Indian Seed Congress 2017 in Kolkata
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh spoke about National Farmer Policy of the Union Government. He informed that, to ensuring better livelihood status of the farmers and agriculture workers and their families, accelerate agricultural output, promote value addition, develop infrastructural facilities in the villages, create employment in the rural areas, expedite the growth of agro-business, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges emerging out of economic liberalization and globalization are the objective of this policy.
On the inaugural function of Indian Seed Congress – 2017, in Kolkata, Shri Radha Mohan Singh stated this. Vision of government is to bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of farmers by doubling their farm income by 2022 and the theme of Seed Congress is “Seed of Joy” which is very much in line with government's vision.
On account of the strategic measures of this government, there has been enhancement in the availability of certified/quality seeds, said Shri Singh while speaking on this occasion.
From less than 40 lakh quintal during decade of 60 to 370 lakh quintal in 2015-16, the availability of certified / quality seeds in the country has increased. The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has asked the State Governments to prepare variety wise seed rolling plants to meet year wise, season wise requirements of quality seeds, said Shri Singh.
The double purpose of improving the Seed replacement rate along with Variety replacement rate will fulfil by this seed rolling plant, so that sustainable agricultural production and productivity could be ensured.
Agriculture Minister further said that during the recent past Indian Seed Market is growing fast and also hybrid seed market of vegetables and cereals has shown remarkable growth. He was of the view that Indian Seed Industry can emerge as a prominent industry for supplying seeds in international markets.
As compared to the seeds of the other countries, India has great potentiality to produce hybrid seeds especially costly vegetable seeds on cheap rates. Apart from vegetables, the hybrid seeds of maize, paddy, pearl millet and cotton may be exported to SEI and African countries in magnitude.
Agriculture Minister placed emphasis on 7 points programmes laid down by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to make the income of the farmers double. The details thereof are as follow:
- Provision of quality seeds and nutrients based on soil health of each field
- Big focus on irrigation with large budgets, with the aim of “per drop-more crop”
- Creation of a national farm market, removing distortions and e-platform across 585 stations
- Promotion of ancillary activities like poultry, beekeeping and fisheries.
- Large investments in warehousing and cold chains to prevent post-harvest crop losses
- Introduction of a new crop insurance scheme to mitigate risks at affordable cost
- Promotion of value addition through food processing
Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/