Latest news with #BRajasekhar
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Task Force suggestions to boost MSMEs lauded
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) commended the suggestions given by the 'Task Force on Economic Development for Swarna Andhra Pradesh @2047.' President of Chambers Potluri Bhaskara Rao and general secretary B Rajasekhar in a statement here on Sunday stated that the Chambers, for the past few years, has been supporting and promoting the most potential sectors that were now identified by the Task Force. They recalled that the Chambers submitted similar policy inputs from time-to-time to the government such as the development of sector-specific clusters across the State, development of IT/AI hub in Amaravati, industrial parks with plug and play facilities, electronics clusters, food processing parks and clusters, common facilities in existing food processing parks among others. The MSME sector has been going through many issues for the past 6 to 7 years on account of the COVID pandemic, economic slowdown, and global uncertainties. Many units belonging to the sub-sectors such as textiles, food processing, ferro alloys, foundries, granites and others are either sick or on the verge of bankruptcy. They are facing various challenges such as rising production costs on account of high fuel, power, and logistics costs. They recommended to the government to provide financial support to MSMEs during natural calamities through insurance policies as adopted by Tamil Nadu. Such policies can help mitigate the impact of events like floods, earthquakes, or storms, ensuring business continuity and financial stability. They also requested the State government to support the MSME sector by releasing the long-pending incentives to MSMEs and also ensure timely release of incentives in future.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Private sector urged to help strengthen aquaculture
Vijayawada: Strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh demands active private sector participation and innovation," said B Rajasekhar, special chief secretary, AHDD & fisheries department, at a national conference on fisheries and aquaculture organised by CII-FACE in Vijayawada. In his keynote address, Rajasekhar emphasised that private sector-led investments in technology, infrastructure, and value chain integration are crucial to overcome bottlenecks, expand capacity, and connect farmers to markets. "We must encourage innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and build forward linkages if we are to scale up the sector sustainably," he added. Themed "Fostering sustainable growth & competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture," the conference brought together industry leaders, govt officials, and development organisations. Discussions centred on growth strategies, conservation, and innovations in marine, brackish water, and inland fisheries. Rama Shankar Naik, commissioner of fisheries, highlighted the state's efforts to modernise cold chains and logistics. "Our policy framework welcomes long-term private investment," he noted. Dr S Kannappan of NFDB reiterated the importance of aligning state efforts with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Natural farming only way forward to restore planetary health
Vijayawada: 'This is a historic day and game-changing moment where the entire agriculture and horticulture department and its leadership have come together to champion a shift towards practices that enhance farmer prosperity,' stated B Rajasekhar, Special Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Cooperation Department. He was addressing the inaugural session of a three-day district-level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, which commenced Wednesday at all district headquarters. This programme aims at giving orientation to over 10,000 Rythu Seva Kendra functionaries across the State in June on the promotion of Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF). Rajasekhar emphasised that natural farming is a turning point, offering concrete solutions to major agrarian challenges. During his virtual session from the State headquarters, Rajasekhar urged departmental officials attending the training to promote Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) in non-APCNF villages to ensure 365 days of green cover on farmland. He highlighted successful natural farming practitioners like Srinivasulu from Guntur district and Hema Latha from NTR district, who are actively exploring the science behind the practice. T Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), speaking virtually at the ToT launch, stressed the critical juncture faced by food consumers due to declining nutritional value, increasing pest resistance, rising carbon emissions, and economically unviable farming. He asserted, 'Natural Farming is not just a choice anymore; it is a necessity to restore the health of the planet and the dignity of the farmer.' This district-level ToT is a follow-up to the State-level programME and aims to orient all Village Agriculture Assistants (VAAs) and Village Horticulture Assistants (VHAs) statewide. Special arrangements were made at all district headquarters for smooth participation in virtual sessions with Heads of Departments. The training combines classroom learning with field-level exposure, providing grass-roots departmental functionaries with a comprehensive understanding of natural farming principles. Dilli Rao, Director of Agriculture; Dr K Sreenivasulu, Director of Horticulture; Dr. D.V. Raidu, Advisor to RySS; and B. Rama Rao, Chief Executive Officer of RySS, also joined the virtual call and addressed the gathering.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Need for research in agriculture stressed
Guntur: Minister for Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing K Atchannaidu said Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University is the first university to start the concept of agriculture education in the agriculture fields and launched a rural work experience scheme for practical experience. He said this university is the role model for other agriculture universities in the country. He recalled that the students who studied in the university occupied higher positions. He addressed a meeting held at Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University, at Lam in Guntur city on Tuesday, on the occasion of the beginning of two-day university Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He urged the agriculture scientists to do research to reduce the cost of production in agriculture to make the agriculture viable. He assured that he will release funds to complete the university administrative buildings. Earlier, he inaugurated the agriculture stalls set up on the occasion of university diamond jubilee celebrations. Special chief secretary to government (Agriculture) B Rajasekhar, ANGRAU vice-chancellor Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi, MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad, MLAs Eluru Sambasiva Rao, B Ramanjaneyulu, commissioner of agriculture Dilli Rao, Sri Venkateswara University vice-chancellor Dr K Gopal were among those who participated.
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Revised norms issued for fishermen to get relief during fishing ban period
Vijayawada: The Department of Fisheries on Tuesday issued the amended guidelines for the eligibility to get marine fishing ban relief from the government. During the summer, the government imposes ban fishing in sea in the East Coast from April 15 to June 14 for 61 days and extends relief to the families of fishermen, who venture into the sea for fishing. The special chief secretary to the Government of AP, B Rajasekhar issued the orders on Tuesday. The scheme is applicable only for crew members of mechanized, motorised and traditional / non-motorised fishing crafts registered under M.S. Act 1958 and having valid fishing licence under APMFR Act 1995 for the current Fasali year by the time of beneficiary selection. All boats registered with the Department of Fisheries under M.S. Act 1958 on or before April 14 of every year prior to the commencement of ban period of the year and possess valid licence certificate under APMFR Act 1995. Fishing boats benefiting under YSR Matsyakara Barosa HSD oil subsidy scheme of should utilise HSD oil minimum 1000 liters by mechanised and 100 liters by motorised during the previous financial year. All sea going boats are eligible irrespective of the drawl of HSD oil under the scheme. The beneficiary should not be covered in any other government DBT schemes like Archakas, Chedodu, Rythu Bharosa, Vidya Deevena, Vasathi Deevena, Vahana Mitra, Kapu Nestham, Nethanna Nestham, Pastor, YSR Cheyutha and any other type of schemes and pensions etc. The beneficiary should not be covered under NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme. (Fishermen Pension). The Total family income should not exceed to Rs.1,20,000/- in rural area and Rs. 1,44,000/- urban areas per annum to get the relief from government during the ban period. The total land holding of the family should not exceed 3 acres magani or 10 acres metta or 10 acres of both. Any one among the family members if owning a 4-wheeler (Taxi, Tractors, Autos are exempted) is not eligible. The monthly Electricity utility (own or rented house) should not exceed 300 units for the family (the average consumption of electricity of highest 6 months of 12 months will be taken into consideration). The family in Municipal area who owns house less than 1000 sq. Ft site area are eligible. Any one among the family members employed in any Government service or getting Govt., pension (post retirement) are not eligible. Any one among the family member is paying income tax is not eligible. Applicable as per the Government norms (i.e. Six (6) step Validation). The Commissioner of Fisheries, A.P., Vijayawada shall take necessary action in the matter, accordingly. The orders were issued by B Rajasekhar. Ex-officio, special chief secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
