Latest news with #WSF
New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Is India's food security under threat from China?
NEW DELHI: Bapu Salunke, a 43-year-old grape grower based in Nashik, is increasingly worried about the rising prices of water-soluble fertilizers (WSF), which are essential for growing high-quality grapes suitable for export. The price of WSF has surged up to 30% and is expected to rise further in September when the grape growing season begins. Water-soluble fertilizers, which are easily absorbed by plants, can be applied through drippers, sprinklers, or foliar spray, delivering nutrients directly to the plants rather than through the soil. 'WSF sellers are accusing China of choking off its supply to India,' said a concerned Salunke, whose family's subsistence relies heavily on grape exports. Rising input costs will render him and many other growers uncompetitive in the international market. China's actions are impacting not only India's automotive industry but also its agricultural sector. After surprising the automobile market by limiting the supply of rare earth magnets, China has now restricted the supply of key ingredients for WSF used in India's horticulture sector. These restrictions could threaten the viability of India's booming horticulture industry, which contributes approximately one-third of the agricultural GDP. Major horticulture crops that would be affected include grapes, pomegranates, bananas, and those grown in polyhouses for export. Foliar spray is also used on crops like wheat to sustain their nutrient levels.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
No sanctions for Malaysia pulling out of World Junior Squash event
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not face any sanctions for withdrawing from the World Junior Squash Championships in Cairo on July 21-Aug 1. The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) pulled its players from the tournament, citing safety concerns amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East — specifically the conflict involving Israel and Iran. SRAM president Gerard Monteiro confirmed that the World Squash Federation (WSF) had accepted Malaysia's decision to withdraw and would not impose penalties. "WSF has given us the assurance that there is no risk of sanctions for pulling out of the World Juniors," said Gerard, who also sits on the WSF Ethics Commission. "Even China have done the same." Malaysia's withdrawal followed advice from authorities against sending players to Egypt due to security concerns. A total of 12 Malaysians — six boys and six girls — were initially slated to compete in the Under-19 championships.
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India's horticulture crops under risk as China restricts supply of plant nutrients
After shocking India's automobile sector by restricting rare earth magnets, China has now imposed restrictions on the supply of important Water-Soluble Fertilisers (WSF) ingredients used by India's horticulture sector. WSF, a class of fertilisers easily absorbed by plants, is applied through drip irrigation, sprinklers, or foliar spray, delivering nutrients directly to the leaves or plant instead through the soil. The restriction could jeopardise the viability of India's horticulture industry, which is larger than the country's grain economy and contributes around one-third to the agricultural GDP. The major horticulture crops that would be impacted are grapes, pomegranates, bananas, and polyhouse farming, where exotic fruits and vegetables are grown for exports. Moreover, foliar spray is also being used on crops like wheat to sustain nutrients. Over the past two months, China has invoked the China Inspection Quarantine (CIQ) -- an opaque inspection delay tactic -- which has sharply declined the supply of essential ingredients such as Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), Calcium Nitrate (CN), and Potassium Nitrate (PN). India relies on China for approximately 80 per cent of its speciality fertiliser imports during peak seasons; however, data shows that imports have nosedived. For instance, the import of MAP was 12,525 MT in 2023 and 21,214 MT in 2024, but it declined to 2,842 MT as of June 1. Similarly, CN imported in India from China was 223,941 MT in 2023, and it dipped to 49,311 MT till June 2025. The import of PN was 27,913 MT in 2024, which reduced to 16,837 MT. 'China has put a soft blockade through CIQ, which unofficially banned India while continuing to supply it to other countries,' said Vinod Goyal, Secretary of the Soluble Fertiliser Industry Association (SFIA). India relies on China, importing over 80 per cent of the total required 4 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of ingredients due to the better quality and competitive prices offered by China compared to other producers in the Middle East countries and Russia. Lalitkumar Periwal, one of the local manufacturers of WSF in Gujarat, said the country has only two months of stock. 'China had also put restrictions in 2023 but removed them in 2024 when we imported a record amount, which supported us in 2025, but again it put restrictions,' said Periwal. He emphasised the need for immediate policy intervention, such as removing WSF from the Essential Commodities Act to allow local manufacturing. Goyal also underlined concern like the existing disparity on policy is encouraging import from China while local manufacturers face huge hurdle. 'Chinese products can be supplied in any state with one license while domestic manufacturers need multiple licenses in every State, which restricts Make in India products,' he said. India's horticulture sector is key to agricultural growth and needs to be protected. While it has grown to cover over 13 per cent of cropped land, it contributes to around one-third of the country's agricultural GDP. Additionally, it surpassed the country's grain production. Following are countries where India import ingredients for Water Soluble Fertilisers. Product Major Supplier Countries MAP China, Russia, Korea Calcium Nitrate China, Russia Mono Potassium Phosphate China Potassium Nitrate China, Chile, Jordan Potassium Sulphate China, Egypt, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, KSA Boronated Calcium Nitrate China
The Star
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Maniam continues to shine as he receives honorary membership from WSF
Major (rtd) S. Maniam. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star. PETALING JAYA: From a humble beginning to being honoured by the world body in squash - the journey sums up Major (rtd) S. Maniam's limitless love for the sport over four decades. On Saturday, Maniam was thrilled to receive the honorary membership from the World Squash Federation (WSF) for his tireless service and dedication to promote the game in his different capacities. The 71-year-old has done it all - as a player; a coach of junior and senior groups at home and abroad; sports administrator from the lower to higher levels; and as an advisor. Maniam, who stepped down as Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) national coaching director at the end of last year and took up an advisory role, is honoured over the recognition. "I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the honorary membership from the WSF," said Maniam. "This recognition is not just about me—it reflects the many people, both in Malaysia and around the world, who have walked this journey with me. "I have been fortunate to serve the sport I love for over four decades, from grassroots development to the international stage. Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with passionate individuals, dedicated administrators, and countless young athletes who continue to inspire me. "This award is a reminder of the value of service and the power of sport to unite and uplift. I hope it encourages others to give back to the game and the community that has given us all so much. "I am grateful to WSF, SRAM, the Asian Squash Federation, and all my colleagues and friends who have supported me through the you for being part of this journey," added Maniam. Maniam was among those who fought hard for squash's inclusion in the Olympics for the first time in 2028. On his hopes for the sport in Malaysia, Maniam said: "The dream of all Malaysian squash enthusiasts, not just me, is to get the elusive gold medal in the Olympics through squash for the country. "I also hope to see Malaysian Squash be top four in the world in all categories (senior and junior men and women). "Finally, I also want to see squash becoming a premier racket sport in every state in the country."
NDTV
18-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Glenn Maxwell Levels Rohit Sharma After Slamming 106* In 49 Balls At MLC, Becomes 1st Player To...
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell levelled with names like compatriots David Warner, Aaron Finch, the Indian legend Rohit Sharma and England's Jos Buttler, becoming the player with the joint-fourth-highest centuries in T20 cricket. Maxwell, who smashed his eighth century in the shortest format, achieved this feat during the Major League Cricket (MLC) match for his side, Washington Freedom (WSF,) against Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) at Oakland. During this match, Maxwell, dubbed as the 'Big Show' for his supreme hitting abilities, truly lived up to his name, blasting an unbeaten 106* in 49 balls, with just two boundaries and 13 sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 216.33. He is captaining the side this season in the absence of Steve Smith, who led them to the title last year. The knock helped Maxwell go past 10,500-run mark in T20s. He also has 178 wickets in T20s. The Australian in now the first player in the world to complete a triple of 10,500 runs, 170-plus wickets, and over five T20 hundreds. Warner, Finch, Rohit, Buttler and Australia's Michael Klinger all have eight T20 centuries. The most centuries in this format are hit by West Indies icon Chris Gayle, who smashed 22 of them in 463 matches. He is followed by Pakistan's Babar Azam (11), South Africa's Rilee Rossouw and Indian icon Virat Kohli (9 each). Coming to the match, Washington Freedom opted to bat first after winning the toss. A hard-hitting 32 in 11 balls (four boundaries and two sixes) by Mitchell Owen remained the highlight knock for a good while as the team was reduced to 68/4. From here, Maxwell put on a masterclass performance, taking down Jason Holder for 26 runs with Obus Pienaar (14*) in the final over to reach his century and pushing his team to 208/5. So far in MLC 2025, Maxwell has scored 149 runs in three innings for his side, at an average of 149.00 and a strike rate of over 204, with his previous scores being 38* and 5. He is the second-highest run-getter so far in the competition. His team has won one and lost one match so far under his captaincy.
