The government is always working to create a healthy farming ecosystem. The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) will enable farmers to double their income, which will be a significant development for India's food security and economic development.
“The Indian government has been acting in the best interests of farmers by making revolutionary changes. The transformation of fertilizer retail stores into PMKSKs is one such significant step. These PMKSKs will serve as a focal point for all agricultural-related activities and disseminate the most recent discoveries, best practices, information, methods, and experiments that will aid farmers in increasing productivity and lowering production costs,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Chemical & Fertilizers, made this statement while addressing farmers who had gathered at about 9000 PMKSKs across the nation virtually.
Additionally, he spoke to farmers and PMKSK retailers in six States, including Ramnagar (Uttar Pradesh), Kota (Rajasthan), Dewas (Madhya Pradesh), Vadodara (Gujarat), and Eluru (Andhra Pradesh) and Rajpura (Punjab).
Dr. Mandaviya, who was speaking at the event, declared that "under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Government of India is dedicated to taking every step possible to make our farmers enablers. A wide range of actions are being taken, whether it be providing financial support through initiatives like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi or new scientific innovations like Nano Urea and alternative fertilizers. The availability of fertilizers, which is essential for farming, has been the government's top priority. In spite of the turmoil in the world, the government is working to make sure fertilizers are available at heavily discounted prices.
Highlighting the significance of PMKSKs, he said that "opening PMKSKs is a major step, which will help in catering to a wide variety of needs of the farmers like providing Agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds & pesticides) and testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilizers. They will also raise farmer awareness, provide information about various government programmes, and ensure regular capacity building of retailers at block/district level outlets."
"In a phased manner, approximately 2,62,559 active retail shops in the country will be converted into PMKSKs. This conversion process will ensure that the wide range of products and facilities to be provided at PMKSKs will reach all of the country's farmers," said Dr. Mandaviya. With this, the PMKSKs will be a major platform for farmers in the future, assisting them in overcoming daily issues and addressing their concerns in the shortest possible time," he added.
Dr. Mandaviya praised the scientific community's contribution, saying, "India is developing several alternative solutions that will not only be pocket friendly for farmers, but will also be better in terms of production levels and environment friendly." He promised that approval for Nano DAP, a better alternative to conventional DAP, would be granted in the coming days. He thanked scientists for these agricultural innovations and urged farmers to use these cutting-edge fertilizers and technology.
Farmers emphasized the availability of crop literature, soil testing facilities, and information about other government schemes at PMKSKs. According to the retailers, an increasing number of farmers are now using drones to apply fertilisers and pesticides, saving them money and valuable time. Arun Singhal, Secretary Department of Fertilizers, Neeraja Adidam, Additional Secretary, and senior Ministry officials attended the event.
