ONKAR SINGH / NEW DELHI
The committee of governors set up by President Ram Nath Kovind on approach to agriculture for doubling the income of farmers in the country has submitted its report on Friday.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, who headed the panel, said that considering various challenges including climate change, degradation of natural resources, saline and water-logged soils, decreasing size of land holdings and lack of adequate storage and processing facilities, the committee has made 21 major recommendations.
According to a Uttar Pradesh government statement, Naik, after submitting the report to the President, said the committee has recommended the development of climate-resilient and input-efficient varieties, incentive grant to set up special agricultural zones and regional hubs for region-specific crops.
The committee has suggested slashing of premium rates of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from 5 to 2.5 percent where the sowing area is big. Another major recommendation is linking of the rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA with productive agricultural activities since questions are being raised on its advers effects on the availability of labour for agricultural activities during the harvesting seasons.
The committee has also suggested for encouraging women into agricultural activities since this male dominated sector is adversely affected by migration. It also said that a KRISHAK SHIKAYAR NIVARAN CELL or farmer’s grievances addressal system should be at place in every district.
The Committee of Governors, constituted during Governors’ Conference, 2018, submitted its report ‘Approach to Agriculture — A Holistic Overview’ to #PresidentKovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today pic.twitter.com/2pJdpsnif8
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 26, 2018