Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi recently inaugurated a three-day ‘Agroclimatic Zone Level Virat Kisan Mela’ in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The event served as a platform to engage with farmers, disseminate information about government initiatives, and inspect agricultural research centers. In his address, Minister Shahi emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural development and the welfare of farmers.
Increased Budget Allocation by Surya Pratap Shahi
One of the significant announcements made by Minister Shahi was the substantial increase in the agriculture budget by 110% this year. This boost has empowered farmers, enabling them to acquire crucial farm equipment like solar pumps. Minister Shahi expressed satisfaction in the effective distribution of government schemes, ensuring timely access to high-quality seeds for farmers.
Emphasis on Crop Diversification at Virat Kisan Mela
Minister Shahi highlighted the necessity of crop diversification, urging farmers in Baghpat, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar districts to explore beyond traditional crops like sugarcane. With sugarcane production on the rise, he stressed the importance of adopting a more diversified farming approach. Encouraging the cultivation of crops like wheat, grams, masur, vegetables, and flowers, the minister emphasized the dual benefits of enhancing nutritional diversity and promoting farmers’ prosperity.
Industry Participation
The Virat Kisan Mela witnessed active participation from 42 companies specializing in agricultural products and machinery, alongside the attendance of 2000 farmers. Minister Shahi, recognizing the significance of quality seeds in agricultural productivity, allocated Rs 2.25 Crores to ensure the availability of good quality sugarcane seeds in Baghpat district.
Focus on Research & Development
To bolster research capabilities, Minister Shahi announced plans for the expeditious establishment of a state-of-the-art honey laboratory. This facility aims to enhance the quality and standards of honey production in the region. The minister underscored the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and technological advancement in agriculture.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi’s initiatives at the Virat Kisan Mela in Baghpat reflect the government’s proactive approach towards agricultural development. By emphasizing increased budget allocation, crop diversification, and industry participation, Minister Shahi aims to drive growth and prosperity in Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural sector.
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FAQs
- What is the significance of the Virat Kisan Mela in Baghpat?
- The Virat Kisan Mela serves as a platform for engagement with farmers, dissemination of information about government initiatives, and inspection of agricultural research centers.
- How does the increased agriculture budget benefit farmers?
- The increased budget empowers farmers by facilitating the acquisition of crucial farm equipment like solar pumps and ensuring timely access to high-quality seeds.
- Why is crop diversification important according to Minister Shahi?
- Crop diversification is important as it enhances nutritional diversity and promotes farmers’ prosperity, especially with the rise in sugarcane production.
- What initiatives were announced for the sugarcane industry?
- Minister Shahi announced funds for quality sugarcane seeds, a subsidy for orchard planting, and the establishment of a nursery in the Khekra block.
- What are the government’s plans for research and development in agriculture?
- The government plans to establish a state-of-the-art honey laboratory to enhance the quality and standards of honey production in the region, reflecting its commitment to promoting innovation in a