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Jharkhand Advances Towards Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: Chief Minister Inaugurates State’s First Milk Powder Plant
Speaking to a large crowd at the nearby Harivansh Tana Bhagat Stadium, Soren emphasized the vital role of agriculture in driving Jharkhand’s economic growth and ensuring social stability. He stated, “Without agriculture, both the state and the nation cannot progress. It is the backbone of our economy and society.”
Once operational, the new plant is anticipated to mitigate post-harvest losses, manage milk surpluses, and facilitate the production of fortified dairy products like powdered milk. It also aims to generate employment opportunities and encourage rural entrepreneurship. The government’s dairy strategy includes incentives for milk procurement, price guarantees for producers, and strong market connections.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled several supporting initiatives, such as Medha Ragi Laddus and Medha Sudhan, a nutritious cattle feed designed to combat child malnutrition and enhance livestock health. A silage-making machine for efficient animal fodder production was also inaugurated. Soren urged farmers to adopt commercial farming practices and fully utilize government programs aimed at modernizing agriculture and boosting profitability.
To safeguard rural livelihoods, the government has implemented insurance for livestock acquired under state schemes. “If a cow or buffalo dies due to illness or an accident, the insured amount will be compensated. This is how we protect our farmers from unexpected losses,” the Chief Minister explained. He stressed the importance of integrating animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy into the state’s economic framework.
Soren highlighted the environmentally friendly nature of agriculture, in stark contrast to industrial sectors that often harm ecosystems. “Agriculture nourishes us without compromising the environment. It is inherently a green activity,” he remarked. He connected food insecurity and malnutrition trends with the increasing consumption of adulterated and chemically treated foods, urging a revival of household-level cattle rearing to guarantee access to pure and nutritious food.
The CM encouraged farmers to view themselves not only as cultivators but as agro-entrepreneurs. He cited cricketer MS Dhoni’s involvement in agriculture as a success story, asking, “If a global sports icon can thrive in farming, why can’t our dedicated farmers?” He called upon the agricultural community to elevate their efforts and align with the state’s emerging agri-based economy.
Jharkhand has set an ambitious target to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy, fish, and meat production within seven years, with export potential on the horizon. The new dairy plant is expected to be pivotal in reaching this vision.
Officials from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) who attended the ceremony endorsed this initiative as a transformative model for other states with significant rural populations and livestock resources.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Soren reaffirmed his government’s commitment to support farmers in all seasons and situations. “To build a stronger, self-reliant Jharkhand, we must start with those who nurture and feed us,” he said.
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
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