ICAR & KVKs should have area-wise models of agricultural development
A three-day zonal workshop of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh was organized from 29th – 31st July 2020. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressed the plenary Session of the workshop.
01 August 2020, New Delhi: Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar stressed on the importance on having area-wise models of development by ICAR & KVK. He mentioned that KVKs and agricultural scientists have an important role to play in overseeing agricultural development in the country.
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Expressing satisfaction at the good harvest and kharif crop sowing operations despite the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Tomar said rural India and the farming community will play a leading role in achieving the mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
KVKs must guide the small and marginal farmers on agricultural practices that help them to get maximum profit even from small landholdings
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Stressing the importance of organic and natural farming, Mr. Tomar said that these are essential not just for the health of humans and animals, but also for a healthy soil and clean environment, and to increase exports and make agriculture profitable. Maintaining soil health and dealing with climate change are important challenges before the scientists.
Improve tribal farming practices
Pointing out that there are large tribal populations in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh who are already practising natural farming without use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the Minister exhorted the agricultural scientists to help them in improving this practice so that organic farming is promoted further and animal rearing is made profitable.
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In addition, Mr. Tomar said that the recently promulgated ordinances help to promote cluster farming and facilitate the farmers in selling their produce anywhere at remunerative prices. Laying emphasis on private investment for agricultural and rural development, he said the government has also announced the Rs. One lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund which will help in achieving the target of a self-reliant India.
Guidelines have been issued for formation of 10000 Farmer Producer Organizations, who will be given handholding by the Government from sowing to selling of crops. Efforts should be made to bring maximum number of small farmers under this scheme.
Photo credit: Navaneeth Kishor on Visualhunt / CC BY
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