What is common between union minister for rural development, roadways and sanitation Nitin Gadkari and Mukesh Ambani? Don’t know? Not to worry. Both of them like organic pumpkins grown at Gadkari’s organic farm.
It’s not a rumour. The statement has come from horse’s mouth. The union union rural development minister at an award distribution faction on Wednesday said, ‘Some days ago, Mukesh Ambani had visited my house and in return I gifted him some pumpkins grown at my organic farm. Next day I got about 18 missed calls from Ambani.’ Gadkari further said, ‘Due to some engagements, I didn’t take up the call. The phone was answered by my personal assistance Avinash, whom Ambani told to send more.’
While stressing on organic farming, Gadkari asked corporate sector to develop organic pesticides rather than chemical one. ‘The excessive use of pesticides is the main cause of turning fertile land into arid. Our farmers should be encouraged to practise organic farming.’ The rural development minister also hinted at scrapping subsidies on fertilisers. While urging farmers to grow crops other than wheat and rice to come out of poverty, Gadkari said, ‘Farmers can earn more if they have diversification in crops that can be used for manufacturing ethanol, electricity, bio-gas among other products.’
Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh, who was also present at the function, said the government is focusing on improving soil health, ensuring irrigation in farm field besides bringing poor into the banking system in order to achieve second Green Revolution.
‘Our agriculture is among the biggest and the most vibrant in the world. It sustains the lives of billions of Indians besides providing livelihood to millions of farmers. Yet the interest in this sector, and the attention to it, has been dwindling and this is one effort to bring the glory back to this sector,’ said NK Aggarwal, chairman of Crystal Group.
It’s not a rumour. The statement has come from horse’s mouth. The union union rural development minister at an award distribution faction on Wednesday said, ‘Some days ago, Mukesh Ambani had visited my house and in return I gifted him some pumpkins grown at my organic farm. Next day I got about 18 missed calls from Ambani.’ Gadkari further said, ‘Due to some engagements, I didn’t take up the call. The phone was answered by my personal assistance Avinash, whom Ambani told to send more.’
While stressing on organic farming, Gadkari asked corporate sector to develop organic pesticides rather than chemical one. ‘The excessive use of pesticides is the main cause of turning fertile land into arid. Our farmers should be encouraged to practise organic farming.’ The rural development minister also hinted at scrapping subsidies on fertilisers. While urging farmers to grow crops other than wheat and rice to come out of poverty, Gadkari said, ‘Farmers can earn more if they have diversification in crops that can be used for manufacturing ethanol, electricity, bio-gas among other products.’
Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh, who was also present at the function, said the government is focusing on improving soil health, ensuring irrigation in farm field besides bringing poor into the banking system in order to achieve second Green Revolution.
‘Our agriculture is among the biggest and the most vibrant in the world. It sustains the lives of billions of Indians besides providing livelihood to millions of farmers. Yet the interest in this sector, and the attention to it, has been dwindling and this is one effort to bring the glory back to this sector,’ said NK Aggarwal, chairman of Crystal Group.