Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has inaugurated the National Food and Nutrition Campaign for farmers. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is in charge of the initiative.
Tomar stated that ICAR has been successful in determining which crops to produce and which seeds to develop for rainfed and other places. Agriculture and farmers are also being made more connected to new technology.
Agriculture Is Our Top Priority
Tomar continued, “Agriculture is our top priority, and it has proven its worth time and time again, even in the face of adversity. Despite the COVID crisis, no agricultural institutions were closed, and productivity was unaffected; in fact, even in tough conditions, the country saw increased planting and bumper harvests.”
He went on to say that while increased production in India is a source of pride, the country is now at a point where it must reflect on farmers’ challenges and solutions. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was praised by him. Farmers affiliated with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, according to Tomar, should ensure that all farmers participate in various schemes, including Agri Infra Fund.
Agricultural Budget
According to Tomar, the agriculture budget was around 21,000 crore when the Modi government assumed office, but it has now been boosted to almost 1.23 lakh crore. “The PM has nearly fivefold enhanced the amount of the Finance Commission award for the development of gram panchayats,” Tomar remarked.
Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, stated that the International Year of Millets will be commemorated in 2023 under the leadership of India, which is a source of pride for the country.
The program was virtually connected to ICAR Secretary Sanjay Garg, all Deputy Director General-Assistant Director-General and other officers-scientists, vice-chancellors of agricultural universities, officers of other agricultural institutions, and thousands of farmers present in all KVKs across the country. Tomar published a pamphlet based on a compilation of the festival’s programs and activities on this occasion.