Focus on research needed to double farmers income: Nirmala

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said more research, standards and aggregation are needed in the farm sector to enhance the income of farmers.
Interacting with the members of the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) on the issue of 'Doubling of Farmers Income' through agro and food trade, she said agricultural research is of paramount importance.
Citing the example of tobacco, she said that till date there has been no research done to find alternative crop for tobacco farmers, a statement said.
The minister also said that onion is the other important crop where research is required to prevent the shortage and glut.

Further, she said that the government is willing to hear suggestions and respond to all issues pertaining to exports and domestic trade.