Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Agriculture &Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on August 15 that the outreach to farmers across India under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for the upcoming Rabi crop will be launched from October 3 to Dhanteras on October 18. Addressing a meeting of state agriculture ministers , Chouhan said a meeting in the run-up to the campaign will be held in the National Capital on September 15–16. He urged all his state counterparts to prepare seriously for this initiative, which will reach out to farmers across India through technology dissemination, capacity building, and grassroots engagement to enhance farm production.
Discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of topics such as the shortage of fertilisers and urea, certification of bio-stimulants, the National Mission on Natural Farming, increasing pulses and oilseeds production, the 5-year agricultural action plan, settlement of crop insurance claims in flood and disaster-affected areas, and publicising the toll-free number for resolving farmers’ grievances.
Chouhan also asked the ministers to gather data on fertiliser requirements for the Rabi season and come prepared for an in-depth discussion at the conference. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the National Mission on Natural Farming, which will be launched by the Prime Minister on August 23. Chouhan directed officials to ensure full readiness to meet the mission’s targets and discussed the progress under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in 100 districts.
Chouhan also deliberated on increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds, and urged State Agriculture Ministers to personally lead and promote these important missions, schemes, and campaigns in their states. He stressed that the country must strengthen the production of pulses and oilseeds to meet our national demand.
