Latest news with #Punja
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Woes of paddy growers continue amid uncertainty over PRS loans
After facing delays in procurement payments, Kerala's paddy farmers are now reeling from another blow as banks refuse to issue loans against paddy receipt sheets (PRS), triggering widespread anger among farming communities. PRS loans serve as payments for the paddy procured from them by the government. The delay in issuing these loans is now hindering the preparations for the upcoming 'Punja' farming season in Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad, regions where farmers depend heavily on timely credit to begin the next crop cycle. According to farmers, many of them are reeling under debt crisis and are unable to commence the preparations for the upcoming season. The tendering for the dewatering of the fields usually begins in May, but financial constraints are hindering many farmers from starting the process. Farmers also point out that paddy procurement is slow in many paddy fields in Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad region. Roping in banks This year, the State government has enlisted the State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank to provide loans against PRS. But while a formal agreement was made, farmers claim key details remain unclear. The banks, on the other hand, argue that pending dues from last year's PRS-based loans have left them crippling. Canara Bank has now withdrawn entirely from the scheme, citing the need for higher interest rates, a move that has provoked strong criticism from the Nelkarshaka Samrakshana Samithi, which plans to meet in Changanassery on Tuesday to chart out protests against the bank's position. At the same time, SBI has agreed to issue loans but only against PRS dated up to March 15. 'The State government should establish a revolving fund to ensure timely payment for procured paddy. This fund can be financed using the fees collected for land conversion under the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008,' said Sonichan Pulinkunnu, general secretary of the Paddy Farmers' Protection Council in Kuttanad. He, however, alleged that the government has not even utilised the advance amount being provided by the Union government with respect to paddy procurement. The delays in repaying PRS loans by the Civil Supplies Corporation are negatively impacting farmers, as their CIBIL scores are being affected, he said. The farmers, meanwhile, also point out that assurances by the authorities to bring the Kerala Bank into the PRS loan scheme too remain unfulfilled.
NZ Herald
26-04-2025
- NZ Herald
A Fiji family holiday that offers more than just sun and sand
Sometimes even explorers like to feel a little organised before hitting foreign soil. There are plenty of tours you can arrange from home via your travel agent, Viator (which has an app that provides excellent updates and reminders) or direct with the provider. And while many of the same tours are available through the resorts when you arrive, be warned that some bookings might cost extra. These three tours were all booked in advance and did not disappoint. A mix of traditional culture, picture-perfect plants and healing hot springs In just half a day you can deepen your understanding of traditional Fijian culture, meander through The Garden of the Sleeping Giant and treat yourself with wads of mud courtesy of Excite Tours. En route, The next we discovered that Fiji has a history of cannibalism, the story behind the omnipresent Punja brand and how to spot a locally owned restaurant (the name signs are generally shared and sponsored by a certain Cola giant). Our tour began with a trip to the historical village of Veseisei where the native Fijians first landed, and locals now live a simple, happy, communal life. Following a welcome from the female elders, we were introduced to their wares (jewellery and trinkets neither dirt cheap nor pricey) and supported them accordingly before being taken on a tour past the chief's thatch-roofed home and through the church which is central to the contemporary village existence. The next stop was The Garden of the Sleeping Giants, nestled in the (mostly) cool shadows of two giant mountains and boasting a collection of over 30 to 40 varieties of magnificent Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids which were once the private collection of late actor Raymond Burr (aka Perry Mason). Walking trails weave across the expanse and can be followed up the hill for those willing to risk a heavy sweat for the reward of stunning views. The complimentary iced fruit drink before leaving tastes, appropriately, like something Heaven sent. The final stop was the Sabeto Mud Pools, flanked by nature and home to a three-part process of lathering yourself in mud, drying it in the sun until the body itches and skin seems to crack, and washing it all off in the warm thermal springs from which it sprung. For travellers, it's a chance to cleanse and gain supple skin for days. For locals, the site has long acted as their 'hospital', a place for healing due to perceived, and formally tested, therapeutic components in the mud. Coupled with an on-site massage the process can certainly lead to a deep state of relaxation and sensational evening slumber. Bonus: the souvenirs here are cheap! A day on the ocean Arranged directly through the operators, a day out with Salty Dog Tours is the perfect way to fit in fish feeding, snorkelling, fishing and swimming in the beautiful clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands without having to book an overnight stay. In true Fijian style, the welcome songs from the staff at Castaway Island don't cease even for those briefly stopping by. Meanwhile, nothing is too much trouble for the Salty Dog crew who provide ample water and snacks, numerous fishing tips, and point out everything from turtles and sea horses to curious looking party boats with Mad Max vibes. The bumpy boat ride back is an experience in itself – ideal for those who love getting air over waves and don't mind arriving back to shore wet. Leaving from the Naisoso Marina (Nadi) it's possible to arrange a pick-up or make your own way there. Hailing a taxi home is a cheap option but may require some walking to spot one or be spotted. Highlands by quad bike The centre of Viti Levu is mountainous and home to the Highlanders, a tough breed of people still reliant on animals and hands-on techniques over farm machinery due to the incline. While few cars can make their way up, quad bikes can, and they move at a perfect pace for absorbing the scenery with a small dose of daring. Go Dirty Tours offers a half-day adventure that sees you ascend a mountain via snake-like roads, meandering past villages to reach a panoramic view and greet happy horses on a hillside that has a rather impressive echo. Riding through muddy puddles is optional but highly encouraged. Take note, rain alone will not lead to a tour cancellation. The muddier the merrier. Returning to the flats the tour crawls through central Nadi traffic, offering a front-row seat to a city in action. The final leg back to base is across Womolo Beach (nice, but not sandy white like First Landing!) and the tour ends with a triple stack chicken sandwich washed down with welcomed extra water. For those who are happy to go with the flow Spontaneous adventure can lead to the most incredible experiences, like an afternoon at Natadola Beach riding horses, swimming with hundreds of locals and learning their language. And to mishaps too, like hour-long bus rides in the wrong direction. It's how you process them that counts. After all, the communication breakdown that extends a bus ride also delivers an extra hour of sightseeing, up-beat music, mingling and wind-swept hair. Window-free buses are wonderful. Some other things to keep in mind include the fact that potholes ensure you go nowhere fast, so leave time. As the Fijians love to say, 'You drive on the left side of the road, and we drive on what's left of the road'. You need to carry cash. This is crucial; for local wares, buses, taxis and often even the drivers that you've pre-arranged to take you on tours. Taxis are cheap, especially those you flag yourself, but every one of our tour drivers added something to the experience. Car hire is economical but it's advisable to avoid driving at night due to rogue horses, dogs, cows and, of course, those pesky potholes. Tap water is safe but good coffee is hard to come by. It's a milk thing. You'll understand when you try. Your cheeks will hurt from smiling back at the sheer number of people who greet you with warmth, and not just because they must. 'Where happiness comes naturally' is not just a clever tourism slogan, it's a truism. Bula is more than a word expressing hello and welcome. It's a beautiful feeling you will never forget. Fiji Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand regularly fly direct from Auckland to Nadi, Fiji. Details
