SUDHIR KUMAR
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar has urged the States to take advantage of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund so that benefits can reach small and marginal farmers who lack warehousing and cold storage facilities at the farm gate.
On the 2nd day of the Chief Ministers’ conference on initiatives and schemes of the Ministry Mr Tomar emphasized that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is set up to drive infra investments and will facilitate and drive speedy sanctions through a user friendly online portal.
Speaking about digital agriculture mission, the Minister stated that farmers’ database is our wealth and will usher in focused programme delivery, reducing seepages, better policy formulation and smart farming in the country.
He informed that Database with 5.5 crore farmers is ready and work is progressing for verifying others with land records.
Mr Tomar also informed that the Union Cabinet recently approved National Edible Oil Mission for palm oilwith focus on the North-East regions and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He added that through this, the production of edible oils will be accelerated in the country thereby reducing the import of edible oils.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal while addressing the conference said that Central government is working in close alignment with the State governments to transform the future of farmers.
He said that food security is synonymous with farmers’ security and reforms for farmers have put India on the path of AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
On Agriculture exports the Minister said that exports have an important role to play in doubling farmers’ income and India should aim to become the top 5 agri exporting nations.
Talking about ‘One District, One Product’, the Minister said that 106 products have been identified from 103 districts and districts should be promoted as export hubs to ensure that local goes global.
He informed that red rice is now being exported to USA and Jackfruit from Tripura is being sent to UK. He also said that Free Trade Agreements are being worked out for better markets.
Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje and Kailash Choudhary were present at the meeting.
The Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers appreciated the efforts made by the Central Government for the progress of the agriculture sector and gave their suggestions regarding various schemes and some regional problems.