Latest news with #AtmanirbharBharatAbhiyan
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Maha to craft its cooperation policy focusing on digitisation, increasing output
Mumbai: In the wake of a new cooperative policy announced by the Centre on Thursday, the Maharashtra government will soon formulate its own policy to consolidate state's leading position in the cooperative sector by carrying out series of reforms. A senior cooperation department officer on Friday said: 'In line with the Centre's new cooperation policy, the state policy will give emphasis on digitisation and computerisation of various cooperative bodies including the primary agricultural cooperative societies in a bid to provide seamless services. Enough attention will be paid on the use of Artificial Intelligence to further improve their functioning and streamline services. Further, the policy will focus on increasing the annual agricultural credit especially by cooperative banks from the present level of Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore by 2029. The policy will also pursue increasing the milk production to 1 crore litre per day from the present level of 60 lakh litre per day by 2029.' The officer stated that Maharashtra is one of the leading producers and contributors to the national sugar production with the presence of over 200 cooperative and private sugar factories. The government will encourage use of AI in particular to increase the per acre production and productivity of sugarcane minimising the use of water. In addition, there are about 455 urban cooperative banks in the state and the government proposes to bring in more professionalism in their functioning so that they become financially sound with less chances of entering into financial distress. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced that the government will amend the Cooperative Societies Act to align it with contemporary requirements. Additionally, the government will come out with a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the cooperative institutions including district central cooperative banks and urban cooperative banks. He hoped that these initiatives will empower cooperative banks. According to the cooperation department's data, there are more than 2.2 lakh cooperative societies, 21,014 non agricultural cooperative societies, 455 urban cooperative banks, 31 district central cooperative banks, over 200 cooperative and private sugar mills in the state. Short term agricultural credit, mainly for seasonal agricultural operations, is provided by primary agricultural cooperative societies. There are about 12,000 plus primary agricultural cooperative societies in the state which included 30 farmed service societies and 885 adivasi cooperative societies with about 67,000 and 7.4 lakh members respectively. The government is currently engaged in the computerisation of these primary agricultural cooperative societies to make them self-reliant under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Modi hails 'women-led development'
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the transformative role of women across India who are leading change through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), preserving heritage and shaping a new future for the nation. Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi underlined how initiatives led by women are giving new strength to the 'Women-Led Development' movement. 'Just as our India is known for its regional, linguistic and cultural diversity, the diversity of arts, crafts and skills is also a great quality of our country,' the PM said. 'Whichever area you visit, you will get to know about some local specialities." "We often talk about such unique products of the country in Mann Ki Baat.' Referring to one such product, the Prime Minister highlighted Meghalaya's traditional Eri Silk, which recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 'Eri Silk is like a heritage for Meghalaya. The Khasi community, in particular, has preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills. Its most special feature is the way it is made. The silkworms are not killed to obtain it, hence it is also called Ahimsa Silk,' he said. Pointing to its growing global appeal, he said, 'Nowadays, the demand for such products is rising rapidly across the world — products that are non-violent and environment-friendly. Eri Silk from Meghalaya is a perfect product for the global market. It keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it suitable for diverse climates.' He further noted, 'Women of Meghalaya are taking this heritage forward through Self Help Groups. I congratulate the people of Meghalaya and urge everyone to try out Eri Silk clothing. Also, remember — Khadi, handloom, handicrafts, Vocal for Local. If customers buy only Indian-made products and traders sell only Indian-made products, it will infuse new energy into the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.' Modi also shared stories from Telangana and Karnataka that reflect the impact of women-led economic initiatives. 'You will feel proud knowing the success story of the women of Bhadrachalam in Telangana. These women, once working as labourers, are now making biscuits from millets — Shree Anna. Their biscuits, named 'Bhadradri Millet Magic', are reaching markets from Hyderabad to London,' he said. 'These women joined an SHG and received training. They also started producing Giri Sanitary Pads. In just three months, they prepared 40,000 pads and supplied them to schools and offices at low cost,' he said. The Prime Minister also praised the women of Kalaburgi in Karnataka for branding traditional jowar rotis. 'The aroma of these rotis is no longer limited to their village. A special counter has been opened in Bengaluru, and online orders are coming in. Kalaburgi roti is now reaching the kitchens of big cities. This is not just a culinary story — it is a story of increasing incomes and empowered lives,' he added. Modi emphasised that women across the country are not only scripting their own success stories but also reshaping the nation's development landscape. 'The mantra of Women-Led Development is giving India a new direction, a new future. Our mothers, sisters and daughters are today changing not only their own lives but also that of the society at large,' he said. The PM also mentioned Suma Uike from Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh — a woman who has risen to self-reliance through mushroom farming, animal husbandry, and community entrepreneurship. He lauded her journey from joining a self-help group in Katangi block to eventually running a Didi Canteen and a Thermal Therapy Centre. 'This is the glow of self-confidence, of self-reliance. One such face is Suma Uike from Madhya Pradesh. Sumaji's efforts are very commendable. She took training in mushroom farming and animal husbandry by joining the Self Help Group in Katangi block of Balaghat district. Thus, she found her the path to self-reliance,' Modi said.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Meghalaya's Eri Silk earns praise from PM
1 2 Shillong: PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday celebrated Meghalaya's unique Eri silk, which has recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. "Eri silk is not just a fabric; it is a heritage of Meghalaya, lovingly preserved and enriched over generations, especially by the Khasi community," said the PM. He noted its distinct production process, which is entirely non-violent, earning it the name 'Ahimsa Silk', as the silkworms are not harmed in its extraction. This method involves allowing the silkworms to naturally emerge from their cocoons before the silk is harvested. "Nowadays, the demand for such products is rising rapidly in the world, which do not involve violence and do not have any ill effect on nature. Hence, Eri silk of Meghalaya is a perfect product for the global market," the PM underscored. He further said, "This silk keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it ideal for diverse climates and expanding its appeal in both national and international markets." Calling upon the nation to embrace Khadi, handlooms and handicrafts, the PM Modi reiterated the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. Recently, the PM had thanked CM Conrad Sangma for having presented him with a piece of 'Ryndia Silk' fabric, a symbol of Meghalaya's cultural heritage and pride. "Your thoughtfulness is touching and is deeply appreciated," the PM wrote to Conrad. Conrad, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the PM. "Hon'ble PM, Sh. @narendramodi ji in his #mannkibaat2025 episode makes special mention of #Meghalaya's recently GI tagged Eri Silk also called Ahimsa Silk owing to its cruelty-free and natural production method. A great encouragement to our heritage textile weavers. Thank you Hon'blePM!"
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
PM Modi shares Chirag Paswan's article lauding remarkable transformation of food processing industry
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared Union Minister Chirag Paswan's article, which highlighted a remarkable transformation of India's food processing sector over the past few years and also hailed the rural entrepreneurs for powering the drastic change. PM Modi took to his social media handle on X and shared an immersive article by Union Minister for Food Processing Chirag Paswan, in which the latter gave a detailed glimpse into broad structural changes adopted by his Ministry and how this led to empowering of rural heroes, enabling them to become key pivot of economic growth. PM Modi also urged the netizens to glance through the insightful journey. The Union Minister penned case studies of some of the farmers, chronicling their growth from small-time enterprises to flourishing food ventures. Sharing an example of a makhana producer from Bihar, Chirag Paswan said, "With support from the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, he (makhana producer) has built a thriving food venture that now exports to the United States and Canada." "His story reflects the broader vision of India's food processing mission: To turn local strengths into global opportunities," Chirag Paswan added. The Union Minister said that till a few years ago, the food processing landscape was fragmented, with rampant post-harvest losses and unrealised value from agricultural produce. "In 2014, the gross value addition of the sector stood at Rs 134 lakh crore. Today, following sustained policy and institutional drive, that figure has risen to Rs 224 lakh crore," he informed. Notably, the PMFME scheme was launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to empower the unorganised micro food enterprises through formalisation, capacity building and access to credit. The Union Minister further wrote, "India's growing leadership in the global food economy finds powerful expression through World Food India - the Ministry's flagship international platform for investment, innovation, and collaboration. Designed to showcase India's strengths across the food processing value chain, the event has evolved into a trusted forum for global stakeholders to engage with India's agri-food ecosystem." He further pointed out, "Our goal is unambiguous – to ensure that every shelf in the world carries a product that proudly bears the name of India and behind every such product stands a story of collective prosperity and national pride." The Union Minister shared the article on X and wrote, "Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India's food processing sector has undergone a transformative journey - from farm to shelf - empowering our rural heroes."
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Chirag Paswan writes: Food processing has become a force for grassroots transformation
In the makhana belts of Madhubani, Bihar, a quiet revolution is underway. Gyanish Kumar Mishra, a young entrepreneur, has transformed a traditional crop — foxnut, or makhana — into a nationally recognised brand of flavoured snacks. With support from the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, he has built a thriving food venture that now exports to the United States and Canada. His story reflects the broader vision of India's food processing mission: To turn local strengths into global opportunities. From Kashmir to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, micro-entrepreneurs are embracing formalisation and entering new markets. There is a structural transformation underway, aligning the strength of rural India with the momentum of national growth. Over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has traversed a remarkable arc of change. With reforms to enhance Ease of Doing Business, industries today are empowered with greater autonomy and policy support. Amidst this broader transformation, the food processing sector has emerged as one of the most potent instruments of inclusive growth, agri-industrial integration, and global engagement. A few years ago, the food processing landscape was fragmented, with rampant post-harvest losses and unrealised value from agricultural produce. In 2014, the gross value addition of the sector stood at Rs 1.34 lakh crore. Today, following sustained policy focus and institutional drive, that figure has risen to Rs 2.24 lakh crore. At the forefront of this transformation stands the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, whose flagship schemes have created a supportive environment across the entire spectrum of the food processing sector. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, 1,604 projects have been sanctioned, leading to the creation of over 250 lakh metric tonnes of annual processing and preservation capacity and more than Rs 22,000 crore in private investment. It has directly benefited over 53 lakh farmers and more than 7.6 lakh employment opportunities have been created. Complementing this, the PMFME scheme was launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to empower unorganised micro food enterprises through formalisation, capacity building, and access to credit. Over 1.41 lakh loans amounting to Rs 11,205 crore have been sanctioned to micro-enterprises and seed capital has been extended to support more than 3.3 lakh members of self-help groups (SHGs). A robust foundation for skill development and entrepreneurship has been laid under the scheme, with over one lakh individuals trained across the country. To foster innovation and support early-stage enterprises, 75 incubation centres have been approved. The scheme has also launched 17 distinctive regional brands, each rooted in local heritage. Further along the value chain, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries is catalysing industrial capacity and formal job creation. With committed investments of Rs 8,900 crore, the scheme has led to the creation of over 3.3 lakh jobs and added more than 67 lakh metric tonnes of processing capacity. Recognising the critical role of infrastructure in ensuring food safety and export readiness, the Union Budget 2024–25 announced the establishment of 50 multi-product irradiation units to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance shelf life, alongside 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories to strengthen quality assurance across the value chain. Further, in a landmark step to promote regional specialties, the government has also announced the establishment of a National Makhana Board, aimed at boosting value addition, branding, and global positioning of this unique superfood from India. The sector's industrial growth is a testament to a rapidly evolving institutional and innovation ecosystem. NIFTEM-Kundli and NIFTEM-Thanjavur, Institutes of National Importance, functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries are shaping the next generation of food technologists and entrepreneurs. A third NIFTEM is coming up in Bihar to harness the talent pool of eastern India. India's food-tech startup ecosystem is thriving as well, with over 5,000 innovators working on plant-based products, AI-enabled traceability, functional foods, and sustainable packaging. India's growing leadership in the global food economy finds powerful expression through World Food India — the Ministry's flagship international platform for investment, innovation, and collaboration. Designed to showcase India's strengths across the food processing value chain, the event has evolved into a trusted forum for global stakeholders to engage with India's agri-food ecosystem. Yet, the most profound impact of this decade remains rooted in rural India. Food processing has become a force for grassroots transformation. In Chhattisgarh, a humble tribal kitchen in Bastar, supported under the PMFME scheme, has transformed into a thriving enterprise by reimagining the use of Mahua flowers into value-added products like chocolates, energy bars, and tea. The firm has not only preserved indigenous heritage but carried it to national shelves and international markets. As we mark 11 years of the NDA Government's commitment to good governance and inclusive growth, we look ahead with renewed resolve. Our goal is unambiguous: To ensure that every shelf in the world carries a product that proudly bears the name of India — and behind every such product stands a story of collective prosperity and national pride. The writer is Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India
