Raisen, April 11 Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for further reforms in the agriculture sector on Saturday, saying it is the backbone of the Indian economy, and that a lack of funds would not hinder efforts to support farmers and rural India.
Addressing the three-day Unnat Krishi Mela here, Singh said the Narendra Modi government has launched several schemes – PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card, and an online network of wholesale mandis – to boost farmers' income and farm productivity.
"These efforts have transformed the lives of farmers. But I believe the change is not enough. We need to do even more for the agriculture sector and our villages," he said, adding, "We will not be worried about funds. A lack of funds will not be an obstacle. I want to assure you this."
Reflecting on his political journey, Singh said the farmer within him had never disappeared, despite holding several ministerial portfolios. "In my political life, I have been a Minister of Agriculture. Wherever I have gone, the farmer in me has been alive," he said.
"People usually see a defence minister as responsible for soldiers and the country's security, not agriculture. Our responsibility is to ensure the country's security, but the farmer in me has not gone away," he added.
Highlighting his concern for farmers, Singh said the defence ministry had begun procuring organic fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers for cantonment areas.
"Vegetables, fruits, and other produce were earlier being brought from far away, losing freshness in transit. Now we are buying organic produce from farmers," he said, noting that this would fetch farmers better prices while also benefiting soldiers.
The defence ministry, he said, is also promoting millets – such as jowar and ragi – along with organic produce, through its Canteen Stores Department.
Singh said the government is acting on the "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" slogan by promoting millets in the armed forces to strengthen farmers economically.
"Flours made from jowar, bajra, and ragi have been introduced in the armed forces. By our efforts, we are again acting upon the slogan 'Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan'," said Singh, who was a Union Minister for Agriculture in 2003-2004 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
These initiatives, he said, have helped raise farmers' income and given a boost to organic farming.
Calling on the youth to engage with agriculture, Singh said the sector deserved the same importance as any other. "There is huge potential in agriculture. If the youth engage in it, farmers' income and the farm economy can grow. Our government is always ready to support," he said.
Singh said that drones, sensors, and mobile technology can be used to make farming more efficient. He asserted that the government remains committed to providing all possible support so that farming becomes a matter of pride and farmers live with dignity and honour.
Singh said that Madhya Pradesh has grown at a fast pace and the farmers of the state inspire everyone.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, also present at the event, said the government's goal was to make India a Viksit Bharat by raising farm income and productivity while reducing the cost of production.
He said the government will roll out an agri roadmap for states based on agro-climatic conditions, and highlighted how the three-day national fair would expose farmers to live demonstrations of new agricultural technologies.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, agriculture ministers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and senior central and state government officials were present at the event.