AGRIBUSINESS: SCOPE & CHALLENGES

Agribusiness is the branch of agriculture that deals with the production and distribution of agricultural goods. It encompasses all aspects of food and fiber production, from farming and marketing to financing, research and development, and more.

One of the biggest trends in agribusiness today is the adoption of precision agriculture. This involves using technology such as drones, sensors, and data analysis to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. By collecting and analyzing data on factors such as soil health, weather patterns, and pest populations, farmers can make more informed decisions about when and what to plant, and how to manage their crops.

Another trend in agribusiness is the growing demand for sustainable and organic products. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices, and many are willing to pay a premium for products that are produced in a more environmentally responsible manner. This has led to a surge in demand for organic and sustainable products, which are often seen as healthier and more humane than their conventional counterparts.

However, agribusiness also faces a number of challenges. Climate change, for example, is causing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and crop failures, which can have a devastating impact on farmers and their livelihoods. Additionally, the global population is projected to grow by around 2 billion people by 2050, which will put additional pressure on food supplies.

In conclusion, agribusiness is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that is at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. By embracing new technologies, adopting sustainable practices, and working together, the agriculture industry can help ensure a safe and secure food supply for generations to come. Also, it will lead to stable job offerings in the coming future. To build best of your future in agribusiness you can choose among various agriculture courses at the topmost private university in North India, Rayat Bahra School of Agriculture.

CSR: For sustainable & Equitable India

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that has been gaining traction in India in recent years. With a booming economy and growing awareness about environmental and social issues, companies are beginning to realize the importance of giving back to society. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the state of CSR in India.

Firstly, it is important to understand what CSR is. CSR refers to a company’s voluntary activities that go beyond its core business operations to create a positive impact on society and the environment. CSR activities can range from philanthropic initiatives like donating to charities to more sustainable initiatives like reducing carbon emissions.

In India, the concept of CSR was first introduced in 2014 through the Companies Act. Under this law, companies with a net worth of Rs 500 crore or more, or a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of Rs 5 crore or more, are required

to spend 2% of their average net profits in the previous three years on CSR activities.

Since the introduction of this law, CSR spending in India has increased significantly. In the financial year 2019-2020, 1,319 companies spent a total of Rs 16,034 crore on CSR activities. This is a significant increase from the previous year, where 1,193 companies spent a total of Rs 10,030 crore.

CSR activities in India are diverse and cover a range of issues. Some common areas of focus include education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development. Companies are also increasingly focusing on gender equality and empowerment, with many initiatives aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship and employment.

However, despite the increase in CSR spending, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One issue is the lack of transparency and accountability in CSR activities. Many companies do not disclose their CSR activities

and there is no independent verification of the impact of these activities.

Another issue is the uneven distribution of CSR funds. While some companies are doing exemplary work in CSR, others are not meeting their obligations or are not spending their funds effectively. This has led to calls for greater regulation and monitoring of CSR activities in India.

In conclusion, CSR is an important concept that is gaining traction in India. While there have been significant increases in CSR spending, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Companies need to be more transparent and accountable in their CSR activities, and there needs to be greater regulation and monitoring of these activities. If these issues are addressed, CSR can play an important role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for India.

UPCOMING JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA

India, like many other countries, is undergoing a rapid transformation in the nature of work and the skills required to succeed in the job market. With technological advancements and changing business practices, the job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace. In this blog, we will discuss some of the upcoming job requirements in India.

  • Digital Skills

The importance of digital skills cannot be overstated in today’s job market. With the rise of technology, jobs that require digital skills such as coding, data analysis, and digital marketing are in high demand. Moreover, with the increasing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence, digital skills are becoming more critical than ever.

  • Healthcare

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, and the demand for skilled healthcare professionals is on the rise. With an ageing population and an increase in chronic diseases, healthcare is becoming a crucial sector for job creation. In addition to traditional medical roles such as doctors and nurses, healthcare also requires skilled professionals in areas such as medical technology, health management, and health policy.

  • Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is an industry that is gaining momentum in India. With the country’s ambitious goal to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, the demand for skilled professionals in this sector is expected to rise significantly. Jobs in renewable energy include roles such as solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, and energy management.

  • Logistics

With the growth of e-commerce and the need for efficient supply chain management, the logistics sector is rapidly expanding. The sector requires skilled professionals in areas such as inventory management, transportation management, and warehouse management. Moreover, with the increasing adoption of automation in logistics, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence.

  • Cybersecurity

As more businesses and individuals shift towards digital platforms, the risk of cyber-attacks is increasing. Therefore, cybersecurity is becoming a critical requirement for businesses across all industries. The sector requires professionals with skills in areas such as ethical hacking, cybersecurity management, and cyber forensics.

  • Education and Training

With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, there is a growing need for education and training. The education and training sector requires professionals with expertise in areas such as curriculum development, training and development, and instructional design.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the job market in India is changing rapidly, and professionals need to adapt to stay relevant. The demand for digital skills, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, cybersecurity, and education and training is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Therefore, individuals who possess these skills will have a competitive advantage in the job market.

Decoding: Silicon Valley Bank Crisis

Silicon Valley Bank: What is it?

Silicon Valley Bank, which was founded in 1983, ranked as America’s 16th-largest private bank. Nearly half of all US venture-backed technology and life science firms received banking services from it.

It also conducts business in the following countries: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Sweden, and the UK.

What caused it to fall?

After a hectic 48 hours in which customers frantically withdrew savings from the lender in a traditional run on the bank, SVB abruptly collapsed. However, the cause of its downfall has been brewing for a while. During the period of almost zero interest rates, SVB invested billions in US government bonds, just like many other institutions.

As the Federal Reserve aggressively increased interest rates to control inflation, what initially appeared to be a safe bet soon unraveled.

Bond prices decline as interest rates rise, so the increase in rates reduced the worth of SVB’s bond portfolio. According to Reuters, the portfolio’s average return last week was only 1.79%, considerably lower than the 3.9% yield on the 10-year Treasury.

The Fed’s rate-hiking binge also increased borrowing costs, forcing tech startups to allocate more money to loan repayment. They were having trouble finding new venture capital financing at the same time.

As a result, businesses were compelled to use deposits kept by SVB to pay for operations and expansion.

How about speculators and depositors?

The deposits of all SVB clients will be guaranteed, US regulators announced on Sunday. The move is intended at preventing more bank runs and enabling tech companies to continue paying staff and funding their operations.

Will a banking catastrophe result from this?

There are already some indications of stress at other banks. After the shares of First Republic Bank (FRC) and PacWest Bancorp (PACW) fell 65% and 52%, respectively, trading in those stocks was momentarily suspended. At 11.30 a.m. ET on Monday, shares of Charles Schwab (SCHW) were down 7%.

The benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index in Europe, which monitors 42 significant EU and UK banks, dropped 5.6% in early trade, marking the largest decline since last March. The troubled Swiss financial behemoth Credit Suisse saw a 9% decline in share price. Government bond and other asset purchases made by SVB and other financial institutions have seen significant value declines.

In Indian context there will be no major impact on banking systems although it may affect  start-ups  in the short term when it comes to funding & making payroll.