15 June 2024, New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon the need to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides for the ensuing Kharif season.
Reviewing the preparedness for Kharif season 2024 at Krishi Bhawan with officials of various departments, Chouhan directed them to ensure timely distribution and quality supply of input materials for the crops. He said any bottleneck in the supply chain delays the sowing, hence affecting the production, and should be avoided at all costs.
The minister instructed the concerned department to constantly monitor and review the situation to avoid any hardships to the farmers. Chouhan expressed happiness that the prediction for Southwest monsoon is above normal for this year. Officials from the Department of Fertilizers, Central Water Commission and Indian Meteorological Department made presentations on the occasion. Secretary, Department for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Manoj Ahuja and senior officials of the Ministry briefed the Minister on the preparedness for the Kharif season.
Earlier reviewing the functioning of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), the minister called for increased mechanisation of farms to improve agricultural productivity. He also called for the need to link agricultural education with the profession so that those attaining higher education in agriculture sciences are linked to farming practises.
Chouhan stressed for intensive discussions for improving the utility of Kisan Vikas Kendras (KVKs) to make them reach the last farmer in the country. He said effective use of technological practices can bring revolution to the agriculture sector and called upon scientists to constantly work on improving productivity and developing new breeds.
Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR Shri Himanshu Pathak briefed the Minister on the activities and 100-day plan of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR). He informed that developing one hundred crop varieties and one hundred certifications of new technologies are part of the 100-day plan for ICAR.
