PM lauds Farmer efforts in increasing food production despite COVID-19

The Prime Minister on Sunday heaped praise on the Indian Farmers for record production of Kharif crops this year despite lockdown induced by COVID-19. Kharif crop production has increased by 7% as compared to last year while cotton’s production increased by over 3%.

PM also said the festival of Onam was a celebration of the farming community

He quoted a verse from the Rig Veda which says that the farmers and givers of food are generous people. He said that despite the economy being wrecked by COVID-19 the Indian farmers have shown their mettle and have made the nation proud. 

He said statistics show that paddy production has increased by 10%, pulses have increased by 5% while oilseeds and coarse cereals have increased by 13% and 3% respectively.

He also talked about the festival of Onam and its relationship with the farming community and the rural community is now a crucial cog in developing the Indian economy. The Prime Minister’s comments come at a time when agriculture is the only sector that has shown positive growth in the GDP estimates while the other sectors are showing signs of contraction.

The government has also passed various ordinances to free up the farmers and allow them to sell their produce outside of the APMC mandis too and the government now hopes to attract private players to make agriculture more efficient and will help the government in helping the farmers double their income by 2022.