Training and guidance camp will be held in every development block in the State to inform and save farmers from the hazardous effects of climate change and El Nino and change in farming methods.
This was decided at a meeting of Agriculture Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan here on Tuesday. The Chief Minister said that farmers have no control over climate changes and crop losses taking place as a result, but they need to be made aware about these continuously.
The Agriculture Cabinet approved Kharif-2014 action plan. A presentation was given on achievements by Madhya Pradesh in agriculture sector. Chouhan praised and congratulated all concerning departments and farmers for their cooperation through which Madhya Pradesh has registered maximum 24.99 per cent agriculture growth in the country.
He said that it is miracle for Madhya Pradesh to achieve historic agriculture growth rate despite indifferent weather. Credit for this also goes to decisions of the State Government pertaining to agriculture development, departmental coordination and policy-related initiatives.
The meeting was informed that Madhya Pradesh had achieved 9 per cent growth rate during 11th Five-Year Plan crossing the target of 4 per cent.
Agriculture growth rate in year 2011-12 was 19.85 which has increased to 20.16 percent in year 2012-13 and according to prediction for year 2013-14 it has increased to 24.99 percent, which is maximum in the country.
It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh is on top in production of oilseeds, pulses, gram and soybean in the country, second in mustard and third in wheat production.
The meeting was informed that Kharif crops will be sown in 130 lakh hectare. Area of paddy and maize is increasing constantly. As per Kharif-2014 action plan, production of paddy will increase to 50 quintal per hectare and maize 35.02 quintal per hectare. Adequate arrangements have been made for seeds and fertilisers availability. A strategy has been chalked out to maintain availability of soybean seeds.
The possibility of higher premium rates for farmers under new crop insurance scheme of the Central Government was also discussed in the meeting. It was informed that Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and other states have objected to it. The Prime Minister has said that discussions will be held in this regard. Apart from members of the Agriculture Cabinet, state cabinet’s members also specially attended the meeting.