PM hopes for better opportunities in agri sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday expressed confidence that farmers would pave the way for new technology to be imbibed and hoped better opportunities would be created in the agriculture sector.

Addressing the three-day 'Krishi Kumbh' on its opening day here via video conferencing, Modi appreciated the UP government for its efforts in augmenting substantially, the procurement of foodgrains. He asserted that farmers are the ones who take the country forward.

The prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to double the income of farmers by 2022. In this context, he mentioned the series of steps that the government is pursuing to reduce farm input costs and raise profits.

He also mentioned that a large number of solar pumps will be installed in farms across the country in the near future.

"The Government is working to deliver the benefits of science to agriculture," he said.

Modi also said that the Rice Research Centre being set up in Varanasi, is a step in this direction.

The Prime Minister spoke of the importance of value addition in farming and mentioned the steps being taken in the food processing sector.

He said that after the Green Revolution, emphasis now is on milk production, honey production and also on poultry and fisheries.

The PM called for discussions on matters such as judicious use of water resources, better technology for storage and use of latest technology in farming, during the Krishi Kumbh.

Amid concerns over rising level of air pollution in the national capital, Modi emphasised on the need to evolve new technologies and ways that will help eliminate the need for farmers to burn crop stubble.

Speaking on the occasion Union Agriculture minister Radhmohan Singh said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is transforming at a fast pace. With doubling of their income by 2022, the farmers of the country will be strengthened."
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The production potential of our soil is that it can fulfill the food requirements of the entire world. However, it could not be realised primarily due to lack of techniques and awareness. If the farmers who have assembled at the Krishi Kumbh can gain knowledge from international experts, and implement them, then there is no doubt that the income of the farmers will be doubled by 2022."