Latest news with #MSSwaminathanCentenaryInternationalConference
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Future of farming: Agriculture secretary pitches shift from production-centric to ethical policy; aims for self-reliance in pulses, oilseeds sustainably
AI image Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi on Saturday called for a decisive change in India's agricultural policy — moving away from a purely utilitarian, output-driven model towards one shaped by ethical principles, as the country seeks to reconcile food security goals with environmental safeguards. Addressing the valedictory session of the M S Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Chaturvedi said the Green Revolution was guided by a utility-focused mindset that prioritised production over ecological balance, PTI reported. 'As we moved ahead in the Green Revolution, we moved forward with a utilitarian concept. Now we have to change from utilitarian to deontological concept,' he said, explaining that the latter judges actions based on adherence to moral rules rather than solely on outcomes. Questioning prevailing farming methods, Chaturvedi asked if the nation was using excessive pesticides, irrigation and groundwater in its bid to meet output targets. He stressed the need for policies that deliver sustainable yields while protecting natural resources. 'The policy story has to ensure we change from utilitarian to deontological concepts to achieve higher production and productivity using methods that not only ensure sustainable production and livelihood but also protect the environment,' he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain (Search Here) Kneepain | Search Search Now Undo India's Green Revolution in the 1960s transformed it from a food-deficit nation to a major producer of wheat and rice through high-yield crop varieties, fertiliser use and expanded irrigation. The agriculture secretary said India was close to self-reliance in pulses and working towards the same in oilseeds, expressing confidence that new crop varieties under development would help meet that goal. He underlined that food security and sustainable agriculture must be treated as livelihood imperatives for millions of smallholder farmers, not merely economic targets. 'Food and nutritional security and sustainable agriculture are important because agriculture is not an economic issue but a livelihood issue,' he noted. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
'India will not bow to threats': Former VP Naidu vows to protect strategic and national interests; slams selective US tariffs
NEW DELHI: Former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that India will not compromise on its strategic or national interests and will continue to protect its energy security despite external pressures. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The statement comes amid growing trade tensions with the United States. Speaking at the valedictory session of the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Naidu stated, 'We will remain to safeguard energy security and we will stand firm on our strategic and national interest. No question of yielding to any threats. Threats will not work on India...' Naidu underlined that India is self-reliant while remaining committed to global cooperation guided by the principle of 'share and care.' His remarks came after US President raised tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, calling India a 'dead economy', a remark Naidu dismissed, citing India's strong growth. He noted that India is growing fast and gaining worldwide recognition while some countries are envious of nation's growth. "They are not able to digest our growth. They are suffering from indigestion problem," the former vice-president said. He highlighted that India has moved up from fourth to third place in the global economic rankings and expressed confidence that with contributions from farmers, researchers and youth, the country will "definitely reach further heights". Naidu cited India as "sovereign and vibrant democracy" growing at 6.5–7 per cent annually and contributing 18 per cent to global GDP growth, higher than the US' share of 11 per cent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also questioned the fairness of selective US tariffs on allies like India, while America continues to import uranium and fertilisers from Russia and EU imports large quantities of Russian crude. "We were friends. We always admire America because they are the oldest democracy and we are the largest democracy. We respect each other, we have admiration, but what is happening, what is being said about India without any provocation, any reason, is really unfortunate," Naidu said. Despite the tensions, Naidu emphasised India's willingness to work with all nations which is rooted in Indian philosophy. "There is no reason for anybody to have any grouse against India or about India," he added.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
China responds to Trump tariff threat, says trade with Russia 'legal and legitimate'
Beijing: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday defended the country's economic, trade and energy cooperation with nations around the world, including Russia, terming it "legitimate and legal." Speaking to reporters during a regular media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed Beijing's stand to take energy security measures based on national interests. When asked about US President Donald Trump's statement that he might impose secondary tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, Guo responded, "China's position on relevant issues is consistent and clear. China's normal economic, trade, and energy cooperation with countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate and legal. We will continue to take reasonable energy security measures based on our national interests." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson's statement comes after Trump indicated this week that Beijing could face additional tariffs for buying Russian oil. When asked by media at the White House about whether secondary sanctions will be imposed on China for importing Russian oil, Trump responded: "It may happen. I mean, I don't know. I can't tell you yet, but we did it with India. We're doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China." On Thursday, Guo Jiakun expressed China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs, terming it "consistent and clear." When asked about Trump's decision to impose additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, Guo responded, "China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear." The latest round of tariffs, an additional 25 per cent hike, was announced by Trump on Wednesday, citing India's continued imports of Russian crude oil as the primary reason. This comes on top of a previous 25 per cent tariff that came into effect on July 20. Responding sharply to the US move, India's Ministry of External Affairs called the decision "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable", stating that India's energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reiterated his government's unwavering support for India's farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday, he said, "The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen and livestock holders."
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Trump tariffs: US President makes BIG statement on India-US trade deal, says no talks with India until...
(File) Trump Tariffs: US President Donald Trump has ruled out any negotiations to work out an India-US trade deal, days after he signed an executive order imposing 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports. Trump said there will be no trade talks with India until the dispute over tariffs is resolved. What did Trump say? 'No, not until we get it resolved,' Trump replied when asked by news agency ANI in the Oval Office whether he expected talks to resume in view of the new 50% tariffs. Trump's statement comes two days after he signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50%. The US President called the additional tariffs on India as a 'punishment' for purchasing Russian oil and weapons, as he accused New Delhi of 'funding' Moscow's war on Ukraine. 'I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent,' the order reads. Trump's order claims that India's imports, whether direct or via intermediaries, present an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' to the United States and justify emergency economic measures. When will additional Trump tariffs come into effect? As per US officials, the the initial 25% tariff came into effect on 7 August, while the additional levy will take effect in 21 days and apply to all Indian goods entering US ports — with exceptions for items already in transit and certain exempt categories. The order also provides flexibility for the president to modify the measures, depending on changing geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or other nations. PM says India's won't bend to pressure Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the matter, stating that India will not back down in the face of economic pressure. 'For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority,' PM Modi said. 'India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it,' Modi said in his speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
US Senator Condemns Trumps India Tariff, Says Risks Years Of Work
House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems on Friday warned that US President Donald Trump's actions risk the carefully developed U.S.-India relationship. US Representative Gregory Meeks said that any concerns should be addressed respectfully. In a post on X, House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems said, "RM Gregory Meeks: Trump's latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership. We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values." RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Trump's latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership. We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) August 7, 2025 Earlier in the day, Trump said there will be no trade negotiations with India until a dispute over tariffs is resolved, following his administration's decision to double tariffs on Indian imports. When pressed by ANI at the Oval Office, whether he expected talks to resume in light of the new 50% tariff. "No, not until we get it resolved," he replied. The White House on Wednesday issued an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percentage points in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50%. The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, pointing specifically to India's ongoing imports of Russian oil. The order claims that these imports, whether direct or via intermediaries, present an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States and justify emergency economic measures. According to US officials, the initial 25% tariff came into effect on 7 August. The additional levy will take effect in 21 days and apply to all Indian goods entering US ports -- with exceptions for items already in transit and certain exempt categories. The order also provides flexibility for the president to modify the measures, depending on changing geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or other nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly during a speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, signalling that New Delhi would not back down in the face of economic pressure.
