'India earned Rs 18,000 cr every year through Basmati exports'
New Delhi, July 16 : India has earned over Rs 18,000 in foreign exchange every year from export of Pusa basmati 1121 rice variety, developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Monday.
"The Pusa basmati 1121 variety of Basmati rice developed by ICAR has helped India earn more than Rs 18,000 crore in foreign exchange every year. During 2010-14, India earned Rs 62,800 crore in foreign exchange from exports, which rose to Rs 71,900 crore in 2014-18," Singh said at the 90th Foundation Day ceremony of the ICAR here, as per a release.
He also said the country was also moving forward in pulses production and with around 23 million tonnes of pulses production this year, it had reached close to self-sufficiency.
"Due to this, the import of pulses has gone down from 10 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 to 5.65 lakh tonnes in 2017-18, saving the country Rs 9,775 crore in foreign exchange," he said.
He also said foodgrain production has touched 275.68 million tonnes in 2017-18, which is 10.64 million tonnes more than 265.04 million tonnes recorded in 2013-14.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
