Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the shortage of funds would not come in the way of doing more for the agriculture sector, saying the government’s efforts to transform the lives of farmers were not enough and that there was a need to do even more.
Addressing a three-day Unnat Krishi Mela here, Rajnath said the government had launched several schemes - PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card and an online network of wholesale mandis to boost farmers’ income and farm productivity.
“These efforts have transformed the lives of farmers. But I believe the change is not enough. There is a need to do even more for the agriculture sector and our villages,” he said, adding, “We will not be worried about funds. The shortage of funds will not be an obstacle. I want to assure you this.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Rajnath said the farmer in him had never left despite holding several ministerial portfolios. “In my political life, I have been Agriculture Minister in the past. Wherever I have gone, the kisan in me has been alive,” he said.
Underlining his concern for farmers, Rajnath said the defence ministry had begun procuring organic fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers for cantonment areas. “Vegetables, fruits and other produce were earlier being brought from far away, losing freshness in transit. Now we are buying organic produce from farmers," he said, noting the move would fetch farmers better prices while also benefiting soldiers. The defence ministry, he said, is also promoting millets like jowar and ragi, along with organic produce, through its canteen stores department.
Rajnath said the government is acting on the “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” slogan by promoting millet in the armed forces to strengthen farmers economically. “Flours made from jowar, bajra and ragi have been introduced in the armed forces. By our efforts, we are again acting upon the slogan ‘Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan’," said Rajnath, who was Union Minister for Agriculture in 2003-2004 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
These initiatives, he said, have helped raise farmers’ income and given a fillip to organic farming. Calling on the youth to engage with agriculture, Rajnath said the sector deserved the same importance as any other. “There is huge potential in agriculture. If youth engage in it, farmers' income and the farm economy can grow. Our government is always ready to support,” he said.
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