A farming revolution modernizing and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices is underway in SPS Nellore District. Led By IAS Himanshu Shukla, a 2013 batch officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre and currently posted as the District Collector of SPS Nellore District has launched the Champion Farmers Programme. A community driven initiative that uses local farmers themselves to spread scientific, sustainable and market-oriented practices.

Agriculture in Nellore has traditionally been dominated by paddy cultivation, sometimes even accompanied by excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, low levels of mechanization and limited market linkages. These Structural challenges have not only affected farm productivity but also restricted farmers income. Recognizing these issues a multifaceted initiative ‘Champion Farmers’ was designed to promote better farming techniques at the grassroots level.

Under the programme, one Champion Farmer is identified in each Gram Panchayat and positioned as a Guide/local change leader. These farmers are trained and supported by agricultural experts and government departments enabling them to demonstrate improved practices directly in their fields

At the heart of this is a simple idea “Seeing is Believing” meaning when neighboring farmers observe successful results in nearby farms, they are more likely to adopt similar practices. By demonstrating improved techniques on their own fields, these farmers make new practices more visible, practical and easier to trust.

Built on several key pillars. The programme encourages farmers to try different crops such as millets, pulses and oilseeds along with paddy. Demonstration plots have been set up to show better methods of farming, including direct sowing, proper use of fertilizers and improved pest control methods.

Another focus of the initiative is the use of modern farming equipment. Demonstrations of machines like Power Weeders (Save 90% of time and 30% of costs compared to traditional methods), Paddy Drum Seeders (Allows a single person to cover large areas easily), drone spraying and others are being conducted in villages. These machines can help farmers save time, reduce labour and improve productivity

In addition to this Proper training sessions and exposure visits are organized to help farmers understand soil health management, seed selection and post-harvest practices.

Under Shukla’s leadership there has been strong progress- Champion Farmers have been identified across all Gram Panchayats, demonstration plots have been set up and regular training sessions and field interactions are being conducted. Field days and millet melas are also helping reach more farmers. Notably, the initiative is also linking crops like maize to ethanol projects, creating new market opportunities.

Beyond the field, the initiative provides a structured support backbone through WhatsApp and dedicated digital dashboard where farmers receive real-time weather alerts, pest advisories and market intelligence.

The initiative isn't just about growing crops it’s also about selling them by improving market awareness and access. By linking farmers directly to buyers and markets the programme helps them get better prices. Additionally several departments and banks are also working together to support farmers by providing loans for machinery.

By setting strong local examples and handholding farmers, IAS Himanshu Shukla is creating a model in Nellore that boosts productivity, improves incomes and promotes environmentally responsible farming practices.

In  power circles name of DG ITBP, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor,  is also in circulation for the prestigious post of CBI Director. A 1990 batch IPS officer Kapoor had been DGP Haryana and Chief of the Anti-Corruption Bureau for a long period.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, current Southern Army Commander, Pune, will take over as Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), Army HQ on April 1.

If sources are to be believed the government is unlikely to appoint a finance secretary. The said appointment is awaited for the last one year.  Source further said that perhaps this is for the first time that the ministry is being run without a finance secretary.

The Punjab Government is preparing a panel of IPS officers for appointment as director general of police (DGP) to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Rajeev Jain, former Director General, Government of India, has joined as Independent Director on the Board of Transrail Lighting Limited, Mumbai, bringing rich governance experience and strategic insight to both organisations. He is a 1991 batch IIS officer.

Politics : Game of scoundrels

Politics is the game of scoundrels where moral values are zero and character seems missing, it may be any form of government or system in place.

Harish Kumar

Young and dynamic Revenue Secretary

Like his illustrious predecessors, the young and dynamic Revenue Secretary is working very hard to see to it that the initiatives of the Government reach the common man. Excelling in technical matters is his forte. All the departments under his supervision are transforming and performing under his watchful eye.

Vijay Kumar

Aadhar Biometric - Print of the fingers and thumb impressions

Mentioning his Aadhar Card Number, the appellant requested to provide a print of the ten fingers and thumb impressions taken on biometric. The PIO replied that the "core biometric information" has been defined in Section 2(i) of the Aadhaar Act and there is a clear prohibition under the law against sharing or using core biometrics for any reason whatsoever. The CIC held that appropriate response in keeping with the provisions of the law has been duly provided to the Appellant. The CIC further observed that since the response of the PIO is found legally appropriate and the Appellant has chosen not to buttress the case at hand, no further intervention is deemed necessary in this case, under the RTI Act.

Comments

When a citizen seeks information which originates from him, the public authority can take the plea that the information is not “held” by it. However, in this case, the CIC has remained silent about section 22 of the RTI Act (Act to have overriding effect) and has preferred not to discuss which Act is supreme in case of inconsistencies between them.

Citation: Shri Suresh Chand Meena v. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Second Appeal No. CIC/UIDAI/A/2024/638600; Date of Decision: 04.09.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

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