This refers to the article, “Hi-tech farms for food security” (March 17) by Kota Sriraj. It is imperative for the Union Government to incorporate innovative technologies into the farm sector so as to improve crop yield in a sustainable manner.
Increased allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, proposal for 100 per cent rural electrification and enhanced agricultural credit target, are some of the welcome measures proposed by the Government in the Budget 2016-17.
Further, the proposal to create an online National Agriculture Market platform is a great leap forward to end the monopoly of agricultural produce marketing committees and to connect farm gates to retail stores. Collection of fees on online transactions, however, should not become a means to exercise political control over agricultural trade.