A tribal farming family in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district has discovered a second high-value diamond within two years, adding another significant find to the region’s long-established diamond mining activity. Officials from the district’s diamond office said the latest discovery, an 11.19-carat diamond, is estimated to fetch around Rs 30 lakh when it is auctioned through the government’s established process.

According to officials, the diamond was recovered by labourer Rakesh Adivasi along with his three brothers and several relatives, who had obtained a mining lease in the Ahirgawan area of Panna district. The family has been engaged in manual diamond mining under the lease issued by the authorities responsible for regulating mining operations in the district.

The latest discovery follows an earlier major find by the same family. In 2024, they unearthed a 19.22-carat diamond from another leased mining plot in Panna. That gemstone was subsequently sold through a government-conducted auction, fetching approximately Rs 93 lakh. Under the established auction mechanism, applicable government royalties and taxes are deducted before the remaining proceeds are transferred to the discoverers.

Officials at the district diamond office confirmed that the newly recovered 11.19-carat diamond has been deposited with the department for assessment and inclusion in a future government auction. The valuation of around Rs 30 lakh is an initial estimate based on the stone’s size and quality. The final sale price will depend on competitive bidding during the auction process, where licensed traders and buyers determine the market value.

Panna district remains India’s most prominent natural diamond-producing region. Diamond deposits in the area have been known for centuries, and extraction continues through a combination of regulated leases and government oversight. Individuals and families frequently obtain small mining leases that permit them to excavate designated plots using traditional manual methods in the hope of discovering diamond-bearing gravel.

The recovery of diamonds in Panna follows a structured administrative process. Once a gemstone is discovered, it must be submitted to the district diamond office, where officials verify, classify and assess it before placing it in an official auction. The system is designed to ensure transparency in valuation and to regulate trade in naturally occurring diamonds extracted from leased land.

Officials said Rakesh Adivasi and his family had been carrying out excavation work in accordance with the terms of their lease when the latest diamond was found. No additional details regarding the duration of excavation or the precise circumstances of the discovery were disclosed.

The family’s repeated success is unusual, given the uncertain nature of diamond mining in the region. Thousands of leaseholders and labourers engage in excavation every year, but only a limited number recover commercially valuable diamonds. Most leaseholders spend extended periods digging through mineral-bearing earth without making discoveries that generate substantial financial returns.

The earlier 19.22-carat diamond significantly altered the family’s financial position after it realised Rs 93 lakh through the government auction process. The latest find, while smaller, represents another valuable discovery with an estimated market value of around Rs 30 lakh, subject to the outcome of the official auction.

Authorities have reiterated that all diamonds recovered from leased mining areas must be deposited with the district diamond office before any commercial transaction can take place. Government auctions remain the authorised mechanism through which legally mined diamonds from Panna enter the market, ensuring compliance with applicable mining and revenue regulations.

Panna’s diamond reserves have historically contributed to the local economy, providing seasonal income opportunities for farming families and labourers who supplement agricultural earnings through licensed mining activity. Excavation typically intensifies during periods when agricultural work is limited, with many families investing labour rather than machinery to search for diamond-bearing deposits.

The district continues to attract individuals seeking mining leases because of its unique geological formations, which contain naturally occurring diamonds embedded within shallow sedimentary deposits. While successful discoveries occasionally generate substantial returns, officials note that such outcomes remain unpredictable and depend entirely on the presence of diamond-bearing material within individual lease areas.

The latest gemstone recovered by the Adivasi family will now undergo the standard administrative process before being offered for sale through an official government auction. Once sold, the proceeds will be distributed in accordance with applicable regulations after the deduction of prescribed royalties and statutory charges.

Officials from the diamond office said the family’s latest discovery represents another successful recovery from a legally leased mining plot in Panna district, reinforcing the continued significance of the region’s regulated diamond mining sector and its role in providing economic opportunities for local communities engaged in licensed excavation.

On a clear summer morning in south Kashmir, workers pull shimmering rainbow trout from long concrete raceways supplied by mountain spring water that remains cold throughout the year.

The fish are transferred into holding tanks before being sorted for markets across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. Similar scenes now play out at government hatcheries and privately owned farms across the Valley, reflecting the rapid expansion of a sector that has transformed a century-old colonial introduction into a modern aquaculture industry.

Trout farming occupies a unique place in India’s fisheries landscape. Unlike carp and other warm-water species cultivated across much of the country, rainbow and brown trout require clean, oxygen-rich water that remains consistently cold. Kashmir’s snow-fed streams, springs and mountain tributaries have provided the environmental conditions necessary for the species to flourish, allowing the Union Territory to emerge as India’s leading producer of trout.

The origins of the industry date back to the early twentieth century, when the British administration introduced trout into Kashmir’s rivers and streams in an effort to recreate recreational angling opportunities similar to those found in Europe. Eggs imported from abroad were successfully hatched in cold-water streams, marking the beginning of organised trout cultivation in the region.

Although the initiative was initially designed for sport fishing, it gradually laid the foundation for commercial aquaculture.

For decades, trout production remained limited and largely centred on government-managed hatcheries. Production volumes were modest, consumption remained confined to local markets and the industry attracted relatively little private investment. That picture has changed significantly over the past decade as government support, technological improvements and growing consumer demand encouraged entrepreneurs to establish commercial farms.

Officials associated with the fisheries sector say the availability of naturally flowing spring water has become one of Kashmir’s biggest competitive advantages. Unlike conventional fish farming systems that often depend on mechanical aeration or intensive water management, trout farms in Kashmir rely on gravity-fed channels carrying fresh mountain water through a series of raceways.

The continuous flow maintains oxygen levels while helping regulate temperatures required for healthy fish growth.

Rainbow trout performs best in cold-water conditions, generally within temperatures ranging from approximately 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Water quality remains equally important because the species is highly sensitive to pollution and declining oxygen levels. Farmers therefore select sites located close to perennial springs and glacier-fed streams where water remains relatively stable throughout the year.

The commercial potential of trout has attracted a growing number of private investors across districts including Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Shopian. Small family-owned farms now operate alongside larger commercial units that supply hotels, restaurants, retail markets and institutional buyers. Demand has also increased as trout has gained popularity among consumers seeking premium freshwater fish known for its nutritional value and relatively low fat content.

Government agencies have played an important role in supporting the industry’s expansion through hatchery development, technical assistance, seed production and financial incentives aimed at encouraging private participation.

Officials have repeatedly identified cold-water fisheries as an important avenue for rural income generation, employment creation and agricultural diversification in mountainous regions where conventional farming opportunities remain limited.
The industry’s growth has also generated economic activity beyond fish production itself.

Feed suppliers, hatchery operators, transport businesses, equipment manufacturers, cold-chain logistics providers and tourism operators have all benefited from the expanding value chain. Recreational angling, once the primary reason for introducing trout into Kashmir, continues to attract visitors to selected rivers and fishing destinations while complementing commercial production.

Entrepreneurs entering the sector say trout farming offers higher market prices than many traditional freshwater fish species, although the business also requires greater technical expertise and stricter environmental management.

Maintaining water quality, preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring uninterrupted water flow remain critical throughout the production cycle. Any significant disruption can result in substantial financial losses.

Despite its recent success, the sector faces mounting environmental challenges linked to climate variability. Fisheries experts warn that increasing temperatures, changing snowfall patterns and reduced stream flows could gradually alter the cold-water ecosystems upon which trout farming depends.

Even relatively small increases in water temperature can affect oxygen availability, fish metabolism and survival rates.

Climate scientists have observed long-term warming trends across the Himalayan region, raising concerns about the sustainability of industries dependent on glacier-fed water systems.

Reduced snow accumulation and changing precipitation patterns may influence water availability during critical farming seasons, particularly in lower-altitude locations where temperatures are already approaching the upper tolerance limits for trout.

Farm operators are increasingly exploring adaptive measures that include improving water management systems, identifying higher-altitude farming sites and strengthening disease monitoring. Researchers are also examining breeding programmes aimed at improving resilience while maintaining productivity under changing climatic conditions.

Industry participants argue that continued investment in scientific research, hatchery modernisation and environmental conservation will be essential if production is to remain sustainable over the coming decades. Protecting mountain springs, controlling pollution in freshwater streams and preserving watershed ecosystems have become central concerns for both government agencies and private producers.

The experience of Kashmir demonstrates how an introduced species can evolve into an economically significant agricultural enterprise when supported by suitable natural conditions, institutional investment and entrepreneurial participation.

What began as an experiment during the colonial period has developed into a specialised aquaculture industry that contributes to rural livelihoods, food production and tourism while distinguishing Kashmir as India’s principal centre for cold-water fisheries.
The future of the industry, however, will depend not only on market demand and investment but also on the long-term health of the fragile Himalayan environment that sustains it.

As temperatures continue to rise and water resources come under increasing pressure, the resilience of Kashmir’s trout farms may become an important indicator of how mountain economies adapt to a changing climate.

What began as a plan to migrate to Canada has evolved into a large-scale mushroom cultivation enterprise generating annual sales of nearly ₹3 crore and providing employment to around 30 people in Akanwali village of Haryana’s Fatehabad district.

The venture, established by brothers Kiratpal Singh and Avtar Singh, reflects a growing trend among some rural entrepreneurs who are investing in high-value agriculture and controlled-environment farming rather than pursuing overseas employment opportunities.

For Kiratpal Singh, now 33, 2018 was expected to mark the start of a new chapter abroad. After obtaining a visa, he travelled to Canada and spent nearly three weeks exploring the possibility of settling there permanently. However, discussions with his elder brother led him to reconsider those plans.

According to Kiratpal, the family ultimately decided that the substantial amount earmarked for migration and settlement could be deployed more productively in a business venture within India. The brothers redirected approximately ₹50 lakh, originally intended for immigration-related expenses, toward establishing a mushroom cultivation operation.

Kiratpal said the decision was influenced by concerns over the financial realities of starting a new life overseas. Beyond migration costs, prospective immigrants often face significant expenses related to housing, transportation and day-to-day living. The brothers concluded that investing in an enterprise of their own offered greater long-term potential.

The idea for mushroom cultivation emerged from observations made during visits to wholesale agricultural markets. They identified growing demand for mushrooms and viewed controlled cultivation as a segment capable of generating returns from relatively limited land holdings.

The business began modestly. In 2018, the brothers established four to five temporary mushroom-growing sheds with an investment of approximately ₹15 lakh. Initial results encouraged expansion, and profits generated during the early years were reinvested into infrastructure and production capacity.

Over the following years, the operation transitioned from basic sheds to a technologically managed cultivation system. The farm currently operates 14 climate-controlled production chambers spread across a single acre of land. According to the brothers, total investment in the project has now exceeded ₹3 crore.

A major upgrade occurred in 2023 with the installation of air-conditioned growing rooms designed to maintain temperature and humidity levels required for scientific mushroom cultivation. Kiratpal said the family intends to continue expanding production capacity in the coming years.

The enterprise has also developed an extensive market network. According to Avtar Singh, 38, most of the produce is marketed through the wholesale trading system in Ludhiana, one of northern India’s major agricultural trading hubs.

Avtar explained that each production room covers approximately 1,000 square feet. The cost of raising a crop, including labour, electricity and other operational inputs, averages about ₹3.20 lakh per production cycle. Revenue from the harvested mushrooms typically reaches around ₹4 lakh per cycle, resulting in a profit margin of roughly ₹80,000 per room.

With close to five crop cycles completed annually, each chamber generates approximately ₹4 lakh in yearly profits. Across all 14 rooms, annual profits are estimated at nearly ₹50 lakh.

The profitability of the enterprise stands in contrast to traditional agricultural activities that often depend on larger landholdings and remain vulnerable to weather-related risks. Controlled-environment mushroom cultivation allows year-round production and more predictable output, although it requires substantial capital investment and technical management.

The success of the project is rooted in a longer agricultural journey undertaken by the family. Avtar entered farming full-time in 2005 after the death of his father. He left formal education after matriculation and became actively involved in managing agricultural operations alongside extended family members.

Before shifting to mushroom cultivation, the family was engaged in vegetable farming across approximately 20 acres. Their joint family owns nearly 32 acres of agricultural land. As mushroom production became increasingly profitable, the family gradually reduced vegetable cultivation and redirected resources toward expanding the mushroom enterprise.

In addition to production, the brothers have invested in supporting infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. The operation includes its own composting facility as well as cold-storage capacity, enabling better management of both inputs and harvested produce.

The composting unit utilizes spent mushroom substrate, a by-product of cultivation, to create organic compost. According to the brothers, this has reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers such as urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP). They say the practice has contributed to improved soil conditions on fields used for conventional crops.

Avtar said the use of compost generated from mushroom waste has been associated with higher wheat yields on family-owned farmland. He claimed production has increased to around 28 quintals per acre compared with yields of approximately 22 quintals per acre commonly achieved by other farmers in the area.

Beyond financial returns, the enterprise has emerged as a source of local employment. Around 30 workers are engaged in various aspects of production, handling, storage and operational management. The jobs created by the venture provide an additional economic benefit in a rural region where employment opportunities are often linked primarily to seasonal agriculture.

The transformation of a planned migration investment into a commercial farming enterprise highlights the opportunities available in specialized agricultural sectors. While traditional farming continues to face challenges related to profitability and market volatility, ventures focused on high-value crops and controlled cultivation techniques are increasingly attracting entrepreneurial interest.

For the Singh brothers, the decision taken in 2018 altered both their personal trajectory and the economic profile of their family farm. What was originally intended as a pathway to a new life overseas has become a locally rooted business generating substantial revenue from a single acre of land in Haryana.

Millions of people living in forest-dependent communities continue to face extreme poverty despite the global forest sector generating an estimated US$1.5 trillion annually, according to a new United Nations assessment that warns progress toward eliminating poverty among forest populations is falling behind international targets.

The findings were published in the Global Forest Goals Report 2026, released during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests on May 11. The report evaluates progress toward the United Nations General Assembly Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, adopted in 2017 to strengthen the environmental, social and economic contribution of forests worldwide.

Under the framework’s second Global Forest Goal, member states committed to eradicating extreme poverty among forest-dependent people by 2030. However, the report concluded that the target is “off track,” citing persistent structural barriers that continue to prevent forest communities from benefiting fully from forest-based economies.

The global forest sector currently accounts for roughly 1% of worldwide employment, according to the assessment, yet many of the world’s poorest populations continue to reside in heavily forested regions. Large sections of these communities survive on incomes near or below US$3 per day despite forests serving as a primary source of food, fuel, income and subsistence.

The report said forestry has not significantly contributed to long-term poverty reduction among vulnerable populations because communities remain concentrated at the lowest end of supply chains with limited access to markets, processing infrastructure and commercial opportunities.

According to the UN assessment, weak market connectivity and insufficient value-added processing particularly affect producers of non-wood forest products, commonly referred to as NWFPs, which include goods such as medicinal plants, resins, nuts, fibres and wild foods. The report estimated the global value of NWFPs at approximately US$9.4 billion in 2020.

The document stated that nearly three-quarters of the global population uses some form of non-wood forest product, underlining forests’ continued importance to livelihoods and household economies, especially in rural areas across developing countries.However, the report identified major obstacles preventing forest producers from capturing greater economic returns.

These include inadequate transport infrastructure, limited access to business services, weak product standards, insufficient commercialization mechanisms and logistical bottlenecks that isolate producers from national and international markets.“Forest producers and communities remain at the low-value end of supply chains,” the assessment said, adding that infrastructure deficiencies continue to increase operational costs and reduce competitiveness for remote communities.

The report also noted a decline in forest-sector employment over the past decade. According to UN data cited in the assessment, the share of employment linked to the forest sector fell by approximately 3.1% between 2011 and 2022, further limiting income opportunities in forest-dependent regions.

The findings carry broader implications for global development targets beyond forestry itself. The UN assessment said progress in the forest sector directly affects multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, food security, access to clean water, affordable energy, economic growth and sustainable consumption.

The report linked forest-based livelihoods particularly to SDG 1 on ending poverty and SDG 2 on eliminating hunger, while also identifying connections to sanitation, energy access and rural employment generation.

Sub-Saharan Africa emerged as the region facing the greatest challenge. The report said extreme poverty rates in the region remain close to 46%, with little measurable improvement despite global declines in poverty levels over recent decades. Many of the world’s forest-dependent poor reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rural economies remain heavily reliant on forests for daily survival.

By comparison, several countries in Asia and Latin America showed what the report described as “partial recovery” following increases in poverty triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global extreme poverty rose sharply during the pandemic period before gradually declining from 11.4% in 2020 to approximately 10.3% in 2024, according to figures cited in the assessment. The report stated that forests played only a modest role in this recovery process.

It pointed to localized income gains generated through community forestry, agroforestry systems and payment-for-ecosystem-services programs, often referred to as PES schemes. These initiatives provided limited support for participating households but did not produce significant global reductions in poverty among forest communities.

“Data suggest that while forests continue to buffer rural livelihoods and contribute modestly to poverty reduction, there is no substantial global evidence of a significant post-2020 increase in the contribution of the forest sector to poverty eradication,” the report said.

The findings underscore a growing debate among policymakers and development agencies over how to integrate forest conservation with economic inclusion. International organizations have increasingly promoted community-led forest management and sustainable commercialization of forest resources as mechanisms for both protecting biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Environmental economists have argued that forests provide substantial indirect economic benefits through water regulation, climate stabilization and ecosystem services that are often not reflected in conventional income measurements. However, the UN assessment focused primarily on direct livelihood and poverty indicators tied to measurable household income and employment.

The report warned that without stronger investment in infrastructure, market integration and value-added forest industries, the benefits generated by the global forest economy are likely to remain concentrated away from the communities most dependent on forest resources for survival.

In a state where overseas migration has become a defining aspiration for many rural families, 30-year-old farmer Gurpreet Singh Sidhu chose to remain in Punjab and invest in agriculture, a decision he says has delivered financial stability and long-term asset growth.

Sidhu, a resident of Mansa district in Punjab, invested nearly Rs 22 lakh in 2022 to purchase 1.25 acres of farmland near Mansa city instead of using the money to move abroad. Four years later, he estimates the land is worth more than Rs 1 crore, while his horticulture-based farming operation generates daily income of roughly Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000.

“Had I gone abroad then, even after years of hard work I would probably not have earned more than Rs 50–60 lakh by now, and there would still be no guarantee of getting permanent residency,” Sidhu said.The decision runs counter to a broader trend across Punjab, where many families sell or mortgage agricultural land to finance migration to countries such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy in search of employment opportunities and long-term residency.

Sidhu’s family originally owned 2.75 acres of farmland. Through additional purchases and leased land, the family now cultivates around six acres, including four acres owned outright. Rather than following Punjab’s conventional wheat-and-paddy cropping cycle, the family shifted entirely to vegetable and horticulture farming.

The transition began after repeated attempts by Sidhu to secure government employment failed. After graduation, he spent several years preparing for competitive examinations, including recruitment tests for Punjab Police, but said the available jobs offered limited income potential.“No job was offering me more than Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a month,” he said.

At the time, the family was also facing financial pressure after suffering losses in its brick kiln business. Traditional farming on a small landholding was generating limited returns, prompting Sidhu to begin working full-time with his father, Jasveer Singh, and great-uncle Angrej Singh in 2017.

The family initially experimented with vegetable cultivation on one acre before expanding operations after seeing higher returns through direct retail sales.“We decided to sell our produce ourselves, and that decision proved transformative,” Sidhu said.By bypassing wholesale markets and intermediaries, the family found that retail sales to consumers produced substantially higher margins for several crops compared with mandi prices.

Encouraged by the results, they gradually expanded vegetable cultivation across their holdings.Today, the farming model relies on crop diversification, staggered sowing schedules and continuous harvesting cycles designed to maintain year-round production.The family cultivates between 15 and 16 vegetable varieties annually, including cauliflower, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin and cluster beans.

Each acre is divided into multiple sections to allow different crops to be grown simultaneously at varying stages of maturity.“The moment one section becomes vacant, we sow another crop there, and by the time that becomes ready, harvesting from another section is already underway,” Sidhu said.

“So there is never a time when we do not have vegetables available for sale.”Depending on crop type, vegetables become ready for harvesting within 45 to 80 days, with produce collected every alternate day or several times each week.The family manages most farming operations independently, including nursery preparation, crop planning and rotation cycles.

According to Sidhu, cultivation costs range from roughly Rs 20,000 to Rs 60,000 per acre depending on the crop, while monthly returns after expenses can reach Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh or more, depending on prevailing market prices.Each morning, freshly harvested vegetables are transported directly to a roadside retail point in Mansa city, where family members sell the produce themselves.

Sidhu acknowledged that direct selling initially carried social stigma.“In the beginning, it was difficult for me to sit on the roadside and sell vegetables because there was fear of people’s taunts,” he said.He said perceptions changed after he compared the work to the kinds of jobs many migrants undertake abroad.

“Had I been in any foreign country, I would have done any kind of work there too,” he said. “Here, I am doing my own work. I own the land, I grow the crop, so why can’t I sell my own produce at my own rates?”The operation now provides year-round employment for four to five workers in addition to supporting the family’s income, according to Sidhu.

His father said the decision to invest in agriculture rather than migration altered the family’s long-term prospects.“My son’s decision is not just about farming — it is about vision and the courage to choose a different path,” Jasveer Singh said.

Sidhu said some friends who once planned to migrate overseas now contact him to say remaining in agriculture may have been the stronger financial decision.Agricultural economists and policymakers in Punjab have increasingly highlighted horticulture diversification and direct farm marketing as potential alternatives to the state’s long-standing dependence on water-intensive wheat and rice cultivation.

Rising input costs, falling groundwater levels and stagnating farm incomes have intensified pressure on small and medium farmers across the state.

Sidhu said his experience demonstrated that smaller landholdings could still become economically viable if farmers focused on crop diversity, direct sales and continuous production instead of relying solely on traditional procurement systems.

Every morning before the city fully wakes, Ghulam Rasool boards the Smart City bus from Budgam to Srinagar carrying not just baskets woven from Kashmiri poosh kaani, but decades of labour, memory and quiet resistance.

At 68, his hands move with the certainty of a man who has repeated the same work for nearly six decades. The baskets, stacked carefully beside him, are light in weight but heavy with tradition. Each one is handmade, shaped from poosh kaani, the local reed material long used in Kashmir for household baskets, storage containers and decorative craft.

To most passengers, he is another elderly artisan travelling to sell his goods. But behind the calm expression and gentle smile is the story of a man who has spent his life protecting a craft many have abandoned.

“I was 11 when I started this work,” he says, adjusting the edge of one basket with his fingers. “At that time, I did not know it would become my whole life.

”Rasool lives in Budgam and travels regularly to Srinagar and nearby villages to sell his baskets. He says village customers still value handmade Kashmiri products, especially traditional baskets used for storing vegetables, bread and household items.

“People in villages still love these,” he says. “They know the worth of handmade things. Machine-made items come and go, but handmade work stays in the house for years.”

His destination changes depending on demand. Some days he visits local markets, other days he travels directly to villages where customers know him by name. Many wait for him because they trust the durability of his work and because the baskets carry something more than utility they carry familiarity.

For Rasool, the work does not end with the day’s travel. Most of the labour happens at home, often late into the night.

“I have four daughters,” he says simply. “I work till late night because responsibilities do not sleep.”

His voice carries no complaint, only fact. Supporting a family through traditional handicraft is not easy, especially in a market increasingly dominated by factory-made alternatives that are cheaper and faster to produce.

Yet he continues.

When asked why he chooses the Smart City bus instead of hiring a cab to transport his baskets, he laughs softly, as though the answer should be obvious.

“There is more space here,” he says, pointing toward the aisle where his baskets are placed carefully. “And the fare is less. I cannot afford a cab every day to move from Budgam to Srinagar.”

Public transport has become part of his working life. The bus is not just cheaper; it is practical. It allows him to carry multiple baskets without the burden of high transport costs that would eat into already small profits.

In a city where people often speak of development through roads, buildings and technology, Rasool’s presence on the bus offers another picture of urban life one where survival depends on daily calculation, where every saved rupee matters.

Watching him, it becomes difficult not to think about the invisible labour carried by ordinary men. Their struggle rarely becomes news. It moves quietly through bus stations, roadside tea stalls and village markets, unnoticed because it is so common.

Rasool represents that quiet economy.

When asked if he ever considered leaving this profession for another job, he pauses for the first time. Then he smiles a small, knowing smile that seems older than the conversation itself.

“I am not a follower of colonialism,” he says.

The answer is unexpected.He explains that for him, abandoning traditional handicraft would mean surrendering to the idea that only modern, imported or industrial work has value. It would mean accepting that local skills must disappear to make room for something considered more profitable or more respectable.

“I do not want handicraft to die,” he says. “If we all leave this work, then what will remain of us?”

His words are not political in the formal sense, but they carry the weight of cultural resistance. In Kashmir, where craft is deeply tied to identity from carpets and shawls to woodwork and wicker losing traditional artisans means losing part of collective memory.

Rasool knows the economics are difficult. Younger generations often do not want to continue because the income is uncertain and the work is physically demanding. He does not blame them.

Times have changed, he says, and survival asks different questions now.But he believes some things should not be measured only by profit.

Handicraft, for him, is not nostalgia. It is dignity. It is proof that labour done by hand still matters.

As the bus moves through Srinagar’s roads, passengers step on and off, barely noticing the elderly man beside the baskets. He remains quiet, watching the city pass by, preparing for another day of selling.

There is no grand performance in his struggle. No dramatic speech. Only the discipline of repetition: weaving, travelling, selling, returning, and beginning again.

In a world rushing toward convenience, Ghulam Rasool moves at the speed of patience.

And perhaps that is why his baskets matter.

They are not just containers woven from reeds. They are small acts of preservation, carried from Budgam to Srinagar, from one generation to another, by a man who refuses to let his inheritance disappear.

“I carry baskets,” he says before stepping off the bus, “but really, I carry my father’s work, and his father’s work before him.”

A former software engineer who left the technology sector after 14 years to pursue full-time farming has described the transition as personally rewarding but financially challenging, highlighting the gap between perception and reality in agricultural livelihoods.

The account, shared on an online forum and reported by Moneycontrol, outlines nearly a decade of experience in farming following the career shift.The individual, posting under the name “lastodyssey,” said the decision to leave a stable corporate role was driven by a desire for a different lifestyle, often associated with independence, connection to nature and reduced workplace stress.

However, he noted that the practical demands of farming differ significantly from these expectations.

According to his account, agriculture involves sustained physical labour and mental resilience, with outcomes often dependent on factors beyond individual control, including weather variability, input costs and market fluctuations.

He emphasised that profit margins remain limited, particularly when operations rely on hired labour. In such cases, he indicated that earnings may be reduced to break-even levels or result in financial losses.

The experience reflects broader structural challenges within the agricultural sector, where small-scale farming is frequently characterised by high risk and income instability.

While self-managed operations may offer some scope for profitability, the reliance on external inputs and labour can significantly affect financial viability.Despite these constraints, the individual stated that he does not regret the decision to leave the technology industry.

He cited non-monetary benefits as central to his continued engagement with farming, including daily routines shaped by physical activity and direct interaction with the natural environment.

Activities such as working in fields during the monsoon, observing crop growth and engaging in manual labour were described as providing a sense of satisfaction not previously experienced in office-based work.

The account also highlights a recurring theme among professionals considering similar transitions: the tendency to underestimate the complexity of agricultural work.

The perception of farming as a slower, less demanding alternative to corporate employment is challenged by the realities described, which include long working hours, physical strain and financial uncertainty.

The individual cautioned others against making comparable decisions without a clear understanding of the economic and operational aspects of farming. He suggested that those considering such a shift should evaluate not only lifestyle preferences but also long-term sustainability, access to resources and the ability to manage risks inherent in agriculture.

The narrative aligns with a broader trend in which urban professionals explore alternative careers in agriculture or rural enterprises, often motivated by lifestyle considerations.

However, outcomes vary widely depending on scale, location, crop selection and access to infrastructure.While the financial returns in this case remain modest, the individual’s experience underscores the distinction between economic success and personal fulfilment.

The account suggests that, for some, the value of farming lies in qualitative aspects of life rather than measurable income, even as financial pressures persist.

The post has drawn attention online, contributing to ongoing discussions about career transitions, work-life balance and the realities of non-traditional employment paths in contemporary economies.

India’s rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure is transforming the country’s informal economy, reshaping how small businesses operate and how individuals access financial services.

Driven by government-backed platforms and widespread smartphone adoption, the shift toward cashless transactions is accelerating financial inclusion while also introducing new regulatory and operational challenges.

At the center of this transformation is the National Payments Corporation of India, which operates the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a real-time payment system that has seen exponential growth in recent years. UPI allows users to transfer money instantly between bank accounts using mobile applications, eliminating the need for traditional banking intermediaries.

According to official data released by NPCI, monthly UPI transactions have surged into billions, reflecting widespread adoption across urban and rural areas. Small vendors, street hawkers, and local service providers traditionally reliant on cash are increasingly accepting digital payments through QR codes and mobile apps.

The shift has been particularly significant in the informal sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of India’s workforce. Digital payments are enabling businesses to maintain transaction records, access credit, and integrate into formal financial systems.

This transition is seen by policymakers as a step toward improving tax compliance and economic transparency.The Reserve Bank of India has played a key role in regulating and promoting digital payment systems.

Through policy measures aimed at enhancing security and interoperability, the central bank has sought to build trust among users while encouraging innovation within the fintech sector.Private technology companies have also been instrumental in driving adoption.

Platforms such as PhonePe and Google Pay have expanded their user base by offering simplified interfaces and incentives for digital transactions. These applications have effectively bridged the gap between banking infrastructure and everyday users.Despite the progress, challenges remain.

Cybersecurity concerns are growing as transaction volumes increase, with reports of fraud and data breaches highlighting vulnerabilities within the system. Regulators have responded by introducing stricter authentication protocols and awareness campaigns to educate users about safe practices.

Another concern is digital literacy. While smartphone penetration has increased significantly, a segment of the population remains unfamiliar with digital financial tools. This gap is particularly evident among older populations and in regions with limited internet connectivity.

Addressing this issue is critical to ensuring that the benefits of digital payments are distributed evenly.The expansion of digital payments is also influencing consumer behavior. With instant payment capabilities, spending patterns are becoming more fluid, and businesses are adapting by offering digital-only discounts and services.

Analysts note that this shift is contributing to the growth of e-commerce and online service platforms.From a macroeconomic perspective, the move toward digital transactions is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce the costs associated with cash handling.

It also provides policymakers with better data for economic analysis, enabling more informed decision-making.However, the transition raises questions about data privacy and market concentration.

As large technology firms play an increasingly central role in financial transactions, concerns have emerged regarding data ownership and competitive practices. Regulators are closely monitoring these developments to ensure a balanced ecosystem.

The government has continued to promote digital payments through initiatives aligned with its broader digital economy strategy. These efforts include expanding internet infrastructure, incentivizing adoption, and integrating digital systems into public services.

Experts caution that while digital payments offer clear advantages, they should complement rather than entirely replace cash systems, particularly in regions where infrastructure remains uneven. A hybrid approach is seen as more practical in the near term.

India’s experience is being closely observed by other developing economies seeking to replicate its model of rapid digital financial inclusion. The combination of government support, private sector innovation, and user adoption has created a framework that could inform similar initiatives globally.

As digital payments become embedded in everyday life, their impact on the informal economy, financial systems, and regulatory landscape is expected to deepen.

The challenge for policymakers will be to sustain growth while addressing emerging risks and ensuring that the transition remains inclusive.

Farmers in India’s northern grain belt are increasingly worried that a distant conflict in the Gulf could disrupt fertiliser supplies and threaten crop yields, as tensions linked to the closure of a key maritime route reverberate through global commodity markets.

In Punjab, a state central to India’s wheat and rice production, growers say uncertainty over input availability has begun to overshadow routine agricultural planning. Gurvinder Singh, a 52-year-old farmer, said concerns over fertiliser access have intensified in recent weeks as global supply chains face strain.

“We are already struggling with profits,” Singh said. “If we don’t get fertilisers, there will be less yield. That will affect my entire family and the entire region, because we are completely dependent on agriculture.

”Singh’s remarks reflect broader anxieties among farmers who rely heavily on imported fertiliser components, many of which are linked to energy markets and international shipping routes. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of fertilisers, and any disruption in supply can have immediate implications for crop productivity.

The concerns follow Iran’s move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, in response to strikes by the United States and Israel. The disruption has triggered volatility in energy markets, with ripple effects across industries dependent on fuel and petrochemical inputs.

Fertilisers, particularly nitrogen-based variants, are closely tied to natural gas prices, making them vulnerable to energy supply shocks. Analysts say any sustained increase in fuel costs or shipping disruptions could raise input prices or delay deliveries, affecting farmers during key planting cycles.

In Punjab, often referred to as India’s breadbasket, agriculture remains the primary source of income for millions. Farmers typically follow a rotation of wheat and rice crops, with fertiliser use playing a crucial role in maintaining yields. Any reduction in application due to shortages or high costs could directly impact output.

“We are praying this war stops because it will not spare us either,” Singh said, underscoring the sense of vulnerability among rural communities despite their geographic distance from the conflict.

The potential for supply disruptions comes at a time when many farmers are already facing margin pressures from fluctuating crop prices and rising input costs. Industry observers note that even short-term shortages can have lasting consequences, particularly if they coincide with critical stages of crop development.

India imports a significant portion of its fertiliser requirements, including key raw materials such as potash and phosphates. Supply chains for these inputs are globally integrated, often passing through major shipping routes in the Middle East. Any bottleneck in transit can lead to delays and price spikes in domestic markets.

Government officials have in the past taken steps to secure fertiliser supplies through strategic reserves and international agreements. However, traders say prolonged disruption in maritime logistics could test these buffers, especially if global competition for limited supplies intensifies.

The broader geopolitical situation has also raised concerns about inflationary pressures. Higher energy prices could increase transportation and production costs across sectors, feeding into food prices and complicating economic management.

For farmers like Singh, the uncertainty is immediate and personal. With planting decisions already underway, the availability and affordability of fertilisers will be a key determinant of the upcoming harvest.

As global markets react to developments in the Gulf, the impact is being felt far beyond the region, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern supply chains.

For India’s agricultural heartland, the stakes are tied not only to international diplomacy but also to the livelihoods of millions who depend on stable inputs to sustain production.

Surging global fuel prices are placing mounting pressure on households and small businesses across continents, with workers and entrepreneurs reporting rising costs, shrinking incomes and difficult trade-offs in daily life.

On a small dairy farm north of Auckland in New Zealand, a farmer managing 200 cows said higher diesel and petrol costs are eroding already tight margins. The farm consumes around 900 litres of diesel and up to 300 litres of petrol each month to operate tractors, machinery and quad bikes. Recent price increases have added more than NZ$1,200 to monthly expenses, translating to over NZ$15,000 annually.

The farmer said the burden extends beyond direct fuel use. Contractors charge more for their services and fertiliser prices have risen by about 40%, compounding operational costs. With commodity prices largely dictated by markets, the farmer said there is little scope to pass on higher costs, forcing decisions to delay maintenance and investment.

In Port Vila, bus driver Daniel Thomas described similar pressures in the transport sector. Driving from early morning until late evening, he earns about A$120 a day but expects that rising fuel prices could reduce his take-home income significantly. With vehicles requiring frequent refuelling and air-conditioning essential in tropical temperatures, Thomas said higher costs may force drivers to raise fares despite concerns about passenger affordability.

Across Vanuatu, many drivers are servicing loans on their vehicles, increasing financial vulnerability. Thomas said without fare increases, drivers may struggle to meet repayments, highlighting the limited options available to absorb cost shocks.In South Korea, the response has included policy measures to reduce fuel consumption.

Kim Hooin, a public sector worker commuting from Cheongju to Sejong, said mandatory vehicle restrictions introduced in late March have altered daily routines. Under the system, government employees are prohibited from driving one day a week based on licence plate numbers, encouraging greater use of public transport.

Kim said he now takes the bus daily, extending his commute time but reducing fuel expenses. At work, he manages government vehicles and said usage is being tightly controlled, with electric vehicles prioritised where possible. The government has also promoted broader energy-saving measures, including reduced water and electricity use, framing the campaign as a collective response to economic pressures.

In rural Surin Province, small-scale trader Teerayut Ruenrerng said fuel shortages and price increases have disrupted both supply chains and daily operations. Running a mobile grocery business, he often visits multiple fuel stations to secure limited quantities of diesel. Inconsistent access has made it difficult to plan routes and maintain regular sales.

Ruenrerng said rising input costs, including higher prices for meat, produce and packaging, have reduced profits by up to 20%. Supply disruptions mean that orders are frequently only partially fulfilled, forcing adjustments to inventory and pricing. He has increased some retail prices but said doing so risks losing customers in already constrained markets.

In Tokyo, Koichi Matsumoto, who operates a traditional bathhouse established by his family in the 1930s, said energy costs are a growing concern. Although the business switched from oil to gas five years ago, heating expenses remain high and are expected to increase further if global energy markets tighten.

Bathhouse operators face additional constraints, including regulated pricing set by local authorities. Matsumoto said admission fees cannot be raised freely, limiting the ability to offset rising costs. With declining customer numbers and ageing infrastructure, he said many similar establishments are weighing whether to continue operating.

In Sydney, interior designer Belinda Morgan said uncertainty linked to global energy markets is affecting demand in the construction sector. She said projects have slowed as clients delay spending decisions, prompting her to seek additional work and cut household expenses.

The family is reassessing routine activities, including discretionary travel, to conserve fuel and money.In Delhi, warehouse worker Rajesh Singh described a more acute impact, with rising cooking gas prices and food inflation forcing him to reduce meals. Earning about 12,000 rupees per month, he said essential expenses including rent and food have surged, leaving little room for savings. He reported eating once a day in recent weeks and borrowing money to manage basic needs.

Singh said several colleagues have already left the city due to rising costs, and he is considering returning to his home village if conditions do not improve. The situation reflects broader pressures on low-income urban workers facing simultaneous increases in energy, housing and food prices.

In Beijing, taxi driver Cui Xinming said fuel price increases have added to the strain of long working hours. Driving up to 12 hours a day, he said rising costs are a concern but expressed confidence in government measures to stabilise prices. He noted that China’s investment in alternative energy and electric vehicles could reduce reliance on oil over time.

Cui said he is considering leaving the profession due to fatigue and changing economic conditions, highlighting how cost pressures are influencing career decisions in addition to daily finances.

Across regions, the accounts point to a common pattern: rising fuel costs are feeding through supply chains, increasing the price of goods and services while compressing incomes. For many, the adjustments involve reducing consumption, raising prices where possible, or reconsidering long-term plans in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.