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Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Gandhian sites in Maharashtra's Wardha to get Rs 45-crore makeover
After the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, more Gandhian heritage sites in Maharashtra's Wardha district are set to get a makeover over the next 18 months, officials said. These sites — the Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, the Kasturba Kitchen and the Wardha Haat — are located within the campus of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization (MGIRI), which functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. The MGIRI, which is funding the Rs 45-crore project, signed an MoU earlier this week with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), which will helm the conservation and restoration efforts. Experts who will carry out the project will be selected through a competitive bidding process and a detailed project report will be prepared soon, said officials. IGNCA Member-Secretary Sachchidanand Joshi said: 'After leaving Sabarmati Ashram [in 1933], Gandhi stayed at Wardha for two years, and pledged to only return after India got independence. The place became his home and a base for his freedom struggle activities.' Gandhi Smriti Bhavan served as a workspace for Mahatma Gandhi during the Independence struggle. The haat, or market, is associated with the All-India Village Industries Association established by Gandhi in 1934 to revive and improve village industries across India. Under the project, the Gandhi Smriti Bhavan and Kasturba Kitchen will be 'transformed into immersive, multimedia museums with prayer spaces', while the Wardha Haat will be converted into an artisan marketplace 'reviving Gandhian rural economy through crafts and culture'. 'The mandate is to preserve and conserve heritage buildings in the campus while also to ensure the MGIRI is ready as a centre for excellence to empower rural youth from the region,' Joshi said. Experts will carry out a structural assessment of the existing buildings on the complex. The IGNCA, which comes under the Ministry of Culture, is planning to introduce curated trails with digital storytelling on Gandhian philosophy. Life-size statues of Gandhi and traditional village artisans will narrate stories of rural India. Public facilities, cafes, souvenir shops, and guided tours have also been planned, Joshi said. Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, Kasturba Kitchen, Wardha Haat to be restored in Maharashtra
New Delhi: The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI) is set to restore three heritage structures linked to Mahatma Gandhi's vision for self-reliant villages—Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, Kasturba Kitchen, and Wardha Haat—nestled within its campus in Maharashtra's Wardha. The Kasturba Kitchen, where meals were prepared for the ashram community and visitors, will see its original infrastructure restored. MGIRI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Delhi's Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) for an 18-month project on Thursday. The IGNCA, the ministry of culture's heritage body, will serve as the project management consultant. Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, which served as Gandhi's residence, and its library will be transformed into an immersive museum and prayer hall. This will include structural repairs, digitisation of valuable collections, and interactive exhibition showcasing Gandhi's ideologies. There will also be a dedicated meditation area. Adjacent to Gandhi Smriti Bhavan is the Kasturba Kitchen, where meals were prepared for the ashram community and visitors. The Kasturba Kitchen will see its original infrastructure restored. Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, which served as Gandhi's residence, and its library will be transformed into an immersive museum and prayer hall The Wardha Haat, once a bustling marketplace inaugurated by Gandhi in 1936, will be restored as an artisan complex. This involves reconstructing damaged sections, improving visitor infrastructure like ventilation and lighting, and creating dedicated workspaces for rural craftsmen. Mahatma Gandhi had founded the All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA) on December 14, 1934, on this land in Wardha donated by his close associate, Seth Jamanalal Bajaj. From 1934 to 1936, Gandhi lived at Maganwadi with Kasturba Gandhi, personally guiding AIVIA's development into a centre for research, production, training, and promotion of village industries. As AIVIA expanded, the Jamanalal Bajaj Central Research Institute (JBCRI) was set up on the site in 1955 under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to continue the research and development. In a joint effort, KVIC and IIT Delhi developed MGIRI between 2001 and 2008. It later became a national institute under the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), focusing on rural industrialisation and preserving the physical heritage structures directly associated with Gandhi. Also read: Larger lesson in welfare dispute Beyond structural restoration, the project will focus on enhancing public engagement with the heritage site. A curated heritage walk will connect the restored structures. Life-size statues of Mahatma Gandhi and the 12 traditional village artisans (Balutedars) will be installed, along with interactive plaques explaining their significance. Supporting infrastructure such as a sustainable cafeteria featuring local cuisine, a Gandhian-themed souvenir shop, public toilets, water points, and adequate parking will also be developed. 'It seeks to bridge the gap between Gandhi's tangible legacy and contemporary efforts in sustainable rural development, ensuring the places where he lived, worked, and envisioned a self-reliant India are not just preserved, but actively contribute to educating and inspiring future generations,' said an IGNCA official.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Use biochar, mechanisation for higher yields: Gadkari to farmers
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari called on farmers to embrace organic carbon techniques, biochar use, and modern mechanisation to improve agricultural yields, reduce input costs, and bolster farm income. Speaking at a workshop on biochar production and training at Bhakti Farms in Dhapewada on Friday, Gadkari said, "Organic carbon is like oxygen for soil—essential for healthy farming and prosperity." Addressing farmers and agricultural experts, he stressed that new technologies and organic farming practices can ensure better productivity and higher profitability. "We must adopt these innovations to protect the environment and improve the lives of farmers," he said. The workshop was organised by Agrovision Foundation and attended by dignitaries including Kanchan Gadkari, senior agricultural scientist CD Mayee, A Manikandan from ICAR-CICR, Ramkrishna Ghodpage from Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Vijay Waghmare, Agrovision's Ravi Boratkar, and MGIRI's Ashutosh Murkute, Deep Verma, BJP district president Anandrao Raut, and other local leaders. Highlighting examples from Maharashtra, Gadkari cited Saoner's Rajesh Bagal, who reaped 110 tonne sugarcane per acre by boosting soil carbon content to 0.8% through compost use. Similarly, BJP leader Raut harvested 100 tonne sugarcane per acre after enhancing organic carbon levels in his land. "These examples prove that increasing organic carbon directly improves yields," he said. Gadkari described biochar as a 'black gold' that enhances soil fertility and combats climate change by storing carbon and reducing pollution. "Biochar also improves water retention and nutrient levels in soil," he explained. He noted that 'padhati' and 'turhati' are excellent local biomass sources for biochar production in Maharashtra. Gadkari detailed affordable methods to produce biochar, introducing equipment developed by MGIRI in Wardha: the drum-type pyrolyser priced at Rs5,000 to Rs7,000, and the box-type pyrolyser priced at Rs30,000, which can be mounted on tractors for easy field use. Beyond biochar, Gadkari urged farmers to explore cutting-edge technologies like drones for spraying nano urea, which can cut fertiliser wastage from 75% in manual spraying to just 25%. He cited farmer Dilip Dhote's success with drones and discussed solar-powered electric tractors and electronic bullock carts as affordable and efficient solutions for small farmers. Gadkari shared his own farming experiments, including mechanised 'iwamrut' (organic fertiliser) production at his farm, and free fly ash distribution from power plants to improve soil quality and reduce costs. He spoke about plans to create an organic fruit and vegetable market linked to Bhakti Farms, where residue-free produce will fetch higher prices compared to local mandis. "We're developing a dedicated website for Bhakti Farm Market so farmers can earn up to Rs4 lakh per acre from organic onions," he said. He also called for creating a bank of small agricultural tools and machinery to help farmers reduce their dependence on scarce labour and complete field work quickly. "New equipment is available in the market, but banks of such tools will make them accessible to small farmers," he suggested. Gadkari expressed his determination to end farmer suicides by reducing costs and improving farm incomes through technology. "Scientists must visit villages and teach farmers these methods so no one is left behind," he said, thanking Nagpur University management council member Samay Bansod for organising the workshop. "If we mechanise, experiment, and share knowledge, I'm confident we can end farmer distress and ensure prosperity for every farmer," he concluded. # What is Biochar? A carbon-rich material created by burning crop residues in low-oxygen conditions (pyrolysis). It looks similar to charcoal. # Key Benefits - Enhances soil organic carbon - Improves soil fertility and water retention - Reduces fertiliser requirements - Stores carbon, combating climate change - Cuts agricultural waste by reusing crop residue # How to Produce Biochar: - Drum-type pyrolyser: - Cost: ₹5,000–₹7,000 - Made from steel drums, suitable for individual farmers - Box-type pyrolyser: - Cost: ₹30,000 - Tractor-mounted for larger-scale production # Scientific Backing: - Increases organic carbon in soil, leading to better yields - Known as "black gold" by agricultural scientists - Proven to boost crop production when used with compost # Local Examples: Farmers in Maharashtra increased yields from 60–70 tonnes to over 100 tonnes of sugarcane per acre by raising soil carbon. Endorsed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at the Dhapewada workshop. # Sustainability Impact: - Reduces need for chemical fertilisers - Cuts down greenhouse gas emissions - Prevents open burning of crop residues # Applications - Can be mixed with compost for organic farming - Enhances yield quality, increasing market value of produce - Reduces input costs over time # Call to Action for Farmers - Test soil for organic carbon (minimum 0.25% ideal, can go up to 0.8%) - Start small-scale biochar production using local crop residues - Combine with organic techniques to boost incomes and fight climate change Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari called on farmers to embrace organic carbon techniques, biochar use, and modern mechanisation to improve agricultural yields, reduce input costs, and bolster farm income. Speaking at a workshop on biochar production and training at Bhakti Farms in Dhapewada on Friday, Gadkari said, "Organic carbon is like oxygen for soil—essential for healthy farming and prosperity. " Addressing farmers and agricultural experts, he stressed that new technologies and organic farming practices can ensure better productivity and higher profitability. "We must adopt these innovations to protect the environment and improve the lives of farmers," he said. The workshop was organised by Agrovision Foundation and attended by dignitaries including Kanchan Gadkari, senior agricultural scientist CD Mayee, A Manikandan from ICAR-CICR, Ramkrishna Ghodpage from Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Vijay Waghmare, Agrovision's Ravi Boratkar, and MGIRI's Ashutosh Murkute, Deep Verma, BJP district president Anandrao Raut, and other local leaders. Highlighting examples from Maharashtra, Gadkari cited Saoner's Rajesh Bagal, who reaped 110 tonne sugarcane per acre by boosting soil carbon content to 0.8% through compost use. Similarly, BJP leader Raut harvested 100 tonne sugarcane per acre after enhancing organic carbon levels in his land. "These examples prove that increasing organic carbon directly improves yields," he said. Gadkari described biochar as a 'black gold' that enhances soil fertility and combats climate change by storing carbon and reducing pollution. "Biochar also improves water retention and nutrient levels in soil," he explained. He noted that 'padhati' and 'turhati' are excellent local biomass sources for biochar production in Maharashtra. Gadkari detailed affordable methods to produce biochar, introducing equipment developed by MGIRI in Wardha: the drum-type pyrolyser priced at Rs5,000 to Rs7,000, and the box-type pyrolyser priced at Rs30,000, which can be mounted on tractors for easy field use. Beyond biochar, Gadkari urged farmers to explore cutting-edge technologies like drones for spraying nano urea, which can cut fertiliser wastage from 75% in manual spraying to just 25%. He cited farmer Dilip Dhote's success with drones and discussed solar-powered electric tractors and electronic bullock carts as affordable and efficient solutions for small farmers. Gadkari shared his own farming experiments, including mechanised 'iwamrut' (organic fertiliser) production at his farm, and free fly ash distribution from power plants to improve soil quality and reduce costs. He spoke about plans to create an organic fruit and vegetable market linked to Bhakti Farms, where residue-free produce will fetch higher prices compared to local mandis. "We're developing a dedicated website for Bhakti Farm Market so farmers can earn up to Rs4 lakh per acre from organic onions," he said. He also called for creating a bank of small agricultural tools and machinery to help farmers reduce their dependence on scarce labour and complete field work quickly. "New equipment is available in the market, but banks of such tools will make them accessible to small farmers," he suggested. Gadkari expressed his determination to end farmer suicides by reducing costs and improving farm incomes through technology. "Scientists must visit villages and teach farmers these methods so no one is left behind," he said, thanking Nagpur University management council member Samay Bansod for organising the workshop. "If we mechanise, experiment, and share knowledge, I'm confident we can end farmer distress and ensure prosperity for every farmer," he concluded. # What is Biochar? A carbon-rich material created by burning crop residues in low-oxygen conditions (pyrolysis). It looks similar to charcoal. # Key Benefits - Enhances soil organic carbon - Improves soil fertility and water retention - Reduces fertiliser requirements - Stores carbon, combating climate change - Cuts agricultural waste by reusing crop residue # How to Produce Biochar: - Drum-type pyrolyser: - Cost: ₹5,000–₹7,000 - Made from steel drums, suitable for individual farmers - Box-type pyrolyser: - Cost: ₹30,000 - Tractor-mounted for larger-scale production # Scientific Backing: - Increases organic carbon in soil, leading to better yields - Known as "black gold" by agricultural scientists - Proven to boost crop production when used with compost # Local Examples: Farmers in Maharashtra increased yields from 60–70 tonnes to over 100 tonnes of sugarcane per acre by raising soil carbon. Endorsed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at the Dhapewada workshop. # Sustainability Impact: - Reduces need for chemical fertilisers - Cuts down greenhouse gas emissions - Prevents open burning of crop residues # Applications - Can be mixed with compost for organic farming - Enhances yield quality, increasing market value of produce - Reduces input costs over time # Call to Action for Farmers - Test soil for organic carbon (minimum 0.25% ideal, can go up to 0.8%) - Start small-scale biochar production using local crop residues - Combine with organic techniques to boost incomes and fight climate change
