Latest news with #AgricultureandFarmersWelfare
India Gazette
10 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Farming is greatest strength of Indian economy: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Sunday addressed the National Memorial Symposium organized at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji's philosophy of 'Integral Humanism', Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said in an official statement. On this occasion, the Union Minister elaborated on what 'Integral Humanism' meant and highlighted its relevance in the present context. While addressing the symposium, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, 'I bow at the feet of the revered Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji. I say this with complete conviction: the solutions to the problems the world faces today lie in the philosophy of 'Integral Humanism'. It is not a complex philosophy; rather, it is the essence of Indian thought.' Chouhan said that earlier, the world had monarchies, but people later questioned why only one person should rule. Monarchies were either abolished or their powers significantly curtailed under the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji said not to blindly imitate the West. He asked whether India had its own philosophy on which to build society and the state. It was then that Pandit Deendayal Ji presented 'Integral Humanism'. Speaking in the context of agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that if there is any greatest strength of the Indian economy, it is farming. 'I am not just the Agriculture Minister; I live the term 'agriculture'. Farming and farmers run in my veins.' Reflecting on different forms of humanism, Chouhan said, 'Newton discovered the force of gravity, the reason objects fall to the ground. The happiness he experienced from this discovery is called the joy of intellect.' Shedding light on the importance of wealth in life, Chouhan said Pandit Deendayal Ji emphasized the need for material resources as well. Money is important for living and meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. But wealth is a need that should neither be excessively lacking nor overwhelmingly dominant. Chouhan said that the core principle of 'Integral Humanism' is a single consciousness. This same consciousness exists in nature. Under this principle, everyone should take part in the great tree plantation campaign and plant one tree in the name of their mother (Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam). We must not exploit nature, but rather utilize it wisely. Trees are sacred. The Earth is not only for humans; all living beings have an equal right to it, and we must care for them. He further noted the encouraging decline in rural poverty and the positive changes in living standards of people in the country. Chouhan added that the Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a major campaign for women empowerment. 'If we leave half of our population behind, the country can never progress. This is the land of Gayatri, Sita, Satya, Savitri, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.' Discussing advancements in the agriculture sector, the Union Minister shared that two new varieties of paddy have recently been developed, which will increase the yield by 30%, require 20% less water, and mature 20 days earlier. In conclusion, Chouhan said that with a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modernity, we as a nation will move forward, building a new India on the foundation of the past and guiding the world towards a better future. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Tripura farmers to benefit from AI and Drone Tech: CM Manik Saha
Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 30 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that the primary goal of his government is to achieve food self-sufficiency through the use of advanced technology. 'The state government is working with special emphasis on increasing the income of farmers. Farmers' income has increased significantly compared to the financial year 2015-16. The aim is to achieve food self-sufficiency through the use of advanced technology,' he said. Saha was speaking at the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan held at Bishramganj in Sepahijala district on Thursday, organised as part of a nationwide campaign. He was accompanied by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath. 'This campaign has been launched with the objective of empowering farmers through advanced technology. The government is committed to ensuring the welfare of farmers through technological advancement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special emphasis on financially empowering farmers, and our state government is working in the same direction,' the Chief Minister said. 'One of the key goals of this Abhiyan is to raise awareness among farmers about modern agricultural technologies. As a result, the agricultural sector will witness further improvement, enabling the cultivation of high-quality crops,' he added. Saha also highlighted the Rising Northeast Investors Summit held recently in New Delhi, where all eight northeastern states participated. 'MoUs worth Rs 30,000 crore were signed at the summit, out of which Tripura alone accounted for over Rs 15,600 crore. This clearly shows that investors are now willing to come to Tripura,' he stated. He asserted that the development of farmers is essential for the overall progress of the state and the country. 'In various districts across the state, farmers are being supported through the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology. Work is in progress in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Union Ministry of Agriculture to improve the AI-based crop advisory system under the Digital Agriculture Mission in Tripura. This initiative has already yielded notable benefits,' the Chief Minister said. He further noted that since the BJP government came to power in Tripura, paddy has been procured from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). 'Over Rs 446 crore has been disbursed so far, with paddy being purchased at Rs 23 per kilogram. Soil Health Cards have been distributed to more than 2.06 lakh farmers, and one Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) has been formed in each of the 58 blocks,' he informed. The program was attended by Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Sepahijala District Magistrate Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, and other senior officials. (ANI)
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's food production surges to record high of 354 million tonnes in 2024-25
India's foodgrain production is estimated to have reached 354 million tonnes in 2024-25, which is 6.6 per cent higher than last year's (2023-24) production of 332 million tonnes, according to the third advance estimates. The estimates are based on all major crops, including wheat, rice, maize, soyabean, pulses and groundnuts. The data shows that rice production reached 1490.74 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), which is 112 LMT than the previous year. Wheat production estimation is 1175.07 LMT, higher by 42.15 LMT compared to the previous year. Coarse grains, which include jawar, bajra and ragi, recorded a 52.04 LMT increase in production at 621.40 LMT. The data further shows that total pulse production is estimated at 252.38 LMT, higher by 9.92 LMT than the previous year. Moong production reached 38.19 LMT against last year's 35.61 LMT. The estimated production of oilseeds may reach 426.09 LMT, which is 29.40 LMT higher than last year. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the overall production of foodgrains is showing an increasing trend, but the increase in pulses and oilseeds output needs to be accelerated further. Soybean and groundnut production is estimated at 151.80 LMT and 118.96 LMT, which is 21.18 LMT and 17.16 LMT higher than the previous year. The production of rapeseed and mustard reached 126.06 LMT. Data shows a record production of rice, wheat, maize, soybean, rapeseed, mustard, and sugarcane. 'The third estimated production of major crops such as paddy, wheat, soybean, groundnuts, oilseeds, and pulses is going to be a record,' Chouhan said. Chouhan attributed the record production to the farmer-friendly policies of the government, which include an increase in the minimum support price of crops and the timely provision of subsidised fertilisers. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2025-26 to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for nigerseed (Rs 820 per quintal), followed by Ragi (Rs 596 per quintal), Cotton (Rs 589 per quintal) and Sesamum (Rs 579 per quintal).
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
48th summer festival kicks off in Yercaud with week-long flower show and cultural events
The 48th edition of the Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show was inaugurated on Friday by Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran in the presence of Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi. Speaking at the event, Mr. Panneerselvam said the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has been implementing several welfare schemes, including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which provides ₹1,000 per month to over 1.15 crore women. Other initiatives such as Vidiyal Payanam and the Breakfast Scheme were also highlighted. He noted that under the backyard garden initiative, 15 lakh households across Tamil Nadu had received vegetable seeds and benefitted through the horticulture department. The week-long flower show and summer festival at Anna Park features over 50,000 roses sculpted into forest-themed displays, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and other animals. A replica of the Mettur Dam's 16-shutter spillway, made with 73,000 roses, is a key attraction. Awareness-themed installations created from over 6,000 carnations and roses highlight topics such as waste management and biodiversity. Cartoon character displays and selfie points have been created to attract children and families. More than 30,000 flower pots have been arranged, and decorative lighting enhances the park's visual appeal. Several government departments have also set up stalls exhibiting horticultural produce and value-added products. Mr. Rajakannappan spoke about welfare schemes for forest-dwelling communities and noted that more than 20,000 students and residents had selected the Oriental Darter as Salem district's bird. Mr. Rajendran said the festival helps boost local tourism and showcases Yercaud's natural charm. He expressed confidence that this year's event would attract larger crowds and offer a memorable experience for visitors from across the State.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam govt hands over 55,000 pucca houses, launches women mason drive
Guwahati: In a move to strengthen government's commitment in providing pucca houses to houseless households in rural areas, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , presented 55 thousand pucca houses to the rural beneficiaries at a central Grihapravesh ceremony held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalkashetra. It may be noted that besides the Grihapravesh ceremony, the Union Minister along with the Chief Minister launched ' Lakhimi Mistri '- women mason initiative under PMAY-G where in women beneficiaries will be trained to master the art of masonry to construct PMAY-G houses. They also distributed safety kits to the women beneficiaries. The day also marked the inauguration of 21 knowledge centres across the state, and the launch of e-POS system for fertiliser purchases and distribution of Asomi seeds to the beneficiaries. Sarma said that for putting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of providing pucca houses to all in practice, State government has been taking all steps for the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) in the state. In a historic move last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 5,55,555 houses under PMAY (G) to the use of the people of Assam. In the month of July 2023, the State government distributed 3,08,640 houses on a single day to the eligible beneficiaries. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 기미 흑자, 무조건 비싸다고 좋은게 아닙니다. 두아이연구원 Undo Moreover, in the month of September last year, synchronizing with roll out of the PMAY-G 2.0, allotment letters were distributed to 1,71,593 new beneficiaries. In the month of January this year in presence of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the government gave 50 thousand houses to the eligible beneficiaries. Continuing the tempo, another 55 thousand beneficiaries have been endowed with the gifts of pucca houses today under PMAY-G in Assam, the Chief Minister said. Sarma moreover said that under PMAY-G scheme, since 2016, Assam received a target of building 26,11,793 houses. Out of these, till 15 May, allotment of 25,73,325 houses have been given. Out of the total allotted houses, construction of 20,13,478 houses have already been completed. The Chief Minister also said that efforts have been made to ensure that all eligible families become entitled to pucca houses and as per Awaas Plus Survey, all eligible families will be brought under PMAY-G scheme. Live Events He also said that the distribution of 55 thousand houses today would be considered historic as the launch of Lakhimi Mistri initiative constitutes an important part of PMAY-G houses. This initiative along with empowering the women folks will help them to become self-reliant. Moreover, this initiative will help in creating a skilled pool of work forces in the state. Sarma also thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving a target of 3,76,075 houses for Assam during financial year 2025-26 under PMAY-G from the final Awaas Plus 2018 survey list. He said that the approval would saturate the waiting list of the state and will help in realizing the vision of Prime Minister Modi that is ' Housing for All ' in the rural areas and will enable all the economic disadvantaged people to sleep under pucca house and live with dignity. Sarma also reaffirmed the government's commitment to continue driving the progress for a self-reliant and prosperous Assam. He said that visible progress in rural transformation and the uplift of farmers are direct results of the government's focused initiatives of rural development. He on the occasion also said that his government has set a 100 per cent paddy procurement target and is on course to achieve it by June this year. He also thanked the Prime Minister and Union Agriculture Minister for all their help, which enabled Assam to scale new heights in rural development.
