National News

Foodgrains production target is 307 million tonnes for 2021-22: Union Agriculture Minister

30 April 2021, New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated ‘The National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign-2021’ on 30th April, 2021. The conference was organized through video conference to interact with the States on challenges & strategies for effective crop management during ensuing Kharif season. 

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During the conference, discussion was held to review and assess the preparedness for management of Kharif crops and ensuring availability of seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, machinery and their prepositioning at Block levels. Besides this, discussion also took place on preparedness for drought like situation if it occurs in any district, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management, crop diversification and increasing farmer’s Income; focused strategy for production of oilseeds and pulses; marketing of Rabi crops and procurement at MSP, action plan and advisory/guidelines for agriculture management in the wake of COVID pandemic.

Area and Production of Crops in 2020-21 (2nd Adv. Est.)

Inaugurating the Conference, the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar appreciated the efforts of farmers for the record production for food grains (303.34 million tonnes), which is over 1.96% higher than the previous year’s output (297.50 Million Tonnes). The pulses and oilseed production are 24.42 & 37.3 million tonnes, respectively. The Minister said agriculture sector has shown its resilience amid the adversities of COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture and allied sectors registered a continuous growth in GDP contribution. The share of agriculture in GDP increased from 17.8% in 2019-20 to 19.9% in 2020-21 as per Economic Survey 2020-21. He also complimented the State Governments for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the welfare of farmers. 

Mr. Tomar announced the setting of higher production targets of food grains from 301.92 to 307 million tonnes for the year 2021-22 in comparison to production targets for previous corresponding year 2020-21. As per 2nd advance estimate the achievements are likely to be 303.34 million tonnes for year 2020-21. Higher production targets for pulses and oilseeds are the necessity of the nation to reduce our dependency on import and to achieve the dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Expressing the concern over the shortage of Oilseeds and pulses, Mr. Tomar requested State Governments to work on mission mode to overcome the shortage situation. He also requested the state Governments to identify such places which are following organic farming and are free from chemicals so that they can be certified as organic and can be linked with the market. He assured them that Government of India will support to solve all the problems faced by State Governments.