Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India of 21st century needs post-harvest or food processing revolution and value addition amid increasing agriculture production. He said, it would have been good for the country if it was done 2 to 3 decades back.
Speaking at a webinar on the steps taken for Agriculture Sector in this year’s Union Budget , Mr Modi today said that at present, we have to focus most on processing in every sector of agriculture including food, vegetable, fruit and fisheries and at the same time it is also necessary to improve the system of processing and modern storage facilities should be available to the farmers near their villages.
The Prime Minister stressed on the need to expand the country’s agricultural sector in the global market for processed food. It is the need of the hour to ensure farmers’ produce get as many options in the market as possible and we have to integrate our agricultural produce into the global processed foods market.
He also emphasised to increase the number of Agro-Industries Clusters near the village so that the people can get employment related to farming in the village itself. The Prime Minister informed that 50 per cent subsidy is being given on the transport of all fruits and vegetables by Kisan Rail under the Operation Greens Scheme.
He said, Kisan Rail has also become a strong medium for the country’s cold storage network. Speaking on the steps taken on Agriculture Sector in Union Budget 2021-22, Mr Modi said that the government has has increased the agriculture credit target to 16.50 lakh crore rupees in which animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sectors have been given priority.
He also informed that Rural infrastructure fund has been enhanaced to 40 thousand crore rupees and Micro-irrigation fund has also been doubled. He said, the government has taken several important steps in the past years keeping in mind the needs of small farmers. He said there are around 12 crore such farmers in the country and their empowerment is the only way to help Agriculture sector overcome many challenges currently it is facing.
