Latest news with #SAATHI
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
State sets target of 204 lakh metric tonnes under kharif cultivation: CM Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that with good monsoon predicted this year, the state government has set a record target of 204 lakh metric tonnes under kharif crop production, higher than 187 lakh metric tonnes that was unde kharif cultivation last year. Fadnavis was addressing reporters after the annual kharif review meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday. The objective of the meeting was to assess the preparedness for the kharif season, which begins with the onset of monsoon that arrives in Maharashtra in early June. 'The IMD has predicted more than average rainfall this year, which means we are going to have a good monsoon. We have set a target of 204 lakh metric tonnes of kharif crop production compared to 187 lakh metric tonnes last year, ' said the CM adding that provisions have also been made for adequate seeds and fertiliser stock. Fadnavis expressed concern over growing complaints from farmers who are forced to buy additional fertilizers other than what they need for their crops. Cautioning farmers against sub-standard seeds and excess fertilisers, the CM said linking one product to another and selling packaged fertiliser products for profit will not be tolerated and that strong action will be initiated against any company/agency which tries to sell more fertilisers than what is required by the farmers. It is to be noted that during the kharif season, the biggest challenge before farmers is to procure quality seeds. There are cases of bogus seeds, due to which farmers incur huge financial losses. Secondly, companies often sell two to three different fertilisers as a package. This compounding of products often leads to additional expenditure for farmers. Taking serious note of these malpractices, Fadnavis said, 'We appeal farmers to source seeds through the central government approved SAATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) portal. Though this year, we may not succeed in addressing all the problems, next year we will completely eliminate the frauds related to both seeds and fertilisers.' 'Currently, 70,000 quintal seeds are traceable. Bogus seeds can be identified. Suppliers will be booked under the Essential Commodities Act if they coerce farmers to buy additional fertilizers, which are not needed,' said Fadnavis. The kharif season is extremely important as it not only relates to farmers income and livelihood and food production but also drives rural economy. Every issue related to farmers and the agriculture sector should be taken up on a priority basis, he insisted. 'The state government estimates Rs 5,000 crore investment in agriculture sector. All necessary measures to make agriculture sustainable and farmers self reliant are underway. The reforms in agriculture sector–to complete with climatic changes–have to be tackled with greater zeal,' he said. Referring to the use of technology for sustainable farming, Fadnavis said the agriculture department will hold digital workshops at the taluka level to apprise farmers about the latest technological developments in the sector.' The agriculture department has started an AI-powered app called 'Mahavistar' to share updates with farmers,' he said. Emphasiging on the need for timely disbursement of crop loans, Fadnavis said any delay in the process is detrimental for farmers who are then forced to look at alternatives, which is not rewarding. 'District collectors have been directed to hold meetings with banks in their respective areas and ensure farmers are not inconvenienced when it comes to loans. The banks should not ask CIBIL scores for loans,' said Fadnavis. At a state-level bankers' meeting on Tuesday, Fadnavis warned of stern action if CIBIL score was made mandatory for processing farmers crop loans. 'We have repeatedly warned banks against making CIBIL mandatory for crop loans to farmers. If anybody violates this norm, we will take strong action,' said Fadnavis. The district authorities should closely monitor to ensure government directives are adhered to by banks. And complaints from farmers should be addressed, he said.
Hans India
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Ashok Leyland Expands Footprint in Telangana, Opens New LCV Dealership in Nizamabad
Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the country's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today inaugurated a new Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealership in Nizamabad. This marks the fourth LCV dealership in the state of Telangana. Khushi Trucks, the latest addition to the dealer network, operates a strategically located 3S (Sales, Service, and Spares) facility on Hyderabad Road, directly opposite Maruti Arena in Nizamabad. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to deliver an enhanced customer experience, is equipped with advanced tools, seven dedicated quick-service bays, and modern infrastructure. The dealership shall offer Ashok Leyland's full range of LCV products – BADA DOST, DOST, SAATHI, PARTNER, and MiTR. Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland said, 'Telangana has been a key market for us and we are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. Our brand ethos revolves around best-in-class mileage, superior performance, and higher payloads. We take great pride in our exceptional service retention, with nearly 70% of our customers continuing to visit our workshops even beyond the warranty period. This new dealership is another milestone in our mission to provide exceptional customer experience.' Ashok Leyland's LCV products are engineered to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers by offering advanced technology at competitive prices. With over 550,000 LCVs operating across India today, Ashok Leyland has built a strong presence in the segment. Expanding its portfolio, the company recently entered the sub-2-ton segment with the launch of the Ashok Leyland SAATHI – a premium, entry-level small commercial vehicle. Powered by next-generation 45 HP engine delivering 110 Nm of torque, SAATHI offers the largest loading area and highest payload (1,120 kg) in its class. It's designed to set new benchmarks in efficiency, performance, and reliability in the entry-level SCV segment. BADA DOST, built on a new, robust LCV platform, comes in four variants: i2, i3+, i4, and i5. It features an 80 HP BS6 engine, delivering class-leading power, fuel efficiency, payload, load body length, and loading space—helping customers earn more per trip. Its low turning radius and best-in-class ground clearance makes it ideal for both intercity and intracity applications across various terrains. The DOST range includes DOST XL and DOST+ XL, catering to diverse applications and customer segments. The PARTNER, a modern and fuel-efficient load carrier, serves the 4-ton payload category and is available in 4-tyre and 6-tyre variants, with body lengths of 10 ft, 11 ft, 14 ft, and 17 ft. It is built on an internationally acclaimed platform and powered by the renowned ZD30 CRDI engine. The MiTR bus, based on the PARTNER platform, is offered in both standard and school bus configurations. Known for excellent mileage in stop-and-go traffic, the MiTR School Bus complies with all safety regulations and provides unmatched ride comfort. Ex-showroom Pricing (starting from): BADA DOST: ₹10,25,500 (i4) DOST XL and DOST+ XL: ₹8,35,000 SAATHI: ₹6,59,999 PARTNER: ₹17,80,000 MiTR Bus: ₹26,50,000 Ashok Leyland operates one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the commercial vehicle space. With over 1,700 exclusive outlets, the company ensures a service centre is available every 75 km on major highways, reaffirming its commitment to customer service and support.
