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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Empowering smallholder farmers & marginal farmers through formation & promotion of FPOs
Dr. Prashant Prabhakar Deshpande has post-graduated in Economics with a Gold Medal in 1976 and was awarded a Ph.D in Social Sciences from Nagpur University in 2007. Introduction The Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th of February, 2020. The scheme was launched with a budget outlay of Rs 6,865 crore till 2027-28. Since the launch of the scheme, Rs 254.4 crore in equity grants have been released to 4,761 FPOs and credit guarantee cover worth Rs 453 cr has been issued to 1,900 FPOs. Recently, FPOs were in the spotlight as India reached a transformative milestone by establishing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), ahead of the March 31, 2025, deadline, collectively bringing together nearly 30 lakh farmers across the country, 40% of whom are women. These FPOs are now conducting business worth thousands of crores of rupees, contributing immensely to the growth of the agricultural sector. On the occasion of the release of the 19th instalment of PM-KISAN in Bhagalpur, Bihar, the Prime Minister launched the 10,000th FPO, a milestone marking a significant leap in Farmer Welfare and inclusive agricultural development. The 10,000th FPO was registered in Khagaria district and focuses on maize, banana, and paddy. The concept behind the Farmer Producer Organisations Farmers who are the producers of agricultural products can form groups. To facilitate this process, the Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) was mandated by the department of agriculture and cooperation, ministry of agriculture, government of India, to support the state governments in the formation of FPOs. Objectives To provide a holistic and broad-based supportive ecosystem to form to facilitate the development of vibrant and sustainable income-oriented farming and overall socio-economic development and wellbeing of the agrarian communities. To enhance productivity through efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable resource use to realise higher returns through better liquidity and market linkages for their produce and become sustainable through collective action. To provide handholding and support to new FPOs up to five years from the year of their creation in all aspects of management of FPO, inputs, production, processing and value addition, market linkages, credit linkages, and use of technology etc. To provide effective capacity building to FPOs to develop agriculture entrepreneurship skills to become economically viable and self-sustaining beyond the period of support from the government. The Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) The FPOs are collectives formed by farmers to: Enhance productivity; Reduce costs, and; Improve market access through cooperation. The primary aim of an FPO is to enable farmers to benefit from the economies of scale, enhancing overall Farmer Welfare. The Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture plays a pivotal role in supporting the formation of the FPOs, which are registered under either: The Companies Act, or; The Co-operative Societies Act. Need for FPOs Small, marginal, and landless farmers face challenges during the agriculture production phase, such as: Access to technology; Quality seeds; Fertilisers and pesticides, and; Requisite finances. Challenges in marketing their produce due to a lack of economic strength. FPOs help in the collectivisation of such small, marginal, and landless farmers, giving them collective strength to deal with such issues. managing their activities together to get: Better access to technology; Inputs; Finance, and; Market for faster enhancement of their income. The way FPOs help Smallholder Farmers Achieving Economies of Scale FPOs help small and marginal farmers reduce input costs and secure better prices by aggregating purchases and sales. Enhanced Credit Access Access to institutional credit since long a barrier for smallholders, is improved through FPOs, aligning such support with ongoing government schemes for farmers aimed at financial inclusion. Accessing Global Markets FPOs enable smallholders to access international markets. Overcoming Shrinking Farm Sizes With average landholding size shrinking from 1.08 hectares in 2015–16 to just 0.74 hectares in 2021–22, FPOs help farmers aggregate resources and invest in modern equipment. This consolidation enables economies of scale: Allowing for bulk purchases; Shared services, and; Use of advanced machinery is improving productivity, a key enabler of agricultural sector growth. Supporting Value-Addition & Processing Through shared infrastructure like mini-mills and cold storage FPOs help farmers earn more by adding value to raw produce, strengthening Farmer Welfare through diversified income streams. Key Features of the Scheme Up to Rs 18 lakh financial aid over 3 years Matching equity grant of Rs 2,000 per farmer (max Rs 15 lakh) Credit Guarantee up to Rs 2 Crore in project loans Cluster-based handholding support for 5 years Challenges Faced by FPOs Many farmers joining FPOs have limited exposure to modern agricultural practices, quality standards, and market requirements. Most farmer-leaders lack formal training in business management, financial planning, human resources, and strategic planning. Most FPOs begin with minimal capital contributed by farmer members who themselves have limited financial resources, creating a precarious situation where the organisation struggles to invest in necessary infrastructure, working capital, or growth opportunities. Farmer members often expect immediate benefits from their FPO membership but are reluctant to make significant financial contributions. Traditional financial institutions often view these organisations as high-risk borrowers due to their agricultural focus, limited collateral, and perceived management weaknesses. Many FPOs lack the market intelligence necessary to make informed decisions about what to produce, when to sell, and at what prices, putting them at a disadvantage competing with established suppliers or negotiating with buyers. Epilogue By fostering collectivisation, enhancing market access, and providing financial and institutional support, the initiative has empowered millions of small and marginal farmers, including women and economically weaker sections, boosting agricultural productivity and income, contributing to rural job creation and economic resilience. As FPOs continue to evolve, they promise a more equitable and resilient future for India's agricultural landscape, it is opined. Critics however state that it is critical to move beyond numbers. They opine a target-oriented approach may work in the initial phase. As such, although reaching the target of 10,000 FPOs ahead of the March 31, 2025 deadline is commendable, there is now a need to focus on better outcomes. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Dunamis Premium Spirits to Exhibit at 2025 TPSA Trade Show in San Antonio, TX
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dunamis Premium Spirits is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Texas Package Store Association (TPSA) Trade Show, taking place on July 27 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. As the brand continues expanding across the Southwest, TPSA offers a key opportunity to connect with retailers, distributors, and industry decision-makers in the Texas spirits market. During the show, Dunamis will feature tastings of its full award-winning lineup: Interstellar Bourbon – Double Gold Medal winner, 2025 The Fifty Best Bourbon, 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition Bianca Supreme Rum – Gold Medal winner, 2024 San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition Zulu Hotel Airman's Gin – Double Gold, 2025 SIP Awards & Gold, 2024 USA Spirits Competition Aero Squadron Vodka – Double Gold, 2025 SIP Awards & Gold 2025 New York International Spirits Competition; supports Folds of Honor with proceeds from every case sold 'If you are attending the show, be sure to stop by Booth #238 and sample our amazing selection of premium, award-winning spirits,' said Victor Young, Founder and CEO of Dunamis Premium Spirits. 'Texas is a priority market for our brand, and TPSA gives us a platform to share not just our spirits, but our story.' About Dunamis Premium SpiritsFounded in 2021 and based in Zephyrhills, Florida, Dunamis Premium Spirits is one of the few Black-owned distilleries in the United States. The brand is inspired by aviation, excellence, and legacy, offering a premium collection of craft spirits including bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. With a mission-driven focus and strategic partnerships like Folds of Honor, Dunamis blends purpose with quality. Distributed in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, and Louisiana, the brand is committed to elevating the spirits experience, one pour at a time.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC boss Avril MacRory dies ‘peacefully' aged 69 as heartbroken family pays tribute
A BBC legend has tragically passed away aged 69. Avril MacRory, who worked as the broadcaster's Head of Music Programmes, died peacefully at Royal Trinity Hospice in London earlier this month. Advertisement 2 Avril passed away peacefully earlier this month Tributes have flooded in for the broadcasting star, with family and friends leaving heartwarming messages. As well as her work at the BBC, she worked as executive producer for She regarded the ITV show - now available on Netflix - as one of her "proudest pieces of work". Posting about her tragic passing on social media, Avril's family said: "Avril passed away this morning , peacefully, at Royal Trinity Hospice. Advertisement Read more News "Funeral arrangements will be announced when we have them to share. "The funeral will be in London and so will be held in at least 10 days. "Avril MacRory, 05/04/1956 - 14/07/2025. With love Val and Sam." Writing on Facebook and sharing a photo, a friend hailed Avril's love for her family. Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Exclusive They said: " From our first meeting as students, everywhere I went, socially and professionally, I met people who knew Avril MacRory, in RTE, the BBC and Channel 4 , mainly in music and the arts but could be anywhere. "She died peacefully early this morning , and was absolutely Avril to the end. "She will be missed by so many. "Photograph shows some of her greatest loves, her father, her husband Val Griffin, son Sam, and Sid the dog, when they borrowed my late mother's house in Dalkey one Christmas." Advertisement BBC Red Dwarf star Charles Augins dies aged 81 after finding fame on popular sci-fi sitcom as tributes pour in Another message said: "Sad to read of the death of Avril MacRory, who was well known for her charity work among the Irish in London. "She was only in her late sixties. Sympathy to her husband, children and extended family." Avril famously ran the Beeb's 28 hour coverage of the Millenium. The event - deemed the biggest ever global broadcast - united dozens of international broadcasters as the world crossed into the 21st century. Advertisement Speaking at the time, Avril said: "It was a moment when public television from around the world was able to come together. "I don't think that can happen again." Avril also served as co-executive producer of the Global Broadcaster Consortium. She worked as an executive producer on 2004 documentary Shadowing the Third Man. Advertisement It was awarded a Gold Medal at The Rome Film Festival in 2006 and was shown at the Cannes Film Festival a year earlier. Avril hailed her appearance at the famous French festival as a "night to remember". 2 Avril was the executive producer on popular ITV show Secret Diary of a Call Girl Credit: Rex More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Advertisement is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Science
- Entrepreneur
Google, OpenAI Models Win Gold at High School Math Contest
The International Math Olympiad is one of the most challenging high school-level math competitions. AI just scored a major win at an international math competition. For the first time, AI models from Google DeepMind and OpenAI achieved gold medal status at the 2025 International Math Olympiad (IMO), a challenging math contest for high school students that has been held annually since 1959. The competition involves two 4.5-hour exams to solve six total problems, without the help of the Internet or external tools. Related: The CEO of Google's AI Initiative Is Worried About 2 Things, and Neither Is AI Replacing Jobs The New York Times reports that OpenAI and Google's AI models responded to questions using natural language with no human intervention. Both models were able to solve five of the six problems presented at the 2025 competition within the contest's time restraints, marking the first time AI models have achieved such a level of success. The two models tied in score, with each earning 35 points out of a possible 42 points on the IMO, exactly at the cutoff point for a gold medal. OpenAI announced the results on Saturday while Google waited until Monday. Google DeepMind worked with IMO to have its AI system's performance graded and certified by the committee this year, while OpenAI did not formally enter the competition. Instead, OpenAI asked three former IMO medalists to independently grade its AI model's answers to each question, finalizing scores after "unanimous consensus." According to the Google announcement, only 8% of the high school students who compete in IMO typically receive a gold medal. Google's gold-medal performance this year was one step above its results last year, when its AI received a silver medal, solving four out of the six problems presented in the competition. Related: How a Love of Chess Led the CEO of Google's DeepMind to a Career in AI — and a Nobel Prize IMO's President, Dr. Gregor Dolinar, called Google DeepMind's solutions this year "astonishing in many respects," while IMO graders found [the solutions] to be "clear, precise, and most of them easy to follow," Dolinar stated. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a post on X on Saturday that while OpenAI does not plan to release an AI model with IMO gold capabilities "for many months," the gold medal was "a significant marker of how far AI has come over the past decade." OpenAI used a general-purpose reasoning system to tackle the competition, not a specialized math system, as the company works towards general intelligence. we achieved gold medal level performance on the 2025 IMO competition with a general-purpose reasoning system! to emphasize, this is an LLM doing math and not a specific formal math system; it is part of our main push towards general intelligence. when we first started openai,… — Sam Altman (@sama) July 19, 2025 Meanwhile, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis wrote in a post on X on Monday that Google also used an advanced version of its general-purpose Gemini reasoning model, which will be available "to a set of trusted testers" before rolling it out to Google AI Ultra subscribers, who pay $250 per month for advanced capabilities and 30 TB of storage. We achieved this year's impressive result using an advanced version of Gemini Deep Think (an enhanced reasoning mode for complex problems). Our model operated end-to-end in natural language, producing rigorous mathematical proofs directly from the official problem descriptions –… — Demis Hassabis (@demishassabis) July 21, 2025 This year, 630 high school students participated in IMO in Queensland, Australia, with 67 students achieving gold medals, per Reuters. Join top CEOs, founders, and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue, and building sustainable success.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Google and OpenAI Chatbots Claim Gold at International Math Olympiad
Artificial intelligence models developed by Google's DeepMind team and OpenAI have a new accolade they can add to their list of achievements: they have defeated some high schoolers in math. Both companies have claimed to achieve a gold medal at this year's International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), one of the toughest competitions for high school students looking to prove their mathematical prowess. The Olympiad invites top students from across the world to participate in an exam that requires them to solve a number of complex, multi-step math problems. The students take two four-and-a-half-hour exams across two days, tasked with solving a total of six questions in total with point values assigned for completing different parts of the problems. Models from DeepMind and OpenAI both solved five out of the six answers perfectly, scoring a total of 35 out of 42 possible points, which was enough for gold. A total of 67 human participants of the 630 taking part also took home the honor of gold. There's one little tidbit that doesn't really have anything to do with the results, just the behavior of the companies. DeepMind was invited to participate in the IMO and announced its gold on Monday in a blog post, following the organization's release of the official results for student participants. According to OpenAI didn't actually enter the IMO. Instead, it took the problems, which are made public so others can take a crack at solving them, and tackled them on their own. OpenAI announced it had a gold-level performance, which can't actually be verified by the IMO because it didn't participate. Also, the company announced its score over the weekend instead of waiting for Monday (when the official scores are posted) against the wishes of the IMO, which asked for companies not to steal the spotlight from students. The models used to solve these problems participated in the exam the same way the students did. They were given 4.5 hours for each exam and were not allowed to use any external tools or access the internet. Notably, it seems both companies used general-purpose AI rather than specialized models, which previously fared much better than the do-it-all models. A noteworthy fact about these companies' claims to the top spot: Neither model that achieved gold (or, you know, a self-administered gold) is publicly available. In fact, public models did a pretty terrible job at the task. Researchers ran the questions through Gemini 2.5 Pro, Grok-4, and OpenAI o4, and none of them were able to score higher than 13 points, which is short of the 19 needed to take home a bronze medal. There is still plenty of skepticism about the results, and the fact that publicly available models did so poorly suggests there's a gap in the tools that we have access to and what a more finely-tuned model can do, which rightfully should result in questions as to why those smarter models can't be scaled or made widely available. But there are still two important takeaways here: Lab models are getting better at reasoning problems, and OpenAI is run by a bunch of lames who couldn't wait to steal glory from some teenagers.
