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Maharashtra Switch to Hindi
Banana Cluster in Maharashtra
Why in News?
On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval for a ₹200‑crore ‘Banana Cluster’ project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, aimed at enhancing banana cultivation and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.
Key Points
- Objective: The project aims to develop a complete banana value chain including production, processing, storage, and marketing, enhancing both farmer income and export potential.
- Cluster Infrastructure: Facilities under the cluster include Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), mechanisation, bio-control units, fruit covering, pre-cooling chambers, cold storage, ripening chambers, refrigerated vans, processing units, and export infrastructure.
- Financial Support: Subsidies for these facilities will be provided through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
- Recognising that bananas are not covered under MSP for long-term storage, the government is considering alternative mechanisms to compensate farmers if market prices fall below a predetermined cost or model price, under schemes like PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan).
- Significance: Jalgaon, also known as the ‘Banana City’, plays a pivotal role in India’s horticulture sector and contributes significantly to agricultural development.
| Read More: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM-AASHA |
Odisha Switch to Hindi
Nita Ambani Conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 in Odisha
Why in News?
Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, was recently honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 for her extensive contributions to social development.
Key Points
- About: The KISS Humanitarian Award is an annual international award conferred by the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Objective: The award was initiated in 2008 to recognize and felicitate individuals for their exemplary and distinguished service to humanity across the globe.
- 2023 Award: Bill Gates was honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023 for his global philanthropic endeavours.
