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Modi urges scientists to find concrete solution to stubble burning (Lead)
New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged scientists in the country to find a concrete solution to deal with the problem of stubble burning even as he asked farmers to seek out methods to earn money using the agriculture residue.
He said the government had taken several measures to address the problem arising out of paddy residue burning in the northern states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, which has led to smog formation in the national capital.
The government had given a subsidy of 50-80 per cent on farm machines but there was a need to find a “concrete solution” by scientists, Modi said while addressing the farmers’ conclave “Krishi Kumbha” in Lucknow through video conferencing from New Delhi.
He said the work of the scientists would have an impact on “the economic capabilities” of the country and asked them to hold discussions with farmers over issues such as optimum use of water, reduction in fertiliser use and storage facilities.
The Prime Minister said farmers can turn the agriculture residue into wealth as everything found in the farms has the worth of gold.
He said there was need to work collectively and comprehensively to free farmers from stubble burning and save the environment.
Modi said the government had undertaken a project to replace diesel and electricity-operated water pumps with those run on solar energy. “We have mission to distribute solar systems to 28 lakh farmers in the country,” he said.
He said farmers, who are called “annadata” (food provider), can become “urjadata” (power provider) if they sell additional electricity that is saved after their personal consumption to electricity distribution companies.
He gave an example of some Gujarat farmers who earned Rs 50,000 annually by selling a part of the electricity they generated using solar systems.
Modi also praised the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for achieving record grain procurement and directly benefiting the farmers.
Compared to his predecessors the Adityanath government has procured seven to eight times more crop produce, Modi said, adding that the state produces almost 20 per cent of the total grain in the country.
“This year 50-55 lakh tonnes of wheat was purchased in Uttar Pradesh…,” Modi said, adding that his government increased the procurement price of Rabi and Kharif by 21 per cent.
He said that direct procurement eliminated the middlemen and benefited the farmers. The BJP government is concerned about the farmers, the Prime Minister said.
In a first, the state would soon procure potatoes to enable farmers to get a fair price, he added.
–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.