04-February-2024: Aroma Mission, Wheat Acreage Increases, Sathyanarayana Beleri, NBCC-Built IIM Sambalpur, Haryana Farmers Set to March to Delhi

4 February 2024

• Aroma Mission from J&K Poised to Lead 'Viksit Bharat,’ says Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

  With lavender plantations in Bhaderwah town, district Doda, taking center stage, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has made a huge breakthrough in agriculture and is now a model state for the rest of India. Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, highlighted this achievement during the Republic Day celebration, where a tableau depicting the lavender farms adorned Kartavya Path in the national capital. Dr Singh spoke about the commendable role played by the youth of J&K associated with the Aroma StartUps ecosystem. These young individuals have emerged as brand ambassadors of the Purple Revolution, making significant contributions to the agricultural landscape across the country.

• Wheat Acreage Increases, Sowing Area of Rabi Pulses Declines by 6 Lakh Hectares in 2023-24

  The acreage of rabi pulses has declined significantly in the 2023-24 season. However, the sowing area of wheat, a major rabi crop has marginally increased. Similarly, sowing areas of oilseeds and coarse cereals have also increased. Despite erratic rainfall, wheat acreage has increased by 2.37 lakh hectares to 341.57 lakh hectares in 2023-24 rabi season as of February 2, 2024, according to a release by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. However, a decline in the sowing area of pulses and various oilseeds is still a looming concern.

• PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates NBCC-Built IIM Sambalpur Eco-Friendly Campus

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, February 3, 2024, inaugurated an eco-friendly campus of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur built by National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited, NBCC, in the presence of Raghubar Das, Governor, Odisha, Naveen Pattanaik, Chief Minister, Odisha, Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Bishweswar Tudu, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs and other dignitaries.

• Haryana Farmers Set to March to Delhi on February 13 Against MSP Rules

  In a resolute stand for their rights, farmers from Punjab and Haryana are orchestrating a series of impactful tractor marches to highlight their pressing needs amid the recent changes in the law governing minimum support prices (MSP). On February 13, a significant number of farmers from these states will converge on the national capital to stage a compelling protest against the existing MSP regulations, pressing for the enactment of a comprehensive law guaranteeing MSP.

• Meet Sathyanarayana Beleri, Padma Shri Awardee, Revolutionizing Farming with 650 Unique Rice Varieties

  Sathyanarayana Beleri, a dedicated rice farmer hailing from Kasaragod, recently received the prestigious Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to the preservation of 650 traditional rice varieties. His remarkable efforts extend beyond borders, with the successful introduction of the 'Rajakayame' rice variety, fostering production and conservation across three states – Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.