NAGPUR: "Group or community farming can be one of the practical solutions to double the income of farmers by 2022, especially in horticulture, as is being envisaged by the Prime Minister. Community farming generates volumes and, hence, also increases the value of the produce," said CD Mayee, former chairman of national Agriculture Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), here on Thursday.
Mayee was delivering the presidential talk at the intellectual convention on 'Doubling of farmers income through citrus cultivation' organized by the Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI).
Mayee said that this, however, would need certain structural changes in society where growers will need to come together, go for precision farming, and add value to the produce by processing etc, and market the produce on their own to control the price in favour of the farmer.
In fact, Mayee came up with the suggestion of giving subsidy to farmers to keep their land fallow. There was also a need to consider the issue of 'surplus management' in crops like vegetables and other perishable items, so that farmers don't suffer losses.
"The first national commission on farmers income was formed during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's regime in 2004. But now the target for 2022 includes all farmers, which can be met if food processing industry grows 5-8%," said Mayee.
Anil Bonde, MLA from Morshi in Amravati district, said doubling of farmers income was possible with at least 10.41% growth annually. "Green revolution had increased farmers income but considering the inflation it has not benefited farmers at all. Now, unless cost of production, which includes seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, water etc, decreases, the farmers' profit wouldn't increase. There is need to increase productivity as well as diversification in high value crops to achieve this.
Girish Gandhi, Vanrai president, stressed that Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth had not put in enough efforts. It needs to work towards development of climate resilient crops as climate change was badly affecting agriculture.
SK Singh, director, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) said there was need for an information revolution, which would take information and technology to farmers to double their income.
MS Ladaniya, ICAR-CCRI director, in his welcome address spoke about the institute's efforts to increase farmers income.
SK Shrivastav conducted the proceedings and DK Ghosh proposed a vote of thanks.
Mayee was delivering the presidential talk at the intellectual convention on 'Doubling of farmers income through citrus cultivation' organized by the Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI).
Mayee said that this, however, would need certain structural changes in society where growers will need to come together, go for precision farming, and add value to the produce by processing etc, and market the produce on their own to control the price in favour of the farmer.
In fact, Mayee came up with the suggestion of giving subsidy to farmers to keep their land fallow. There was also a need to consider the issue of 'surplus management' in crops like vegetables and other perishable items, so that farmers don't suffer losses.
"The first national commission on farmers income was formed during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's regime in 2004. But now the target for 2022 includes all farmers, which can be met if food processing industry grows 5-8%," said Mayee.
Anil Bonde, MLA from Morshi in Amravati district, said doubling of farmers income was possible with at least 10.41% growth annually. "Green revolution had increased farmers income but considering the inflation it has not benefited farmers at all. Now, unless cost of production, which includes seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, water etc, decreases, the farmers' profit wouldn't increase. There is need to increase productivity as well as diversification in high value crops to achieve this.
Girish Gandhi, Vanrai president, stressed that Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth had not put in enough efforts. It needs to work towards development of climate resilient crops as climate change was badly affecting agriculture.
SK Singh, director, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) said there was need for an information revolution, which would take information and technology to farmers to double their income.
MS Ladaniya, ICAR-CCRI director, in his welcome address spoke about the institute's efforts to increase farmers income.
SK Shrivastav conducted the proceedings and DK Ghosh proposed a vote of thanks.
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