Implementation of central agri-schemes in UP very slow: Singh

Stating that pace of implementation of central agri-schemes in Uttar Pradesh is "very slow", Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today asked the state to execute these programmes expeditiously for farmers' welfare.
In a telephonic interaction with UP farmers, Singh said the Centre is working expeditiously to implement agri related schemes across the country.
"However, the pace of implementation related to most of central agriculture related schemes in Uttar Pradesh is very slow," Singh said in an official statement.
Citing the example of Soil Health Card Scheme, the minister said there is a target of 263.91 lakh card distribution in UP during 2015-17. "However, only 34.78 lakh cards have been given away by now which is 87 per cent below the target," he said.

Singh was speaking to farmers from Agra, Aligarh, Mathura and Bulandshahr districts.
He expressed hope that UP government would focus on implementation of agriculture related schemes for the welfare of the farmers.

The farmers asked queries pertaining to Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krihsi Vikas Yojna, Pramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna, Soil Health Scheme, neem coated urea and National Agriculture Market schemes.
The farmers also asked how their income would be doubled, and enquired about Farmers Producer Organizations (FAO) and joint liabilities groups.
In his reply, Singh said the Centre is working on various measures to increase the income of the farmers.

"In this regard the production of foodgrains is being enhanced and the cost of farming is being reduced. In addition to this, the farmers are being provided markets to give them better return of their products," Singh said.
Besides organic farming, other allied activities like livestock, dairy, fisheries, poultry as well as horticulture are being promoted so that income sources of the farmers are increased. The small farmers are being helped through FPO and joint liability groups, he added.