In addition, Tomar published a brochure titled "Machinery for Millets Production, Processing, and Value Addition." On this occasion, he stated that agriculture is our priority, thus whether it is research or introducing initiatives, the government's first objective is to develop agriculture and improve farmers' financial situation.
There are numerous issues in the agricultural sector nowadays. Retaining farmers, attracting new generations, and increasing farmer remuneration by lowering production costs.
Technical assistance in the agricultural sector is critical for this, and the government is making ongoing efforts in this area. According to Union Minister Tomar, there is the possibility of new problems in the agriculture sector; therefore, along with changes in strategy from time to time, changes in methodology are required.
In the agriculture sector, we will not be able to fulfil our goals in the future unless we have the backing of technology, so attempts are being made to link the plans with technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often emphasizes the importance of technology and works on it himself. Speaking of important programmes, under Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, around Rs 2.5 lakh crore has reached the accounts of farmers today, without a doubt. The micro irrigation project is also producing positive benefits.
Natural farming is one of the topics being pursued. Our country produced Nano Urea, and farmers will soon be able to benefit from Nano DAP. The government has approved the use of drone technology in agriculture. Last time there was a locust outbreak, the need for the usage of drones was seen; since then, drone technology has been available with the full support of the central government, led by Prime Minister Modi. Farmers will reap significant benefits from drones by lowering agricultural costs and avoiding pesticide side effects.
Tomar stated that everytime we embark on a new scheme, we must ensure that the benefits reach the last person. This is why, when the drone system was developed, common farmers and common graduates were included, so that the use of drones could be made available to small farms. In this regard, everyone must collaborate. For this, he emphasized the importance of making Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) more efficient, as well as organizing awareness sessions for graduate/post-graduate agricultural students in agricultural universities and colleges, through which they can get employment, in addition to becoming capable of farming on their own land.
A strategy should be developed to bring the benefits of drones to the general public. pursuant to Tomar, the year 2023 is being commemorated internationally as the International Year of Millets (Shree Anna) on the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Modi, pursuant to a United Nations statement. Shree Anna is being given special attention and honour at numerous functions. This has strengthened our responsibilities while also making us proud.
If demand and consumption of Shree Anna expand in the country and around the world, then production-productivity, processing, and export must also increase. Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Manoj Ahuja, Director General of ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Abhilaksh Likhi, Joint Secretary Shubha Thakur, S. Rukmani and Vijayalakshmi, Agriculture Commissioner P.K. Singh, Deputy Commissioners (Mechanization & Technology) C.R. Lohi and A.N. Meshram, Senior Officers, Scientists and representatives from Drone Federation of India, ICAR, SAU and States, Civil Aviation Ministry, FMTTI Director and farmers participated.
Drone Assistance Programme - Under the Agricultural Mechanization Sub-Mission, ICAR institutes, KVKs, SAUs, other State/Central Government Agricultural Institutes, and Government of India PSUs engaged in agricultural activities receive financial assistance equal to 100% of the drone cost (up to Rs. 10 lakh per drone) plus Contingent Expenses for the purpose of demonstrating drones in farmers' fields. FPOs receive a 75% grant-in-aid for the acquisition of drones for demonstration on farmers' fields.
FPOs receive a 75% grant-in-aid for the acquisition of drones for demonstration on farmers' fields. CHCs provide financial support to Farmers Cooperative Society, FPOs, and Rural Entrepreneurs for the purchase of drones at a rate of 40% of the original cost of the drone, up to a maximum of Rs.4 lakh, for the purpose of providing agricultural services through the use of drones.
Agricultural graduates establishing CHCs receive financial help of up to Rs. 5 lakh at a rate of 50% of the cost of the drone. Individual small and marginal farmers, SC-ST farmers, women farmers, and farmers from North-Eastern states would also receive 50% of the cost of the drone, up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh, while other farmers will receive 40% of the cost, up to a maximum of Rs 4 lakh.
