09-February-2024: Bharat Ratna for Dr MS Swaminathan, Dr Suresh Kumar Malhotra, Basmati Paddy Wholesale Prices Plummets, Celebrating World Pulses Day 2024

9 February 2024

• Dr Suresh Kumar Malhotra Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Mahrana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal

  Dr Suresh Kumar Malhotra, currently serving as the Director of ICAR-DKMA, GOI, has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. His appointment, effective for a three-year term, marks a milestone in his illustrious career spanning over 34 years in the field of agriculture research and administration.

• PM Modi Announces Bharat Ratna for Dr MS Swaminathan: A Tribute to Agricultural Visionary

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took to social media platform X, announcing that Dr. MS Swaminathan, a stalwart in the realm of agriculture and renowned for his pivotal role in the Green Revolution, will be bestowed with the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. This prestigious honour comes as a recognition of Dr. Swaminathan's unparalleled contributions to Indian agriculture and farmers' welfare. Through his visionary leadership, he has not only revolutionized Indian agriculture but also fortified the nation's food security and prosperity.

• Basmati Paddy Wholesale Prices Plummets by Over 50% Month-on-Month in February

  Prices of different varieties of Basmati paddy have dropped month-on-month in February. However, in states such as Rajasthan, prices of the Basmati Paddy have increased. The average wholesale prices of basmati paddy on Friday, February 9 slumped by more than 50% in February, according to the Agmarknet portal, run by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Basmati Paddy dropped to Rs 1,957.14 per quintal in February from Rs 3,722.47 in January, this year.

• Woman Farmer from Hisar Shares Innovative Technique of Uses Drones to Spray Fertilizers During MFOI, VVIF Kisan Bharat Yatra

  Krishi Jagran's 'MFOI, VVIF Kisan Bharat Yatra' started from KVK Ujwa, Delhi, has made its way to Hisar in Haryana, to honour farmers. As many as four exemplary farmers, Surender Sheokand, Rajesh, Dharmbir, and Gulab Singh, from Saffa Kheri Village in Jind, Hisar, were appreciated with certificates. Ram Meher, another progressive farmer from Badhana Village, was also lauded for his outstanding contributions, underscoring the profound impact of individual efforts in driving agricultural prosperity. “As a farmer, I have never received such appreciation for my work. I thank Krishi Jagran for traveling from Delhi, to honour us here,” he said.

• Celebrating World Pulses Day 2024: Nourishing Soils and People through the Power of Pulses

  Every year on February 10th, the world comes together to celebrate World Pulses Day, recognising pulses' crucial role in ensuring food security, promoting nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices. This annual occasion sheds light on the significance of pulses, such as lentils and beans, in enhancing global food systems and building healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.