Officers to work on mission mode to double farmers income;CM

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Chief Minister directed to end the system under which separate soil health cards by Horticulture and Agriculture Department were being provided. He asked the labs of both departments to work in integrated way. Now farmers can take the soil health card for agriculture and horticulture from any lab. Presently one-one Soil Health Lab of Agriculture Department is working in every district while two labs of Horticulture Department are working in Kumaun and Garhwal Division. Now farmers will get the facilities from all the 15 labs for any work related agriculture and horticulture.

Welcoming them CM said that such workshops should be held at district, block and Nayay Panchayat level within fixed time limit. Officials of Agriculture and Horticulture Department will hold meetings with farmers every month. Farming will be done in the farms not at the offices. Officers should reach the farms and farmers. CM emphasized on the important part of Universities and Agriculture Science Centers to promote the new technology. Our Universities have responsibility of research and tests. Such private higher educational institutes where agriculture taught can be used for the purpose.

Promote the organic farming- Chief Minister

CM said that ten blocks of the Uttarakhand have been marked for the organic farming. Current traditional method to produce organic humus takes long time. So farmers should be promoted towards new technology and process. Agriculture Universities and Research Centers of the State should come forward in this direction. Experts of both “Lab” and “Land” are available in the workshop. We have to work on mission mode through a solid working plan for doubling the income of farmers, strengthening their economic status and making rural economy prosperous. Only making plans is not enough. People must be given information and assistance.

Agriculture Department prepared the Detailed Working Plan

Secretary Agriculture D. Senthil Pandian gave a presentation during the inauguration session of workshop. Pandian informed that initial roadmap was being prepared constituting the sector wise expert committees for Agriculture and Horticulture sectors. Bee keeping, Organic farming, Soil testing and Management, Agriculture Distribution, Fruits & Vegetables cultivation, Mushroom production, Cold Storage Chain, Post-Harvest Management, Sheep and Goat keeping, fisheries are included in it. He apprised that coordination of tasks of various departments and agencies was being planned. Business model is being prepared by constituting groups of farmers and company