Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : A three-day zonal workshop of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh was organised from July 29 – 31, 2020.
Addressing the plenary session of the workshop, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that agriculture and rural sectors have the inherent capabilities of lifting the country out of any crisis. Expressing satisfaction over the good harvest and kharif crop sowing operations despite the coronavirus pandemic, Tomar said that in future also, rural India and the farming community will play a leading role in achieving PM Narendra Modi’s goal of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
History is witness to the fact that the country’s farmers and rural economy have never succumbed to any adversity, Tomar said. The slogan given by the Prime Minister “Vocal for Local” is also deeply connected with rural development, he said, according to a PIB release.
Tomar said that KVKs and agricultural scientists have an important role to play in overseeing agricultural development in the country. It is important that agricultural production increases and the youth are encouraged to take up agriculture as a means of livelihood. KVKs must guide the small and marginal farmers on agricultural practices that help them get maximum profit even from small landholdings. ICAR and the KVKs should develop area-wise models of agricultural development that appeal to the farmers, he added.
Stressing the importance of organic and natural farming, Tomar said that these are essential not just for the health of humans and animals, but also for a healthy soil and clean environment, and to increase exports and make agriculture profitable.
Pointing out that there are large tribal population in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh who is already practising natural farming without use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, the Minister exhorted the agricultural scientists to help them in improving this practice so that organic farming is promoted further and animal rearing is made profitable.