Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon the need to ensure timely availability of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides for 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 minister instructed the concerned department for constant monitoring and review of the situation to avoid any hardships to the farmers. Chouhan expressed happiness that prediction for Southwest monsoon is above normal for this year. Officials from 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.
Earlier reviewing the functioning of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), the minister called for increased mechanisation of farms to improve agricultural productivity. He also called for the need to link agricultural education with profession so that those attaining higher education in agriculture sciences are linked to farming practises. Chouhan stressed for intensive discussions for improving utility of Kisan 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 constantly work on improving productivity and developing new breeds. Chouhan also mentioned that natural farming practises need to be simplified so that more and more farmers adopt it for their farming. Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR Himanshu Pathak briefed the Minister on the activities and 100 days plan of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR). He informed that developing one hundred crop varieties and one hundred certification of new technologies are part of 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.
(Source: PIB)
