businessline's State of the Economy Podcast

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline’s Rishi Ranjan Kala talks to Professor Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy at Indian School of Business (ISB) about how India’s green energy transition can and must include its poorest citizens, particularly those living in and around forest areas.  Chhatre argues that bioenergy is not just important but “extremely critical” to India's decarbonisation journey. He explains why forest lands—covering 23% of India—must be re-integrated into the production economy in a sustainable, community-driven way.  He makes a strong case for forest lands—especially degraded lands with little or no tree cover—to be repurposed for bamboo plantations, which offer carbon sequestration, flood control, and community income.  Chhatre also discusses the need for community ownership to prevent overexploitation of forest resources and ensure long-term sustainability. Drawing on decades of research and active policy work, he calls for reforms in subsidies, outdated regulations like transit permits, and a mindset shift away from a narrow focus on farmers to a broader recognition of India’s diversified livelihood economy.

In this episode of the State of the Economy Podcast, businessline’s Subramani Mancombu speaks to Maninder Singh Nayyar, Founder and CEO, CEF Group about the urgent issue of soil degradation in India and its far-reaching economic, environmental, and health impacts.  Nayyar traces the roots of this degradation to the Green Revolution and excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. He explains how this has created a vicious cycle of deteriorating soil health, rising input costs, and declining yields, pushing farmers into debt. The alarming decline in soil organic carbon—from 2–3% to just 0.6–0.9%—could render Indian soil unfit for agriculture within 10–15 years.  He goes on to talk about the need for a middle ground between chemical and organic farming through the promotion of “safe” or “health” food categories, revised soil quality ratings, and better market linkages for naturally grown produce. He advocates for a new pricing and certification system, practical standards, and incentives such as dedicated marketplaces and integration with delivery platforms.  The episode also explores innovative approaches like converting agricultural residue into organic manure, reducing dependence on chemical imports, and tackling issues like stubble burning. Nayyar calls for a complete overhaul of outdated policies like the 1985 Fertiliser Control Order and stringent regulation of organic manure production.  This comprehensive discussion highlights the urgent need for sustainable, scalable reforms to preserve India’s soil health and secure its agricultural future.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Sanjay Kumar, MD & CEO of Rassense Pvt Ltd, to decode how commodity prices are shaping the future of India’s fast-growing food services sector — currently valued at $80 billion and projected to reach $150 billion by 2030.  Kumar provides a clear-eyed view of inflation trends across key food commodities include pulses, dairy, vegetables, and edible oils and their impact on pricing and profitability. He highlights the double-edged nature of low inflation, questioning whether it reflects healthy supply or weak consumption in India’s largely rural economy.  The discussion covers everything from the effects of currency depreciation and global fuel trends to the risks of diverting food crops for fuel. Kumar also weighs in on the challenges posed by unpredictable import duties and the need for a stable policy to ensure better business forecasting.  Is rising demand during festive seasons set to push prices higher and what’s the role of logistics in price escalation?  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Mayur Karmarkar, Managing Director of the International Copper Association, about the future of copper in India’s economy.  While copper prices globally are experiencing a bearish phase, India’s domestic demand is on an upward trajectory, driven by construction, infrastructure, and industrial growth. Karmarkar explains that India saw over 1.8 million tonnes of copper usage in the last fiscal year—an 8% increase—and anticipates a similar trend this year. The driving force? Rising capital formation in both private and public sectors, growing electricity needs, and more resource-intensive buildings.  The conversation also explores sunrise sectors that are accelerating copper demand. Electric mobility, particularly in EV battery and motor manufacturing, is creating new investment avenues. India has already announced 118 GWh of battery production capacity, and products like EV foils are gaining traction.   Karmarkar raises long-term concerns about copper supply security, especially given China’s dominant position in processing and refined copper production.   (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Amitha Rajkumar)   About the State of the Economy podcast    India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem to set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Dalip Singh speaks with Ashok Atluri, CMD of Zen Technologies, a pioneer in India’s simulation and counter-drone defence ecosystem.  The conversation dives into Operation Sindhoor, where Zen’s counter-drone systems played a vital role in India’s air defence against threats from Pakistan. From autonomous drone warfare and indigenous defence tech development to post-quantum threats and India's strategic push for defence self-reliance, this episode explores the cutting edge of modern military technology.  They discuss the evolving global perception of Indian defence manufacturing. Once mocked as a major importer, India is now seen as an innovator, particularly in drones and simulators. He shares how foreign delegations were impressed by India's containerised tank simulator, even calling it more advanced than US systems.  Atluri stresses the need to shift from being mere suppliers in the defence chain to creating complete, world-class products. He advocates for nurturing innovation-driven Indian companies and reforming policy to support them. The conversation closes with reflections on national security, intelligence, and technological preparedness.  (Host: Dalip Singh Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)   About the State of the Economy podcast    India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem to set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Chirag Jain, Partner and Food Processing Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat. As India steps into the 2025–26 agricultural year, the forecast of an above-normal southwest monsoon brings cautious optimism.  Jain outlines the opportunities and challenges facing the sector — from record production in key crops like wheat, rice, and maize to shifting cultivation trends driven by rising demand for pulses, oilseeds, and maize due to both consumption patterns and industrial use, including ethanol.   The episode discusses how government schemes, technological integration, and targeted missions are reshaping production, while also tackling key issues like infrastructure gaps, market access, and MSP-related crop distortions.  Listeners will also gain insights into the broader rural economy — how initiatives like PM-KISAN, rural banking, and micro-enterprise funding are boosting consumption and demand in India’s heartland. With climate variability, policy decisions, and global trade dynamics in the mix, this episode offers a comprehensive outlook on what lies ahead for one of India’s most vital sectors.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)   About the State of the Economy podcast    India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem to set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline’s  Abhishek Law talks to Adarsh Narahari, Founder & Managing Director, Primus Senior Living, about India’s evolving real estate landscape with a focus on senior living.   Narahari explains how senior living is often misunderstood, thanks to outdated stereotypes. Far from being just real estate, Primus focuses on improving “health span” over “life span,” drawing inspiration from global longevity models like Blue Zones.   Narahari shares market insights, citing research from CII, PwC, and JLL that estimates a growing demand — from 4 lakh to potentially 40 lakh homes over the next decade.  The conversation explores who is buying these homes (mostly the seniors themselves), how it differs from traditional housing, pricing dynamics, and the additional services offered — from on-site healthcare and nutrition to curated social experiences.  The sector still grapples with deep-rooted stereotypes—often shaped by Bollywood portrayals and societal misconceptions. Narahari addresses these concerns head-on, explaining how first-hand exposure to senior living communities breaks those biases. Rather than being isolated, these communities empower elders by enhancing their health span, social engagement, and mental stimulation.   Narahari concludes by noting the growing interest from real estate and institutional investors, confirming that senior living is a rising sector with substantial demand and immense potential — provided the operational needs of elder care are truly understood.   (Host: Abhishek Law, Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline’s Shishir Sinha speaks with  Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, to decode recent high-frequency economic indicators and what they mean for India’s economic trajectory.  The episode begins with a look at the PMI manufacturing data hitting a three-month low and whether it signals any real slowdown. Nayar provides a nuanced view on the surge in GST collections, linking it to high crude oil imports and steady domestic demand.   The episode also explores urban versus rural consumption patterns, the impact of softer inflation and expected rate cuts, and how these may influence household spending. With global uncertainties like tariff hikes and geopolitical tensions in the background, the conversation turns to their likely impact on private CapEx and India’s growth outlook for FY26.   Tune in for clear, data-driven insights into the state of India’s economy and what lies ahead.  (Host: Shishir Sinha Producer: Amitha Rajkumar, Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Amiti Sen speaks with Professor Abhijit Das, International trade expert and former head of centre for WTO Studies about the implications of the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).   The discussion explores key highlights of the deal, including tariff reductions on whisky, greater market access for Indian textile and leather exports, and provisions aimed at easing the movement of professionals. Das notes that while the FTA signals political cooperation and commitment to rules-based trade, its actual impact remains uncertain until the legal text is fully disclosed.  The conversation also touches on areas of concern, such as possible concessions in government procurement and the automobile sector, and the risks posed by non-trade clauses related to labor and environmental standards.   Das warns that these elements could create challenges for Indian industry in the long term. The episode further examines how the India-UK FTA could influence ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union and the United States, especially in light of potential US tariff threats.   Concluding with a reflection on the future of the WTO and India’s role as a voice for the Global South, the episode offers valuable insights into the evolving global trade environment and India's strategic choices.  (Host: Amiti Sen Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Ricky Vasandani, CEO and co-founder, Solitario Diamonds, to understand the factors fueling this surge — from affordability and innovation to growing consumer awareness. We dive into the dynamic world of lab-grown diamonds, a sector experiencing rapid growth and transformation in India.  The conversation touches on key developments, including the Indian government's incentives, the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile gift of a lab-grown diamond, and the implications of natural diamond giant DBRS exiting the lab-grown market.   Vasandani explains why lab-grown diamonds are becoming a compelling alternative, offering the same sparkle and certification as natural ones at a fraction of the cost.  They also explore how rising gold and silver prices, tariff shifts, and seasonal trends like Akshaya Tritiya are shaping demand. With prices stabilising and consumer confidence increasing, lab-grown diamonds are moving from niche to mainstream.  Vasandani offers insights into future risks, growth potential, and why the market for larger stones and diverse jewellery styles is expanding. Tune in to discover how lab-grown diamonds are transforming the jewellery industry and what lies ahead for this innovative and accessible luxury.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, about the state of India’s crop input industry amidst climatic challenges and growing sustainability trends. The sector experienced a difficult phase from late 2022 to mid-2024 due to prolonged drought and weak monsoons, which severely affected farmer demand for fertilizers and other inputs. However, with the onset of a normal monsoon in July 2024, the situation improved significantly, especially during the rabi season.  Kanwar emphasises the increasing resilience and adaptability of Indian farmers, who are shifting toward shorter-duration, water-efficient crops and making more informed decisions based on weather and market data. The digitisation of agriculture and rising literacy are also playing a vital role in transforming farming practices. He notes a growing awareness of sustainability, with farmers adopting regenerative agriculture techniques, focusing on soil health, and organic fertilisers.  Fertiliser companies now play a crucial role in promoting balanced crop nutrition and reducing overuse of inputs. Kanwar stresses the importance of using the right nutrients at the right crop stages, especially micronutrients like zinc and boron, to enhance soil health and productivity sustainably.   (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of  State of the Economy podcast, Businesslines’s Sanjana B speaks with Siddesh Naik, Country Leader, Data & AI Software, IBM India & South Asia and Rajesh Ganesan , CEO, ManageEngine to unpack how AI is transforming Indian industries.   From banking and healthcare to IT operations, AI is moving from pilot projects to full-scale deployment. The discussion covers AIOps, intelligent automation, and the rise of agentic AI—digital agents that make autonomous decisions. With a focus on enterprise readiness, governance, and real-world use cases, this episode offers key insights for businesses aiming to harness AI's true potential.  (Host: Sanjana B, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of The State of the Economy podcast by BusinessLine,  Abhishek Law speaks with Bamasish Paul, Co-founder, Managing Partner and CEO of Ethonhurst Capital Partners discussing the evolving landscape of India’s real estate sector.   The episode begins with Paul unpacking the nuances of Mumbai's ₹3 lakh crore redevelopment market, explaining how older cooperative housing societies are being transformed into premium high-rises with modern amenities—without upfront land acquisition. It's a capital-efficient strategy that offers lower risk, staggered investment, and significant returns for investors.  From society redevelopment models to the impact of regulatory frameworks and FSI (Floor Space Index) norms, Paul explains why this niche segment, though challenging, presents a unique opportunity. He also sheds light on the broader real estate investment climate, the shifts from equity to structured credit, and the cautious optimism surrounding foreign investments amid global uncertainties like Trump-era tariffs.  Listeners will gain rare insights into how redevelopment differs from conventional residential projects, what makes Mumbai so uniquely suited for it, and whether this model can scale to other Indian cities. Paul also touches on the current state of commercial real estate, the rising influence of GCC demand, and the evolving interest of global PE giants like Blackstone in India’s housing market.  (Host: Abhishek law Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of BusinessLine’s State of the Economy Podcast, host Ronendra Singh is joined by Som Kapoor, Partner and Leader for Future of Mobility and Retail at EY India, for a conversation on how India’s mobility sector is rapidly evolving. Som begins with a bold statement: “Mobility in India, all over the world according to me, will change more in the next 5 years than it’s changed in the last 50.” He unpacks the trends behind this shift—from the rise of alternative fuels and electrification to the way people are rethinking car ownership. Traditional models of owning vehicles are being replaced with more flexible approaches like leasing, subscriptions, and shared mobility. As Som explains, “There’s a fair amount of people who may want to buy car for usage rather than buy car for just ownership.” The episode also explores why India is unlikely to rely on a single fuel source. Instead, a mix of electric, CNG, ethanol, hydrogen, and hybrid options will coexist to suit different needs and geographies. But challenges remain—especially when it comes to infrastructure and user confidence. “If there were no challenges, we wouldn’t be only at 2%, we would be at a much higher percentage anyway,” Som notes, referring to the current uptake of electric vehicles. From the growing influence of rural consumers to India’s potential as a global automotive exporter, this episode paints a realistic picture of where mobility in India is heading—and what it means for the road ahead. Listen in! (Host: S Ronendra Singh, Producer: Siddharth MC) About the State of the Economy podcast India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of the Economy Podcast, host Sanjana B is joined by a distinguished panel of industry leaders—Ajay Prabhu, President, Technology Services, Quest Global; Mamatha Madireddy, Managing Director and Head of HSBC India Global Service Centres & Chairperson, Nasscom GCC Council; Jitender Mohan, Business Unit Head, Travel & Hospitality, WNS; and Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President and Head of Membership & Outreach, Nasscom—for an insightful deep dive into India’s evolving IT sector. Together, they explore the shifting landscape of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), the transformational impact of AI on Business Process Management (BPM), the rising strategic role of Engineering R&D (ER&D), and the policy-level catalysts needed to unlock further innovation and scale. Setting the tone, Srikanth Srinivasan emphasises the cooperative nature of the ecosystem: “GCC’s and IT services companies, nobody’s posing a threat to anybody. It’s a very symbiotic relationship. It is a relationship of 1 + 1 is greater than two.” Mamatha Madireddy elaborates on the evolution of GCCs, observing: “Now GCC’s have moved away from being this traditional back-office operations to now GCC’s are centers of innovation. They are centres of research and centres of development.” On the engineering side, Ajay Prabhu highlights how India is gaining global recognition: “It just puts you on the engineering map of the world, brings that kind of credibility because engineering is very core.” Meanwhile, addressing the buzz around AI in BPM, Jitender Mohan reflects on the narrative shift: “Will AI eat BPM for breakfast? That’s where the joke started... But today, we are truly able to create transformation solutions and value differentiation offerings.” Host:Sanjana B; Producer: Siddharth Mathew About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline's  Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with NS Ramaswamy, Head - Commodity desk & CRM, Ventura Securities offers his insights into gold's performance, noting a 35% return over the past 15 months and forecasting a minor short-term correction before a continued bullish trend.  The podcast highlights how geopolitical tensions and concerns about the global economy have driven precious metals like gold and silver to new highs. Ramaswamy explains that medium to long-term factors, such as a potential economic slowdown and anticipated interest rate cuts, support his optimistic outlook for gold.  The discussion also touches on the impact of rising gold prices on Indian demand, particularly in the jewellery sector, where price hikes are expected to dampen consumer appetite. In contrast, silver has been experiencing gains alongside gold, but Ramaswamy suggests that its performance may be more volatile due to its reliance on industrial demand. He points out that while physical shortages could push silver prices higher, factors like weak manufacturing activity and the global economic slowdown may limit its growth.  Finally, the podcast shifts to copper, which faces a subdued demand outlook due to weakness in China's real estate sector and broader industrial slowdown. Ramaswamy suggests that while supply constraints might support prices, the overall demand in key economies will likely keep copper's growth limited in the near term.   (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of State of Economy podcast, Shishir Sinha speaks with DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor at EY India, on the latest high-frequency economic indicators and their implications for India’s growth. They dive into the recently released GST collection numbers, which reveal a seasonal pattern of spikes, especially driven by rural demand. As Srivastava explains, “Subject to some adjustment or the seasonality pattern, consumption expenditure appears to be picking up on average and is being driven largely by rural demand.” He emphasizes that while consumption shows signs of recovery, it’s essential to consider the seasonal fluctuations when interpreting these figures. Srivastava notes, “Both considered together, there may be some overachievement of the fiscal deficit target. However, it comes at the cost of sacrificing some growth.” He highlights the expected shortfall in government capital expenditure and the potential consequences for the overall economy. On inflation, Srivastava shares an optimistic view, stating, “So I see the CPI inflation as a positive movement which is preparing ground for interest rate reduction.” Listen in to this podcast for a detailed analysis of how India’s economy is performing across key indicators and what these trends mean for future growth. (Host: Shishir Sinha; Producers: Renil S Varghese, Siddharth Mathew Cherian)

In this State of the Economy podcast, Aishwarya Kumar discusses the rapid rise of contract manufacturing in India and its connection to global trade shifts, particularly US tariffs. Amrit Acharya, co-founder, Zetwerk, and Nikhil Rao, VP - Operations, Flex India share their insights on the evolving landscape. Amrit highlights that the growth of contract manufacturing in India has been fuelled by a combination of favorable macroeconomic conditions and the government’s GST reforms. He emphasises the shift in global manufacturing patterns, with India emerging as a key alternative to traditional hubs. The domestic market’s size is also a significant factor in attracting companies to set up operations in India. Nikhil Rao, noting that Flex India has benefitted from government initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. These moves have accelerated domestic manufacturing, particularly in consumer products, and attracted more global customers. The company has also focused on diversifying its markets and strengthening its workforce to stay competitive. Both of them address the impact of recent US tariffs on imports from Southeast Asian countries, particularly how contract manufacturers must diversify their portfolios to mitigate risks. Nikhil emphasises the importance of having a diverse market strategy, both domestically and internationally, to stay resilient during trade disruptions. Listen in to know more about US tariffs and whether it will affect India’s contract manufacturing sector. Host and Producer: Aishwarya Kumar About the State of the Economy podcast India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline's Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Srideep N Kesavan, CEO of Heritage Foods Ltd. talk about the dairy sector in India, a key industry that is vital to the rural economy but faces several challenges. India is the world’s largest milk producer, generating nearly 240 million tons of milk annually. The country is home to over 60 million cows—three times more than Europe—but despite its scale, the dairy sector remains fragmented, unorganized, and lacking technological advancements.  Kesavan discusses the slowing growth in milk production, highlighting that while cow milk production is increasing, buffalo milk production—which accounts for nearly half of India’s milk—is stagnating. This has contributed to a slowdown in the overall growth rate of milk production from a 10-year CAGR of 5.5% to 3.5% in recent years.  Additionally, Kesavan addresses the recent increase in milk prices, explaining that the rise in prices is in line with inflation and the increasing cost of production. Despite these price hikes, he emphasises that the dairy industry has been seeing price stability for a long time, and recent price increases are necessary to maintain balance in the market.  A major issue facing Indian dairy farmers is the low milk yield per animal, especially compared to global standards. Kesavan highlights that while some farmers are beginning to adopt better breeding practices, the cost of quality feed remains a significant barrier. He suggests that improving feeding practices is crucial to increasing milk yield, with balanced diets and concentrated feed essential for boosting productivity.  The discussion also touches on the evolving consumer behavior in India. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a noticeable rise in demand for nutritious dairy products such as probiotic buttermilk and paneer. Kesavan points out that urban dairy consumption is still relatively low, but with the increasing availability of organized retail and higher spending power, dairy consumption is poised for substantial growth.  Looking to the future, Kesavan is optimistic about the dairy sector’s potential. With organised retail penetration still below 30% in India, there is significant room for growth. As consumption per capita increases and new dairy products find their place in the market, India’s dairy sector is expected to continue growing, driven by both supply-side improvements and changing consumer preferences.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, MRS talks to Haresh Karamchandani, MD and CEO of HyFun, about the impressive rise of India as the second-largest producer of potatoes in the world, having surpassed expectations with 60 million tonnes of potatoes produced, despite some weather-related challenges earlier in the planting season.  The podcast delves into India’s emergence as a key exporter of frozen potato products such as French fries, hash browns, and chips, an industry that has grown significantly since 2007. As the demand for processed potato products increases both domestically and internationally, Karamchandani shares insights into the ongoing growth of the sector, including the shift of Indian farmers to process-oriented potato varieties due to assured pricing, and the increasing focus on production for export markets.  The conversation goes on to talk about the role of innovation and research and development in improving the quality and yield of potato crops. Karamchandani highlights the contributions of government bodies like the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), which is working on creating more resilient potato varieties that can withstand changing climate conditions. He also shares the initiatives I Fund Forbes has taken to support farmer education, such as their Vignan Shala and Pathshala programs, which demonstrate best agricultural practices and help farmers reduce cultivation costs while improving yields.  The podcast also discusses India’s potential to become the leading producer of potatoes and the largest exporter of frozen potato products globally by 2050. With increasing investment in both production and processing technologies, Karamchandani predicts that India will continue to play a pivotal role in feeding the growing global demand for frozen potato products.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producer: Amitha Rajkumar) About the State of the Economy podcast  India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.