Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh talked about accelerating the White Revolution
What are the initiatives taken by the government for the betterment of agriculture and farmers in the last three yearsIJ
We have taken several initiatives in the last three years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the encouraging and positive results have begun to show. And farmers are witnessing numerous improvements in their lives.
The Government is implementing farmers’ welfare schemes in mission mode. We have also laid the foundation of a modern and future-oriented India with a new dimension, good governance, innovation and reformist approach. They have been successful in creating awareness among the farmers about the new initiatives taken for the growth of agriculture sector in our country. In the last three years, the Government has reinforced efforts to transform the lives of people in rural India.
What are the budgetary provisions for the welfare of the farmersIJ
Keeping in mind the interests of the farmers and agriculture, the budget has been increased by the Government. The budgetary provision during 2016-17 was Rs 45,035 crore which was later increased to Rs 57,503 crore. For instance, UPA Government’s budgetary provision for agriculture sector was Rs 1,04,337 crore for the period of 2010-11 to 2013-14. On the other hand, the present Government has allocated Rs 1,64,415 crore for agriculture sector for the period of 2014-15 to 2017-18, which is 57.58 per cent more than the previous government.
How is the Government focusing on issues of farmers’ welfareIJ
Our Government is emphasising on agricultural education, research and extension along with other activities such as soil health card, extension irrigation facilities, low-cost organic farming, national agricultural market, horticulture development, agroforestry, beekeeping, dairy, fisheries, and egg production. They are investing more towards strengthening cooperatives and to be self-sufficient in pulses and oilseeds sector, a number of initiatives have been taken in this direction. The farmers have been provided with unprecedented security under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana by incorporating various risks and lowest premium rate in the scheme.
What are the risk management strategies for safeguarding the interest of farmersIJ
We have launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to mitigate the crop risk. Under this scheme, the lowest premium rates have been decided for Kharif and Rabi crops, which is maximum 2 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. It covers standing crop as well as pre-sowing to post-harvest losses. 25 per cent of the loss claims are being paid immediately online. To expedite payment, new techniques like drone technology for estimation of yield and smart phone for harvesting are being used.
Dairy sector in the country is already growing. How White Revolution will further boost dairy industryIJ
We have accelerated the pace of White Revolution to achieve our target and to develop indigenous species of bovines and Mahish breeds. To double the productivity of domestic bovines, we have sanctioned projects in 27 states and Rs 1077 crore has been allocated under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for the same.
We also have Gokul Gram Yojana and our government has allocated Rs 173 crore to build 18 Gokul Grams in 12 states. For the first, time two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established. We also launched e-Pashu Haat Portal in November to link farmers and breeders of indigenous breeds.
The progress in dairy development is going on a rapid scale and India ranks first accounting for 23per cent of the world production.
What are the new schemes and steps being planned for the futureIJ
In order to improve the economic condition of the farmers, Narendra Modi has set a target and the goal is to double the income of farmers by 2022. In the area of input management, we have taken various initiatives, including, the improvement of irrigation efficiency in order to increase production. Thus, an increase in the irrigation budget.
Our objective is ‘Per Drop More Crop’ and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana has been launched to mitigate the drought effect with the aim to provide water to every farm. Pending medium and large projects have been expedited. While watershed development, water harvesting and management projects have been put on the fast track.
Under MGNREGA, ponds are being constructed. The solar energy driven pumps are being provided to the farmers at subsidised rates.