22-November-2023: MFOI 2023, ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, Ernakulam KVK to Train ATAL Tinkering Lab Students, Yara India & HarvestPlus Solutions

22 November 2023

• Nitin Gadkari Named Chief Guest for MFOI 2023, Sponsored by Mahindra Tractors

  The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is primed to inaugurate Krishi Jagran’s Millionaire Farmer of India, sponsored by Mahindra Tractors, which will be accompanied by the grand flag-off of the ‘MFOI Bharat Yatra 2023–24’. The event is slated to recognise and celebrate the exemplary contributions of millionaire farmers across the nation and marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging the vital role played by the agricultural community. Nitin Gadkari's involvement in this initiative as a chief guest emphasises his integral role in supporting and enhancing agricultural practices.

• Business Idea: Invest Rs 1.70 Lakh and Earn Up to Rs 15.31 Lakh Annually with This Venture

  Embarking on a journey to establish a business that promises substantial returns with minimal initial investment is an exciting prospect. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission presents an intriguing opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs - the Dalia Manufacturing Unit. This venture not only aligns with the rising demand for nutritious food but also comes with the added advantage of government support through startup funding.  'Dalia' or broken wheat, a popular and nutrition-packed cracked wheat, has become a staple in Indian households. Its high fiber content and essential minerals and vitamins make it a sought-after choice for health-conscious consumers. Capitalizing on this demand, starting a Dalia Manufacturing Unit emerges as a lucrative business idea. 

• ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 Kick-starts at Kota Kasablanka Mall in South Jakarta, Indonesia

  In a joint effort between the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 is set to captivate audiences in Indonesia from November 22 to 26. The festival kicked-off with an inaugural session at the Kota Kasablanka Mall, a prominent shopping destination in South Jakarta, featuring a Millet-centric exhibition with active participation from Millet-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-ups, and Indian chefs. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the International Year of Millets (IYM) celebrations, aiming to raise awareness and create a market for millets and millet-based products among ASEAN Member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• Ernakulam KVK to Train ATAL Tinkering Lab Students for Agri-entrepreneurship

  Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been assigned by Niti Ayog to guide ATAL Tinkering Lab students towards nurturing innovation and fostering a culture of Agri-entrepreneurship among school students. ATAL Tinkering Labs are established by Atal Innovation Mission under Niti Ayog in selected schools across the country with a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators”. The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds. The KVK- ATAL Tinkering Lab collaboration is instituted by Niti Ayog in 11 selected districts of the country on a pilot scale, Ernakulam is the one selected from Bengaluru Zone.

• Yara India and HarvestPlus Solutions Sign MoU to Revolutionize Food Systems by Enhancing Crop Nutrition

  HPS’s objective is to seamlessly incorporate nutrient-rich seeds and foods into global agricultural systems, empowering vulnerable communities to boost their intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Together they are committed to the successful implementation of the project “Establishing Nutri-Farms with Smallholder Farmers in India.”  To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot program is underway, integrating 500 farmers in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh into the Zinc Wheat value chain. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the approach, with the ultimate aim of expanding its reach to benefit a larger number of farmers and communities in the future.