RURAL VILLAGES IN INDIA
At FMCG box office, rural to script summer blockbuster
This is in sharp contrast to the last two years, when fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies such as ITC, Dabur, Marico, Britannia, Parle Products, Emami and Hindustan Unilever had been focused mainly on premiumisation with demand turning sluggish in villages as the rise in prices of daily essentials, vegetables and fuel had forced consumers to cut down on spending. In the last two years, more than 60% of launches by large FMCG companies have been in the premium segment.
KVIC turnover crosses Rs 1.5 lakh cr, 10 lakh jobs created in FY24: Chairman
Khadi and Village Industries' annual turnover surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time in the fiscal year 2023-24, creating over 10 lakh new jobs, Chairman Manoj Kumar announced on Tuesday. The provisional figures for 2023-24 released by KVIC indicate significant growth over the last decade, with a 315 percent increase in production and a 400 percent rise in sales.
Urban areas hardest hit while rural sector holds steady as FMCG growth slows
FMCG sales growth has slowed down in both urban and rural areas despite price cuts. Factors such as heat waves, election-related restrictions, and reduced cash-buying have impacted demand. Analysts foresee a potential rural-led recovery in the second half of FY25, with expectations of muted value growth and potential volume growth for staple companies.
Indian consumer goods makers say Q1 sales growth picks up as demand improves
Volume trends from key consumer goods companies, which sell everything from hair and cooking oils to oats, are seen as an important indicator of consumption patterns in the country.
Not politics, not interest rates: India's surging economy at risk from water
India is facing a growing water crisis, with the country's growing water stress potentially impacting its growth. The country's growing water stress could affect agricultural production and industrial operations, leading to food inflation and declines in income for affected businesses and workers, especially farmers. Contaminated water kills about 200,000 Indians each year, and the government is focusing on conserving the resource, recycling waste water, and reducing the country's over-reliance on the annual monsoon, especially in the agricultural sector.
Neeraj Chopra: Indian farmer's son who made Olympic history
Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic javelin gold medalist, returns to defend his title in Paris after making history in Tokyo 2021. Hailing from a farming background, Chopra's success inspired youth across rural India to take up javelin. With multiple accolades including a world championship, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games golds, Chopra remains humble and driven. His personal best is 89.94m, aiming for over 90m amidst tough competition like Germany's Max Dehning. Despite fame, Chopra stays grounded, embodying the spirit of a "man of the people."
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Budget 2024 may see Modi govt hiking rural housing subsidy by 50% following Lok Sabha disappointment
India plans a substantial increase in rural housing subsidies in the upcoming federal budget, potentially exceeding $6.5 billion, up by 50% from the previous year. This initiative aims to address rural economic distress and boost infrastructure spending including village roads and job programs, amid challenges in the agriculture sector and recent electoral setbacks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party.
Despite NTR's cajoling, Venkaiah Naidu Garu stayed with BJP & helped it grow in Andhra Pradesh
Celebrating the 75th birthday of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu, former Vice President, known for dedication to public service. His journey reflects adaptability and commitment. Venkaiah Garu's eloquence and focus on developmental issues earned him respect. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, he contributed to key initiatives, served in national politics, and promoted Telugu culture.
"Consider him my true comrade who was tested in fire of Emergency": PM Modi hails Venkaiah Naidu in his virtual address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described former Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu as his true comrade who was tested in the fire of Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975.
What to expect from the Budget going forward? Sanjiv Puri answers
So, we are on a solid foundation because of certain initiatives that have taken place. It is not that it just happened like that. So, there is a reason for which and it sets the economy on a solid foundation.
Gather the drops, make a wave
With a budget of $51 bn, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is working towards realising the vision of 'Har Ghar Jal', and laying the foundation for a sustainable, equitable water future. However, water security goes beyond mere access. It necessitates fostering a holistic ecosystem where access is not just granted but also perpetuated through continuous efforts. By putting communities at the heart of the change process, we can make a difference.
India lives in its villages, rural development remains priority: Shivraj Chouhan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the new Rural Development minister, highlighted the government's focus on rural development and the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme to empower women to earn Rs 1 lakh annually.
Green shoots seen in rural demand: Wipro Consumer CEO
Vineet Agrawal, CEO of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, noted positive signs of growth in rural demand and anticipates a recovery in the hinterland by September, supported by favorable monsoon conditions and a successful harvest. Furthermore, he suggests that stable government policies could potentially boost sales of discretionary products through continuity and consistency.
Heart's in hinterland, want more lakhpati didis
New rural development minister promises efforts for welfare of rural India, focusing on increasing the number of 'Lakhpati Didis' to 30 million.
PM Modi shows rural bent, OKs ₹20kcr for PM Kisan Nidhi Scheme
The Prime Minister approved the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Nidhi Scheme, benefiting 93 million farmers with around ₹20,000 crore. This move is seen as a boost to rural demand and consumer stocks. The new coalition government is expected to focus more on rural welfare, signaling a shift towards consumption-focused policies. Rural markets have shown growth, outpacing urban markets for the first time in five quarters, indicating a positive trend for the FMCG sector. The PM emphasized the government's commitment to farmer welfare and agriculture.
How brands should inspire politicians to move away from 'divide' and 'drown’ to ‘unify' and 'thrive’
Political parties should be emulating those marketers who have already cracked New India. To narrow-cast our population as a fundamental oneness, courtesy technology and aspiration. Then to engage experientially, with customer-centric regional empathy.
Election Result 2024: Be a friend of the people, not Supreme Leader
The 2024 elections showed a shift in voter priorities from charisma to development. Modi's campaign lacked a clear agenda, focusing on nationalism instead. This didn't resonate with voters seeking inclusion and jobs. Despite Modi's strong campaign, especially in West Bengal, the BJP didn't make significant gains. Unemployment, arrogance of power, and fear of government agencies also affected the outcome. Modi's victory offers a chance to focus on inclusive growth and a more empathetic leadership style.
Govt to focus on capex & infra to propel next phase of growth: Indranil Sengupta
I would say that valuations that are concerned and whoever is getting into the market right now should also clearly take that into account. Because once you start losing the support of valuations, then obviously you are taking that much more of a risk. But then that said, I mean, a lot depends on where equity markets grow in the US because that clearly has a big impact globally.
Only wave is the heatwave
Coast to coast, cutting across Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra, local issues are driving the chatter & the voter. That’s not the best news for BJP
‘Panchayat 3’ reviews out! Netizens laud the latest season of Prime Video’s rural comedy for ‘heartfelt storytelling’ and compelling character arcs
Panchayat Season 3 Review: Online users showered abundant praise upon the latest installment of 'Panchayat' for its light-hearted yet boldly candid exploration of rural politics, bureaucratic shortcomings, and the pervasive corruption seeping into grassroots levels. Hailed as Amazon Prime Video's highest-rated series, 'Panchayat' unveiled its third season on Tuesday, marking a two-year hiatus since the previous installment.
Water crisis takes centre-stage as West Bengal's Bankura sees a triangular contest
The issue has figured prominently in the run-up to this election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying in his campaign that the Centre started the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide tap water to every rural household and accusing West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of creating roadblocks in the project. On the other hand, Banerjee claimed in almost every election rally that Modi was lying and that it was she who was providing land, laying pipelines and providing water.
How rooftop solar is reshaping energy consumption
India is undergoing a rooftop revolution with the development of solar technology, reshaping energy consumption patterns. The country aims to achieve ambitious renewable energy goals, focusing on rural electrification for inclusive development.
INDIA bloc's Ujjwal Singh says under BJP, Allahabad lost importance, local woes not addressed
Singh, who recently switched from the Samajwadi Party to the Congress, said today a big city like Allahabad requires an Information Technology (IT) Park, an international-level stadium, and a metro rail service while its rural areas need adequate water supply for irrigation. The BJP had fielded Neeraj Tripathi from the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat, replacing Rita Bahuguna Joshi.
Not all Indians are brushing teeth! Colgate Palmolive sees big scope to grow toothpaste market
Colgate Palmolive India aims to improve oral hygiene practices in India, where many do not brush regularly. With just a fifth brushing twice daily in cities and over half not brushing daily in villages, the company sees a mission in boosting oral care awareness. Despite the challenges, the company grew 10.6% in the last quarter. It emphasizes premium products for higher margins and aims to reclaim market share in premium segments. Plans include diversifying beyond oral care into personal care products.
UPI’s rural push; India as software IPO destination
Happy Wednesday! The country’s central bank wants more rural users to log into Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Why urban villagers in outer Delhi constituency feel like outsiders; All you need to know
In the Outer Delhi constituency, urban villagers feel neglected and marginalised, as basic amenities and infrastructure improvements continue to elude them. Despite being part of the bustling capital, these residents often feel like outsiders in their own city. Here’s a closer look at their struggles and concerns.
Sweltering heat pushes up demand for temporary workers in rural markets
There is a 20% year-on-year increase in rural job vacancies, according to executives at recruitment services and consumer companies. They estimate 20,000-50,000 new temporary jobs are being created this year thanks to robust summer season demand in rural and semi-urban areas while companies with a large focus on rural businesses are looking to bolster sales and distribution presence in the hinterlands.
HUL, Tata Consumer and Nestle India's margins gain on premiumisation, cost cuts
While volume growth was tepid to modest for the three companies, gross margins have expanded. Margin expansion has been achieved through better operational efficiency or productivity gains. Taking price rises, lowering ad spends and rationalising costs are the various levers used.
Is rural India wheeling its way out of demand depression?
India's rural economy faces challenges amid the overall economic growth, with disparities persisting. However, signs of rural demand revival emerge through increased two-wheeler sales and FMCG industry growth. The government and industry stakeholders are optimistic about further recovery, banking on factors like improved infrastructure and a normal monsoon.
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