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Agriculture top priority, GDP gains must reach farmers: Jaitley
New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) The agriculture sector is a foremost priority for the government and it wants to ensure that the gains of economic growth also reaches the farmers so as to be equitable, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday.
With estimates indicating a fall in growth in the current fiscal for the stressed sector, Jaitley’s remarks are being seen as significant coming ahead of the Union Budget presentation on February 1. Market analysts also point to polls coming up in major states this year and the general elections due in 2019, as factors that would weigh on the forthcoming budget in allocations for the farm sector.
“India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the growth is benefiting people in different sectors,” Jaitley said here launching India’s first agri-commodity options in guar seed.
“But maximum population is dependent on agri-sector and unless the gains are clear and evident, the growth is not justifiable and equitable. Ensuring the benefits reach the agri-sector and growth is visible — this is among the priority areas for us,” he said.
“We see in some places the problem of falling prices because of higher production. Farmers are not getting the price for their produce,” he added.
As per Central Statistics Office data earlier this month, the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture, forestry and fishing for 2017-18 has been estimated at 2.1 per cent, compared to 4.9 per cent in the preceding year.
The Agriculture Ministry said in a statement here that it has held a quick deliberation on the growth rate for the sector to strategize on ensuring that 2017-18 sees a much higher growth rate.
On Sunday, Jaitley sounded the opening gong for India’s first agri-commodity options in guar seed, launched by the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and designed as a hedge for farmers to safeguard against price risks.
Lauding farmers for taking the country out from a situation of shortages in the past, the Finance Minister said the NCDEX initiative will help farmers get more income from produce.
“This is one of the biggest developments for our agriculture market… Farmers will have the option to trade with this financial instrument,” he said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.