National Conf. of Agriculture & Horticulture Ministers of States Concludes Today

Two-day National Conference of Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers of States, organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, concluded successfully today in Bengaluru.

Following extensive deliberation in various sessions throughout the conference, the States agreed to increase their contribution in areas such as Natural Farming, Digital Agriculture, Crop Insurance, promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund towards achieving the Central Government's efforts for Sustainable Agriculture Development, which will be a concrete step towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal (self-reliant India).

At a press conference on the occasion, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the agriculture sector has tremendous potential. To address the emerging challenges in this sector and work for the welfare of small farmers, there is a need to focus on innovation and technological advancements.

He stated that, in comparison to other sectors, agriculture performed well during the Covid pandemic due to specific interventions by the Central Government, such as the continuous relaxation of agricultural work and the operation of Kisan Rail, which benefited the Agriculture sector and farmers.

Tomar emphasized the importance of focusing our efforts on better implementing the Government of India's policies and programmes in collaboration with state governments. This includes the effective implementation of the Digital Agriculture Mission, the promotion of FPOs, the development of better agricultural produce trade mechanisms through e-NAM, and the best use of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund for rural infrastructure development.

He stated that states must focus on crop diversification while keeping in mind the demand for high-value crops in order to increase farmers' income. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and B.C. Patil, Agriculture Minister of Karnataka, was present on this occasion.

During the two-day conference, important topics for the country's overall agricultural development were discussed with the states. Consultations with state agriculture and horticulture ministers and senior agriculture officers will help the Central Government develop a roadmap and action plan for the effective implementation of all schemes in the farming community's best interests.

The conference also discussed the International Year of Millets - 2023, which will be observed the following year. Considering the importance of nutritious cereals, the states agreed to increase production and area, as well as promote processing, value addition, and marketing of nutritious cereals, taking all necessary steps in collaboration with the Central Government.