Digital Payments in Rural India – over next couple of years.

Predicting specific trends can be challenging due to various factors that could influence the

Digital payments in Bharat

trajectory of digital payments in rural and semi-urban India. However, based on the existing momentum and ongoing developments, I can speculate on potential directions this trend might take, and this gives me the confidence to go with a 100% digital payments mandate for Shunya. My confidence is boosted by the fact that UPI transactions in rural and semi-urban India increased by 118% in 2023, with a 106% increase in value. 

The short-term trends point towards:

1. Continued Growth: The trend of increased UPI transactions in rural and semi-urban India is likely to continue. Factors such as continued government initiatives, improved internet infrastructure, and growing smartphone penetration will contribute to sustained growth.

2. Further Adoption: As digital literacy improves and more people become comfortable with using smartphones and digital payment platforms, the adoption of online payments is expected to increase. I recently spend a few days purposely avoiding any cash payouts in rural UP and I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of complications – rural merchants of all kinds have adopted to the UPI / Paytm / Google Pay. 

3. Expansion of Services: Digital payment providers are likely to expand their services and offerings to cater specifically to the needs of rural and semi-urban users. This could include features such as language localization, simplified user interfaces, and tailored financial products like buy-now-pay-later to better serve these demographics.

4. Government Support: Continued government support through initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and other subsidy programs will encourage more people in rural areas to adopt digital payment methods. The government's focus on financial inclusion and promoting a cashless economy will further drive the adoption of online payments. Was a little disappointed to see that some of the village based milk-collection centers were making cash payouts every fortnight, however, I think that will change fairly quickly. 

5. Infrastructure Development: Further improvement in internet connectivity and infrastructure in rural areas will also contribute to the growth of online payments. Investments in 5G technology and expansion of broadband services will enable smoother and faster digital transactions, encouraging more people to use digital payment platforms, however, internet availability and power (electricity) is now a non-issue. 

6. Partnerships and Collaborations: I expect the digital payment providers to form partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to facilitate easier access to digital payment services in rural areas. Collaborative efforts to address specific challenges, such as connectivity issues and last-mile delivery of financial services, will help accelerate adoption.

7. Security and Trust: Ensuring the security of online transactions and building trust among rural users will be essential for sustaining the growth of digital payments. Continued efforts to enhance security measures, educate users about safe online practices, and address concerns related to fraud and data privacy will be crucial in maintaining user confidence. I was very happy to hear one of the merchants talk about benefits of receiving digital payments – lesser trips to the bank (or intermediaries) to deposit cash, lack of soiled notes, “more savings”.

Overall, while it's difficult to predict the exact trajectory of digital payments in rural India, the current trends suggest an extremely positive outlook with continued growth and adoption of online payment methods. My prediction – Bharat will pleasantly surprise us over the next few years. 

Desertification: Not just a North Indian problem

A new study finds that manmade activities such as deforestation and mining are to blame for the rise in desertification in the south of India.

One another cause of desertification has been over grazing of land. 

Desertification of India is a real problem.

At Shunya, it is our endeavour to not just provide quality green fodder to animals (esp to animals in feedlots) and thus stop the desertification process in specific geographies. 

Read more here

Conserving Water - big mission of Shunya

One of the key focus areas for us at Shunya is to help reduce the quantum of water used to grow fodder. The common practice is to flood the fields with water - a practice which can be and should be altered and is leading to desertification.

Hydroponic Fodder Helps Save Water

Hydroponic fodder production saves water through several key mechanisms. Firstly, these systems typically recirculate water, allowing it to be reused within the system instead of being lost through runoff or evaporation as often occurs in traditional farming.

Secondly, hydroponic systems deliver water directly to the seeds / plant roots, minimizing evaporation compared to surface irrigation methods. Moreover, these systems optimize water usage by precisely delivering water and nutrients to the plants, ensuring that they receive what they need without wastage.

Some of our hydroponic systems are even designed as closed-loop systems, further minimizing water loss by continuously recycling and reusing water within the system. Additionally, any unused water in hydroponic systems can be captured and recycled, contributing to overall water conservation efforts.

Another aspect contributing to water savings in hydroponic fodder production is the potential for indoor production. Indoor hydroponic systems allow for precise control over environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, reducing water loss due to evaporation under unfavorable outdoor conditions. This indoor setting also enables more efficient water usage compared to outdoor farming, as water can be conserved and recycled within a controlled environment. By combining water-recycling technologies with controlled indoor environments, hydroponic fodder production maximizes water efficiency, making it a sustainable option particularly suited for regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions.

Why are we called Shunya?

Shunya means “nothingness” –  and everything else starts from this nothingness. 

The concept of Shunya is truly Indian and clearly defined first in arithmetic by Brahmagupt, Shunya is the foundation of modern mathematics and scientific thinking. 

It is the cornerstone of everything digital that is impacting our lives. You might know Shunya as Zero – as referred to in English. 

Shunya does not have a character or value of its own, but adds tremendous value and character to anything that it gets added to – in our case to the lives our the farmer and his farm animals and of course to our environment. 

For more info visit www.shunya.live or connect with me. 

Chems in animal feed - a huge concern.

The presence of chemicals in the regular livestock fodder can have various impacts on the animals, the environment, and ultimately, human health. These chemicals can include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that may inadvertently contaminate the fodder. Shunya’s green fodder mitigates these risks. However,

here are some of the key impacts of the current animal fodder:

1. Animal Health:

• Consumption of fodder contaminated with chemicals can lead to acute or chronic health issues in livestock. These may include gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disorders, reduced feed intake, and impaired growth.
• Some chemicals can accumulate in animal tissues over time, leading to long-term health problems and potential harm to consumers if these animals enter the food chain.

2. Milk and Meat Contamination:

• If livestock consume fodder with chemical residues, these chemicals can accumulate in the animals' tissues, including muscles and milk-producing glands. This can lead to contaminated milk and meat, posing health risks to consumers.

3. Reproductive Issues:

• Chemical contamination in fodder may affect the reproductive health of animals, leading to reduced fertility, abnormal pregnancies, or even early embryonic deaths.

4. Environmental Pollution:

• When chemical-contaminated fodder is used in livestock farming, the chemicals can pass through the animals and enter the environment through their excreta (manure).
• Runoff from fields where contaminated fodder is grown can also lead to the pollution of water bodies and soil, affecting other organisms and ecosystems.

5. Residue Buildup:

• Continuous use of chemical-contaminated fodder can result in the accumulation of residues in the soil, leading to a long-lasting impact on soil health and fertility.

6. Development of Pests and Diseases Resistance:

• Frequent use of chemical pesticides or herbicides in fodder production can lead to the development of resistance in pests and diseases, making them harder to control in the future.

7. Food Safety Concerns:

• Chemical residues in livestock products like milk, meat, and eggs can pose a risk to human health when consumed. This is especially concerning if the chemical is a known toxic substance or a banned chemical.

To mitigate these impacts, it is essential for farmers and livestock producers to adopt sustainable and responsible farming practices. This includes:

• Regular testing of fodder for chemical residues to ensure its safety.
• Following proper withdrawal periods before selling livestock products to avoid chemical residues in meat and milk.
• Reducing the use of chemical inputs and opting for organic or natural alternatives when possible.
• Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to minimize chemical use.
• Adopting good agricultural practices (GAPs) to prevent contamination of fodder with chemicals.

By being conscious of the potential hazards and taking preventive measures, livestock farmers can safeguard animal health, food safety, and the environment. Additionally, government regulations and guidelines play a vital role in ensuring safe agricultural practices and protecting consumers from harmful chemical residues in livestock products.