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Google Gemini

Starting September 2, Google will update its data policy for Gemini, its AI chatbot. This change will allow the company to use your interactions—including file uploads and chat prompts—to train and improve its artificial intelligence systems.

While this might sound like a way to make Gemini more intelligent and helpful, it also introduces concerns about privacy. If you’ve ever used Gemini to ask sensitive questions, you may wonder if those conversations should really be part of AI training. Fortunately, Google has provided a way to opt out.

Why Google Wants Your Data

Artificial intelligence models learn best from real-world examples. Public data alone can’t always capture the variety of ways people ask questions or express themselves. By studying chats and uploads, Gemini can refine its understanding of human language and deliver more accurate responses.

In short, your chats help the AI learn. But for some, the trade-off between smarter AI and personal privacy feels uneasy—especially when health, finance, or personal topics are involved.

What Exactly Will Be Collected?

Google calls this setting Gemini Apps Activity. Once the update rolls out, it will appear as Keep activity. When enabled, this feature records your chats, file uploads, and prompts. That means anything you type or share with Gemini could be stored for AI improvement.

The company emphasizes that the data isn’t directly linked to your personal account. Still, the option to opt out exists for those who’d rather not share their conversations at all.

How to Turn Off Gemini Activity on Desktop

If you’d prefer to stop sharing your interactions, here’s the process:

  1. Go to Gemini.Google.com and sign in.
  2. From the left-hand menu, click Settings and help.
  3. Under Activity, find Gemini apps activity (or Keep activity after September 2).
  4. Toggle it off to stop saving your chats and uploads.
  5. You can also delete your past records if you want them removed from Google’s servers.

Even after disabling it, Google temporarily holds the last 72 hours of your activity before deleting it permanently.

How to Disable It on Mobile

The steps are similar on the Gemini app:

  1. Open the Gemini app and tap your profile icon.
  2. Go to Gemini apps activity.
  3. Switch it off to prevent future training.
  4. Delete past data if you don’t want your history stored.

Remember, if you use multiple Google accounts, you’ll need to repeat the steps on each one.

The Bigger Picture: Privacy vs Progress

This update reflects a larger dilemma in the world of artificial intelligence. On one side, companies like Google need massive amounts of real data to create smarter, more reliable AI. On the other, users worry about privacy and how their information might be used.

By offering an opt-out choice, Google is trying to strike a balance. Whether you choose to keep activity on or off depends on your comfort level with sharing data for AI development.

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Donlad Trump & Putin

In a major geopolitical development, former US President Donald Trump has hinted at “big progress” following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The statement comes just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders are set to arrive in Washington for fresh peace discussions.

Trump’s message, shared on his Truth Social platform, was brief but loaded with anticipation: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” Though no official agreements were announced during the three-hour summit with Putin, both leaders described their exchange as constructive.

A Rare Meeting on Western Soil
The Alaska summit marked the first time Vladimir Putin set foot on Western soil since the Ukraine invasion began in February 2022. While symbolic in itself, the meeting also carried weight as both sides sought ways to reduce tensions and explore potential compromises.

Game-Changing Security Guarantees
US envoy Steve Witkoff later revealed that Trump and Putin had reached an understanding on “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine, describing the move as “game-changing.” Though details remain under wraps, the statement suggested a significant shift in negotiations compared to earlier stalemates.

Proposals on the Table
According to sources familiar with the talks, one of the proposals discussed involved Russia pulling back from smaller occupied territories in exchange for Ukraine conceding certain fortified areas in the east. The plan would also freeze other contested front lines, a move aimed at halting immediate hostilities.

Zelensky and Europe Step In
As Trump seeks to advance peace discussions, Ukrainian President Zelensky will be joined in Washington by a strong delegation of European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are all scheduled to attend. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also confirmed her presence at Zelensky’s request.

The gathering underscores Europe’s determination to support Ukraine and ensure that its interests are protected in any peace arrangement. With Trump pushing for a swift resolution, Monday’s talks are expected to set the tone for the next phase of negotiations.

The Road Ahead
While optimism surrounds the Alaska summit, uncertainties remain. Questions linger over whether Ukraine would accept territorial concessions and whether Russia would fully honor proposed guarantees. The Washington meeting will likely determine if “big progress” translates into a real pathway to ending the war.

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Gemma 3 270M

Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to powerful servers and high-end computers. With the rise of mobile-first technology, there’s a growing need for models that are light, efficient, and accessible on everyday devices. Google has stepped into this space with Gemma 3 270M, a compact open-source AI model that brings the power of personalization directly to smartphones and IoT systems.

What Makes Gemma 3 270M Different?

Unlike large-scale AI models that rely heavily on cloud-based infrastructure, Gemma 3 270M is built to run directly on devices with limited hardware capabilities. With 270 million parameters, it balances performance with efficiency, making it an ideal fit for edge computing.

Key highlights include:

  • Energy efficiency designed for long-term sustainability.
  • Low hardware dependency, reducing the need for costly processors.
  • Quantisation-aware training, enabling smooth performance on formats like INT4.
  • Instruction-following and text structuring using a robust 256,000-token vocabulary.

Why On-Device AI Matters

On-device AI eliminates the constant need to connect to cloud servers, which brings two big advantages:

  1. Stronger Privacy: Sensitive user data doesn’t need to be uploaded and stored externally.
  2. Faster Responses: Tasks like personalization, text generation, or analysis can happen instantly without latency issues.

For industries like healthcare wearables, autonomous IoT systems, and smart assistants, this could be a game-changer.

Environmental and Accessibility Benefits

By consuming less energy and relying less on server farms, Gemma 3 270M reduces the carbon footprint of AI usage. It also creates opportunities for startups, smaller firms, and independent developers who don’t have access to expensive cloud infrastructure. This aligns with Google’s vision of democratizing AI for all.

Built-in Safeguards and Responsible Use

To address safety concerns, Google has integrated ShieldGemma, a system designed to minimize risks of harmful outputs. However, experts point out that like any open-source technology, careful deployment will be essential to avoid misuse.

What’s Next for Gemma 3 270M?

Google has hinted at expanding Gemma with multimodal capabilities, enabling it to process not just text but also images, audio, and possibly video. This step would make it even more versatile and align it closer with the broader Gemini ecosystem.

Gemma 3 270M is more than just a compact AI model — it represents a shift towards decentralization and sustainability in artificial intelligence. By enabling on-device AI for mobiles and IoT devices, Google is paving the way for a future where AI is faster, greener, and more accessible to everyone.

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On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic 103-minute address from the Red Fort—his longest-ever speech and the most extended by any Indian prime minister. His announcements touched every sphere of national growth, from defence innovation and economic reforms to job creation and demographic stability, outlining a bold roadmap for the nation’s journey toward its centenary of independence in 2047.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Strengthening India’s Security Shield
Among the most significant announcements was the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra—India’s plan to design and develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like defence system. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the mission aims to expand, strengthen, and modernise the nation’s security apparatus by 2035. It will safeguard critical infrastructure, including civilian areas, against terrorist threats, with the entire system researched, developed, and manufactured domestically. The initiative places strong emphasis on harnessing the skills and creativity of India’s youth.

GST Reforms as a Diwali Gift
The Prime Minister also unveiled plans for next-generation GST reforms, to be introduced during Diwali. These measures will focus on reducing taxes on essential goods, offering relief to MSMEs, and making compliance easier for local businesses and vendors. The reforms will be driven by a newly formed Reform Task Force, tasked with accelerating economic growth, cutting red tape, and positioning India for a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047.

PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: A Boost for Employment
To address youth unemployment and stimulate the economy, Modi announced the ₹1 lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. This programme aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years, offering financial support of ₹15,000 per month to newly employed youth. The scheme is designed to benefit around three crore young Indians, reinforcing the transition from an Independent India to a Prosperous India.

High-Powered Demography Mission
Recognising the challenges of demographic imbalance in sensitive border regions, Modi announced a high-powered demography mission. The initiative seeks to address issues caused by infiltration and illegal migration, ensuring national unity, security, and the protection of citizens’ rights. This move reflects the government’s focus on both long-term security and demographic stability.

Tenfold Growth in Nuclear Energy by 2047
In a major push toward clean and reliable energy, the Prime Minister revealed plans to expand India’s nuclear power generation capacity by more than ten times over the next two decades. Ten new nuclear reactors are already in development, marking a decisive step toward meeting the nation’s growing energy demands while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion
PM Modi’s Independence Day 2025 speech was not only historic in length but also in scope, presenting a clear and ambitious vision for the nation’s future. From defence self-reliance and economic modernisation to job creation and sustainable energy, the announcements form a strategic blueprint for a stronger, more secure, and prosperous India by 2047.

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Independence Day 2025

Naya Bharat is not just a dream—it is our collective mission.

Every year on 15 August, India pauses to honour the day it broke free from colonial rule and embraced the vision of a sovereign nation. Independence Day is more than a national holiday—it is a reflection of India’s resilience, unity, and the sacrifices that shaped its identity. As we approach 15 August 2025, this day calls for both celebration and remembrance, offering an opportunity to express gratitude, pride, and hope for the future.

The Historical Journey to Freedom
India’s independence was the result of decades of struggle, courage, and unwavering determination. From the early revolts to the non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom movement united people across regions, religions, and backgrounds. On 15 August 1947, the dream of self-governance became reality, marking the birth of the largest democracy in the world. This milestone was not merely a political shift—it was the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s story.

Significance of Independence Day in 2025
Seventy-eight years after gaining independence, the essence of the day remains deeply relevant. It is a moment to reflect on how far India has come—from a newly freed nation to a global force in technology, economy, and culture. In 2025, the celebration is also a reminder of the challenges that remain, urging citizens to protect democratic values, uphold unity, and work collectively toward inclusive progress.

Ways to Celebrate and Express Wishes
Independence Day celebrations in 2025 will continue to blend tradition with modern expressions of patriotism. Share heartfelt wishes with friends and family, such as:

  • “May the spirit of freedom inspire you every day to contribute to our nation’s progress.”
  • “On this Independence Day, let us honour the sacrifices that gave us the gift of liberty.”
  • “Here’s to a future where peace, unity, and equality light the way for generations to come.”
  • “Let us remember the price paid for our freedom and work together to protect it for the future.”
  • “May our tricolour always fly high as a symbol of pride, hope, and unity.”
  • “This Independence Day, let’s pledge to uphold the ideals that our forefathers fought for.”
  • “Freedom is our right, but responsibility is our duty—let’s cherish both.”
  • “From diversity we draw strength; from unity we build our future—Happy Independence Day.”
    These wishes serve as reminders that freedom is a collective responsibility, not just a historical achievement.

Independence Day 2025: Key Highlights from the Red Fort
The celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi captured the essence of the nation’s aspirations:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag, delivering an address centered on the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
  • A ceremonial 21-gun salute marked the occasion.
  • Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the assembled crowd.
  • The Indian Armed Forces and Delhi Police presented a Guard of Honour.
  • A tribute to Operation Sindoor highlighted national pride and resilience.
  • Over 5,000 invited guests—including farmers, athletes, rural innovators, and social workers—attended in traditional attire.
  • NCC cadets and volunteers formed a striking human representation of the “Naya Bharat” emblem.

The President’s Address to the Nation
On the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a heartfelt address, calling on citizens to actively contribute to a united, just, and progressive India. Her message resonated with the spirit of collective responsibility, urging every individual to play a role in the country’s journey toward equality and prosperity.

Patriotism Across the Nation
The celebrations extended far beyond the capital:

  • The “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign brought the tricolour to homes, streets, schools, and institutions nationwide.
  • Citizens expressed their patriotism through slogans, poetry, and inspirational quotes, with messages such as “One Nation, One Dream — Naya Bharat” and “79 Years of Freedom, 79 Years of Strength” trending across platforms.
  • Television and radio channels, including Doordarshan and Akashvani, broadcast the national events to millions, while social media became a vibrant canvas for tricolour-themed stories, reels, and creative expressions.

Independence Day Beyond Borders
The significance of 15 August extends beyond India’s borders. The Indian diaspora celebrates the day in countries worldwide, hosting cultural festivals, flag hoisting events, and community gatherings. These celebrations showcase India’s rich heritage and reinforce the bond between the homeland and its global citizens.

Conclusion
Independence Day 2025 is both a tribute to the past and a pledge for the future. It invites every citizen to celebrate with pride, remember the sacrifices of countless heroes, and commit to shaping a stronger, more united India. As the tricolour rises high this 15 August, may it remind us that freedom thrives when we nurture it with responsibility, compassion, and courage.

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Generative Engine Optimization

Generative Engine Optimization: The New Frontier of Digital Discovery

Search as we know it is evolving at lightning speed. The rise of AI-powered platforms is giving birth to a generative economy—one where businesses that act now, shifting from keyword-heavy SEO to brand-first, AI-driven strategies, will dominate for years to come. The rules that have governed traditional SEO are changing, and those who cling to them risk fading into irrelevance.

From Page One to AI Recommendations

In the old search world, being on “Page 1” of Google was the holy grail. Humans rarely clicked beyond it, so rankings were everything. But AI doesn’t operate like that. Large language models can scan and synthesize information from countless sites in seconds. This means your brand doesn’t have to be top-ranked to be surfaced—it needs to be trusted, contextually relevant, and clearly understood by these AI systems.

Why GEO Isn’t Just SEO 2.0

Generative Engine Optimization isn’t a fancier version of SEO. While it builds on SEO fundamentals, it’s driven by different priorities. Traditional SEO was about attracting the most traffic with the right keywords. GEO is about being chosen by intelligent systems as the most relevant, reliable answer to a query—whether or not you dominate keyword rankings.

The focus shifts from chasing search volume to positioning your brand where it matters most. It’s not about competing for generic terms—it’s about making your expertise, trust signals, and unique value unmistakable to AI-powered search.

The Brand-First Mindset

At the heart of GEO lies branding. This means:

  • Defining exactly who your customers are
  • Clearly articulating what you offer
  • Differentiating yourself from every other option

For too long, businesses have let keywords drive their messaging. But AI search thrives on depth, context, and credibility. If your brand story is fuzzy or inconsistent, intelligent systems will pass you over for competitors with clearer positioning.

How to Build GEO Authority

To win in this new landscape, you need to train AI systems to recognize and trust your brand. That involves:

  • On-page clarity: Make your value proposition explicit
  • Off-page validation: Secure mentions, case studies, interviews, and media coverage that reinforce your authority
  • Consistency across platforms: Ensure your brand voice and claims are uniform across every touchpoint

The more confident AI tools are in your brand’s credibility, the more likely you are to be recommended—whether for direct purchase decisions or complex, nuanced queries.

SEO and GEO: The Power of Bothism

Right now, we’re in a transitional stage. Traditional SEO still delivers value, but GEO is quickly rising. The smartest move is “bothism”—doing both SEO and GEO in tandem. This means keeping your search presence strong while building the brand authority that will matter more as AI search becomes dominant.

Businesses should be auditing where their mentions appear, how consistently they’re presented, and whether they’re visible beyond their own website. GEO deliverables—such as thought leadership content, media placements, and optimized brand profiles—create immediate value, making it easier to prove ROI compared to the slow climb of traditional SEO.

Why the Shift Can’t Wait

The shift to AI-driven search isn’t a slow burn—it’s happening now. As more people turn to generative tools for answers, businesses relying solely on traditional rankings will see traffic and leads drop. This is the moment to diversify, refine your brand presence, and prepare for a search environment where algorithms pick winners based on authority, not just backlinks.

Those who adapt early won’t just survive the change—they’ll define it.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Parliament’s Monsoon Session: Protests, Barricades, and Landmark Sports Reforms

The 17th day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, held on August 12, 2025, was a mix of high-stakes politics, street drama, and significant legislative developments. Both Houses opened to loud protests led by the opposition INDIA bloc, which has taken strong exception to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Electoral Roll Dispute Sparks Street Protests

The opposition alleges that the SIR exercise risks excluding marginalized and minority voters from Bihar’s electoral list—a move they describe as an orchestrated “vote theft.” Their frustration moved beyond Parliament’s walls as prominent leaders—Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sanjay Raut—marched toward the Election Commission to demand intervention.

In a moment that drew nationwide attention, Akhilesh Yadav leaped over police barricades, prompting a brief scuffle. Rahul Gandhi and several other leaders were detained by the police, though they were released shortly after.

Government Pushes Through Legislative Business

While protests raged, the Lok Sabha pressed forward with its legislative agenda. By voice vote, it passed:

  • National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
  • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
  • A third pending bill

In the Rajya Sabha, the day saw the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill—described by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as the most transformative overhaul in Indian sports administration since independence.

Sports Reform at the Forefront

The new sports governance framework seeks to:

  • Enforce transparency in sports bodies
  • Ensure fair play across disciplines
  • Strengthen anti-doping measures
  • Standardize administrative accountability

The government hailed the reforms as a long-overdue cleanup that will better protect athletes’ rights and restore credibility to sports institutions.

Session Adjourned Amid Ongoing Standoff

Despite legislative progress, the opposition refused to relent on its demand for a structured debate on Bihar’s draft electoral rolls. Repeated disruptions forced adjournment of both Houses until August 18, leaving the political standoff unresolved and Bihar’s voter roll controversy firmly in the spotlight ahead of the state elections.

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Trump’s Alaska Gambit: A Controversial Path to Peace

US President Donald Trump has thrown a fresh twist into the high-stakes Russia-Ukraine conflict, proposing that both nations “swap land” as part of a potential ceasefire deal. The move, which he plans to discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska, comes with promises, risks, and fierce opposition on the ground.

The Core of Moscow’s Demands

For Moscow, the prize lies in cementing control over Donetsk and Luhansk — territories rich in coal, industry, and infrastructure. These regions have been at the heart of the war since 2014, and Russia shows no signs of relinquishing them. In fact, one of the Kremlin’s non-negotiables is keeping Ukraine out of NATO.

Kyiv’s Conditional Willingness

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a reluctant willingness to cede some territory, it comes with a catch — NATO membership and ironclad security guarantees. Without those, Kyiv says the deal is dead on arrival.

What the Proposal Could Mean on the Map

The plan floated after US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s Moscow visit suggests Kyiv might surrender the last parts of Donetsk under its control, freezing the front lines and halting the fighting. But this would also cement Russian control over areas seized in Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.

Voices from the Ground in Ukraine

In Sloviansk, near the contested Donbas region, the mere idea of a US-backed land swap has stirred anxiety. Local journalist Mykhailo told CNN that the prospect feels “dark and surreal,” adding, “Many of my friends will have to leave.” The town, once seized by Russian proxies in 2014 and later reclaimed by Ukraine, remains on edge, with defensive trenches still in place.

The Ceasefire Stalemate

Trump earlier called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire — something Kyiv agreed to in March, but Moscow rejected. Instead, Russia has intensified its attacks since Trump took office. In response, Trump has increased pressure through economic sanctions and by hiking tariffs on India, a major buyer of Russian oil, in an effort to weaken Moscow’s war chest.

High Stakes in Alaska

Trump has hinted at a follow-up meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky, aiming to seal the deal in person. “There’ll be some land swapping going on,” he told reporters, suggesting the Alaska talks will serve as a critical temperature check on Russia’s willingness to negotiate.

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Stock Market

Small-Cap Selloff Deepens Amid Tariff Tensions and Market Volatility

The Indian equity market closed the week on a cautious note as persistent US tariff concerns and sustained foreign investor selling dragged indices lower. The BSE Small-cap index slipped nearly 2%, with more than 40 counters recording double-digit declines ranging from 10% to 24%.

Heavy losses were seen in PG Electroplast, Kitex Garments, Unichem Laboratories, Morepen Laboratories, Advait Energy Transitions, KR Rail Engineering, Faze Three, and Advanced Enzyme Technologies. The selloff marked the third straight week of weakness in broader markets, underlining the fragility of investor confidence.

Broader Indices Remain Under Pressure

For the week, the BSE Sensex dropped 742.12 points or 0.92% to settle at 79,857.79, while the Nifty50 fell 202.05 points or 0.82% to close at 24,363.30. Large-cap and mid-cap indices each shed about 1%, trailing their small-cap counterparts’ sharper declines.

Sectoral performance was mixed, with Nifty Pharma, Realty, FMCG, and Healthcare losing around 2% each. In contrast, PSU Bank, media, and metal stocks managed modest gains of 0.5% to 1.5%.

FII Selling Continues, DIIs Offer Support

Foreign Institutional Investors extended their selling streak into a sixth consecutive week, offloading equities worth ₹10,652.47 crore during the week. So far in August, FIIs have sold shares worth ₹14,018.87 crore.

On the other side, Domestic Institutional Investors remained steady buyers for the 16th straight week, purchasing equities worth ₹33,608.66 crore during the week and ₹36,795.52 crore so far this month. This consistent domestic inflow provided some cushion against steeper market losses.

Global Trade Tensions Cloud Outlook

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, noted that the market’s consolidation since July reflects the drag from trade-related challenges and underwhelming earnings. “Persistent FII selling, particularly in pharma stocks with significant US exposure, highlights the cautious sentiment. The rupee’s depreciation has also added to the pressure,” he said.

Nair added that optimism from the RBI’s reaffirmation of macroeconomic stability and easing inflation trends has softened the downside, but risks from global trade frictions and sustained foreign outflows remain elevated.

Winners Amid the Weakness

While the broader tone was negative, a handful of stocks bucked the trend. Sarda Energy and Minerals, Timex Group India, Sanghvi Movers, Zinka Logistics Solutions, Centum Electronics, KRBL, Baazar Style Retail, Godfrey Phillips India, and Entertainment Network India posted gains of 12% to 21%, reflecting selective buying in niche segments.

Looking Ahead

The market’s near-term direction will hinge on upcoming inflation data from India and the US, alongside any fresh developments in global trade relations. Analysts suggest investors focus on domestic consumption-driven sectors, which may be better equipped to ride out short-term volatility.

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Minister Jaykumar Rawal Pushes for High-Level Centre-State Meeting on Farmer Welfare and APMC Modernization

Jaykumar Rawal Urges National Push for Farmer Welfare and APMC Modernization

Maharashtra’s Minister for Marketing and Protocol, Jaykumar Rawal, has called for an urgent high-level meeting between Central and State Ministers to address pressing challenges in agricultural marketing, farmer income security, and the modernization of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).

Speaking in New Delhi after a meeting with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rawal outlined the need for a coordinated approach to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and boost post-harvest efficiency.

Challenges Facing Farmers

Rawal noted that production of crops such as onions, pulses, oranges, pomegranates, bananas, and flowers has surged in recent years. However, the absence of robust market systems, insufficient storage facilities, and outdated infrastructure has meant farmers often fail to secure fair prices for their produce.

He stressed that post-harvest losses remain a significant drain on farmers’ earnings, weakening both household incomes and the broader agricultural economy.

Proposals for Fair Remuneration

To bridge these gaps, Rawal suggested a range of measures including:

  • A Special Support Scheme to stabilize farmer incomes during price fluctuations.
  • Decentralized Scientific Storage Facilities to minimize spoilage and reduce transportation burdens.
  • Cold Chain Infrastructure to preserve perishable goods for longer market reach.
  • Digital Inventory Management for better monitoring of stock and distribution.
  • Efficient Logistics Systems to link farms to markets swiftly and cost-effectively.

He also emphasized the importance of a unified market information network to deliver real-time production and pricing data, enabling both farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions.

Modernizing APMCs

Highlighting the outdated infrastructure in many APMCs, Rawal proposed a Central Government-backed modernization scheme covering:

  • Covered auction platforms for weather-proof transactions.
  • Grading and weighing systems to ensure transparent pricing.
  • Cold storage and dry warehouses to extend shelf life.
  • Packaging centers and waste management facilities to add value and reduce loss.
  • Small agro-processing units on unused APMC land to diversify income streams.

He also recommended technical training, subsidies, and stronger digital integration, particularly with platforms like e-NAM, to make APMCs more accessible and efficient.

A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Rawal believes that convening a high-level Centre-State meeting would pave the way for a concrete action plan to protect farmers’ livelihoods, enhance agricultural efficiency, and position India as a global leader in sustainable farming.

According to him, investing in infrastructure, technology, and farmer-friendly policies will not only strengthen rural economies but also secure India’s standing in international agricultural markets.

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