Jaipur, April 7 Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday that the Centre is working with states to prepare crop-specific agricultural roadmaps based on their geographical and climatic conditions to promote scientific farming and enhance farmers' income.
Addressing a press conference here, the minister said that data related to soil, water, and weather is being analyzed to ensure that scientific methods reach farmers at the field level.
He said that the Centre plans to make 'Farmer ID' the primary basis for delivering benefits of government schemes in a transparent and direct manner.
"In the coming time, the entire agricultural system will be based on Farmer ID. Distribution of fertilizers and several schemes will be linked to it, and seeds and fertilizers will also be distributed through this ID," Chouhan said.
He added that Farmer IDs are being created across the country, and the process is expected to be completed within the next three months.
In Rajasthan, around 10 lakh farmers are yet to be covered, and directions have been issued to expedite the process, he said.
The minister said that along with preparing agricultural roadmaps, the Centre is launching the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', an initiative that has started from Rajasthan.
Under the campaign, teams of agricultural scientists, farmers, and experts will visit villages to assess soil quality, crop selection, balanced use of urea, and promotion of organic farming, besides identifying measures to increase farmers' income.
Chouhan also said that the government is preparing to bring a new law to curb the sale of fake fertilizers and seeds, adding that a bill in this regard will be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
"At present, action is taken under a 1968 law which has provisions for very low penalties. The new law will have stricter punishment and action will be taken against the entire network, not just dealers," he said.
Referring to falling prices of crops such as potatoes and onions due to international factors, the minister said that the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is being implemented to protect farmers from losses.
He added that if farmers wish to sell their produce in other markets through government agencies, the Centre will bear transportation costs.
Chouhan said that the Centre has also changed the implementation approach of schemes and will now work in partnership with states instead of imposing schemes on them.
"In view of varying conditions across states, capping of funds in 18 schemes has been removed. States will have the flexibility to allocate funds based on their priorities," he said.
Expressing concern over excessive use of chemicals in farming, the minister stressed the need to promote natural farming to maintain soil fertility.
He said that while stocks of wheat and rice are sufficient, there is a need to boost production of pulses and oilseeds to reduce import dependence.
The focus will be on promoting high-value crops that yield better returns on limited land, ensuring improved income for farmers, he added.