National webinar on "Seed Chain Development" under the Amrit Mahotsav of the country's independence was organized today under the chief hospitality of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar. In this, Tomar said that for the convenience of the farmers of the country, the State Governments along with the Center should prepare a roadmap for ten to fifteen years.
Tomar said that it should be ensured that the farmers get a timely supply of good quality seeds. State governments should strictly curb black marketing and those selling fake seeds.
Union Minister Tomar said that we all know the importance of seeds. If the seed is good, then the future is good. Then whether it is a matter of person or seed for cultivation. Availability of good seeds for agriculture increases production-productivity and income of farmers, increases the contribution of agriculture to GDP and along with agriculture gives strength to the economy of the country. Let the power of agriculture become the strength of the country, this effort has been made by the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the work that is left, they all have to complete together. Tomar said that the entire seed chain should be organized so that farmers do not face any problems. Along with this, the seeds of crops whose seeds are lacking in the areas where there is a shortage, their seeds should be made available so that the productivity can be increased. Planning should be done for an adequate supply of seeds for crops like pulses-oilseeds, cotton etc.
Tomar said that the cooperation of the State Governments is also necessary for seed traceability, so that the farmers across the country should be aware and they can reach the conclusion regarding the seed for their farm as per the requirement. Tomar said that Prime Minister Modi's emphasis is also on increasing productivity in agriculture, as well as reducing the cost. Farmers should get good seeds cheap and the price difference between private and government agencies should be bridged, this should be the planning. He said that on the occasion of Amrit Mahotsav of independence of the country, everyone needs to introspect. If our country will be self-sufficient in the matter of seeds, then we will be able to supply to other countries in large quantities.
The Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje said that the varieties of seeds developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research should be ensured to reach the farmers at the grassroots level.
Along with this, the states should work in a planned manner on all the aspects related to the agriculture department at the district level, so that the farmers do not face any problem.
