Babus, mantris & buzz: Will Sanyal be BJP candidate in West Bengal?
· Free Press Journal
Will Sanyal be BJP candidate in West Bengal?
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council Sanjeev Sanyal is likely to get BJP ticket from the Krishnanagar North assembly seat.
RSS re-organisation to be implemented from next year?
Insiders said that in RSS changes on the hierarchy will be implemented from 2027.One can wait and watch.
BUREAUCRACY
How IAS Himanshu Shukla ‘Champion Farmers’ Initiative is Modernizing Agriculture in Nellore & Encourages Farmers to Learn from Each Other
A farming initiative promoting modern and sustainable agricultural practices is underway in SPS Nellore district. Led by IAS officer Himanshu Shukla, a 2013-batch officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre and currently serving as the District Collector of SPS Nellore, the Champion Farmers Programme has been launched. It is a community-driven initiative that uses local farmers to spread scientific, sustainable and market-oriented practices.
Agriculture in Nellore has traditionally been dominated by paddy cultivation, often accompanied by excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides, low levels of mechanisation and limited market linkages. These structural challenges have affected farm productivity and restricted farmers' income. Recognising these issues, the Champion Farmers initiative was designed as a multifaceted programme to promote improved farming techniques at the grassroots level.
Under the programme, one Champion Farmer is identified in each gram panchayat and positioned as a guide and local change leader. These farmers are trained and supported by agricultural experts and government departments, enabling them to demonstrate improved practices directly in their fields.
At the heart of the initiative is a simple idea: "Seeing is believing." When neighbouring farmers observe successful results in nearby farms, they are more likely to adopt similar practices. By demonstrating improved techniques on their own fields, these farmers make new practices more visible, practical and easier to trust.
The programme is built on several key pillars. It encourages farmers to try different crops such as millets, pulses and oilseeds along with paddy. Demonstration plots have been set up to showcase better farming methods, including direct sowing, proper use of fertilisers and improved pest control techniques.
Another focus of the initiative is the use of modern farming equipment. Demonstrations of machines such as power weeders, which can save 90% of time and 30% of costs compared to traditional methods, paddy drum seeders, which allow a single person to cover large areas easily, and drone spraying are being conducted in villages. These machines can help farmers save time, reduce labour and improve productivity.
In addition, training sessions and exposure visits are organised to help farmers understand soil health management, seed selection and post-harvest practices.
Under Shukla's leadership, significant progress has been made. Champion Farmers have been identified across all gram panchayats, demonstration plots have been established and regular training sessions and field interactions are being conducted. Field days and millet melas are also helping reach more farmers. The initiative is also linking crops such as maize to ethanol projects, creating new market opportunities.
Beyond the field, the initiative provides structured support through WhatsApp and a dedicated digital dashboard, where farmers receive real-time weather alerts, pest advisories and market intelligence.
The initiative is not just about growing crops; it also focuses on improving market access and awareness. By linking farmers directly to buyers and markets, the programme helps them secure better prices. Additionally, several departments and banks are working together to support farmers by providing loans for machinery.
By setting strong local examples and supporting farmers, Himanshu Shukla is creating a model in Nellore that boosts productivity, improves incomes and promotes environmentally responsible farming practices.
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Govt unlikely to appoint a Finance Secretary
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