India to become global food basket, says union agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
(Press Release) Bengaluru: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday announced that India is being actively positioned to become the world’s food basket. Speaking at the ICAR-IIHR campus in Bengaluru during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the Minister underscored the Centre’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape of the country.
Chouhan emphasized that India’s food production potential extends beyond feeding its 145 crore citizens. A collaborative roadmap will be drawn up with support from State Governments, Agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), farmers, and scientists to realize this ambitious vision. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and the campaign is aptly themed “Viksit Agricultural India.”
A major component of the Abhiyan is the “Lab to Land” initiative, under which over 16,000 scientists are working closely with farmers nationwide to transfer scientific knowledge and technological solutions. In just ten days, 1,896 teams have reached out to nearly nine lakh farmers across 8,188 villages, strengthening the link between research and grassroots agriculture.
In Karnataka alone, more than 70 interdisciplinary teams, comprising scientists and officials from agriculture and allied sectors, have been actively engaging with farmers on their fields. So far, 639 such teams have visited 2,495 villages, interacting with 2,77,264 farmers and collecting critical feedback to shape demand-driven, problem-solving agricultural research programs.
Highlighting the campaign’s vision of “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,” the Minister assured farmers of the government’s full support in securing fair prices. He announced that the Centre would bear transportation costs under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), easing market access and reducing farmers’ burden.
Chouhan also issued a strict warning against the sale of adulterated pesticides, promising severe action against offenders to safeguard the interests of farmers and the integrity of agricultural practices.
At the event, the Minister felicitated seven exemplary farmers from Karnataka, Ratnamma, Gopal Gowda, Padmini Gowda, H.K. Raghu, Mangalamma, Mahesh H.N., and Sreenivas, or their outstanding contributions to agriculture and rural development.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
