FIT IN CONSULTANTS

NEW DELHI: Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday inaugurated works on creating an integrated ‘agriculture investment portal’ during his meeting with Melinda French Gates, co-chairperson of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who also congratulated health minister Mansukh Mandaviya for India’s successful Covid vaccination drive and praised the colossal efforts undertaken by the government in managing the pandemic.

The portal will be a centralised one-stop web platform for agri-investors to avail benefits of government schemes implemented by different departments related to agriculture and allied sectors. Gates is learnt to have shared details of her Foundation’s works in the field of agriculture with Tomar, and pitched for greater participation of women farmers in the sector.

Mandaviya and Gates also unveiled a report titled ‘Grassroot Soldiers: Role of ASHAs and ANMs in the Covid-19 Pandemic Management in India”. It is a collaborative project of the health ministry, National Health Systems Resource Center and the Institute for Competitiveness.

“It is amazing how Indiacovered over 90% of its population through vaccination in such a short time. India has been a champion in pioneering innovations to fight the pandemic and minimise its impact on the most vulnerable groups. The country has made rapid strides in improving health outcomes of millions of citizens, particularly in ensuring consistent progress on maternal and child health indicators. India has done remarkable work in the comprehensive primary health care system and digital health, lessons from India can be replicated across the world. The Gates Foundation stands committed to support India’s health priorities including health system strengthening and elimination of persistent diseases,” she said.