Investment is required to make agricultural activities more profitable. Retaining Agricultural Growth Rate up to 4.5 per cent is the biggest challenge before the policy makers” said Chief Minister Harish Rawat while addressing a seminar ‘Agriculture of Profit: Alternatives and Solutions’ at ONGC Community Centre here in Dehradun.
CM Rawat stated that this is very unfortunate that even living in era of technology development, agricultural activities are still unprofitable.
Chief Minister Rawat said that investment is required for increasing the agricultural productivity. Many schemes had been started for this purpose. Previously budget was being allotted on the 90:10 ratios for National Horticulture Mission and National Agriculture Development Scheme but now funding pattern has been changed and fund is being granted on 50:50 ratios. Underground water level has been depleting drastically in Uttarakhand like other States. Micro nutrient deficiency is being observed in the agricultural land.
CM apprised that highest subsidy is being granted on the agricultural tools in Uttarakhand rather than other states. Soil health card distribution campaign is going to start soon. Pension scheme has been started for farmers. Hilly agriculture to be rejuvenated for the growth of the agriculture in plain areas. Water bonus is being provided for water conservation. Production of unseasonable fruits and vegetables is being promoted along with traditional organic agriculture. Rs four per litre bonus is being granted to milk cooperative committees, as a result milk production has increased in Nainital and Uttarkashi.
Agriculture Minister Dr Harak Singh Rawat, MlA Furkan Ahmad, Harveer Singh, KA Badrinath including farmers in large number were present in the programme.