Latest news with #Sethumadhavan
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala's broiler poultry sector faces sustainability crisis amid rising costs
Broiler poultry production in Kerala is inching towards unsustainability, driven by escalating input costs and evolving market threats. The break-even price for producing one kg of chicken in the State has reached ₹93, underscoring the growing financial strain on poultry farmers. 'Recent market developments have compounded the issue. The cost of a 50 kg poultry feed bag has surged by ₹90, while the price of day-old chicks has nearly doubled from ₹22 to ₹40. Most of the raw materials for poultry feed are sourced from neighboring States, where prices are continuously rising. In addition, the cost of essential inputs for deep litter rearing, a common method of poultry farming, has also spiked,' said T.P. Sethumadhavan, former director, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Another major concern is Kerala's dependence on other States for day-old chicks, which increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Emerging diseases further complicate the issue. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that poultry farming is yet to be officially recognised as either an agricultural or industrial activity, despite being in active practice in the State. A recent court verdict that could have provided clarity on this classification remains unimplemented, he said. While Kerala presents huge potential in the retail poultry segment, especially in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook categories, the State's chicken processing infrastructure is still underdeveloped and not aligned with market demands. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries offers attractive projects and incentives in this space, including subsidies up to ₹10 crore for cold chain and food processing ventures. However, Kerala has seen comparatively low participation in these schemes. 'To harness the growing market and ensure long-term viability, poultry entrepreneurs and farmers must transition into market-oriented processing and value addition. This includes establishing processing units tailored to consumer demand; adopting strict biosecurity measures to curb the spread of diseases and participating in capacity-building and skill development programmes for improved productivity, Dr. Sethumadhavan pointed out. Furthermore, there is immense potential in promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) focussed on poultry. These FPOs can help aggregate production, streamline processing and marketing, and establish farmer-producer companies that strengthen the value chain from farm to fork. Despite current challenges, the demand for poultry meat in Kerala is on a steady rise. Strategic interventions and policy support could unlock significant opportunities for sustainable growth in the sector, he said.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Snehakkoottu': Here's everything about the Malayalam serial that celebrates 'happily divorced' Pallavi
Snehakkoottu, a Malayalam television serial, has garnered attention for its bold narrative centered around Pallavi's fight for divorce from a toxic marriage, surpassing 250 episodes. The show explores themes of self-worth and second chances, with Sethumadhavan becoming Pallavi's support. Its original script has led to a Kannada adaptation, Snehada Kadhalalli, further expanding its reach and popularity. Malayalam television continues to evolve, and Snehakkoottu is a shining example of how bold storytelling and fresh perspectives are changing the face of serials. The show has not only crossed 250 episodes since its premiere in August 2024 but has also sparked conversations around divorce, self-worth, and second chances in love. The story At the heart of Snehakkoottu is the story of Pallavi , a woman who fights not to save her marriage, but to escape it. The one-line pitch — a woman fighting for her right to divorce — is a bold deviation from the usual portrayal of sacrificial heroines in Malayalam serials. The show follows Pallavi's journey from a toxic arranged marriage with Indran to reclaiming her life and freedom. The show introduces Sethumadhavan, played by Krishna Kumar , as the unexpected hero. Once just the event manager at Pallavi and Indran's wedding, Sethu becomes Pallavi's anchor as she navigates the painful journey of divorce. The narrative has now progressed to a hopeful phase, with Pallavi officially divorced and beginning to envision a new chapter with Sethu. The cast The serial stars Shilji Maria as Pallavi, alongside Krishna Kumar, Raihan, Vidhya, Julie, Diya, Anand, Saji Surya, Naveen Arakkal, and Devi Chandana, delivering powerful performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Crossover episode adds spark Adding more excitement, Snehakkoottu recently featured a crossover episode with Pavithram, bringing popular characters Vikram and Vedha into Pallavi's world — a move that fans of both serials thoroughly enjoyed. The 'original tale' Unlike many serials that follow adapted storylines, Snehakkoottu boasts an original script, which has earned it critical and viewer appreciation. Its popularity has now crossed borders with a Kannada adaptation titled Snehada Kadhalalli, which is also gaining traction. When and where to watch? Watch Snehakkoottu every day at 6:30 PM on Asianet. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
World Milk Day: dairy sector requires support to meet global challenges
As the world celebrates World Milk Day on June 1, the dairy sector stands at a critical crossroads —balancing its crucial role in nutrition, rural livelihoods, and food security with the urgent demands of sustainability and climate resilience. This year, the focus of World Milk Day is on sustainability and climate resilience in the dairy industry. India, the world's largest milk producer, is increasingly pushing for sustainable milk production and nutritional security through the dairy sector. This industry contributes over 6% to the country's GDP and supports the livelihoods of over 80 million dairy farmers. Around 12-14% of agricultural income comes from dairying. India accounts for 24.64% of global milk production, says Dr. T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director of Entrepreneurship at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. With India's per capita milk consumption at 479 grams per day — far above the global average of 371 grams — the sector plays a vital role in ensuring national food security, he said. Low-carbon strategies 'Globally, dairy is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, especially methane emissions. However, India's largely smallholder-driven dairy system emits far less than the heavily industrialised models of developed nations. As conversations around climate action, carbon neutrality, and clean food systems grow louder, India is pushing forward with low-carbon strategies, native breed conservation, and scientific innovations to future-proof its dairy economy, ' Dr. Sethumadhavan pointed out. Dairy production costs are rising sharply, with quality feed prices surging by 246% over the past three decades, while milk prices have climbed only 68%. In India, less than 28% of milk is handled by the organised sector, including cooperatives, leaving over 70% in the unorganized sector — where quality control remains a major challenge. Crossbred cattle are on the rise globally, with Kerala leading the way at 96%, far ahead of the national average of 30%. While crossbreeding boosts productivity, India is also focusing on preserving indigenous breeds. 'Disease remains a major threat to dairy production. In 2024–25, India's milk output dropped by 10% due to widespread outbreaks. Climate change, drought, and infections such as lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease, and mastitis continue to inflict massive losses—mastitis alone causes an estimated ₹14,000 crore in damages annually, ' he noted. India's dairy sector needs a focused support package targeting smallholders, women, and entrepreneurs, with aid for production, processing, marketing, and investments in quality control, disease surveillance, and technology. With brands like Amul expanding globally, the sector is evolving into a dynamic business hub. However, the push for A2 milk must avoid misleading campaigns against crossbred cattle. While A1 and A2 milk differ in protein makeup, the debate should remain grounded in science, not marketing spin, Dr. Sethumadhavan noted.
