New Delhi: Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Government of India, Shivraj Singh Chouhan called upon the need to ensure the timely availability of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides for the ensuing Kharif season. Reviewing the preparedness for Kharif season 2024 at Krishi Bhawan with officials of various departments, Chouhan directed them to ensure timely distribution and quality supply of input materials for the crops. He said any bottleneck in the supply chain delays the sowing, hence affecting the production, and should be avoided at all costs.
The agriculture minister instructed the concerned departments to constantly monitor and review the situation to avoid any hardships for the farmers. Chouhan expressed happiness that the prediction for Southwest monsoon is above normal for this year. Officials from the Department of Fertilizers, Central Water Commission and Indian Meteorological Department made presentations on the occasion. Secretary, Department for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Manoj Ahuja and senior officials of the ministry briefed the minister on the preparedness for the Kharif season.
You may also like to read: CII recommends the government for creation of an inter-state agri reform council
Earlier reviewing the functioning of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for increased mechanisation of farms to improve agricultural productivity. He also called for the need to link agricultural education with the profession so that those attaining higher education in agriculture sciences are linked to farming practices. Chouhan stressed intensive discussions for improving the utility of Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs) to make them reach the last farmer in the country. He said effective use of technological practises can bring revolution to the agriculture sector and called upon scientists to work on improving productivity and developing new breeds constantly. He also mentioned that natural farming practices need to be simplified so that more and more farmers adopt them for their farming.
Secretary, DARE and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Himanshu Pathak briefed the minister on the activities and 100-day plan of ICAR. He informed that developing one hundred crop varieties and one hundred certifications of new technologies are part of a 100-day plan for ICAR.
Ministers of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary were also present during the meetings.
