Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh said it has become clear again that the Central Government is working for the villages, the poor and farmers. He lauded the budgetary increase from Rs. 45,250 crore to Rs. 51,026 crore for the year 2017-18.
Agriculture growth rate has increased from 2% to 4.1% and it shows that the government is working seriously for the betterment of the farmers and farming. The commitment of the Government to double the income of the farmer in 5 years has been under scored in this budget, Singh said lauding the Budget for its rural slant.
Goals of White and Blue Revolution have been reiterated in this budget. Ambitious schemes have been chalked out to promote the agriculture sector in this budget. For instance, a sum of Rs 9000 crores have been provided for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana resulting in the enhancement of crop security coverage to the farmers, Singh said listing the points of the Budget.
The government has made up its mind to dig one million ponds. By providing irrigation and fisheries facilities through these ponds, the farmers will be helped to double their incomes. In the previous year, 5 lakh ponds have been built.
Besides, this budget aims to provide 100 employment days to the farmers through MNREGA which is also a praiseworthy step. To promote “per drop more crop”, those areas will also be provided water for irrigation which were earlier deprived of this facility through long term irrigation fund.
The Minister highlighted points like acceleration in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, stress on Soil Health Card, promotion of e-NAM , emphasis on capacity building in dairy sector, and igniting Blue Revolution.
The MNREGA was given an assurance to make 5 lakh ponds during last year to cope with the problem of drought prevailing in rural areas. During present year, 5 lakh new ponds will also be built up.
