Agriculture Minister Highlights Proactive Measures to Tackle Deficient Monsoon

NEW DELHI: The Union Minister for Agriculture, Radha Mohan Singh was addressing a press conference on the completion of one year of the NDA Government, in New Delhi on Wednesday and highlight the major achievements during the period.

Singh elaborated upon various proactive measures being taken by Agriculture Ministry to mitigate impact of deficient monsoon on agriculture. Contingency plans for 580 districts have been developed by ICAR in consultation with stakeholders and are being implemented through state governments. He appreciated the role of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad for providing regular advisories to farmers in this regard. Agriculture Minister assured adequate and timely supply of seeds of contingent crops and other inputs to farmers during low rainfall conditions.

Agriculture Minister emphasized on new initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihood of farmers, such as Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, National Gokul Mission, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and other programs of significance. He also highlighted steps taken to strengthen higher agricultural education by establishing new agricultural universities and colleges in different parts of the country.

He also released a booklet entitled, “Mission Agriculture-One year of Modi Sarkar” highlighting new initiatives and major achievements of Ministry of Agriculture.

While addressing queries of media, Agriculture Minister elaborated upon blue revolution, Price Stabilisation Fund, Agri Tech Infrastructure Fund and new initiatives to enhance farm credit and cooperation, especially for landless farmers. He also stressed on the steps taken to improve livelihood of fishers of the coastal region.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Shri Mohanbhai Kundariya, Union State Ministers of Agriculture also participated in the Press Conference.

Senior officials of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries and other related Departments were also present on the occasion