Jharkhand Nearly Free of Naxalism, Says JMM Leader Manoj Pandey
Manoj Pandey claims Jharkhand is almost free from Naxalism due to government efforts and discusses ethanol issues and political concerns. Jharkhand Nearly Free of Naxalism, Says JMM Leader Manoj Pandey
Factory Wages Rise Across India, But Jharkhand Bucks The Trend; Check State-Wise Data
Bihar recorded the sharpest wage rise among major states, at 16.7%, taking the average to Rs 1.63 lakh.
Jharkhand Woman Allegedly Held Captive, Abused In Dubai
Woman allegedly lured to Dubai with nursing job, had passport confiscated and was forced into household work, police say.
Jharkhand: 83 kg ganja seized from ambulance; four arrested in Simdega district
An ambulance allegedly tried to flee after spotting the police but was intercepted
Jharkhand High Court Demands Response Over Womans Detention Despite Acquittal
The Jharkhand High Court has summoned the Home Secretary over a womans detention following her acquittal in a criminal case. Jharkhand High Court Demands Response Over Womans Detention Despite Acquittal
Jharkhand Education Project Council launches drive to enrol out-of-school youth
Jharkhand officials rush to resolve 11.8 lakh electoral roll claims
HC imposes Rs 10k cost on Hemant Soren for seeking time in a case filed by ED officers
Police probe deaths of woman and infant found in Pakur hills
Jharkhand DGP reviews Jamshedpur-Adityapur crime, orders stronger policing
Dumka court sentences two to life for trafficking minor girls to Delhi
Crackdown on unregistered private health centres in Palamu, 9 booked
Bengal: Floods disrupt train services on Sahibganj Loop
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) Train services on the historic Sahibganj Loop, a key rail link connecting West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar, have been severely affected over the past several days after the Ganga eroded the embankment between Sakrigali and Maharajpur stations. The affected stretch forms part of the Sahibganj-Barharwa section of the loop. A large number of personnel are working round the clock at the site to reinforce the embankment with boulders and other materials. While all services on the Down line have been suspended, train movement continues on the Up line under speed restrictions. Eastern Railway (ER) has cancelled several trains and diverted many others. Some trains are also being short-terminated and short-originated. A senior ER official said the situation arose after the water level in the Ganga began rising. At one stage, the river was barely 15 meters from the tracks, and part of the embankment had been eroded. The official said restoration work began after the water receded to a safe distance and that workforce and materials were already in place. This section in Jharkhand forms part of the Sahibganj Loop. Barharwa is a major junction connecting routes towards Sahibganj, Bhagalpur, Rampurhat and Howrah. The Sahibganj Loop holds immense historical significance as part of the original Delhi-Howrah route. The 410-km stretch connects Khana Junction in West Bengal to Kiul Junction in Bihar via Sahibganj. Constructed in the 1860s, it was originally part of the main rail route between Howrah and Delhi. The Railways later built a shorter chord line that could handle higher traffic volumes. That route subsequently became the main line, while the older alignment came to be known as the Sahibganj Loop. The stretch is known for its scenic alignment along the Ganga. However, its proximity to the river has led to operational disruptions during this years floods. Nearly 18 trains, including the Howrah-Sahibganj Intercity Express, have been cancelled. Trains such as the Ballia-Sealdah Express and the Kathgodam-Howrah Bagh Express have been diverted via Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, Deoghar and the Jasidih Bypass. The Delhi-Kamakhya Brahmaputra Mail and the 15734 Bhatinda-Balurghat Farakka Express will be diverted via Jamalpur, Munger and Katihar. The Gaya-Howrah Express will operate through Kiul, Jhajha and Asansol. The Bhagalpur-Ranchi Vananchal Express and the 13072 Jamalpur-Howrah Express will be diverted via Bhagalpur, Dumka and Rampurhat. If the weather remains favourable, restoration work will be completed soon, and services will return to normal after the necessary clearances, an official said.
RMC turns waste tyres into planters
After NGT rap, cleanliness drive at Okni pond launched
Jharkhands normal monsoon masks season of extremes
ED arrests JSR bizman, son for GST fraud
State education department holds orientation for 100 new CM schools
School picnic turns tragic as 8 students drown in Maha's Raigad
Digital Desk | Raigad, Oct 1 (IANS) In a tragic incident, eight students who were out on a picnic, drowned after venturing into the sea at Diveagar beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Thursday, officials said. According to officials, a group of 48 people were on a visit to Dighi-Sagari beach in Diveagar for an excursion on Thursday evening. The group comprised 25 boys, 17 girls, and 6 teachers from 'Winners Academy for 11th and 12th' in Pune's Alandi area. During the visit, eight students ventured into the sea and were swept away after they apparently misjudged the depth of the water and current. Reacting instantly, Bhau Salunkhe, owner of 'Bhau Maruti Salunkhe Mahakali Water Sports' at Diveagar, along with his team, launched an immediate rescue operation. Risking their own lives, the water sports team managed to retrieve the bodies of all eight victims from the sea, NDTV reported. The media report added that upon receiving information about the tragedy, Assistant Police Inspector Santosh Awati from the Dighi Sagari Borli Panchatan Police Station rushed to the spot with a team. With the assistance of local villagers, the police took custody of the bodies and sent them to the Primary Health Centre in Borli Panchatan for post-mortem examinations. The deceased students have been identified as Tanmay Dattatray Vahile, Sumit Bharat Ahire, Pranav Ramdas Bansode, Kaivalya Satish Vasankar, Rajveer Yuvraj Vahile, Yash Kiran Wankhede, Soham Tukaram Bhandwalkar, and Kaustubh Sandeep Daund. Officials have confirmed that all the deceased students were 16 years of age and residents of Alandi in Pune. Investigators said that further proceedings in the case are underway. The incident took place days after a similar tragedy in Jharkhand claimed the lives of three young children. The children drowned to death in a pond at Chegayadih village under Jamtara Sadar police station limits in Jharkhand, officials said. They had gone to play together in the afternoon and later wandered towards a village pond located in the Chirkutola area. According to local residents, the children drowned in the pond while playing. Villagers rushed to the spot after learning about the incident and pulled them out of the water. However, all three had died by then.
Dhanbad organisers launch Rakt Sathi App to streamline blood donation
Ansari pushes for investment, AI adoption to plug gaps in health sector
Khunti police asks banks to increase vigil during puja
Commercial LPG cylinder price rises by Rs 71.5 to Rs 3,004
GAIL told to restore roads after pipeline work
CEC's resignation, SIR freeze among demands as Dipke announces Mumbai protest
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said protests would also be organised in Goa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. If Kumar does not resign, Dipke said a further protest would be held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from the end of October
Two Former Officials Arrested in Jharkhand Land Compensation Scam
Jharkhands Anti-Corruption Bureau arrests two ex-officials linked to a land compensation scam involving NH-33 expansion in Ramgarh. Two Former Officials Arrested in Jharkhand Land Compensation Scam
Jharkhand minister Yogendra Prasad leads Swachhata hi Seva cleanliness drive in Ranchi
Weather Alert October 1: Rain, Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Forecast Across Several States
The southwest monsoon may be in its final phase, but unsettled weather is expected to continue across several parts of India on October 1, 2026. Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds have been forecast for multiple states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.According to the...
83 Kg Ganja Seized From Ambulance In Jharkhand, Four Arrested
Contraband Allegedly Smuggled From Odisha For Delivery In Ranchi
Final Phase of Special Intensive Voter List Revision Begins in Jharkhand
The final phase of the voter list revision in Jharkhand has commenced, with officials visiting homes to collect eligibility documents from 63 lakh voters. Final Phase of Special Intensive Voter List Revision Begins in Jharkhand
Charges framed against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in Bargain scam
The News Mill
NGT issues notice to Hazaribag DC, threatens attachment of property
BBMKU senate meeting ahead of convocation sees criticism over slow development work
Koderma students march 3km to block office over teacher shortage, poor infrastructure
Sector 12 residents gherao BSL officials home over evacuation order
PMLA court frames charges against Hemant in land scam case
2 sales agents held for supplying 180 SIMs to cyber fraudsters
Elephant herd sparks fear after para-teachers death
Court acquits Tala Marandi, son & 3 others in 2016 child marriage case
SIR exercise enters final phase with 11L applications filed
JMM seeks CECs dismissal over SIR exercise
Robotic surgery in govt hospitals soon: Ansari
ED searches premises linked to Jamshedpur businessman in GST scam
Jharkhand High Court Refuses Stay on Framing of Charges; Issues Notice to ED for October 28 Hearing
RMC divides city into 9 zones for civic management during Durga Puja
Jail visit turns into a moment of pride for young learners in Daltonganj
Fire at Ramgarh sponge iron factory sparks safety concerns
JHARERA imposes Rs 98.7L fine on 83 builders for failing to submit progress reports
CM Hemant Soren Charged In Land Fraud
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been formally charged by a special PMLA court in an alleged 8.86-acre land fraud and money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the illegal acquisition and transfer of land in Ranchi's Bargain area. Soren appeared via video conferencing and denied the allegations, stating they are baseless.
Waste dumping resumes at Mandai Khurd after written pact with villagers
Palamu MP urges NHAI to fast-track NH 39, NH 139 four-laning
JAC Class 10th Supplementary Result 2026 Out - Check Result Online at jacresults.com
JAC Class 10th supplementary result 2026 is out at jacresults.com. Check how to download the Jharkhand Matric compartment marksheet with roll code and roll number.
Wildlife Week programmes to focus on conflict mitigation, conservation
Ramgarh to launch encroachment drive for jam-free streets
Special PMLA Court frames charges against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in land fraud case
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition and transfer of the land in the Bargain area of the state capital.
Jharkhand Students Set Deadline for Government Reforms in Examination Process
Jharkhand students demand reforms in exam processes, giving the government a deadline of October 7 for action. Jharkhand Students Set Deadline for Government Reforms in Examination Process
Jharkhand Academic Council Releases 2026 Class 9 and 11 Compartment Exam Results
The Jharkhand Academic Council has announced the results for the 2026 Class 9 and 11 compartment examinations. Students can easily access their results online by entering their roll code and roll number. The passing criteria require a minimum of 33% marks overall and in each subject. Detailed results include essential information such as subject-wise marks and overall grades. Follow the simple steps provided to check your results and ensure to collect your original mark sheets from your school.
Fridge bought for Rs 1.09L stops cooling, then explodes; court orders Rs 1.99L payout
A consumer commission in Jharkhand has ruled in favor of a customer regarding a defective refrigerator. The customer faced repeated cooling issues and requested a replacement after the refrigerator exploded. The company failed to respond appropriately to the customer's complaints and repair attempts. As a result, the commission ordered compensation along with litigation costs to be paid to the customer. The total financial liability amounts to Rs 1.
Jharkhand shutdown evokes mixed response, traffic hit by road blockades in several districts
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 30 (IANS) A statewide shutdown called on Wednesday by activists of the separate Jharkhand movement for pensions for agitators, jobs for dependents, among several other demands, evoked a mixed response across the state. Protesters blocked roads and disrupted traffic in districts such as Palamu, Giridih, and Bokaro, while normal life remained largely unaffected in several urban centres, including the state capital Ranchi. The bandh had a relatively stronger impact in Medininagar of Palamu , where agitators carrying bows, arrows and other traditional weapons took to the streets and blocked the busy Redma Chowk. Several protesters sat on the road as a mark of protest, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. The blockade inconvenienced school children, commuters, and long-distance travellers. In Giridih, activists blocked the Giridih-Dumri main road near the old toll plaza at Paparwatand and raised slogans while sitting on the roadway. The blockade was later lifted following talks with the police. In Bokaro, protesters staged a road blockade at the ITI Mor area in Chas, disrupting the movement of local as well as goods-carrying vehicles for some time. The impact of the shutdown was hardly visible in Ranchi. Protesters briefly disrupted traffic near Albert Ekka Chowk in the morning, but the situation returned to normal after police and administrative officials intervened. The agitators later staged a sit-in at the nearby CPI office premises. Most markets in Ranchi remained open, while buses and autorickshaws continued to operate normally. Reports from Chatra and Garhwa indicated disruptions in the movement of buses and heavy commercial vehicles. In some parts of Ramgarh and Dhanbad, protesters appealed to traders to support the bandh, while local transportation was affected at some locations. The most impacted by the bandh were the long-distance bus services. Some services operating from Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh to Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and various districts within Jharkhand were affected. They remained off roads largely as a precautionary measure. However, train services on major railway routes remained normal. Autorickshaws and e-rickshaws continued to operate in most towns and cities, although traffic congestion at key highway intersections caused temporary disruptions. Leaders of the agitation, including Pushkar Mahto and former MP Bhuvneshwar Prasad Mehta, said that several demands of Jharkhand movement activists remain unresolved even 26 years after the formation of the state. They warned that if the government fails to take a decision on their demands soon, an indefinite hunger strike would be launched across the state from November 15, the Jharkhand Foundation Day.
2 Jharkhand Yoga Instructors Killed In Vietnam Accident
Indian Community Pools Funds To Help Repatriate Mortal Remains
2 Indians Killed In Vietnam Crash. Had Gone From Jharkhand To Teach Yoga
Raja Kumar Verma, 26, and Vinay Yadav, 23, were killed when their bike met with an accident in the city of Da Lat on September 25.
JSSC has released two notifications for JTAACCE-2026 Para Teacher (Sahayak Acharya) recruitment - Advt No. 04/2026 for 6101 regular vacancies and Advt No. 05/2026 for 1198 backlog vacancies. Check combined eligibility, age limit, application fee, exam pattern, important dates and how to apply online at jssc.jharkhand.gov.in from 29 September 2026 and the last date has been extended to 18 October 2026.
Chidambaram calls SIR process deeply flawed, questions ECs decisions
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Former Union Minister and Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls, alleging that it has been marred by serious concerns and disagreements within the poll panel. Speaking to IANS, Chidambaram said, The Election Commission is totally wrong. The SIR process has been doubted by the two Election Commissioners, and they have pointed out that there were 14 disagreements between the Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner. He further referred to alleged errors in the electoral revision process in several states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Haryana. Too many mistakes have been pointed out in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Haryana. So many mistakes have been pointed out in the past. The SIR process is deeply flawed. If it was not flawed, why should the Election Commission meet again and change the process? What happened a few days ago should be totally scrapped, he said. Reports of differences within the three-member Election Commission over aspects of the SIR exercise have triggered a political controversy. According to reports, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several issues over a period of 10 months. The Election Commission, however, has maintained that the final decisions on the SIR exercise were unanimous and that the observations raised during the process were part of its deliberations. The INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the Election Commission row and chalk out a joint strategy on the SIR process. The meeting is also expected to consider plans for a nationwide agitation, including protests and public rallies against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. An impeachment motion against him in Parliament is also expected to be discussed. The meeting comes after the Congress Working Committee adopted a resolution seeking CEC Kumars removal and raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission. The Opposition has intensified its criticism of the poll panel following reports about the differences between the two Election Commissioners and the CEC over electoral roll revisions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also alleged irregularities in the electoral process, while the Election Commission has rejected claims that its decisions were taken without the approval of its members. The Opposition's proposed campaign is expected to begin with a series of rallies, including one at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, followed by programmes in different states. The INDIA bloc may also announce the date of its first major rally during the meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are expected to represent Congress. Trinamool Congress leaders Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee and Derek O'Brien are also expected to attend. Leaders of Left parties are likely to participate as well. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, NCP's Supriya Sule, National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti are among the other leaders expected to join the meeting. Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to participate virtually. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is not likely to attend the meeting, with senior party leader Harendra Malik set to represent the party.
Jharkhands CEO Engages Political Parties to Streamline Voter Verification Process
Jharkhands Chief Electoral Officer discusses voter verification with political parties to ensure transparency in the electoral process. Jharkhands CEO Engages Political Parties to Streamline Voter Verification Process
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Accused in Obscene Post Case Against Jharkhands First Lady
The Supreme Court has granted bail to a man accused of posting obscene content against Jharkhand CM Hemant Sorens wife, Kalpana Soren. Supreme Court Grants Bail to Accused in Obscene Post Case Against Jharkhands First Lady
Minor detained for vandalising Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjees statue
Koderma court sentences three brothers to life for 2023 murder
ASIs son beaten to death after clash, 2 held in Giridih
Chatra accounts for 38.6% Form-7 objections
Three children drown in Jamtara
Elephant sparks panic at Simdega block office, weekly market
Three held in minors kidnap-murder case
Elephant tramples teacher to death in Dhanbads Tundi
1.5L grapple with drinking water crisis on JSR outskirts
Gumlas mandar beats earn Jharkhand a GI tag
Unregistered Palamu nursing home sealed
Two arrested, two minors detained in gang-rape case
Ranchi tourist spots see footfall, but civic amenities remain uneven
Deoghar Police arrest five in interstate cyber fraud case, seize phones
Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Odisha DGP Appointment Case
The Supreme Court of India has concluded its hearings on the high-profile legal battle surrounding the appointment of the Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) and has officially reserved its verdict. However, the final judgment is expected to be pronounced only after the apex court hears a similar petition concerning Jharkhand on October 8. During [] The post Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Odisha DGP Appointment Case appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Jharkhand High Court Summons Tourism Secretary Over Ranjappa Temple Development Issues
Jharkhand High Court expresses displeasure over the governments handling of Ranjappa Temple development, summons officials for next hearing. Jharkhand High Court Summons Tourism Secretary Over Ranjappa Temple Development Issues
Dumka DC orders inquiry after school found locked during class hours
62 heavy vehicles parked illegally on roads penalised in JSR
Stolen cow rescued from car in Hazaribag, 3 held
Jharkhand Fire: 58 Mini Water Tenders and Temporary Control Rooms Deployed
Three children drown to death in village pond in Jharkhand's Jamtara
Digital Desk | Jamtara (Jharkhand), Sep 29 (IANS) Three young children drowned to death in a pond at Chegayadih village under Jamtara Sadar police station limits in Jharkhand on Tuesday, officials said. The children had gone to play together in the afternoon and later wandered towards a village pond located in the Chirkutola area. According to local residents, the children drowned in the pond while playing. Villagers rushed to the spot after learning about the incident and pulled them out of the water. However, all three had died by then. The deceased have been identified as five-year-old Aryan Ansari, around six-year-old Nasir Ansari, and around six-year-old Amar Sohel. Aryan Ansari was the son of Jasimuddin Ansari, Nasir of Tabarak Ansari, and Amar Sohel of Sajawuddin Ansari. All three children belonged to the same village. Police from Jamtara Sadar police station reached the site after they were informed of the tragic incident and conducted a preliminary inspection. They initiated the process of sending the bodies for postmortem examination. Police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the drowning. A pall of gloom has descended over Chegayadih village following the tragic incident. Grief-stricken family members were inconsolable as local residents gathered to offer their condolences and support. The tragedy is the latest in a series of drowning incidents reported across Jharkhand this month. At least 15 people have lost their lives in separate incidents in ponds, rivers, check dams and other water bodies this month only. On September 23, five people drowned in the Koel River during Karma Puja celebrations in Palamu, while a 16-year-old girl also died during the immersion of a Karam branch in Nani Jharia on the same day. Other recent drowning deaths in September have been reported from West Singhbhum, Dhanbad, Gumla and Godda districts.
CIL, HURL sign pact to explore syngas-based urea production in Jharkhand
State-owned CIL on Tuesday said that it has entered into a pact with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd to examine the feasibility of producing urea through syngas - produced from coal gasification - at Sindri in Jharkhand. The development assumes significance in the wake of the Centre's push to promote coal gasification and reduce dependence on imported natural gas and other feedstocks for fertiliser production. In a filing to BSE, the Maharatna firm said, Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) have executed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 29.09.2026 for exploring the development of a coal gasification-based urea production at Sindri, Jharkhand. Under this pact, initially the focus will be on examining the project's technical, commercial and execution modalities, besides preparing a preliminary feasibility report to assess its viability, the filing said. Coal gasification is considered a cleaner option compared to burning coal. ..
Coal India inks MoU with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan for coal gasification project
Coal India said that it has executed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan (HURL) for exploring the development of a coal gasification based Urea Production at Sindri, Jharkhand.
Centre sanctions Rs 1,200 crore to 10 states under PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over financial sanction letters worth more than Rs 1,200 crore to agriculture ministers of 10 states under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). The disbursement included Rs 290 crore for West Bengal, Rs 198 crore for Haryana, Rs 181 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 154 crore for Arunachal Pradesh, Rs 114 crore for Bihar, Rs 104 crore for Karnataka, Rs 75 crore for Mizoram, Rs 64 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs 58 crore for Jharkhand and Rs 43 crore for Punjab. Chairing a meeting attended by Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from various states, Chouhan said the Union Government was not only limiting itself to policy formulation, but also ensuring timely availability of resources to states so that implementation of schemes could begin on the ground without delay. Highlighting the countrys agricultural performance, Chouhan said that since 2015, the agriculture growth rate has increased from 3 per cent to 4.5 per cent. The average annual increase in foodgrain production has also more than doubled, rising from around 40 lakh tonnes earlier to 84 lakh tonnes per year. He further noted that in just two years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, rabi foodgrain production recorded an unprecedented increase of 205 lakh tonnes. Announcing a new mechanism to further strengthen cooperative federalism, Chouhan said that, on the lines of weekly reviews conducted at the Centre, regular monthly virtual review meetings with states would now be held to continuously assess progress. At the state level, a strong State Agriculture Team will be constituted by bringing together the Agriculture Minister, Agriculture Secretary, state agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ATMA and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Monthly meetings will also be held at the district level. Emphasising the need to protect soil health and the environment, Chouhan called for a nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan from October 22 to November 30 this year. Scientists and all key stakeholders will actively participate in the campaign. Based on Soil Health Cards, the campaign will promote balanced use of fertilisers to protect soil fertility and beneficial insects. He also called for large-scale promotion of pulse cultivation in rice fallow areas of eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, after the paddy harvest. As part of preparations for the current rabi season, Chouhan stressed that recommendations on crops and improved seeds should be based on soil moisture and water availability. Stating that the availability of seeds and fertilisers in the country is adequate, Chouhan directed states to take strict legal action against fake fertilisers, spurious seeds and sub-standard pesticides. Chouhan said the government is pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy to ensure that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce. The strategy includes strengthening post-harvest management, scientific warehousing and marketing systems. He said that 100 per cent assured government procurement of tur, urad and masoor at MSP would be undertaken, with arrangements for payment within 48 hours. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision, he said India would also leverage the new market opportunities emerging from international Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to connect Indian agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and foodgrains with global markets. This, he said, would help farmers secure better returns for their produce and enable India to emerge as a major food basket for the world.

