Latest news with #N.Senthil
The Hindu
07-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
TNAU reaches out to innovators under PPP mode to optimise utility of its state-of-the-art Centre for Excellence in Biotechnology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has, in the recent months, been reaching out to innovators of unique products through its Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (COXBIT) for optimising utility of research and product development through public-private partnership mode. The 1.06 facility encompasses knowledge and cabin space which can be occupied by start-ups, student entrepreneurs and established companies for research and development activities. The Centre featuring high-end infrastructure envisages development of super active enzymes / biomolecules, biobased products, hormones for fruit ripening, plant growth stimulants and similar bio-inputs for the commercial benefit of farmers. The common facilities also encompass a conference hall, cafeteria, internet, wi-fi, and instrumentation facilities, said N. Senthil, Director, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology that runs the facility. On Wednesday, the COXBIT entered into a pact with a Coimbatore-based innovator Nivedita Arjunan, to facilitate research and development of natural ingredient-based perfumes to develop eco-friendly fragrances using botanicals, promoting innovation and value addition in the fragrance sector. Earlier this month, the COXBIT tied up with Sherpa Biotech, a leader in imported button mushroom spawn and modern cultivation, to expand its research by focusing on IoT-based monitoring, stimulants, and smart watering technologies. This new initiative, according to Vendan, Registrar and acting Vice-Chancellor, is expected to increase mushroom production and shelf life, while also promoting agricultural development through the application of modern biotechnologies. Late last month, the COXBIT inked an agreement with Adamsindia AI Company, a leading company in agricultural technology development, for nurturing agricultural sector based on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology. Earlier during July, an MoU was signed with M/s. Yaazh Xenomics, Coimbatore, specialising in genomic research and DNA sequencing using Illumina, Nanopore, and Ion Torrent platforms. With over 100 research publications, the company also manufactures RT-PCR and biotech kits, supporting researchers, clinicians and students. Tamil Nadu Legislative Estimate Committee under the chairmanship of S. Gandhirajan, MLA, while on a visit to TNAU last month, appreciated activities undertaken by the Centre such as digitization of insects, DNA barcoding, and guided audio tour. The insect museum with more than 50,000 preserved insects on various groups is visited with interest by school / college students and farming community. The Assembly team witnessed demonstrations on low cost coconut dehusking machine, drone spraying of nutrients and pesticides, telescopic coconut harvesting machine, and plantrox app for pest and disease diagnosis.
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karur textile exporters anticipate tough time due to high tariffs
Home textile exporters from Karur foresee a tough time ahead due to the trade tension between India and the USA following the imposition of 25% import duty, plus penalty, on goods from India. According to industry sources, the value of exports of home textiles such as bed linen, table covers, kitchen cloths, mats, sofa covers, is about ₹2,000 crore per annum. It constitutes 30% to 35% of the total value of exports from Karur. Nearly 200 exporters focus mainly on U.S. markets. At present, most of the home textile items attract import duty between 3.5% to 12%. There are exporters who export through e-commerce platforms that attract no import duty up to consignment value of $800. With the United States imposing higher tariffs, the exporters fear that they will feel the heat of declining export volume in the near future. To avoid higher tariffs, the exporters have taken extra efforts to book the items, which are at ports and transit shipments, as early as possible. 'We anticipate a tough time as consumers will think twice before buying any product that is priced at 25% more than the existing price. The importers will naturally avoid goods that attract higher import duty and look for other options. Our priority is that the current volume of exports should not be affected,' says R. Gopalakrishnan, Karur Textile Manufacturing and Exporters Association. N. Senthil, an exporter from Karur, says the situation is fluid. Most buyers are taking slow decisions in placing fresh orders due to the uncertainty. It has been the scenario since June. A clear picture would emerge at the end of August. V. Ashok Ramkumar, managing director of Asian Fabrics Pvt Ltd., said the situation was being closely watched. The U.S.-based buyers had not placed orders but for some high demand items. They were following a 'wait and see' approach. However, exporters sound optimistic that there is a value for cotton based Indian products among the buyers in the US. But the volume of export may come down if the new tariffs are not brought down or rationalised. Mr. Gopalakrishnan said the current situation had forced the exporters to demand the reintroduction of interest subvention scheme. The demand had already been made to the Central government.
