IAS Subodh Agarwal: Expanding Annapurna Bhandar Yojana Could Transform Rural Development Nationwide

India’s rural areas are as diverse as its rich culture, yet they face common challenges like economic inequality, poor infrastructure, and limited access to quality goods. Even after 78 years of independence, these issues continue to hold back our rapidly growing economy.

In India, the goddess Annapurna is worshipped as a symbol of nourishment and sustenance. Inspired by this, the Rajasthan government launched a unique initiative in 2015 to improve the Public Distribution System (PDS). This initiative, called the Annapurna Bhandar Yojana, aimed to modernize the way essential goods were supplied to people.

Today, we are speaking with IAS Subodh Agarwal, who was the Principal Secretary for Food and Civil Supplies in the Rajasthan Government at the time. He was responsible for implementing this initiative and believed that it would not only improve the public distribution system but also help in the growth of modern retail.

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VP Nandakumar Shares Insights on NBFCs and India’s Credit Access Challenge

India’s banking sector has changed significantly with the growth of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). These companies have transformed the way people and businesses access credit across the country. Unlike traditional banks, NBFCs focus on providing flexible and customized financial solutions. They help groups that are often ignored by banks, such as small businesses, rural entrepreneurs, and individuals without a formal credit history. VP Nandakumar , Managing Director of Manappuram Finance, explains how NBFCs are creating new opportunities by making credit more accessible and inclusive. Their role has been crucial in supporting economic growth at the grassroots level. The NBFC sector in India has grown rapidly and has become an important part of the financial system. As of December 2024, NBFCs had provided loans worth around ₹52 trillion. This figure is expected to cross ₹60 trillion by the financial year 2026. Read More

Parvinder Singh Gahlaut Predicts a Major Transformation in India’s Fertilizer Market (2025–2033)

With many changes happening around the world, one of the biggest transformations is taking place in the global fertilizer market. The fertilizer industry is entering a strong growth phase that will create many new opportunities. By 2033, the global fertilizer market is expected to reach USD 297.33 billion, growing at a CAGR of 3.60% from 2025 to 2033. To understand this growth better, the market was valued at USD 216.27 billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 224.05 billion in 2025. PS Gahlaut , Managing Director of Indian Potash Limited, shared his thoughts on this positive shift. He said, “This is a golden period to explore new opportunities in agricultural productivity, and it can also become a strong stepping stone for the growth of farmers.” Read More

P.S. Gahlaut Explores the Impact of Polyhalite Fertilizer on India’s Organic Farming Revolution

Polyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral that contains a rare combination of potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium—all vital for healthy plant growth. According to P.S. Gahlaut , “Polyhalite was formed about 260 million years ago and is found 1,200 meters below the northeastern coast of England. It is a unique crystal with amazing properties.” This mineral acts like a nutrient powerhouse for plants. Because of its crystalline structure, it releases nutrients slowly and steadily, ensuring long-lasting benefits. “Once it dissolves in the soil, each nutrient in polyhalite works in a special way to improve soil health,” explains Gahlaut. This unique feature helps the fertilizer meet the different nutritional needs of crops and correct deficiencies in sulfur, potassium, magnesium, and calcium effectively. Read More

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