Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Floriculture–a Gainful Livelihood Option

Rai has sold roses worth Rs.1.60 lakh 
Special feature PIC, Khamdong       Success Story          Suman Gazmer*
A progressive farmer from Radang in East Sikkim, Bishnu Kumar Rai has embraced floriculture as a livelihood option since 2008. He cultivates roses in a 650 sq feet land and a green house provided by the State horticulture department.

Rai was  first introduced to floriculture by his wife who attended a  week long  training programme supported by the State horticulture department on General Green House Management at the Horticulture training centre, Talegaon Dabhade in Pune. Later, he acquired further knowledge on floriculture by attending a training programme organized by the department and started reaping the dividends. He has constructed a 80 X 18 feet green house with his own contribution and help from State horticulture department.

So far, this year, Rai has sold roses worth Rs. 1 lakh 60 thousands and is hoping to cross Rs. 1 lakh 70 thousand in sales by the end of this year from the 5000 planted saplings. The selling price of rose per stick is Rs. 3 during off-season and Rs. 5 in peak season. Having taken up floriculture three years ago, this horticulturist has made Rs. 96,000 in the first year and Rs. 1.45 lakhs in the second year through sales. He follows the drip irrigation technology which saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of the plants, either on the soil surface or directly into the root zone through a network of valves, pipes, tubes and emitters.

After gaining experience in rose cultivation, Rai has branched off to cultivate Jarvera from April 2011 and has already earned more than Rs. 30,000 by selling cut flowers. He is selling 100 sticks every day at the rate of Rs 4 per piece. It is easy to cultivate Jarvera as compared to rose as risk of disease is very less in it and Jarvera blossoms 12 months a year, he said. He is expecting to earn Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 from 800 plants this year and receives whole hearted support from his wife in this profession.

This energetic farmer has a future plan to develop his area as a floriculture belt and remains committed to cultivate flowers suitable in his 1 acre land. He has not limited himself to flowers but has been cultivating vegetables for almost two decades. He grows cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, tomato and other green vegetables.

Rai had won the 2nd prize of Rs. 15,000 along with a certificate during the Horticulture Show 2011 held at Saramsa. He had also bagged a cash 3rd prize of Rs. 5,000 in vegetable (tomato) category during the Kharif Kisan Mela 2008 held at Saramsa. (PIB) *****

Disclaimer: The writer is a freelance journalist and the views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.

* Freelance journalist

20 Proposals of Foreign Direct Investment Approved


 Govt has approved 20 Proposals of FDI

                       Based on the recommendations of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in its meeting held on December 23, 2011, Government has approved 20 Proposals of Foreign Direct Investment amounting to ` 1935.24 crore approximately.  
                       Following 20 (Twenty) proposals have been approved.

Sl. No.
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
FDI/NRIinflows
(` in crore)
COMMERCE
1
M/s ChristianLouboutin S.A. France
To set up a JV to set up retail stores, outlets, show rooms and other formats across India for carrying on retail trading.
2.55
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
2
M/s Funderburk 2 Mauritius Ltd., Mauritius
To subscribe to equity shares of an Indian company   engaged in the business of multi commodity exchange for derivative markets across all commodity segments.
13.75
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
3
M/s Pipe Supports Group Limited, United Kingdom
Ex-post-facto approval to set up a WoS to carry out the business of design, manufacture and supply of pipe supporting equipment, fittings and materials for use in various industries. The proposal attracted the provisions of para 4.2.2.2 of Circular 2 of 2010.
0.01
FINANCIAL SERVICES
4
M/s Financial Inclusion Network & Operations Ltd., Mumbai
Ex Post-facto approval for the subscription to equity shares without satisfying the minimum capitalization requirements for FDI in NBFCs.
0.24
5
M/s Equitas Micro Finance India Private Limited, Chennai
Approval for demerging of microfinance business with itsWoS.  Post the demerger, the activity of the company will be NBFC-Core Investment Company.
230.70
6
M/s DMI Finance Private Limited, Delhi
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of securitization and asset reconstruction.
20.66
  INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
7
M/s TV Vision Ltd., Mumbai
Induction of foreign investment by way of issue of equity shares through an IPO to undertake the business of broadcasting a non-news and current affairs TV channel.
200.00
MICRO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
8
The Technology Venture Fund, Hyderabad
Induction of foreign investment in the Fund engaged in the investment in equity and equity related unlisted seed stage companies.
1.38
NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
9
M/s i3E Trust,Ahmedabad
Induction of foreign investment in the Trust.   
12.00
10
M/s Sterlite Grid Limited, Dadar and Nagar Haveli
Post facto approval to act as an investing company.
1150.00
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
11
M/s Matrix SociisHoldings Limited, Mumbai
Induction of foreign equity in an investing company.
25.00
12
M/s ElproInternational Ltd., Mumbai
Post facto approval for the issuance of shares against warrants.  The company is engaged in the manufacture and production of surge arrestors and metal oxide varistors as well as in real estate services and development and making investments.
64.67
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
13
M/s Shyam Internet Services Ltd.
Amendment of clause 2 & 3 of the FC approval dated 08.10.2009 to allow the company to engage in the business of providing Internet Services on all India basis instead of providing the same service within the State of Rajasthan.
Nil
COMMERCE
14
M/s RahimafroozBatteries Ltd., Bangladesh
To set up a WOS to undertake import and wholesaledistribution of batteries and providing after sales services inIndia by a company from Bangladesh.
0.10
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
15
M/s JalgaonInvestments Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Ex-post-facto approval to act as an investing company.
135.55
HIGHER EDUCATION
16
M/s Copper Beech Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Repatriation of FDI.  The company is engaged in the business of educational infrastructure.
3.83
INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION
17
M/s Singpai Pte Ltd., Singapore
Induction of foreign equity into an Indian company to carry out the business of manned guarding investigations, electronic security systems and cash management services.
65.00
CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS
18
M/s Sabero Organics Gujarat Ltd., Mumbai
Ex-post-facto approval for issuance of warrants.  The company is engaged in the business of producing insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and speciality chemicals.
9.80
 HOME AFFAIRS
19
M/s Verizon Communications India Pvt. Ltd.
Transfer of equity sharefrom non-resident shareholder tonon-resident group company in Telecom Sector.
Nil
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
20
M/s SDP Telecom (India) Pvt. Ltd.,Kanchipuram
Ex post facto approval for issue of equity shares forconsideration other than inward remittances.
No Fresh inflow
  
            The following 23 (Twenty three) proposals have been deferred:

Sl. No
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
1
M/s Rossell Aviation Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Induction of foreign equity to undertake the business in civil & defence aviation field with focus on product support services, repair and maintenance facility, providing training solutions in project primarily relating to the offset obligation in India to aviation industry.
2
M/s Veritas (India) Ltd., Mumbai
Post facto approval for issue of warrants to carry out the business of import, export, trading and distribution of metals and chemical products, power generation.
3
M/s Aptuit LaurusPrivate Limited, Hyderabad
Increase in foreign equity.  The company is engaged in the pharmaceutical sector.
4
M/s APF II India Investments Pvt. Ltd., Mauritius
To invest in the units of a FUND, constituted as a Trust.
5
M/s Security International Services India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of providing security services and providing consultancy and advisory services relating to security services and trade, import, export, supply and deal in all kinds of security aidsafety systems equipment, security solutions and devices.
6
M/s Oxigen Services (India) Pvt. Ltd.,Gurgaon
Ex-post-facto for induction of foreign investment to carry out the business of providing B2B Services like mobile, DTH & Broadband Recharges, Bill payments, Travel and Ticketing, both by rail and air.
7
M/s Akorn Inc, USA.
Acquisition of 100 percent equity shares of a company engaged in pharmaceuticals sector.
8
M/s Ordain Health Care Global Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business in pharmaceutical sector.
9
M/s Alliance Data Pte. Ltd., Singapore
To undertake the additional of publishing and printing an Indian edition of a foreign specialty magazine.
10
M/s Packt Publishing Private Limited, Mumbai
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of writing, editing, summarising, compiling, printing, publishing, buying, selling, importing, exporting, circulating or otherwise dealing in books publication and any other information or data pertaining to all areas and sectors such as computer and information technology.
11
M/s Edict Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Transfer of 100 percent equity to foreign investor.  The company is engaged in the pharmaceutical sector.
12
M/s Multiples Private Equity Fund I Limited, Mauritius
Acquisition of the equity shares of the company engaged in the operation of India’s first nationwide, automated and online power exchange and offers products that permit trading in electricity and renewable energy certificates.
13
M/s Sterlite Networks Limited, Dadar and Nagar Haveli
Investment through internal accruals and issue of shares to existing/ new shareholders.  The company is engaged in the business of providing telecom services in the category of infrastructure provider providing dark fibre, right of way, duct space, tower (IP Category -I), electronic mail and voice mail services.
14
M/s Microqual Techno Ltd., Mumbai
Increase in foreign equity to carry out the business of wireless telecommunications.
15
M/s Kakade British Realties Private Limited, Pune
Approval for non-compliance with the condition regarding completion of 50 % project within 5 years from the date of obtaining all statutory clearances.                 
16
M/s DPD Continental Pvt. Ltd.
Deletion of the condition at Clause 6 (i) of the FC approval dated 4.2.2009. The company is engaged in the business of courier services other than post.
17
M/s World Phone Internet Services Pvt. Ltd.
Increase in foreign equity.  The company is engaged in the business of Internet Service Provider and set up International Gateways.
18
M/s CSR Technology (India) Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Ex-post facto approval for the initial capital made by two resident Indians on behalf of the foreign company to undertake design, development and testing services for GPS Chips Sets.
19
M/s CLSA Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd., Singapore/ M/s CLSA Limited, Hong Kong
Induction of foreign equity in an investing company to carry on the business of process outsourcing services for clients, both domestic and offshore.
20
M/s Reed Elsevier India Pvt
. Ltd.
To undertake the additional activity relating to the business of publishing and co-publishing (in and outside India), including digital publishing, printing, reprinting, adaptation, article reprinting, repackaging, translation, distribution of scientific, technical, medical, specialty and research journals/magazines/periodicals in any media including print media
21
M/s Royale Asia Couriers Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of international courieroperations.
22
M/s CordiaInternational Corp., USA
To increase shareholding from 49 percent to 74 percent to carry out the business of telecommunication and act as a services provider. Services include but are not limited to the provision of IP communication services and related services, technology related products and services, web hosting, collection and ISP services.
23
M/s Fine Publishing India Pvt. Ltd.
Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of publishing specialty technical magazines covering the subject of wine and champagne.


            The following 10 (Ten) proposals have been rejected:
Sl. No
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
1
M/s Pomelo Infra Projects Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad
Relaxation of mandatory period of six months for minimum capitalization of US $ 10 million to carry out the business of development of residual townships in the suburban areas.
2
M/s Unifior Vegetables LLP, Mumbai
Induction of foreign equity in LLP to carry out the business of Food Processing.
3
M/s BSI Blue Sky International Ltd., Mauritius
Induction of foreign equity in a company to carry out the business of Private Security Agency Services.
4
M/s Flemingo DutyfreeShop Pvt. Ltd.
To increase foreign equity upto 100% to carry out the business of duty free shop.
5
M/s Springer India Pvt. Ltd.
To increase foreign equity upto 100% to carry out the business of publishing and re-printing of scientific, technical, medical and other no-fiction books in electronic and printed forms in any language.
6
M/s Springer Editorial Services Pvt. Ltd.
To increase foreign equity upto 100% to carry on the business of  publishing services, content, development, content management, content outsourcing, providing a comprehensive service including data conversion, editorial services, pre-press, pre-media services, digital communication services, data based management, digitization services, data based engineering
7
M/s Bossi Moda India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
Ex-post-facto approval to issue and allot equity shares against the pre-incorporation expenses. The company is engaged in the 
Manufacturing of leather footwear as a small scale industries.
8
M/s Surya Chambal Power Ltd., Mumbai
Ex-post-facto approval for issue of equity shares against sale of future carbon credits.  The company is engaged in the business of Generation of power from agro waste residue biomass.
9
M/s UT Starcom India Telecom Private Limited
To undertake additional activity relating to Telecom/I&B sector.
10
M/s M and C RakindoHospitality Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore
Ex-post-facto approval to issue and allot partly paid up shares to carry out the business of development, construction ownership, management, sale and/ or lease of hotel projects in India.

            The following 1 (One) proposal has been withdrawn from the agenda:                      
Sl. No
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
FDI/NRIinflows
(` in crore)
1
M/s G4S SecurityServices (India) Pvt. Ltd., Delhi & Haryana
Ex-post-facto approval for induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of providing security services.
No Fresh Inflow

            In the following 01 (One) proposal, FIPB recommended that the applicant may be advised to approach MI&B:

Sl. No.
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
FDI/NRIinflows
(` in crore)
1
M/s Omnimedia SL
To amend the Clause 2 of the FC approval to undertake the business of publishing/ printing of scientific and technical magazines/ specialty journals/ periodicals in the name and style of “Energetica-India” and circulation of its digital version.
No Fresh Inflow

            The following 01 (One) proposal has been noted:    
Sl. No
Name of theapplicant
Particulars of the proposal
FDI/NRIinflows
(` in crore)
1
M/s MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.
Intimation regarding overseas transaction.
Ni