Dharwad: India, which is producing foodgrains in surplus, has the potential to be a major global player in agriculture, and this will be possible with proper coordination among various agencies connected with agriculture, said Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Shobha Karandlaje.
She was speaking at the zonal workshop of Krishi Vijnana Kendras (KVK), on ‘Strengthening Integrated Farming System through Appropriate Technologies along with Organic and Natural Farming Practices,’ organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, in collaboration with other agencies on Sunday, and said that to achieve this, farmers must stress on natural farming. “Even though there cannot be an immediate shift to organic farming, it should be done in a phased manner. The international market is hungry, and is ready to pay the cost for agriculture produce, provided they are supplied with natural products,” she said.
“This is the right time for farmers to double their income, by opting for natural farming, which not only boosts the supply of nutritious food , but also enhances their revenue,” she said.
Shobha said that two years ago, Basmati rice exported from Punjab and Haryana was rejected, as it contained high pesticide residue. “Today, wheat too is facing the same problem, as Gulf countries are not willing to import wheat with pesticide residue. Therefore, the onus is now on the farmers to contain pesticide residue, and supply quality food substances to the people,” the minister asserted.
“The agriculture department has decided to set up a quality check laboratory in every district, to check the pesticide residue in the crop, before exporting it to other countries or to metropolitan cities,” she said.
“The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are knowledge hubs, and they should work according to the needs of the farmers. More research on developing new crop breeds, providing quality substances, water management and protecting the health of the soil should be their focus area,” said Shobha.
Karnatak minister for agriculture B C Patil said that the BJP government is making all efforts to make agriculture a business, and provide more opportunities for graduates to take up “agripreneurship”.
“To protect the health of the soil, and facilitate the farmers to enhance the fertility of soil, the department has introduced 224 mobile soil testing clinics with lab facilities. The farmers have to make use of these mobile vans, to see that the land does not become saline,” he added.
ICAR director Venkatasubramanian and UAS vice-chancellor M B Chetti were present.
Source: TOI