Latest news with #Producer
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Moringa farmers in Tamil Nadu sitting on a goldmine, waiting for a quantum leap
PKM1, a variety of Moringa oleifera, has created a global impact, especially in countries such as Senegal, Rwanda and Madagascar in the African continent. Leaves and flowers of this tree provide macronutrients and micronutrients that are believed to combat malnutrition among children in these countries. But, Tamil Nadu farmers are yet to capitalise on this lucrative business unfolding in the international market, say experts. Before the arrival of PKM1, there were about six native varieties of moringa (murungai). All these varieties were perennial crops, with trees surviving up to 30 years. These varieties were not commercially viable and were propagated by stem cutting. Horticulture College and Research Institute at Periyakulam in Dindigul district has been given a mandate to develop high-yielding varieties of vegetables, including moringa. In the late 1980s, the PKM1 variety was introduced by the institute. Its Dean J. Rajangam says germplasm study from the existing varieties of moringa helped in the birth of PKM1 variety. Now, it has been raised on 5,000 acres in Dindigul region, says Deputy Director of Horticulture B. Gayathri. The PKM1 variety, propagated through seeds, is an annual crop that gives a yield of 20 tonnes per acre in a year and has been well-accepted by farmers. S. Subbian of K. Pudukottai near Reddiyarchathiram says compared to the native varieties, this variety within begins to give yield within six months and regular pruning helps in sustaining the yield for three years after which the yield declines. With care, some of the trees give a yield of 37 kg of drumsticks. Unlike the native breed, PKM1 grows only to a height of six feet, thus it is easier for plucking. It helps the trees from vagaries of nature. since moringa is a fragile tree, the native varieties grow to a great height and they are easily destroyed in gale and heavy rains. Though technology has given the farmers this high yielding variety, no steps have been taken to provide value addition or to create a Farmer Producer Organisation in this region. 'There is no government cold storage facility in this region. If we had one, we could keep our produce when the market is dull and sell it when the prices are high,' says Mr. Subbian. Besides, there are no solar dryers too. If the self-help groups had them, the nutrient-rich leaves could be dried and powdered. No standard procedures for production and pruning of the trees are also in place. Moreover, the leaves are merely considered a by-product of moringa cultivation. If the farmers need to get a share of the pie in the international market, then it is time markets are identified and steps initiated to bring together the farmers as a collective so that they can process the leaves and export them on their own.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Govt. to construct new cold storages, godowns with RIDF funds, enhance capacity of existing ones
HYDERABAD The Marketing department will soon take up construction of cold storages and warehouses (godowns) by availing the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and also arrange closed-circuit camera systems in the agricultural markets and Rythu Bazaars, Minister for Agriculture Tummala Nageswara Rao has stated. In a meeting with the senior officials of agriculture, marketing, Oilfed, Seeds and other line departments held here on Tuesday, the Minister instructed the authorities to take up testing of at least 2 lakh samples by the month-end so that the farming community could take proper decisions on the crops suitable to their landholdings. He also wanted the authorities to submit the final list of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) to be formed. The Minister expressed dismay over the non-conduct of audit of the apex cooperative societies and instructed the authorities concerned to take necessary action against the audit officers concerned. In addition to taking up the construction of new godowns and cold storages, there was a need to enhance the storage capacity of the existing facilities, he noted. Asking the marketing department officials to ensure that only the genuine farmers sold their produce in the Rythu Bazaars, he told them to install closed-circuit camera systems in all Rythu Bazaars and agricultural markets to prevent private traders sneaking into the facilities and carrying out activities in the guise of farmers. The Minister wanted the officials to arrange digital display boards in all markets. Further, he told them to reorganise the existing market yards based on the proposals received from the elected representatives so that those possible could be created. Authorities of the agriculture department explained to the Minister that about 40 lakh cotton seed packets were already positioned in districts ahead of the rainy/sowing season and another 2 crore packets would be made available over the next 10-15 days. PACS as FPOs The Minister stated that the government had procured about one-lakh tonnes of jowar already despite the fact that it could lead to financial loss to the government. He told the officials to speed up the process to transform the 311 PACSs as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). On the inquiry into irregularities in PACSs and DCCBs, the officials apprised the Minister that ₹6.38 crore was recovered in case of inquiries completed and another ₹19 crore pertaining to the 74 pending charges was yet to be recovered. Secretary Agriculture M. Raghunandan Rao, Director Agriculture B. Gopi, MD Oilfed and TGSDC Sk. Yasmin Basha, MD Markfed V. Srinivas Reddy, MD Seed Certification K. Keshavulu and others participated in the meeting.
Fibre2Fashion
16-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
EPR Laws: Fashion's Next Challenge
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, generating millions of tons of discarded clothing every year. Traditionally, brands have had little accountability for what happens to their products post-sale. However, this is changing with the rise of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws—a policy approach that shifts the responsibility for end-of-life product management onto producers. EPR laws are designed to make brands accountable for the waste they create, compelling them to finance and facilitate recycling, reuse, and sustainable disposal of their products. What is EPR? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that makes producers financially and legally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal and recycling. Traditionally applied to industries like electronics and packaging, EPR is now being expanded to fashion and textiles to address the industry's growing waste crisis. Key Components of EPR in Fashion Mandatory Take-Back Schemes : Brands must establish collection systems for used garments, ensuring that consumers have accessible and convenient ways to return old clothing for proper disposal, recycling, or refurbishment. This reduces the likelihood of textile waste ending up in landfills. Eco-Modulation Fees : Producers are required to pay fees based on the environmental impact of their products. Brands using materials that are difficult to recycle or have a high environmental footprint will incur higher fees, whereas those prioritising sustainability will be rewarded with lower costs. Waste Reduction Targets : Governments set specific goals for textile waste reduction and recycling rates. Companies must actively participate in meeting these targets, often requiring investment in sustainable production processes and circular economy initiatives. Transparency & Reporting : Companies must disclose waste management data, detailing how they handle post-consumer textiles. This includes annual reporting on recycling efforts, materials used, and the efficiency of take-back programmes to ensure accountability. Countries such as France, Sweden, and the European Union have already enacted EPR regulations for textiles, while others, including the United States and the UK, are considering similar policies. How EPR Laws Will Impact Fashion Brands EPR policies introduce new obligations and challenges for fashion brands, but they also create opportunities for sustainability-driven innovation. 1. Financial Responsibility for Textile Waste Brands will need to fund the collection, sorting, and recycling of their garments, shifting costs that were previously externalised onto the companies themselves. This may require investments in waste management infrastructure or partnerships with third-party recyclers. Higher fees will be imposed on non-recyclable and unsustainable materials, pushing brands to rethink fabric selection and production methods to minimise costs. Retail prices may increase as brands factor in EPR compliance costs, which could influence consumer purchasing behaviour and the market dynamics of fast fashion versus sustainable alternatives. Example : France's EPR law requires brands selling in the country to pay into a national fund that supports textile recycling programmes, ensuring collective responsibility for fashion waste. 2. Redesigning Products for Circularity EPR laws incentivise sustainable design choices by imposing lower fees on eco-friendly materials. Brands that invest in biodegradable, recyclable, or upcycled fabrics will benefit from cost savings and regulatory compliance. Increased demand for mono material fabrics, which are easier to recycle, may shift industry trends away from blended textiles, which are more challenging to break down. Brands will be encouraged to adopt modular and repairable designs, making garments easier to fix, alter, or disassemble for recycling, thereby extending product lifespans and reducing overall waste. Example : Adidas has developed 100 per cent recyclable shoes, aligning with future EPR regulations and demonstrating leadership in circular fashion. 3. Expansion of Take-Back & Recycling Programmes Many brands will establish in-house recycling and repair programmes, ensuring they can efficiently process returned garments rather than relying on third-party waste management solutions. Increased investment in partnerships with textile-to-textile recyclers will become essential for meeting EPR compliance standards, driving innovation in fibre regeneration technologies. Example : H&M and Zara have launched garment collection initiatives to support textile circularity, though EPR regulations will require them to take more substantial action. 4. Supply Chain & Logistics Challenges Brands will need efficient logistics for collecting and processing used clothing, requiring expanded infrastructure to manage returns, sorting, and redistribution. Investments in sorting and recycling technologies will be necessary to streamline post-consumer textile processing and reduce contamination rates. Global brands may need to navigate different EPR regulations across markets, adjusting operations and compliance efforts based on varying country-specific laws and requirements. Example : The EU is developing a Digital Product Passport system to track textile recycling and ensure transparency in product lifecycle management. 5. Increased Transparency & Consumer Awareness Brands must disclose material content and recyclability of products, providing customers with clear information on how to responsibly dispose of their garments. Consumers may demand clearer sustainability commitments, influencing purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Increased scrutiny from regulators and watchdog organisations will hold brands accountable for compliance with EPR laws and circular economy initiatives. Example : Patagonia's Worn Wear Program integrates transparency into its circular fashion efforts, demonstrating how brands can engage consumers in sustainable practices. Current Status of EPR in Fashion Presently, only a limited number of countries have fully operational EPR systems for textiles, though several more are in various stages of development or planning. France France is a pioneer in textile EPR, having implemented legislation as early as 2007. The programme was broadened significantly through the 2020 AGEC law, covering a broad range of textile goods such as garments, shoes, and linens. Under this system, businesses pay fees to Refashion, the national EPR body, calculated based on the volume and nature of products sold. These fees are adjusted to encourage the use of sustainable and recyclable materials. Brands are also required to report on sales volumes, recycled content, and end-of-life management practices and must include the Triman label to guide consumers on proper disposal. France supports this framework with a vast network of textile collection sites. Netherlands, Latvia, and Hungary The Netherlands began enforcing textile EPR from July 1, 2023. Producers must register and report annually on the weight of textiles they bring to market, with goals to prepare at least 50 per cent of those textiles for reuse or recycling by 2025, rising to 75 per cent by 2030. Latvia launched its system on July 1, 2024, funded through a Natural Resource Tax on textile imports. Companies can opt out of the tax by participating in an approved collective EPR organisation. Hungary has also introduced an EPR framework for textiles under its 2023 legislation. Manufacturers must either meet compliance independently or join a certified producer responsibility organisation. European Union In July 2023, the European Commission proposed amendments to the Waste Framework Directive that would require member states to adopt EPR systems for textiles within 18 to 30 months after the directive comes into force. These systems would include tiered fee structures designed to discourage environmentally harmful practices such as fast fashion. Separately, EU nations are mandated to roll out dedicated textile waste collection systems by January 2025, though implementation progress varies. California In the United States, California stands out as the first state to adopt mandatory EPR for textiles. Enacted in September 2024, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act mandates that producers enrol in a CalRecycle-approved stewardship organisation by January 2026. This programme covers apparel, home textiles, and accessories, while exempting second hand retailers and smaller businesses. Producers must comply with recycling targets and fee structures designed to promote sustainability. Other Countries Other countries are at various stages of exploring or piloting EPR programmes. These include Australia, Colombia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. In the US, proposed legislation in Washington and New York aims to establish similar textile EPR mandates. How Brands Can Prepare for EPR Compliance 1. Adopt Sustainable Materials & Circular Design To comply with EPR laws, brands must focus on designing products that are easier to recycle, biodegradable, and aligned with circular economy principles. Use recyclable fabrics to minimise waste and facilitate end-of-life processing : Traditional blended textiles make recycling difficult, as separating synthetic and natural fibres requires energy-intensive processes. Brands should opt for mono-material fabrics, such as 100 per cent organic cotton or pure polyester, that can be more easily repurposed in recycling systems. Invest in biodegradable alternatives to reduce long-term environmental impact : Conventional synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, take decades or even centuries to break down in landfills. By incorporating biodegradable synthetic alternatives—like bio-based polyester or innovative fibres like Tencel and Piñatex—brands can reduce their contribution to long-term waste buildup. Collaborate with material scientists and researchers to explore next-generation sustainable textiles : Fashion companies must stay ahead of the curve by supporting research into closed-loop textile production, bioengineered fabrics, and improved natural fibre processing. Collaborating with textile innovators and sustainability-focused R&D institutions can lead to breakthroughs in fabric sustainability. 2. Develop Take-Back & Recycling Programmes EPR laws encourage brands to create robust systems for collecting, reusing, and recycling textiles to minimise landfill waste and promote circularity. Establish partnerships with recycling companies and textile upcyclers to manage collected garments efficiently : Most brands lack the infrastructure to process returned clothing internally, making partnerships with third-party textile recyclers and upcycling organisations essential. Companies such as Worn Again Technologies and Carbios are pioneering textile-to-textile recycling that allows old garments to be transformed into new materials. 3. Educate Consumers & Encourage Participation For EPR to be effective, consumers must actively participate in take-back schemes and responsible disposal initiatives. Brands need to educate and incentivise consumers to engage in sustainable practices. Implement return incentives for used clothing, such as discounts on future purchases : Many consumers hesitate to return old garments due to inconvenience or lack of motivation. Offering incentives—such as store credits, discounts, or loyalty programme points—can encourage them to return used clothing instead of discarding it. Run awareness campaigns on textile recycling, informing consumers about responsible disposal options : Many consumers are unaware of the environmental impact of textile waste or the availability of recycling programmes. Brands can use social media campaigns, in-store signage, and influencer collaborations to educate customers about how to properly recycle or donate clothing. Integrate sustainability education into brand marketing, reinforcing circular fashion values : Sustainability should be woven into every aspect of a brand's identity. Companies can showcase behind-the-scenes sustainability efforts, material sourcing processes, and the benefits of garment recycling through storytelling, case studies, and customer testimonials. 4. Collaborate with Policymakers & Industry Peers As EPR regulations evolve, brands must engage with industry organisations, governments, and sustainability groups to help shape policies and adapt to compliance requirements. Advocate for standardised EPR regulations to ensure consistency across different markets : The lack of uniformity in EPR laws across regions can create compliance challenges for global brands. By actively participating in regulatory discussions and lobbying for harmonised global EPR standards, fashion companies can streamline compliance and implementation efforts. Join circular economy alliances and industry groups to share best practices and stay ahead of regulatory changes : Collaboration within the industry fosters knowledge sharing and innovation. Brands can join initiatives such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular programme, or Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) to align their sustainability strategies with broader industry efforts. 5. Invest in Digital Solutions for Compliance Technology can play a crucial role in tracking, managing, and optimising EPR compliance efforts, helping brands stay accountable and transparent.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's rising e-waste, the need to recast its management
India's journey toward Viksit Bharat is being powered by a rapid digital transformation, with an increasing reliance on electronic devices. From smartphones and laptops to advanced industrial and medical equipment, technology has become the backbone of economic growth, connectivity and innovation. However, this growing dependence on electronic devices has a by-product — electronic waste (e-waste) — which must be managed effectively to ensure sustainable progress. Ranking among the world's top e-waste generators (China, the United States, Japan, and Germany) India confronts a formidable challenge of managing e-waste. India's e-waste volumes soared by 151.03% in six years, from 7,08,445 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 17,78,400 metric tonnes in 2023-24, with an annual increase of 1,69,283 metric tonnes. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates producers, importers and brand owners to manage waste from their products' end-of-life. It holds them accountable for environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle, promotes sustainable design, integrates environmental costs into pricing, and supports efficient waste management, reducing the burden on municipalities. Impact of improper e-waste management The consequences of improper e-waste management extend beyond environmental degradation. India loses more than $10 billion annually due to water pollution from the disposal of cyanide and sulphuric acid solutions, air pollution caused by lead fumes, open coal burning, and plastic incineration, and soil pollution. Beyond the environmental impact, improper e-waste recycling causes a social loss of over $20 billion annually, as most of the hazardous processing is conducted by informal, illegal recyclers (women and children comprise the majority workforce). Tragically, their average lifespan is less than 27 years due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Additionally, India forfeits over ₹80,000 crore annually in lost critical metal value due to rudimentary extraction methods in informal recycling. In addition, at least $20 billion in annual tax revenue is lost as informal recycling is largely cash-based and unaccounted for. Importance of stable pricing The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022 introduced a floor price for EPR certificates, a game-changer for India's e-waste management. This provision ensures fair returns for registered recyclers, curbing informal, hazardous recycling (practices that dominate 95% of the sector). Without a strong floor price, India may miss the chance to lead in sustainable waste management. Stable pricing incentivises formal recyclers to adopt safe, advanced technologies, unlocking e-waste's valuable materials such as gold and copper. It prevents chaos seen in sectors such as plastic waste and drives investment in infrastructure, turning e-waste into a resource and supporting a circular economy. This economic pivot carries profound environmental benefits. Fair compensation motivates recyclers to prioritise material recovery over disposal, shrinking landfill burdens and halting the seepage of toxins such as lead and mercury into soil and waterways. It recasts e-waste as an asset rather than as a liability, redefining India's waste narrative toward sustainability. Globally, EPR fees paid by original equipment manufacturers are significantly higher than the floor EPR prices fixed by the Government of India, in alignment with global best practices. The minor impact of floor EPR prices on product costs is outweighed by the significant environmental and social benefits of formal recycling and sustainable practices. An effective floor price levels the playing field by offsetting the informal sector's cost advantage. It makes formal recycling viable, reduces waste leakage, and ensures more responsible processing. This not only corrects market imbalances but also drives compliance, helping producers meet EPR targets through certified recyclers. When recyclers are adequately paid, they can expand operations, deliver verifiable outcomes, and reduce producers' incentives to bypass obligations. In a country where only 10% of e-waste reaches formal recycling, this stability is a game-changer. Without it, certificate prices could collapse, starving recyclers of funds and exposing producers to unpredictable costs, destabilising EPR markets. A predictable pricing framework fosters trust, ensuring the system doesn't erode into a free-for-all. Critics argue that a floor price hikes producer costs, potentially raising consumer prices. This concern, while valid, misses the broader calculus. The cost of inaction — environmental ruin, health crises and lost resources — dwarfs the modest burden of fair pricing. Producers can offset expenses by innovating durable, recyclable designs, which is a core EPR goal. The plastic industry's misstep with low prices, which spawned sham recyclers and eroded trust, underscores the peril of under-pricing. Far from stifling progress, a floor price could surge innovation, rewarding efficiency and technological breakthroughs. India's e-waste crisis demands audacious solutions, aligning with economic and ecological imperatives. Need for a recycling vision The stakes of EPR floor pricing transcend financial concerns. Inadequate pricing imperils more than profits. It endangers rivers with pollution, soils and agriculture produce with harmful ingredients, damages communities with toxic exposure, and squanders valuable potential. By valuing recycling efforts, India can formalise its e-waste sector, spur advanced infrastructure, and champion resource efficiency, ensuring responsible practices. As India vies for sustainability leadership, this floor price is the bedrock of its recycling vision — a bold move to transform e-waste into opportunity, setting a global standard. The numbers demand action: a 73% e-waste surge in five years is a clarion call. With an adequate floor price, economic vitality and environmental care can coexist, securing the future with sustainability. Dhanendra Kumar was India's Executive Director at the World Bank, Secretary to the Government of India and the first Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He is currently Chairman, Competition Advisory Services India LLP (COMPAD)
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
FPOs empower, provide financial stability to women in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Farmer Producer Organisations have transformed lives and provided financial stability to women in rural areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar who once earned meagre wages as farm labourers. Women of Karmad, who until a few years ago received ₹200-300 in daily wages after toiling away in farms, now earn up to ₹2,000 per day working at drying and processing units under FPOs. Besides empowering women in the area, FPOs have also cut losses incurred by farmers when excess produce flooded the markets, forcing them to destroy some of it. Drying units for onions and corn have come up in the Karmad area, around 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, in the last couple of years, and they are part of a supply chain for hotels and food processing companies. Talking to PTI, Padmaja Vedpathak, who works with three other women in her corn processing unit, said, "We work seven days a week and earn around ₹2,000 a day by processing three tonnes of corn daily. I used to earn ₹300 a day working on someone else's farm. This has changed my family life." Prabhavati Padul, a member of an FPO that supports the corn processing unit, said the organisation was established in 2020. They purchase excess corn from the market and process it, and it is then used in poultry feed, oil and other food items. "We procure corn for ₹18 per kg and sell the processed produce for ₹25-26 with a profit of around ₹7 per kg," she said. A solar-based onion drying unit is run by women in the nearby Hiwra village. Rekha Pophale, who works in the unit, said, "I just sort and segregate onions here and earn ₹500 per day. I have money now and can keep my family happy. My grandchildren study in an English-medium school in Karmad. We are also able to save money, repay debts and even purchase gold." Talking to PTI, Suresh Patwekar, district development manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development , said the bank helped set up FPOs for women in the district, and nearly 1,500 women are connected to them. "They process tomato, onion, ginger and corn. Earlier, whenever farmers produced these crops in excess, they did not get good returns. The excess produce is now procured through FPOs and processed, and farmers earn well." He said Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has three FPOs, and nearly 1,500 women are connected to them and operate more than 1,000 vegetable dehydration units. "We help them with capacity building, funding, technological support and market availability," Patwekar said. Kailash Rathod, sustainable development head, facilitating the project through Mahatma Phule Ekatmik Samaj Mandal, said, "We first worked on water conservation projects in the area. We then went a step ahead to enhance farmers' income. At least 32 FPOs were formed across Maharashtra, and we have brought nearly 10,000 farmers in this." The overall turnover in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar through these three FPOs has reached ₹74 crore this year compared to ₹7 to 8 crore in 2020.
