'Kisan Mela' to fulfil PM's vision of doubling farmers' income

As part of efforts to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of doubling farmers' income by 2022, a 'Kisan Mela' will be held here on November 30.
In Uttar Pradesh, around 220 lakh farm families are dependent on horticulture, which contributes to more than 33 per cent of the country's GDP.
The day-long 'Kisan Mela' and Technology Exhibition will be held at ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, an official release said today.
The annual increment of production by 7.5 per cent and 9.5 per cent from vegetables and fruits, respectively has been a prime factor for increase in GDP, from the horticulture sector.

The ever-increasing demand of fruits and vegetables provides opportunities to increase the production, which will eventually raise farmers' income, the release said.
The main emphasis and objective of this programme is to provide solutions to major problems faced by horticulture farmers and also create awareness about improved production technologies, crop protection and post harvest management practices, the release said.

Of the 220 lakh farm families dependent on horticulture in the state, only 30 per cent are big farmers, who are progressive and take benefits from majority of government schemes/programmes.
Nearly 70 per cent small and marginal farmers are the Institute's target who needs attention.

During the Kisan Mela, services of E-platform containing information of farmers would be made available, which is expected to increase direct contact between consumers and growers, and farmers may get better price for their produce.
Experts related to different crops (fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, banana, etc) and fisheries, poultry and animal husbandry will provide scientific knowledge to farmers and related literature will be distributed to provide pace to crop diversification.
Demonstration of technology by ICAR institutes, KVKs, private agencies, PFDC and exhibition of produce by the selected farmers of 'Farmers First Project' will also be done in the exhibition.