Latest news with #JIVA
Scroll.in
28-05-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
Farmer seek MSP for natural farming produce
Devlal Munda, who lives in Kaudi village of Ramgarh district in Jharkhand, was doing chemical farming on his 1.5-acre ancestral land till 2023. Due to the extensive use of chemical fertilisers and the vagaries of climate change, the quality of soil started deteriorating. Farm-friendly insects had also started disappearing from his farm. The yield was good, but the expenditure on fertilisers was increasing year after year, which started bothering him. In the same year, he came to know about the agroecology-based programme, JIVA, launched by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to promote natural farming. It was being promoted by the Gramin Seva Sangh and the Patratu Tribal Project Development Committee, with the help of the national agriculture and rural development bank. Six villages – Lem, Bicha, Armadag, Jobo, Kodi and Lowadih – from Saki, Baridih and Bicha panchayats in Patratu block – were selected for the implementation of this scheme. 'In this project, which was started with the help of Rs 30 lakh from NABARD, farmers were trained to adopt natural farming. They were taught how to make cow dung manure and seeds were provided to them for free,' Vilas Sathe, Gramin Seva Sangh secretary, told Mongabay India. Munda decided to take advantage of this scheme. However, he had to face many difficulties. Market is the weakest link In 2023, 80 farmers, including Munda, from six villages started practising natural farming on parts of their ancestral land. By the next year, the number of these farmers increased to 125. They started growing vegetables in their baris (kitchen gardens) along with paddy. Since initially there were not many indigenous paddy seeds available for natural cultivation, these farmers kept their produce for consumption and sale as seeds. They adopted the same method in 2024 as well. But this year, their problems are going to increase. Munda told Mongabay India, 'When the seeds are available to everyone, then who will buy them? We are all trying to find a market for paddy. But for this, the production will have to be increased and one-fourth of the farmers of the area will have to be connected to natural farming.' Ram Kumar Oraon, who lives in the nearby Bichha village, told Mongabay India, 'We are going to the market, but no one is ready to buy our paddy. Traders say that our produce is coarse. Our ask is that if the government rate is Rs 22- Rs 23, we should get Rs 28- Rs 30.' A three-year study conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems and Research mentions that medium and small farmers in India do not have any marketing channels to sell their produce directly to consumers. Thus, farmers practicing Zero Budget Natural Farming face real constraints in marketing their produce, which impacts their income. When the National Mission on Natural Farming was launched in November 2024, it mentioned that farmers would be provided with an easy certification system and uniform branding so that their natural farm produce could reach the market. The plan was to enable their natural farming produce to reach the market. It will be geo-tagged and referenced in real-time through an online portal. However, Ishtiyaq Ahmed, who is associated with the 'Regenerative Bihar' campaign and works with 3,000 farmers, told Mongabay India, 'Nearly 86%-87% farmers in India are marginal farmers. They do not have the capacity to take their produce to the market on their own, as they use most of it themselves. In such a situation, creating a strong chain of aggregators is more important than branding products.' Experts suggest that there is a need to come up with innovative ways of linking the market to the farmers. Ahmed says, 'We distribute meals in school under the mid-day meal scheme as well as in Anganwadis. We can connect the farmers who have adopted natural farming to these schemes. We already have readymade markets in villages. We must think innovatively now.' Elaborating on practical difficulties, Oraon says, 'We did talk to some schools about buying Ragi. They are buying the flour for Rs 45 per kg. On the other hand, we sell our ragi crop Rs 45. Buying flour, cleaning it and grinding it reduces the price by 10%-12%. It includes labour costs as well. Our flour was costing Rs 60 per kg.' The farmers also face a lot of difficulties while selling organically-produced vegetables. Unlike paddy, it is very difficult to store vegetables for even a day or two due to the lack of cold storage facilities in villages. In such a situation, they have to sell their vegetables at the same rate as the chemically-grown vegetables, that too in their villages. 'Right now, no big company is buying vegetables from us,' says Munda. 'We are not able to sell vegetables commercially. We face more problems selling than growing. The problem is that our products are not getting enough recognition. Even if people are keen to buy, they get discouraged after looking at the rates.' However, food and agriculture policy expert Devinder Sharma has a slightly different opinion. He tells Mongabay India, 'Farming has a price. We have left it to the environment. For every kilo of food we consume, we cause three times more damage to the environment. People need to be made aware of that cost. The government needs to start a campaign to raise awareness.' Separate support price In India, agricultural policy is primarily built around Minimum Support Price, a system that was introduced in the 1960s. Back in the day, the objective was to motivate farmers to grow crops like rice and wheat with the help of new technology after the Green Revolution. The aim was to protect farmers from market uncertainties and get them a better price for their produce. At present, 22 crops are included in this scheme. If we talk about paddy, the support price of the normal variety of paddy has increased by Rs 243 in three crop years. However, there is no mention of a separate MSP in the National Mission on Natural Farming. It does, however, mention that natural farming methods will help farmers reduce the cost of cultivation and their dependence on resources purchased from outside. 'There should be a separate system for MSP. The indigenous crops being produced using natural farming methods should get a higher rate than chemically-produced crops. We should get at least 20% to 25% more,' demands Oraon. Agricultural experts also agree with Oraon. Ahmed says, 'Just promoting it will not do anything. We do not have MSP for natural farming. There is no system of government procurement. So, how will we get a different rate?' The main objective of promoting natural farming is to save agriculture from the ill effects of climate change. That is why experts like Sharma suggest adding environmental value to it. He says, 'The price that natural farming should be fetching needs to be seen from the perspective of ecosystem service. Natural farming improves the quality of soil and helps save water, so its value should be determined. It should then be linked to MSP. Until and unless incentives are spelled out, farmers will not be encouraged to take it up.' Seeds and natural fertilisers Natural farming is not a new concept in India or in the tribal- dominated state of Jharkhand. Farmers have been farming in the traditional way for generations. But, in the 1960s, the Green Revolution was adopted with the aim of becoming self-sufficient in grain production and the yield increased manifold. Due to this, indigenous seeds also started vanishing. If we talk only about paddy, then we have lost about 94% of our rice varieties. This is why when farmers from Kaudi village of Ramgarh district went out in search of indigenous paddy seeds in 2023, they found only three varieties. Munda says that in 2024, the number went up from three to five. 'To tackle the issue of vanishing seeds, an exhibition of indigenous seeds was organised in Kaudi village in 2023. Those who donated indigenous seeds were rewarded,' informs Sathe. Another practical problem is regarding cow dung manure. Although there is an emphasis on the use of dung of indigenous cows in natural farming, farmers are using dung of all kinds of cattle. Munda says that it is very difficult to do natural farming by relying only on cow dung. Balkrishna Jha, a scientist associated with natural farming at the Ranchi Research Centre of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, told Mongabay, 'Decrease in livestock led to a scarcity of natural fertilisers, hence farmers switched to chemical fertilisers. In addition, 10 to 15 tonnes of cow dung manure is needed for one hectare. It is a bit difficult to carry so much manure. Farmers can easily bring a bag of manure on a bicycle or bike.' Although natural farming is cost-effective, the yield is also less in the initial years. Hence, the study by Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems emphasises on a large-scale assessment before trying out natural farming.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JK Tech and Inveniam Forge Strategic Partnership to Transform Alternative Investments with Blockchain and AI
NEW DELHI, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JK Tech, a global leader in AI-powered digital transformation solutions, and Inveniam, a pioneering data integrity platform for private market assets, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize alternative investments through blockchain and AI technology. The collaboration will develop Inveniam's next-generation platform for alternative investments, integrating JK Tech's IP to enhance structured data capabilities while leveraging JK Tech's advanced engineering expertise with Inveniam's private market data operations orchestration. This partnership will set new standards for efficiency and trust in private market investments, addressing the growing demand for real-time data processing in digital markets. JK Tech will integrate its Generative AI solution, JIVA, into the Inveniam platform, empowering institutional investors, asset managers, and financial firms with enhanced automation, data-driven insights, and intelligent decision-making capabilities. Both companies are making significant joint investments to expand across key markets in the US, Abu Dhabi, and India. "This partnership with Inveniam exemplifies JK Tech's commitment to driving innovation in financial services," stated Sameer Nagpal, President & CEO of JK Tech. "By integrating JIVA with Inveniam's platform, we are enabling AI-driven automation and data integrity at an unprecedented scale, fundamentally transforming how alternative investments are managed and valued." Patrick O'Meara, Chairman & CEO of Inveniam, added, "At Inveniam, we are dedicated to reshaping private markets at the intersection of blockchain and AI. JK Tech's world-class Jiva solution and their expertise in digital engineering significantly strengthens our ability to deliver a transparent, scalable, and automated future for alternative investments." The partnership will deliver AI-driven decision-making through advanced analytics, enhanced data integrity via blockchain, scalable global expansion, and automated investment workflows, empowering financial institutions with greater accuracy in managing alternative investments. About JK Tech JK Tech is a Gen AI-focused data services organization empowering enterprises in Retail, CPG, and Financial Services through its strategic partnership with Google Cloud and flagship platform solution, JIVA. Visit About Inveniam Inveniam is a data operating system for private market assets, bringing access, transparency, and trust to asset performance data. The company is building the foundation for scalable AI integration, data marketplaces in private finance, and the systematic trading of private market assets. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Inveniam Capital Partners Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
31-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
JK Tech Appoints Sameer Nagpal as President & CEO to Propel Growth in the Gen AI Era
A leader set to drive expansion and elevate brand presence in the US and global markets. NEW YORK, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JK Tech, a leading provider of new-generation Gen AI and data transformation services, proudly announces the appointment of Sameer Nagpal as its new President & CEO. Aloke Paskar, the current President & CEO, moves to the Advisory Board of the company. This significant move comes as JK Tech continues its mission to transform businesses with its Generative AI platform, JIVA, and drive innovation across the Retail, CPG, and Financial Services industries. With over 25 years of experience in the US market, Sameer brings a proven track record of driving revenue growth through consultative selling, digital transformation, and cloud enablement. His deep expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with JK Tech's focus on delivering scalable, AI-driven solutions powered by strong partnerships with hyperscalers. Under Sameer's leadership, JK Tech is set to expand its market footprint during a pivotal time in the Gen AI era. His role will emphasize leveraging JIVA to unlock data-driven insights and create transformative value for clients. By harnessing the power of Gen AI and JK Tech's industry-focused approach, Sameer aims to shape the next chapter of the company's success. Aloke Paskar, former President & CEO of JK Tech, expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are thrilled to welcome Sameer Nagpal as our new President & CEO. His exceptional leadership, deep industry relationships, and ability to foster innovation make him an ideal partner for JK Tech's next phase of growth and innovation. Sameer's expertise will play a pivotal role in enhancing our US market presence and driving transformative outcomes for our clients in the Gen AI era, establishing JK Tech as a unique platform-driven services company in the disruptive world of AI.' Sameer Nagpal, now President & CEO of JK Tech, shared his vision, 'I am honored to join JK Tech during such an exciting phase of its growth. The company's commitment to innovation and client success is inspiring. Together, we will build on JK Tech's momentum, delivering groundbreaking solutions that empower enterprises to thrive in a competitive, AI-driven landscape.' About JK Tech JK Tech is a Gen AI-focused data services organization dedicated to empowering enterprises in the Retail, CPG, and Financial Services industries. Through its strategic partnership with Google Cloud, JK Tech helps clients unlock the full potential of their data, enabling actionable insights, automation, and sustainable growth. JK Tech's flagship platform solution, JIVA, serves as a cornerstone for transforming business operations and achieving measurable ROI. To learn more, visit Find JK Tech on Twitter, LinkedIn
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JIVA Technologies Announces Filing of Interim Financial Statements for Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024
VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JIVA Technologies Inc . (CSE: JIVA) (Frankfurt: WNT1) (OTCQB: PLTXF) ("JIVA" or the "Company"), a leader in building niche online wellness communities and creating immersive physical environments, has announced the filing of its unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), and related officer certifications for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 (the "Q3 Filing"). The Q3 Filing is available on the Company's profile at Financial Highlights for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024: Gross Revenue: $3,651,671 reflecting the Company's commitment to creating innovative wellness solutions (December 2023: $9,184,678). Cost of Goods Sold: $1,326,083, demonstrating improved operational efficiencies (December 2023: $5,165,266). Net Loss: $1,980,741, a significant reduction compared to the same period last year (December 2023: $5,699,913). These results showcase JIVA's progress in optimizing its operations and aligning its business strategies with long-term growth in the wellness industry. "Our third-quarter results underscore the strides JIVA is making in strengthening its business foundations and adapting to the evolving wellness market," said Lorne Rapkin CEO of JIVA Technologies. "We remain focused on scaling our innovative platforms and creating transformative experiences, both online and in-person, while delivering sustainable value for our stakeholders. Additional Information The Company's complete financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") for 2024 are available on JIVA's website ( and SEDAR ( Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. About JIVA Technologies JIVA Technologies is dedicated to building niche online wellness communities and creating immersive physical environments. With a proven track record in e-commerce marketplaces, bolstered by expert UI/UX design and SEO, JIVA now focuses on joint ventures to support wellness brands in developing their online presence. The company owns and operates Bloombox Club, an online plant delivery marketplace serving the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, and Italy, as well as The Locavore Bar and Grill, a vibrant dining and gathering destination in Squamish, BC. Recently, JIVA became a shareholder in VEG House, a leader in the plant-based space, through a share exchange agreement. Committed to e-commerce, marketing, and wellness, JIVA's mission is to cultivate online communities of like-minded consumers through education and collaboration. The company is actively pursuing joint ventures, such as the recently announced partnership with LIV3 for SugarShield, to empower wellness brands online by building their websites and managing all digital marketing. Contact:Lorne RapkinChief Executive Officer(416) 419-1415 Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "likely," "should," "would," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "potential," "proposed," "estimate," "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information contained herein includes, without limitation, the revocation of the CTO by the BCSC and the resumption of trading of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate; that assumptions may not be correct; and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. For a detailed description of applicable risks, please see risk factors described more fully in the Company's filings which have been filed on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JIVA Technologies Inc.
