Departmental Activities:
The Department is actively involved in conducting seminars on current topics. Some of the topics on which seminars were conducted in the past are Disinvestment and its impact on Indian Economy, World Trade Organization and Agriculture, Economic Development of Vidarbha: Vision 2025 etc. Eminent academicians, economists, industrialists etc. participated in the programmes.
Department in collaboration with history department conducts inter-disciplinary programmes under the banner ‘Ecohistory’. It also participates in Environmental activities as well as career council to the students. The department plans a student e-journal as well as yearly lecture series on various economic issues.
THE DETAILED REPORT OF THE DEPT. OF ECONOMICS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES ENGAGED FOR THE YEAR 2025-26 ARE AS GIVEN BELOW: –
Faculty name: Dr. Tinu Joseph
I. ENGAGED ACTIVITIES
II. PUBLICATIONS
I. ENGAGED ACTIVITIES
a) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURE, FOREST RIGHTS AND SUSTINABLE LIVELIHOOD CONDUCTED AT SFS COLLEGE ON 20TH AUGUST, 2025
St. Francis de Sales College, in collaboration with the Postgraduate Department of Economics at RashtrasantTukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, hosted a conference titled ‘Agriculture, Forest Rights, and Sustainable Livelihood: Mitigating Rural-Urban Diversities‘ on August 20, 2025. Dr. Sanjay Sarwe, Principal of SFS College, welcomed the guests and participants. Approximately 300 attendees from various regions of Maharashtra gathered in the conference hall.
The conference was inaugurated by His Grace, Rev. Dr. Elias Gonsalves, the Archbishop of Nagpur, who delivered a message emphasizing sustainable livelihoods through individual actions and an inclusive worldview. He highlighted the critical need to protect forests to support tribal communities reliant on forest products. The chief guest and keynote speaker, Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat, former chairman of UGC and ICSSR discussed the evolution of theories ranging from economic growth to inclusive and sustainable development, particularly from a policymaker’s perspective. His speech captivated the audience, creating an atmosphere of pin-drop silence in the hall. Prof. Thorat underscored the significance of inclusive and sustainable development by advocating for the preservation of natural resources during periods of exploitation aimed at maximizing capitalist profits.
The plenary session resource persons included Prof. Vinayak Deshpande, Vice-Chancellor of Raisoni University (Guest of honour) in Amaravati, and Prof. Elumalai Kannan, a Professor at JNU in New Delhi. Prof. Deshpande presented on the topic of “issues on pricing relating to tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.” He emphasized the significant impact of these vegetables on food inflation and advocated for government intervention to ensure adequate refrigerated warehousing facilities and establish minimum support prices for farmers. Meanwhile, Prof. Kannan discussed “India’s challenges and strategies for agricultural development.” He pointed out the disparities in the distribution of operational land holdings and highlighted the dispossession of farmers caused by urbanization, which involves the conversion of fertile agricultural land into industrial and residential areas. He suggested that the path forward for agrarian development should focus on public investment in research and development (R&D), productivity growth, profitable value chains, and the creation of healthy food baskets.
The invited special lecture in the afternoon session was delivered by Prof. Vijay L. Ghugey, President of Nisarg Vidnyan, on the topic of “Communities’ Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities Under Governance of Forest Acts for Biodiversity Conservation with Sustainable Livelihood.” This was followed by a panel discussion featuring the following resource persons: Prof. Shamrao Koreti, Dean of Humanities at RTMNU; Prof. Satyapriya Indurwade; Dr. Samit Mahore; Dr. Hitesh Dadmal, Head of the Department of Economics at RTMNU; Prof. Vikas Jambhulkar, Head of the Department of Political Science at RTMNU; Dr. Manoj Madavi, Assistant Professor at AnnasahebGundewar College; and Rev. Fr. Balraj Madanu. During the panel discussion, the panelists presented on various relevant topics, including traditional knowledge systems and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Adivasi areas. Prof. Elumalai Kannan served as the chair of this panel discussion session.
The conference concluded with valedictory speeches by Dr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre (chief guest); Rev. Fr. Anthony D’Souza; Fr. Praveen D’Souza; Prof. S. Indurvade; a report reading by Dr. Tinu Joseph; and a thanksgiving address by Mrs. Esmeralda Joseph.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by the college management to fund the conference, as well as for the committee members and student volunteers who ensured its smooth execution.
ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION INAUGURATION AND INVITED SPEECH FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2025
St. Francis De Sales College Hosts Economics Association Inauguration and Interactive Session on “Impact of US Tariffs on Indian Economy”. The Economics association of St. Francis De Sales College, formulated with the objective of fostering economic awareness and intellectual engagement among students, was inaugurated for the current academic session on 14th August 2025.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Rosalin Mishra, Associate Professor, LAD College, Nagpur, whose inspiring words highlighted the importance of economic literacy in shaping future leaders. Mr. Alok Gautam, Assistant Professor, St. Francis De Sales College, joined as the Discussant, leading an engaging session entirely focused on the topic “US Tariffs and Their Impact on the Economy”. The discussion and interaction revolved around various dimensions of tariffs — including their role in protecting domestic industries, their effect on international trade relations, and their broader economic consequences. The speakers analyzed real-world examples and current trade policies, encouraging students to connect theory with practice. Throughout the session, students posed insightful questions, sparking lively exchanges of ideas. Dr.Rosalin Mishra emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking in tariff decisions, while Mr. Gautam shed light on how tariff structures can influence competitiveness and market dynamics.
The inauguration was meticulously organized under the guidance of Dr. Tinu Joseph, Head of the Department of Economics and Teacher In-charge. Rose Yadav, Student In-charge of the Economic Association, along with Krish Patra, Janak Chalkhor and other student members, played key roles in coordinating the event, ensuring its smooth execution. The programme concluded with a heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Discussant, faculty members, and all attendees for their presence and support in making the event a success.
The inauguration of the Economic Association was not merely a ceremonial event but a promise of continued academic enrichment through expert talks, workshops, and student-led initiatives. With the enthusiasm witnessed on this day, the Economic Association is expected to emerge as a vibrant platform for learning, discussion, and innovation in economic thought. The collaborative spirit between students and faculty, coupled with the vision for practical and research-oriented learning, will undoubtedly help in shaping socially responsible and intellectually equipped graduates. The inauguration has paved the way for a year filled with meaningful activities that will strengthen academic culture and foster leadership among the students of St. Francis De Sales College.
ii) FIELD VISIT ON ORGANIC FARMING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
A field visit was organized by Dept. of Economics to Vihang Farm, Katol on March 4, 2026 with the primary objective to bridge the gap between classroom theories of sustainable agriculture and real-world application. Vihang Farm, managed by the enterprising Mrs. Prachi Mahurkar, serves as a model for organic excellence in the Vidarbha region. Located in the Maragsur village near Katol, the farm is a testament to how traditional wisdom can be integrated with modern entrepreneurial management. Unlike conventional monoculture farms, Vihang Farm emphasizes biodiversity and the circularity of resources. The cost of the visit was born by the Dept. faculty himself.
During the visit, we observed several key components that differentiate an organic farm from a conventional one:
- Soil Health Management: Instead of chemical fertilizers, the farm utilizes on-site composting and organic manures. This reduces the farmer’s dependence on expensive external inputs—a key economic advantage.
- Irrigation Management: The farm employs efficient water-saving techniques. Understanding that water is a scarce economic resource, the management at Vihang Farm ensures that every drop is utilized effectively through mulching and precise delivery systems.
- Weed and Pest Management: Rather than using synthetic pesticides, Mrs. Mahurkar explained the use of biological controls and manual weeding. While labor-intensive, this approach protects the ecosystem and produces a premium product that fetches a higher market price.
The Economic Perspective: Conventional vs. Organic
One of the most enlightening aspects of the visit was discussing the “Economics of Transition.” Conventional farming often leads to a “debt trap” due to the rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. In contrast, organic farming at Vihang Farm focuses on: Cost Reduction withminimizing the purchase of synthetic inputs; Price Premium: Organic products, due to their health benefits and certification, often command a 20-30% higher price in urban markets like Nagpur; Sustainability: Long-term soil fertility ensures that the “land” factor of production does not depreciate over time.
The organic farm demonstrated several entrepreneurial qualities such as Risk-Taking: Transitioning from chemical-heavy practices to organic requires a gestation period where yields might initially fluctuate; Value Addition (Food Processing): The farm doesn’t just sell raw produce; it explores post-harvest management and branding. By branding her products under “Vihang,” she captures a larger share of the consumer rupee; & Market Networking: We discussed the challenges of “Branding of Rural Products.” Building a brand requires consistent quality and a reliable supply chain, which she has successfully managed.
The challenges of organic farms as explained by the Vihang Farm entrepreneur Mrs. Mahurkar include: Certification Costs: The bureaucratic process and fees for organic certification can be daunting for small-scale holders; Labor Intensive: Organic farming requires more hands-on management, which can be a challenge in areas facing labor shortages; Initial Yield Gap: There is often a 2-3 year period where the soil recovers, and yields might be lower than conventional methods.
The visit concluded with a discussion on Harvest and Post-Harvest Management. We saw how proper handling and storage reduce waste—a critical economic factor in agriculture where nearly 30% of produce can be lost post-harvest. This area holds immense potential for start-ups, especially for economics graduates looking to enter the “Agri-Business” sector.
iii) EDUCATION TRIP TO AMODAGARH, MADHYA PRADESH
An educational trip was organized by Economics Association to its members on 21st Feb, 2026 to Amodagarh, Madhya Pradesh under the guidance of Dr. Tinu Joseph, Dr. Mary Louise. Rose Yadav, Krish Patra, Rajveer Nageshwar and Ashlee Emmanuel. There was a strong demand from the students for education trip as within one day of announcement itself all the seats were occupied.
The study group departed to the site at 7 a.m and reached by 12 noon. A hearty lunch was served to the participants and later the trekking towards the rocky shores started with the help of guides. Rock formations, steepy hills, flowing river and natural forest were the major attractions of our destination. It was a natural sanctuary of ecosystem with a large amount of fishes in the river.
The group left Amodagarh by 5 p.m after serving tea and snacks. There was a high level of enthusiasm among the group in which they spend the return journey by singing, dancing, playing games and engaging in lively conversations. Overall, the trip was worthy to the students by came close to experience the natural rock formations, ecosystems and rural culture of our nearby state Madhya Pradesh.
iv) VIDHARBA INDUSTRIAL EXPO VISIT
On 6th Feb, 2026 SFS college students visited the Vidharba industrial Expo under the banner of Economics Association. The expo was conducted at the RTMNU campus, show casing innovative products, services, solutions from various industries.
The visit provided students with valuable insights into the latest developments in industries from different sectors. There was also an opportunity to attend workshops and to interact with industry experts. The expo also featured a patent gallery, highlighting innovative ideas and inventions.
The visit to Vidarbha expo was a valuable learning experience to innovative ideas. It helped to link academic curriculum with real learning experiences and practical applications. It also provided insight to what industry demands from academics and updating the curriculum.
- Book Publication: A book named “Agriculture, Forest Rights and Sustainable Livelihood: Future Roadmap” published on April, 2026 with ISBN number under the banner of SFS College. The editors of the book include Fr. Praveen D’Souza, Officiating Principal & Dr.Tinu Joseph from SFS College, Prof. S. Indurwade & Dr.Hitesh Dadmal from Post-Graduate Department of Economics, RTMNU. The book covers about 25 research articles in the related topics on agriculture and forest rights, in multilingual languages of English, Hindi & Marathi. The chapters in the book covers the works of renowned scholars on the related topics on agriculture and forest rights on theoretical as well as analytical basis. The book will be soon available at Amazon platform.
Prominent Alumni of the Department:
- Anuradha Patnaik
- Saikrishna S. Rao
- Sindhu Nair