Tomar calls for retention of talent in Agriculture

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar has called for retention of talent in Agriculture. Inaugurating the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela-2020 here on March 1, 2020, he said India has a vast pool of agricultural scientists and specialists graduating from universities every year.

“The Government can provide funds, subsidies and incentives, but there has to be an interest in farming. For this, agriculture has to be made a profitable venture; it should fulfil the nation’s needs, its share in GDP and exports should rise,” Tomar added.

“Your purpose in career does not end with securing a cushy job or just remain engaged in education and research, but you should be a successful farmer in your area. Even those agriculturists retiring every year should remain involved in farming and inspire others. The farmer should remain alive in you. You may engage in farming in your kitchen garden in your spare time. It will keep you connected with agriculture as a profession,” said Tomar, according to a PIB release.

Tomar said that PM Narendra Modi has given priority to agriculture and set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. In this direction, the Government has ensured one-and-a-half times MSP of input costs to farmers, assured Rs.6,000 annually to farmers covered under the PM-KISAN scheme, and a loan of Rs 1,60,000 under Kisan Credit Card, he said. The Prime Minister has ensured transparency in disbursal of benefits to farmers and now there is no role for middlemen and brokers. Besides, there will be no shortage of funds and budgetary support for agriculture, he said.

Tomar said geographic divisions and climate change pose a challenge to our agriculture community. He said the Ministry is in the process of organising a big conference in each of the eight zones. The Minister said field exhibitions on the patterns of Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela should also be organised simultaneously. The Prime Minister has directed that a study on Pesticides be included as part of Agriculture curriculum, he added.

In his address, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) & Director General, ICAR, said a large number of farmers participate at the Kisan Vigyan Mela and buy the superior quality seeds developed by the ICAR institutes.  On the occasion, Tomar and other dignitaries released ICAR publications.