Modi on budget in agriculture sector: PM said- the time has come to increase the contribution of the private sector in farming, farmers should not be limited to growing wheat and rice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that contract farming has already been done in our country. He also said that most of the contribution towards research and development in the agriculture sector is from the public sector. Now the time has come that the private sector's contribution in this should also increase. A holistic approach is required, a complete cycle should be done. We should give farmers such an option that they should not be limited to growing wheat and rice. The Prime Minister was addressing a webinar on the implementation of the budget in the agricultural sector.

The Prime Minister further said, "We have to provide such technologies, seeds that are useful for the land and also have nutritional content." We have to promote startups related to the agriculture sector, connect the youth. During Corona, we have seen how startups brought fruits and vegetables to people's homes. It is seen that most of the startups were started by the youth.

Important things about Modi's speech

Government's vision clear

The amount of micro-irrigation funds has been doubled. It has been decided to link 1000 more mandis of the country with e-nam. In all these decisions, the thinking of the government is reflected, the intention is felt and the vision of the government is revealed.

India needs a food processing revolution

In the 21st century, India needs a food processing revolution and value addition amidst ever-increasing agricultural production. Would have been very good for the country, if this work would have been done 2-3 decades ago. Now that time has passed, it has to be replenished. We have to increase our preparation and speed for the coming days.

Private and co-operative sectors will have to come forward

We have to focus most on processing in every field of agriculture. For this, farmers must get storage facilities near their village. The system of transporting the farm to the processing unit will have to be improved. We all know that for the food processing revolution, the public, private and co-operative sectors, along with the farmers, will have to come forward with full force. We must expand the country's agricultural sector to the global market for processed food.

Processing Scope in Fisheries Sector

Not only farming, but also in the fisheries sector, we have a big scope of processing here. Even though we are among the world's largest fish exporters, our presence in the global market is very limited. This situation has to be changed. For this, apart from the necessary reforms, the government has created a production-linked incentive scheme of about Rs 11000 crore.

Kisan Rail is a strong medium for cold storage

50% subsidy is being given on the transport of all fruits and vegetables for Kisan Rail under the Operation Greens Scheme. Kisan Rail has also become a strong medium of cold storage in the country today. In the last 6 months only about 275 farmer trains have been run. These are very big mediums for small farmers, consumers and industry are also benefiting from this.

You have to focus on how the small farmer benefits

Lakhs of small food and processing units are being supported as part of the self-reliance campaign. Along with food processing, the focus has to be on how even the smallest farmer gets the benefit of modern technology. Can farmers be given a cheaper option to share tractors and other machines? Today when airplanes can be hired on an hourly basis, such arrangements can be made for farmers as well.

Soil Health Cards to be delivered to every village

Another important aspect related to farming is soil testing. Soil health cards have been given to crores of farmers by the central government over the years. We have to extend the testing of Soil Health Card to every village. Private parties can join in large amounts in it. Once the farmers get used to soil testing, they will be benefited if they are aware of the health of their land.