States should take advantage of Agri Infra Fund: Tomar

by Argus News

New Delhi, Sep 8: Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday said that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is set up to drive infra investments and will facilitate and drive speedy sanctions through a user-friendly online portal.

In his address on the 2nd day of the Chief Ministers' conference on initiatives and schemes of his Ministry, he urged the states to take advantage of the fund so that the benefits can percolate to the small and marginal farmers, who lack warehousing and cold storage facilities at the farm gate, a Ministry release said.

About the digital agriculture mission, Tomar stated that farmers' database "is our wealth" and will usher in focused programme delivery, reduce seepages, ensure better policy formulation and smart farming in the country. The database with 5.5 crore farmers is ready and work is progressing for verifying others with land records, he said.

Tomar said that the Union Cabinet recently approved National Edible Oil Mission (NMEO-OP) for palm oil with focus on the Northeast regions and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. "Through this, the production of edible oils will be accelerated in the country thereby reducing the import of edible oils. This mission will immensely benefit the palm oil farmers, increase capital investment, generate employment, reduce dependence on imports and increase the income of farmers," he said.

Union Commerce and Industry, and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal, in his address, said that the Central government is working in close alignment with the state governments to transform the future of farmers. He said that food security is synonymous with farmers' security and reforms for farmers have put India on the path of AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

On agriculture exports, Goyal said that exports have an important role to play in doubling farmers' income and India should aim to become the top five agri exporting nations.

About 'One District, One Product', he said that 106 products have been identified from 103 districts and these districts should be promoted as export hubs to ensure that local goes global. He informed that red rice is now being exported to the US and jackfruit from Tripura is being sent to the UK. "Free Trade Agreements are being worked out for better markets," he said, as per the release.

A presentation on theme of the conference was made by Additional Secretary Vivek Agarwal, who outlined the vision 'AtmaNirbhar Agriculture' that will "transform farmers into entrepreneurs with higher income and better quality of life; make India the food basket of the world, and make agriculture the go to investment opportunity".

Union Ministers of state for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje and Kailash Choudhary were present at meeting. Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers appreciated the efforts made by the Central Government for the progress of the agriculture sector and gave their suggestions regarding various schemes and some regional problems, the release said.
(IANS)

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IOA And NADA To Educate Core Group Athletes On Anti-Doping Rules Before Paris Olympics

by Hemanta Pande

New Delhi, Nov 30: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will conduct in coming months a special seminar in coordination with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for its core group of athletes to educate them on the anti-doping rules to avoid any violation ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.

“We want to educate the athletes bound for the Olympic Games on the anti-doping rule violations to ensure proper compliance during the games,” IOA President Dr. P.T Usha said. “The IOA has put in place strict anti-doping measures to uphold the integrity of the sports”, the 52-year-old was quoted as saying in a release on Thursday.

On being asked how the IOA supports the athletes to prepare for the games, she said, “It is important to have good training facilities during the games and a smooth transport system from in the pre-competition time as well as during the main games. “IOA will also ensure athletes have adequate sports science backup to avoid injuries and stay healthy,” she added.

The IOA president was hopeful that all National Sports Federations (NSFs) have a proper road map in place for the Olympic Games. “Proper planning is important to ensure all aspects of the preparation are taken care of during the buildup months to the Olympic Games.

“All the NSFs must have prepared a detailed programme for the international exposure cum competition plan for next year,” she added.

Earlier in October this year during the International Olympic (IOC) session in Mumbai, Usha had also discussed the possibility of India hosting the Olympics in the future with IOC chief Thomas Bach. “It was a good and healthy discussion on various issues related to India’s bid to host the Youth Olympic in 2030 and 2036 Olympic Games as announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,” she said.

Usha termed it as a positive step that several private companies and state governments are investing in sports, which will boost sports development in the country. “More investment in sports will ensure good infrastructure and facilities across India. It will lead to a rise in the number of sports enthusiasts and inculcate sports culture in the country,” she added.

Read: Sports News

She also pointed out that the Khelo India project of the Sports Ministry has proved to be a good platform for budding athletes to showcase their talent. “The financial assistance under the Khelo India scheme is a big support to promising athletes,” Usha added. (IANS)

Shreya Ghoshal applauds 'Indian Idol 14' contestant's performance of 'Aye Mere Humsafar'

by Swati Sucharita

Mumbai, Nov 30: Singer and judge of 'Indian Idol 14', Shreya Ghoshal lauded the performance of Utkarsh Wankende and said that Nagpur is known for oranges, "but now, your name is attached to it as well."

This Saturday, the evergreen music-composer duo, Anand-Milind, will grace the stage of the singing reality show. Celebrating ‘Hits of Anand-Milind,’ the contestants will belt out their iconic chartbusters to impress judge Shreya Ghoshal and Shekhar Ravjiani, a guest judge for this weekend.

"Maharashtra ki Shaan" Utkarsh from Nagpur will captivate the judges and guests with his exceptional rendition of the song ‘Aye Mere Humsafar’ from the classic ‘Qayamat se Qayamat’, and ‘O Rabba Koi To Bataye’ from the movie ‘Sangeet.’

Shreya said: "Utkarsh, I recently returned from Nagpur and, let me tell you, the only voice I heard there was ‘Utkarsh!’. Everyone in your hometown is so proud of you. I feel so happy that you are gathering love from all over the country, especially your hometown. Nagpur is known for oranges, but now, your name is attached to it as well."

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Complimenting Utkarsh, Shekhar added: "You have a very beautiful and sweet voice. It is certainly a recording voice."

‘Indian Idol Season 14’ airs on Sony.

(IANS)

Pradhan Inaugurates Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lays Foundation Stone For 6 Projects At NIT Rourkela

by Hemanta Pande

Rourkela, Nov 30: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) and laid the foundation stones for six projects at National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) in Odisha on Thursday.

Together with Shri @jualoram laid the foundation stone for six projects and inaugurated a Kendriya Vidyalaya at @nitrourkela today to further strengthen the teaching, learning, innovation and skilling environment at the institution.

These projects, including hostels for boys… pic.twitter.com/bk7OX2ggWL — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 30, 2023

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “NIT Rourkela is making its own way through industrial collaboration bringing infrastructural development to the institute. These projects, including hostels for boys and girls, faculty residences, will boost capacities and make campus life more vibrant in line with the New Education Policy (NEP). More than 2500 students will benefit from the projects unveiled today."

According to official sources, NIT Rourkela allocated a 15-acre plot for both the boys' and girls' hostels. Presently, the institute plans to use half of the area for a boys' hostel with a capacity of 1000 and three fourth of the area for three girls' hostels, each with an accommodation capacity of 500 students.

Promoting sustainable practices on campus, the institute is constructing a 1.5 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant and faculty residences, officials said.

Among the three girls’ hostels, one is funded by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) with Rs. 42.69 Cr. under their CSR activity. The other girl’s hostel is funded by the Ministry of Education under the EWS scheme fund. The rest of the project, costing 165.81 Cr. will be completed with the support of HEFA (Higher Education Financing Agency). The infrastructural development of Kendriya Vidyalaya-NIT Rourkela will be supported by Coal India, they added.

Also Read: Let's Resolve Not To Do Jobs But to Provide Employment By 2036: Dharmendra Pradhan

Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, Biramitrapur MLA Shankar Oram, Talsara MLA Bhabani Shankar Bhoi and Director of NIT Rourkela Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao were, among others, present on the occasion.

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States should take advantage of Agri Infra Fund: Tomar

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