11 and 6,819 kg/ha in 2011-12. Despite a severe drought, it was 5,157 kg/ha in 2012-13, a year in which many districts sought monetary relief to offset losses in the farm sector.

Though slow to embrace the system of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique introduced by the government, farmers are now enjoying the dividends.

Today, small and marginal farmers are quick to use farm implements such as power tillers, transplanters and power weeders, once topics of discussion limited to officials, manufacturers and farmers with large holdings, says S. Kanagaraj, Deputy Director (Watershed Development Agency).

By involving the village youth, ‘Farmers’ interest groups’ (FIG) were formed in all the 13 blocks in Madurai district. The FIGs monitored and fulfilled farmers’ needs. For instance, farmers in Thuyaneri near Othakadai in the Madurai East block were supplied with power tillers and transplanters but were also made accountable for their maintenance, Mr. Kanagaraj said.

Now, S. Ramaiah of Kallanthiri is able to manage his 2.5-acre paddy field with minimum farm labour. “I became familiar with the farm equipment after attending an ATMA programme. The introduction of the harvester machine has come as a big relief. Water conservation techniques are also useful. There were initial hiccups, but I managed to overcome them,” he said.

Like Ramaiah, many other farmers have their own success stories, say officials.

Weather bulletin

Another important scientific advancement that has reached the nook and corners of Madurai district is the easy access to rainfall data. The weather forecast can be accessed on tawn.tnau.ac.in. Established by the Agro Climate Research Centre, the agri-weather bulletin provides data on local temperature, possibility of rainfall in the next 24 hours, humidity level, and other information. The weather forecast enables farmers to plan the day’s work, says Arulprakasam, an FIG member.

Presently, automatic weather stations are functioning in Vadipatti, Madurai East, Madurai West, Alanganallur and Kottampatti blocks. Soon, the other eight blocks too will have the facility, a Tamil Nadu Agricultural University official said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Madurai / by L. Srinivasan / Madurai – September 13th, 2013

Southern Railway deploys women to pilot goods train

October 2, 2013Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Narayana Vadivu./ Photo: A. Muralitharan / The Hindu

When 39-year-old Narayana Vadivu cranked the diesel locomotive to haul a goods train on Friday morning assisted by her deputy Jhansi Rani, it was indeed a moment to cherish for both women.

It was the first time in the history of Southern Railway that an “all-women loco crew” was deployed to pilot an empty freight train on the 55-km stretch from Vriddhachalam to Ariyalur falling within the Villupuram–Tiruchi chord line section.

Hours later, the same crew was deployed to pilot another ‘Alco’ type broadgauge diesel loco, this time to haul a fully loaded goods train, transporting cement, from Ichchangadu to Vriddhachalam (24 km) in the same section.

Upon accomplishing both assignments, the two women returned to Tiruchi from Vriddhachalam piloting a triple light engine (wherein one loco will pull two engines).

Appointed initially as a Track Woman in 2004, Ms. Vadivu became an Assistant Loco Pilot in 2006 assisting Loco Pilots in goods, passenger, and express trains. It was in 2011 that she rose to become a diesel shunter piloting shunting locos individually from the Tiruchi coaching yard to the platform and back.

The new assignment of piloting a goods train was entrusted to her for the first time after she was elevated to the category of “Goods Loco Pilot” recently. “Although my earlier stint as a diesel shunter gave me enough experience to operate a diesel locomotive, the new task of piloting a goods train carrying heavy load with greater speed and to a longer distance was really exciting,” said Ms. Vadivu, a mother of two.

“I felt really elated while piloting a goods train single handed in an open line although a Loco Inspector travelled along with us on the first day to guide us on the section,” added Ms. Vadivu, a native of Ramchandra Nagar village near Vadakkankulam in Tirunelveli district.

As a diesel shunter, Ms. Vadivu says, she can pilot the loco at a slow speed of 15 km per hour. But being a loco pilot of a goods train is different.

It is essential to know complete details of the section that you are assigned, including the number of signals it has and its gradient to increase and reduce the sectional speed accordingly, she said.

However, the transition from piloting a shunting loco to a goods train was smooth for Ms. Vadivu.

Jhansi Rani. / Photo: A. Muralitharan / The Hindu

For Jhansi Rani, fresh out of induction training at the Diesel Traction Training Centre (DTTC) and at the Zonal Railway Training Institute (ZRTI) both in Tiruchi, it was her maiden mission as an Assistant Loco Pilot on board a diesel loco with the loco pilot also being a woman.

A senior railway officer here said Ms. Vadivu was put on the new job after she underwent hands-on training in learning the “roads” in the entire division and after requisite preparations. This is the first time in the history of Southern Railway that an “all-women loco crew” was deployed to pilot a goods train, the officer said.

Since it was the crew’s first assignment, a Loco Inspector was deputed to travel along with them in the ‘Alco’ type diesel engine to guide them in the section, the officer said.

Ms. Vadivu would henceforth be deployed for piloting goods trains regularly in different sections falling within the Tiruchi Division.

The officer said all Assistant Loco Pilots recruited in the Southern Railway zone are trained at the DTTC that is equipped with a diesel loco simulator and the ZRTI.

Refresher courses are conducted both for loco pilots and assistant loco pilots at periodic intervals to enhance their driving skills.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by R. Rajaram / Tiruchi – September 30th, 2013

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