The trending commodity podcast with Subramani Ra Mancombu https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ en Copyright© 2025, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Why are gold and silver prices rising? Why do the prices of copper, steel, and nickel keep fluctuating? Why do the price of the fuel we use in our vehicles continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term? Are you interested in learning about these? Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/05091222-6f07-11f0-b188-ebdaf5f43330/image/a66f9dc63e058ba1c227e4e44a6408ac.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The trending commodity podcast with Subramani Ra Mancombu https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ no episodic Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline. The Hindu businessline Why are gold and silver prices rising? Why do the prices of copper, steel, and nickel keep fluctuating? Why do the price of the fuel we use in our vehicles continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term? Are you interested in learning about these? Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline. Why are gold and silver prices rising? Why do the prices of copper, steel, and nickel keep fluctuating? Why do the price of the fuel we use in our vehicles continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term? Are you interested in learning about these? Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline.

]]> THG Publishing blpodcasts@thehindu.co.in India’s Café Culture Boom: How rising coffee culture is keeping consumption and prices elevated | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 10 Global coffee prices may have cooled from recent highs, but coffee consumption in India continues to grow. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, about the evolution of India’s café culture and the changing dynamics of coffee consumption. The conversation explores how rising coffee prices have influenced consumer behaviour, why cafés are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs, and how speciality coffee is transforming customer expectations. Agarwal also discusses the growing importance of Indian-origin coffee beans, transparency in sourcing, barista-led customer engagement, and the emergence of home brewing culture among younger consumers. This episode explores how cafés are boosting employment, enhancing skill development, and offering premium coffee experiences, all while strengthening the Made-in-India coffee identity. Listen in for insights on coffee trends, café innovation, speciality blends, and the future of India’s coffee ecosystem Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline Global coffee prices may have cooled from recent highs, but coffee consumption in India continues to grow. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, about the evolution of India’s café culture and the changing dynamics of coffee consumption. The conversation explores how rising coffee prices have influenced consumer behaviour, why cafés are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs, and how speciality coffee is transforming customer expectations. Agarwal also discusses the growing importance of Indian-origin coffee beans, transparency in sourcing, barista-led customer engagement, and the emergence of home brewing culture among younger consumers. This episode explores how cafés are boosting employment, enhancing skill development, and offering premium coffee experiences, all while strengthening the Made-in-India coffee identity. Listen in for insights on coffee trends, café innovation, speciality blends, and the future of India’s coffee ecosystem Global coffee prices may have cooled from recent highs, but coffee consumption in India continues to grow. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, about the evolution of India’s café culture and the changing dynamics of coffee consumption.

The conversation explores how rising coffee prices have influenced consumer behaviour, why cafés are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs, and how speciality coffee is transforming customer expectations. Agarwal also discusses the growing importance of Indian-origin coffee beans, transparency in sourcing, barista-led customer engagement, and the emergence of home brewing culture among younger consumers.

This episode explores how cafés are boosting employment, enhancing skill development, and offering premium coffee experiences, all while strengthening the Made-in-India coffee identity.

Listen in for insights on coffee trends, café innovation, speciality blends, and the future of India’s coffee ecosystem

]]> 519 From mines to megacities: Can green zinc power India’s future? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 09 What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape. From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade. Wed, 13 May 2026 09:30:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape. From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade. What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc.


In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape.


From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world.


Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade.

]]> 1242 War, gold, and diamonds: How geopolitics shapes jewellery sales | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 08 In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of KISNA Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market.  Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how KISNA Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience.  Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:48:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of KISNA Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market.  Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how KISNA Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience.  Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of KISNA Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market. 

Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how KISNA Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience. 

Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry. 

(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)

]]> 814 Gold, silver and copper turn volatile after record highs: Expert explains what’s next? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 07 In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals. Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:02:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals. Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals.

Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead.

]]> 636 no Gold, grams, and growth: Will lightweight gold take the lead?  | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 06 In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:09:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability. In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability.

]]> 459 Precious metals rally: Portfolio strategy for gold and silver in 2026| The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 05 In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Mr Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, about the sharp rise in precious metals and the factors driving gold and silver prices.The discussion covers why gold and silver have outperformed other asset classes amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and questions around currency confidence. Mr Ponmudi explains why portfolio allocation to precious metals should vary by investor, based on risk appetite, hedging needs, and personal financial circumstances.The episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the role of central bank credibility, reserve diversification, and the growing industrial demand for silver from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and technology-driven sectors. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 04:30:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Mr Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, about the sharp rise in precious metals and the factors driving gold and silver prices.The discussion covers why gold and silver have outperformed other asset classes amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and questions around currency confidence. Mr Ponmudi explains why portfolio allocation to precious metals should vary by investor, based on risk appetite, hedging needs, and personal financial circumstances.The episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the role of central bank credibility, reserve diversification, and the growing industrial demand for silver from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and technology-driven sectors. In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Mr Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, about the sharp rise in precious metals and the factors driving gold and silver prices.The discussion covers why gold and silver have outperformed other asset classes amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and questions around currency confidence.

Mr Ponmudi explains why portfolio allocation to precious metals should vary by investor, based on risk appetite, hedging needs, and personal financial circumstances.The episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the role of central bank credibility, reserve diversification, and the growing industrial demand for silver from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and technology-driven sectors.

]]> 378 Potash problems and Phosphatic puzzles: Who’s winning the supply game?  | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 04 In this episode of businessLine’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu  speaks with Abhishek Wadekar, Founder and Chairman of Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd about the evolving fertilizer market in India and its impact on agriculture, crop inputs, and sustainable farming.   They discuss how US sanctions on Russian oil, China’s fertilizer export restrictions, and rising global energy and freight costs are driving up prices for NPK, DAP, urea, and specialty fertilizers.   Wadekar explains how Indian farmers are adopting soil testing, soil health cards, nano urea, neem-coated urea, and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yields and input efficiency. The conversation goes on to cover government policies, nutrient-based subsidies, self-reliance initiatives, and long-term import strategies to stabilise the fertilizer supply chain.   With insights on climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and water-soluble fertilizers, this episode highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s agriculture, farm economics, and commodity markets today.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu , Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:30:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of businessLine’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu  speaks with Abhishek Wadekar, Founder and Chairman of Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd about the evolving fertilizer market in India and its impact on agriculture, crop inputs, and sustainable farming.   They discuss how US sanctions on Russian oil, China’s fertilizer export restrictions, and rising global energy and freight costs are driving up prices for NPK, DAP, urea, and specialty fertilizers.   Wadekar explains how Indian farmers are adopting soil testing, soil health cards, nano urea, neem-coated urea, and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yields and input efficiency. The conversation goes on to cover government policies, nutrient-based subsidies, self-reliance initiatives, and long-term import strategies to stabilise the fertilizer supply chain.   With insights on climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and water-soluble fertilizers, this episode highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s agriculture, farm economics, and commodity markets today.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu , Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy) In this episode of businessLine’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu  speaks with Abhishek Wadekar, Founder and Chairman of Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd about the evolving fertilizer market in India and its impact on agriculture, crop inputs, and sustainable farming.  

They discuss how US sanctions on Russian oil, China’s fertilizer export restrictions, and rising global energy and freight costs are driving up prices for NPK, DAP, urea, and specialty fertilizers.  

Wadekar explains how Indian farmers are adopting soil testing, soil health cards, nano urea, neem-coated urea, and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yields and input efficiency. The conversation goes on to cover government policies, nutrient-based subsidies, self-reliance initiatives, and long-term import strategies to stabilise the fertilizer supply chain.  

With insights on climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and water-soluble fertilizers, this episode highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s agriculture, farm economics, and commodity markets today. 

(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu , Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)

]]> 643 Grain gains: Is maize the new sweet spot for India’s ethanol push? The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 03 In this episode of BusinessLine’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Dr CK Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association to discuss how India’s grain ethanol industry is transforming the country’s energy and agricultural landscape.   Dr Jain explains how the ethanol blending programme, once dependent solely on sugarcane, has expanded since 2018 to include maize and surplus rice — helping India move closer to its 20 per cent blending target. He highlights how this shift has boosted farmers’ incomes, reduced fuel imports, and strengthened rural economies.  The conversation also delves into the economics of ethanol pricing, government policy reforms, and how India is balancing ethanol production with food security.  Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:30:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of BusinessLine’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Dr CK Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association to discuss how India’s grain ethanol industry is transforming the country’s energy and agricultural landscape.   Dr Jain explains how the ethanol blending programme, once dependent solely on sugarcane, has expanded since 2018 to include maize and surplus rice — helping India move closer to its 20 per cent blending target. He highlights how this shift has boosted farmers’ incomes, reduced fuel imports, and strengthened rural economies.  The conversation also delves into the economics of ethanol pricing, government policy reforms, and how India is balancing ethanol production with food security.  In this episode of BusinessLine’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Dr CK Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association to discuss how India’s grain ethanol industry is transforming the country’s energy and agricultural landscape.

 

Dr Jain explains how the ethanol blending programme, once dependent solely on sugarcane, has expanded since 2018 to include maize and surplus rice — helping India move closer to its 20 per cent blending target. He highlights how this shift has boosted farmers’ incomes, reduced fuel imports, and strengthened rural economies. 

The conversation also delves into the economics of ethanol pricing, government policy reforms, and how India is balancing ethanol production with food security. 

]]> 1060 Natural diamond market outlook 2025 – India’s sparkling growth story | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 02 In this episode of Business Line's Trending Commodity Podcast, we speak with Richa Singh, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC). She shares exclusive insights into the natural diamond market, including the current trends, sales performance across India and the Middle East, the impact of gold prices, and the growing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Richa also explains how NDC empowers consumers and collaborates with retailers to promote ethical and informed diamond purchases. Tune in for a sparkling conversation on the future of natural diamonds. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:39:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of Business Line's Trending Commodity Podcast, we speak with Richa Singh, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC). She shares exclusive insights into the natural diamond market, including the current trends, sales performance across India and the Middle East, the impact of gold prices, and the growing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Richa also explains how NDC empowers consumers and collaborates with retailers to promote ethical and informed diamond purchases. Tune in for a sparkling conversation on the future of natural diamonds. In this episode of Business Line's Trending Commodity Podcast, we speak with Richa Singh, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC). She shares exclusive insights into the natural diamond market, including the current trends, sales performance across India and the Middle East, the impact of gold prices, and the growing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Richa also explains how NDC empowers consumers and collaborates with retailers to promote ethical and informed diamond purchases. Tune in for a sparkling conversation on the future of natural diamonds.

]]> 735 no Trade war creating volatility in the bullion market | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 01 In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Anindya Banerjee, Head of Commodity and Currency, at Kotak Securities to talk about the current volatility in gold and silver markets.  Banerjee discusses how global developments such as the US Customs proposed 39% tariff on gold bars and its subsequent reversal by President Trump are impacting investor sentiment and price trends. The discussion also touches on the themes of de-dollarisation, the role of central banks, and how India's gold and silver prices are hitting record highs despite international price ranges stabilising.  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:04:00 -0000 full The Hindu businessline In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Anindya Banerjee, Head of Commodity and Currency, at Kotak Securities to talk about the current volatility in gold and silver markets.  Banerjee discusses how global developments such as the US Customs proposed 39% tariff on gold bars and its subsequent reversal by President Trump are impacting investor sentiment and price trends. The discussion also touches on the themes of de-dollarisation, the role of central banks, and how India's gold and silver prices are hitting record highs despite international price ranges stabilising.  In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodities, host Subramani Ra Mancombu is joined by Anindya Banerjee, Head of Commodity and Currency, at Kotak Securities to talk about the current volatility in gold and silver markets. 
 
Banerjee discusses how global developments such as the US Customs proposed 39% tariff on gold bars and its subsequent reversal by President Trump are impacting investor sentiment and price trends. The discussion also touches on the themes of de-dollarisation, the role of central banks, and how India's gold and silver prices are hitting record highs despite international price ranges stabilising. 

]]> 634 no