“Advance Estimate of Record Agri Production of 323 mn tonnes are Encouraging”: Tomar at National Conf. on Agriculture for Zaid Campaign-2023

On this occasion, Tomar stated that India is in a very good position in terms of food grain production, which has been achieved through the government's farmer-friendly policies led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tireless hard work of farmers, and novel research by agricultural scientists.

However, at this stage in India's development, we cannot rest on our laurels; production must be scaled and meaningful results must be achieved through minute planning, so that in the Agriculture sector, in addition to meeting our domestic needs, we can successfully meet global supply demands.

The Advance Estimates of a record-breaking agricultural production (323 million tonnes), according to Union Minister Tomar, are encouraging. “Agriculture is important, but it also requires more caution and responsibility. There was a time when little progress was taken for granted and the country relied on others for food grains, but today, thanks to continuous progress under the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Modi, most countries are dependent on India, unlike in the past. We must meet our own agricultural needs while also meeting the needs of the rest of the world if necessary,” he added.

“In this regard, we must increase production and productivity while also improving quality to meet global standards. Tomar stated that many concrete steps have been taken for the development of the agriculture sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, with the cooperation of the states. As directed by the Prime Minister, 22 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed in two phases, with the primary goal of preserving our planet's fertility. Along with card distribution, the number of soil testing labs has been increased at all levels. The responsibility for achieving a positive outcome in this regard rests with the state governments. All farmers should take part in this,” said Tomar.

According to Tomar, everyone should consider using other available alternatives to chemical fertilizers, such as nano urea and biofertilizer. Fertilizer subsidies cost approximately 2.5 lakh crore rupees per year. Aside from saving this sum, healthy production and individual health can be ensured. The cultivation area under organic and natural farming is expanding as a result of awareness campaigns. States should prioritize the advancement of small farmers through initiatives such as Prime Minister Modi's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

To bring about rejuvenation, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and ATMA should collaborate at the district level. Additionally, state governments should develop annual plans for the agriculture sector and consider how they can make good use of Central Government schemes in the interest of farmers. Agriculture and allied departments/ministries, as well as states, comprise Team India, which should help to strengthen the agriculture sector. Summer crops, he says, are important because they help small farmers increase their income. Tomar stated that the benefits of the schemes should reach small farmers through the proper utilization of government funds. The government is also working on the Digital Agriculture Mission, which will require state cooperation.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary-Fertilizer, Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Secretary-DARE and Director General-ICAR Arun Baroka also spoke at the conference, and Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries made presentations. The conference was attended by senior officers from Agriculture and other Central Ministries, the Agriculture Production Commissioner/Principal Secretary and other senior officers from State Agriculture Departments, as well as representatives from Central and State organizations. During the conference, it was stated that there is no shortage of fertilizers anywhere in the country.

The total number of Kisan Samridhi Kendras has now reached 12,000. The PM-PRANAM scheme, which aims to reduce the use of chemical urea, is running smoothly. It was also revealed that the Centre is implementing a Seed Traceability system to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds. A pesticide management system will also be put in place.