Chief Minister of the state Mr. Vijay Rupani marked his presence in the second high level meeting conducted by NITI Aayog in Mumbai today. The meeting was held with an aim to suggest inputs on Transforming Agriculture in India.
During the meeting, Mr. Rupani suggested to make amendments in the APMC Act that would directly benefit the farmers by ensuring that their products are sold in the market at a suitable price. He further suggested to create a portal on the E-NAM for small farmers so that they can sell their products in the national market rather than finding agents and middlemen for the same. This will help the small farmers in reaping better prices and earning profits.
Throwing a light on the benefits of Contract Farming and Co-operative farming, the CM talked about the co-operative farming happening in the 150 hectares of land at Shivpura Kampa in Gandhinagar. This method will enable the use to modern technology and help the farmers a higher profit margin. Hence, the CM insisted that the Central Government and the State Government should start a scheme related to the same. The dairy sector in Gujarat is also prospering due to free trade agreements for livestock bearers.
In addition to this, Mr. Rupani talked about the prosperity in agriculture in Gujarat which has happened due to a fine blend of traditional farming methods and the use of latest technology. “A number of techniques like the IVF, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, cattle vaccination , availability of adequate fodder for the animals etc in addition to providing necessary training and infrastructure are efficiently implemented by Gujarat and I am confident that it will be beneficial to other states if implemented”, the CM added.
He opined that NDDB and NAFED should not only buy oilseeds at MSP but also take care of the processing of oil seeds, packaging the oil and marketing which will ensure better revenue for the farmers.
The CM called for better co-operation of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) for ensuring better conditions and facilities for exporting agriculture and marine produce.
Union Minister of Agriculture Mr. Narendrasinh Tomar, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Agriculture Ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Orissa and Finance Minister of Punjab in addition to Agriculture Secretary from the Centre, members of NITI Aayog and a number of senior officers were present in the meeting. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis was the convener of this high level meeting.
It is to be noted here that the First Meeting of NITI Aayog related to the Transforming Agriculture in India happened on 18th July, 2019 in New Delhi.
