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The government is working on a four-pronged strategy to boost farmers' income in the country.
In his address to farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “We are working towards ensuring that the income of our hardworking farmers doubles by 2022. To do so, we are primarily focusing on four fronts. The first is to lower the input cost for agriculture. The second is to ensure that agrarian produce gets appropriately priced. The third is to reduce wastage and the fourth is to provide alternate means of income to farmers.”
The address was broadcast directly by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Common Service Centres (CSC), Doordarshan, DD Kissan and Aakashvaani from all over the country. An official statement said that about 2 lakh Common Service Centres and 600 Krishi Vigyan Kendras were be connected through the video bridge.
Modi said that farm production has grown to more than 280 million tonnes during 2017-2018. Comparably, the average annual production from 2010 to 2014 stood at 250 mt.
The Prime Minister said that there are 99 irrigation schemes that are being completed to ensure that each field gets adequate water supply.
Farmers also interacted with Modi through the Narendra Modi app. But critics pointed out that while the PM spoke to many farmers, the only ones who came face-to-face were all owners of 4 acres, 1 hectare of land owners. But, what about small-time farmers? Small-time farmers' progress should have been also highlighted and spoken about.
PTI reports
In 2017-18, 280 million tonnes of foodgrains were produced compared to an average of 250 mt between 2010 and 2014. Pulses production has increased 10.5 per cent.
“Our effort is to provide farmers' assistance at all stages of agriculture -- at the time of sowing, after sowing and at the time of harvesting,” he said, adding that the policy interventions are being planned to help farmers right from seeds to markets.
Soil health cards
First, soil health cards are being provided to help farmers better understand the soil nutrient status of his/her holding and advice them on the dosage of fertilisers.
Neem coating of urea
Thereafter, loans are being made available to farmers to help them procure good quality seeds, he said, adding that neem coating of urea has ensured that black-marketing of the crop nutrient is stopped and farmers get it without any problem.
To ensure farmers get the right price for their crops, online platform e-NAM has been started to eliminate middlemen.
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