Madhya Pradesh

• 04 Mar 2022

Agricultural Excellence Center

Why in News

On March 3, 2022, Israel's Consulate General Kobi Shoshani, during his meeting with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed that Israel has proposed to set up two centers of excellence in Madhya Pradesh (out of 29 agricultural centers in India).

Key Points

• Among the proposed centers, orange production in Chhindwara and vegetable production in Morena will be promoted.
• Presently some establishments of Israeli companies are functioning at Malanpur and Mandideep in Madhya Pradesh.
• The Chief Minister said that the suggestion received by Israel would be considered and implemented. Industrial investment prospects in Madhya Pradesh will also be promoted in collaboration with Israeli companies.
• In the irrigation sector, India and Israel are working on water projects in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. In particular, both countries look forward to cooperation in other potential areas of water management.
• Officials of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Madhya Pradesh will be benefited in a fortnightly specialization course in Israel.
• Chief Minister Chouhan said that the Bundelkhand region would be rejuvenated by the implementation of Ken-Betwa project. Madhya Pradesh is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's philosophy of 'Per Drop More Crop' and the farming style of Israel.

Solar Power Park

Why in News

Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park (600 MW) approved in the Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPS) mode under the Solar Energy Park Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India in the meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on March 3, 2022. ) and Chhatarpur Solar Power Park (950 MW) has been approved.

Key Points

• Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) will be the Solar Park Project Developer (SPPD) for the development of these parks.
• The proposed 600 MW capacity floating solar project on Omkareshwar reservoir is the world's largest floating solar project in the present scenario.
• This project will be developed as a multipurpose project, in which it will be possible to fulfill the objectives of land conservation, water conservation etc. useful for tourism, agriculture and industry.
• The power generated from the solar projects will be purchased by the Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for the supply of solar RPO of the state and for the use of the state. The rest of the electricity will be purchased by other public institutions for use in the state or outside the state.
• The above projects will also prove helpful in fulfilling the renewable energy bond with low cost environment friendly electricity to the state.
• It is noteworthy that in the COP 26 conference organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Glasgow, the country has set a target of setting up renewable energy projects of 500 GW (five lakh MW) by the year 2030.

14 Days’ Handloom Expo at Gauhar Mahal

Why in News

The 14-day Handloom Expo was inaugurated by Padmashree Bhuribai as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav at Urban Haat Gauhar Mahal on March 3, 2022. The expo will run till March 15, 2022.

Key Points

• This special handloom expo is being organized by Sant Ravidas Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation Limited, Bhopal in collaboration with Union Ministry of Textiles at Urban Haat Gauhar Mahal.
• The expo brings together quality and diverse handloom products from weavers from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, all under one roof, at discounted rates.
• An additional 25 temporary shops have been constructed along with 35 permanent available shops in the Urban Haat Gauhar Mahal complex. In this way, handloom cloth weavers from different states are available for sale in 60 shops.
• Cultural programs will also be held daily in this 14 day handloom ex-po. Entry and parking arrangements have been made free of cost for the customers in the ex-po.