Latest news with #Bhandara
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget boosts agri loans, but growth uncertainty remains
LAHORE: While the budget 2025 continues to present agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan's economy - contributing 24% to the national GDP - experts and stakeholders expressed concerns that real growth and resilience in the sector remain uncertain. The government has introduced several policy initiatives aimed at improving agriculture and strengthening climate resilience. These include an increase in agricultural loans from Rs 1,785 billion to Rs 2,066 billion, digital refinancing of up to Rs 100,000 for small farmers without collateral, and the establishment of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority to support climate-compatible seed systems. In addition, the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy and National Seed Policy 2025 are in the final approval stages, aiming to improve innovation, seed quality regulation, and private sector involvement in research and development, according to Aamer Hayat Bhandara, a progressive farmer and co-founder of Agriculture Republic. A National Agriculture Committee is also being formed to improve coordination between federal and provincial governments - acknowledging that agricultural execution primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction. However, the Economic Survey of Pakistan reported just a 0.56% growth rate in the agriculture sector which is considered 'disheartening' for a country where millions depend on farming. 'Despite agriculture being frequently mentioned in policy debates, the lack of a long-term, consistent strategy continues to hold back meaningful progress. Relying solely on policy announcements is risky - especially when climate change, water inefficiency, and weak farmer support remain unresolved,' said Bhandara. He emphasized that real change will come only when policies are implemented effectively and reach the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP), a small farmer advocacy group, criticized the budget for ignoring the agricultural community. They argued that inadequate subsidies for crop procurement and indirect taxes on farming inputs would further strain farmers. KBP President Sardar Zafar Hussain Khan, General Secretary Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, and Secretary Information Haji Muhammad Ramzan, in a press conference, pledged to continue advocating for farmers' rights. They warned that unless agriculture is placed at the top of the national agenda, economic progress will remain limited. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Khokhar and Aamer Hayat Bhandara also pointed out inconsistencies in tax policies. They called for the removal of the 18% GST on local cotton, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage for imported, tax-free cotton. Removing the tax would support local growers and help revive domestic cotton cultivation. Experts noted that climate change featured prominently in both the Economic Survey and the federal budget speech. The government has secured $1.4 billion through the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, seed systems, and risk management. Encouragingly, no new taxes have been imposed on fertilizers and pesticides, protecting farmers from additional costs amid ongoing IMF reforms. However, the imposition of GST on solar energy technologies has drawn widespread criticism for threatening clean energy access in agriculture. For many smallholders, solar-powered tube wells, cold storage units, and off-grid irrigation systems remain the only viable options amid high electricity costs and climate challenges. Making these technologies more expensive, experts warned, could hinder the country's goals for climate adaptation in rural areas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Devotees throng Lord Hanuman temples in Sangam city on last Bada Mangal
Prayagraj: On the occasion of fifth and last Bada Mandal, thousands of devotees on Tuesday offered special prayers to Lord Hanuman at city-based Lord Hanuman temples, including the Sangam-situated Lete Hanuman Temple and Rajapur Hanuman Temple, seeking deity's blessings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Locals also took a holy dip in the Sangam and organised Bhandara on this pious day. Devotees started flocking to city-based Lord Hanuman temples, particularly the Sangam-located Lord Hanuman Temple, also known as Lete Hanuman Temple, Rajapur Hanuman Temple, and Civil Lines Hanuman Temple, early on Tuesday, and the flow of devotees continued until late evening. The idol of Lord Hanuman was decorated with flowers on the occasion. Noted religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour told TOI that Bada Mangal, or Budhwa Mangal, are the five most powerful Tuesdays that fall in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. He added, "June 10 was the fifth and last Bada Mangal (Tuesday). All these five Tuesdays are extremely auspicious, strong, positive, and have energy that devotees of Lord Hanuman can harness." On the last Bada Mangal, the strength of devotees increased at temples, and they were spotted chanting Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand path. Some of them organised Bhandara (community feast) and engaged in donation and charity. Priests also claimed that Bada Mandal day was considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Hanuman, who is believed to bring peace, joy, and prosperity. On the occasion of Purnima on Tuesday itself, scores of devotees first took a holy dip in the Sangam and performed puja at Lord Hanuman temples. Meanwhile, cops maintained strict surveillance at all prominent city temples and regulated the flow of the crowd.
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Three road mishaps snuff out nine lives in Himachal
Nine people lost their lives in different road mishaps in Himachal in the last 24 hours, said police. In the first incident, five people were killed and one was seriously injured after the pickup vehicle they were travelling in rammed into the railing of a bridge and overturned near Mandi's Kamand, near IIT Mandi, on Sunday morning, police said. The accident occurred around 9 am. The vehicle was on its way to IIT Kamand to transport tent material from Punjab's Ludhiana. There were six passengers, including the driver, in the vehicle during the time of crash. The victims have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh of Ludhiana; Umesh Kumar of Amritsar; Sagar, also from Amritsar; and two unidentified individuals. Meanwhile, the injured Daljit (driver), of Malia village in Tarn Taran district is currently undergoing treatment at Mandi Zonal Hospital. The vehicle rolled down and fell on the banks of the Uhl river. Emergency services and police officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the mishap. A case has also been registered by Mandi police into the incident. Mandi superintendent of police Sakshi Verma said that an investigation into the incident is underway. Meanwhile, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and said that this is a heart-wrenching incident and the state government stands firmly with the affected families in this hour of grief. He directed the district administrations to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure best medical care to the injured. Sukhu prayed for the peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members. He wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla also expressed condolences. Two killed in Solan road accident Two persons lost their lives in a road accident after their motorcycle collided with a bus in the Kandaghat area of Solan district on Sunday afternoon, police said. The deceased have been identified as Suraj Naagre, 25, of Kangra district, and Neeraj, 27, from Hamirpur district. The accident took place around 12.45 pm. As per police, the motorcycle was coming from the wrong side and crashed into the lower bumper on the driver's side of the bus. Both riders died on the spot due to the impact. Solan police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Two boys killed as motorcycle rams into tree in Sirmaur In another incident, two boys were killed on Sunday when the motorcycle they were riding on rammed into a tree in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district, police said. According to the reports the deceased have been identified as Gurjeet, 15, son of Harpal, and Dev, 13, son of Bantu Sharma, both residents of Kyarda village. They were classmates, studying in Class 9. Harpal was driving the motorcycle with the boys riding pillion, to a nearby place where they intended to participate in a Bhandara of 'Kheda Maharaj', said police. He lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into a tree on the roadside, they added. A resident, Chaman, told PTI, that after the accident, villagers from nearby areas rushed to their rescue but the boys died on the spot. Paonta deputy superintendent of police Manvendra Thakur said that bodies have been sent for a postmortem. A case has been registered under relevant sections and further investigations are underway. With PTI inputs
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Time of India
Secret smuggling route dismantled, Bhandara cops & revenue team bust sand mafia in late night raid
1 2 Nagpur: In a high-stakes operation, Bhandara Police and district's revenue team joined forces to dismantle a covert sand smuggling operation in Gopewadi-Nyaharvani stretch of Mohadi taluka — a lesser-known route exploited by the mafia to evade detection. The dramatic late-night raid, conducted on Friday, led to seizure of eight trucks carrying illegally mined sand of Rs 4 crore, destined for Nagpur's booming construction market. The sand was reportedly excavated from Betala sand depot, a known hotspot for illegal mining activities. The meticulously planned operation, spearheaded by Bhandara collector Sanjay Kolte and superintendent of police (SP) Noorul Hasan, involved a 50-member team that laid a trap along the clandestine route. The three-hour crackdown disrupted the critical supply line fuelling the illicit sand trade, which thrives on the region's construction boom. While eight trucks were intercepted, two others managed to flee after offloading consignments in a nearby nullah, though police pursued them in a high-speed chase. An offence was registered at Jawahar Nagar police station. Illegal sand mining is rampant not only in Mohadi but also in Tumsar taluka, driven by soaring demand in Nagpur and surrounding areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Matina Crossing : SUV Clearance Sale, Click Here To See Prices SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now Undo Sources reveal that stolen sand, sold at Rs 60-65 per cubic foot, is significantly cheaper than legal sand, which costs Rs 70-75 per cubic foot due to added royalty rates. This price disparity fuels the mafia's operations, as builders seek cost-effective alternatives to support the region's real-estate surge. Under SP Hasan's leadership, Bhandara Police intensified their crackdown on the sand mafia since September 2024, registering 438 cases, apprehending 845 accused, and seizing 548 vehicles. In the last 18 months, seizures surpassed Rs 1 crore in value, with the latest Gopewadi raid pushing this figure even higher. "We've formed special teams under every sub-divisional police officer with target-oriented goals," said SP Hasan. "Our teams are out every night, setting up traps to nab mafia vehicles, and we ensure they aren't released easily." Collector Kolte and SP Hasan personally oversaw the operation, reflecting the administration's resolve to curb illegal trade. The sand mafia, facing increased scrutiny on highways and main roads, has resorted to obscure routes like Gopewadi-Nyaharvani to smuggle sand into Nagpur. "We've now started striking them on these clandestine routes," Hasan added, emphasizing the police's proactive approach. This raid marks a significant blow to the illicit network, which not only causes substantial revenue losses but also inflicts severe environmental damage through unchecked sand excavation. The operation underscores the authorities' determination to protect natural resources and disrupt the mafia's grip on the region's construction supply chain. As Nagpur's real estate sector continues to grow, such crackdowns are critical to ensuring legal compliance and sustainable development. With relentless pressure from Bhandara's authorities, the sand mafia's operations are under siege, but the fight is far from over, said SP Hasan. Nagpur: In a high-stakes operation, Bhandara Police and district's revenue team joined forces to dismantle a covert sand smuggling operation in Gopewadi-Nyaharvani stretch of Mohadi taluka — a lesser-known route exploited by the mafia to evade detection. The dramatic late-night raid, conducted on Friday, led to seizure of eight trucks carrying illegally mined sand of Rs 4 crore, destined for Nagpur's booming construction market. The sand was reportedly excavated from Betala sand depot, a known hotspot for illegal mining activities. The meticulously planned operation, spearheaded by Bhandara collector Sanjay Kolte and superintendent of police (SP) Noorul Hasan, involved a 50-member team that laid a trap along the clandestine route. The three-hour crackdown disrupted the critical supply line fuelling the illicit sand trade, which thrives on the region's construction boom. While eight trucks were intercepted, two others managed to flee after offloading consignments in a nearby nullah, though police pursued them in a high-speed chase. An offence was registered at Jawahar Nagar police station. Illegal sand mining is rampant not only in Mohadi but also in Tumsar taluka, driven by soaring demand in Nagpur and surrounding areas. Sources reveal that stolen sand, sold at Rs 60-65 per cubic foot, is significantly cheaper than legal sand, which costs Rs 70-75 per cubic foot due to added royalty rates. This price disparity fuels the mafia's operations, as builders seek cost-effective alternatives to support the region's real-estate surge. Under SP Hasan's leadership, Bhandara Police intensified their crackdown on the sand mafia since September 2024, registering 438 cases, apprehending 845 accused, and seizing 548 vehicles. In the last 18 months, seizures surpassed Rs 1 crore in value, with the latest Gopewadi raid pushing this figure even higher. "We've formed special teams under every sub-divisional police officer with target-oriented goals," said SP Hasan. "Our teams are out every night, setting up traps to nab mafia vehicles, and we ensure they aren't released easily." Collector Kolte and SP Hasan personally oversaw the operation, reflecting the administration's resolve to curb illegal trade. The sand mafia, facing increased scrutiny on highways and main roads, has resorted to obscure routes like Gopewadi-Nyaharvani to smuggle sand into Nagpur. "We've now started striking them on these clandestine routes," Hasan added, emphasizing the police's proactive approach. This raid marks a significant blow to the illicit network, which not only causes substantial revenue losses but also inflicts severe environmental damage through unchecked sand excavation. The operation underscores the authorities' determination to protect natural resources and disrupt the mafia's grip on the region's construction supply chain. As Nagpur's real estate sector continues to grow, such crackdowns are critical to ensuring legal compliance and sustainable development. With relentless pressure from Bhandara's authorities, the sand mafia's operations are under siege, but the fight is far from over, said SP Hasan.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Dhami and Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan review agriculture, rural schemes in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a key meeting on Monday to review the implementation of various Central government schemes under the Agriculture and Rural Development Departments in the state. Chief Minister Dhami welcomed the Union Minister to the state and expressed his gratitude for the Centre's continued support towards strengthening the agriculture and rural sectors in Uttarakhand. Sharing the details of the mneeting Chouhan in a post on X said, "The double engine government under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji is determined for the prosperity of the farmers, well-being and overall development of the villages. It is a pleasure that all the public welfare schemes of the Center are being implemented in a better way in Uttarakhand." "Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development of Uttarakhand, Mr. @ganeshjoshibjp ji and other senior officials were present in the meeting," added the post. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Apart from this Chouhan also planted a sapling State Guest House premises in Dehradun. In a another post on X Chouhan said, "As part of the pledge to plant a sapling every day, a sapling was planted today in the Bijapur State Guest House premises in Dehradun. In this campaign of service to Mother Nature, we got the support of Shri @ganeshjoshibjp Ji, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Soldier Welfare and Rural Development in the Government of Uttarakhand." Earlier on Sunday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Bhu-Vaikunth Shri Badrinath Dham despite bad weather, where he welcomed the devotees from the country and abroad by performing puja-archana and got information about the facilities available on the travel route, according to an official press statement. The chief minister, while interacting with the devotees, took direct feedback on the travel arrangements and instructed the officials that the devotees should not face any inconvenience at any level. He said that under the master plan, the development work going on for the pilgrims and local people in Badrinath Dham will be completed at a fast pace. The chief minister also participated in the Bhandara organised at Badrinath Dham, distributed prasad to the devotees and also took the prasad himself.
