States should take advantage of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund-Tomar

Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has urged the States to take advantage of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund so that benefits can reach small and marginal farmers who lack warehousing and cold storage facilities at the farm gate.Tomar was speaking the Chief Ministers’ conference  on initiatives and schemes of the Ministry. The Minister emphasized that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is set up to drive infra investments and will facilitate and give thrust to speedy sanctions through a user friendly online portal.
Speaking about digital agriculture mission, the Minister stated that farmers’ database is our wealth and will usher in focused programme delivery, reducing seepages, better policy formulation and smart farming in the country. He informed that Database with 5.5 crore farmers is ready and work is in progress for verifying others with land records.Tomar also informed that the Union Cabinet recently approved National Edible Oil Mission for palm oil with focus on the North-East regions and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal while addressing the conference said, the Central government is working in close alignment with the State governments to transform the future of farmers. He said, food security is synonymous with farmers’ security and reforms for farmers have put India on the path of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. On Agriculture exports, Goyal said, exports have an important role to play in doubling farmers’ income and India should aim to become the top 5 agri exporting nations. Talking about ‘One District, One Product’, Goyal said, 106 products have been identified from 103 districts. He said, districts should be promoted as export hubs to ensure that local goes global. He informed that red rice is now being exported to USA and Jackfruit from Tripura is being sent to United Kingdom. He also said, Free Trade Agreements are being worked out for better markets.