Sowing of seeds much higher this year than last year: Singh

Refuting the allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that farmers have not been able to buy seeds for farming due to demonetisation, Union Agricultural minister Radha Mohan Singh said that sowing of seeds this year have been much higher than last year.
"The sowing of seeds is much higher than last year. Since the day the decision of demonetisation was announced on November 8 till December 31, 2016, the percentage of sowing of seeds in various agricultural sectors is much higher than the last year. It is nearly 7 per cent higher," Singh told PTI on the sidelines if the Indian Seed Congress programme here.

"And if you compare the figures of January 1 to this day, then also its is higher than last year, in terms of sowing seeds," Singh said.
Banerjee, who has been constantly protesting against the decision of demonetisation had alleged that farmers were not able to buy seeds during the sowing season in November -December due to the impact of demonetisation.
When asked then why Banerjee is making such allegations if the figures put up a different picture, Singh said, "I have given you the figures, it is for you to understand,".
Singh during the programme lauded the decision of demonetisation and said India is fortunate to have a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi.

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Singh spoke about National Farmer Policy of the government and said the objective of this policy is to accelerate agricultural output, develop infrastructural facilities in the villages, promote value addition, expedite the growth of agro-business, create employment in the rural areas.
The policy will also ensure better livelihood status of the farmers and agriculture workers and their families, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges emerging out of economic liberalization and globalization, the Union Agriculture minister said.
Singh said availability of certified / quality seeds in the country has increased from less than 40 lakh quintal during decade of 60 to 370 lakh quintal in 2015-16.

Singh further stated that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been widely accepted by farmers with about 3.8 crore farmers including those who had not opted for farming loans.
"This crop insurance scheme has been successful in bringing back farmers and farm workers who were moving away from the profession because of the losses they were sometimes incurring," remarked Singh.