Horticulture contributes 6% of GDP and accounts for one-third of total agricultural output. Good value chains can contribute to food security in terms of access, availability, and food quality primarily by increasing production volumes, farm diversification, generating higher incomes, reducing postharvest losses, and upgrading technologies to use natural resources more efficiently.
Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has said that our farmers are as venerable and adorable as the soldiers who guard the country's borders. Farmers, he said, make a lot of sacrifices to feed the countrymen, and he added that farming and border security are both important vocations that enrich the soul of the country.
Tomar made the remarks today in Pune at a programme on the "Expansion of Horticulture Value Chain in India." The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organised this programme, which was attended by horticulture professionals such as farmers, FPOs, start-ups, and bankers.
Tomar stated in his address that if the villages are prosperous and self-sufficient, the country as a whole will be prosperous and self-sufficient. Agriculture, according to Tomar, is our priority and the backbone of our economy. He stated that the agriculture sector must be pioneered because the traditional economy of agriculture and villages is the country's greatest strength. Agriculture, no matter how bad the situation, is always beneficial to our economy. He stated that the merchant-entrepreneur should pay the farmer the highest possible price for agricultural produce. This will not only benefit our farmers but will also inspire the next generation of farmers.
According to Tomar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted indigenous agriculture technology over the last eight years. Modi has always emphasised local and traditional farming methods that are in sync with modern changing techniques in order to remain relevant in global competition. According to the Minister, Modi has not only talked about increasing farmer income but has also taken several steps by collaborating with state governments and directly involving farmers.
Tomar stated that today's youth, retired employees, and people from the corporate sector are all interested in farming. People are becoming more interested in organic and natural farming. A record amount of agricultural products worth Rs. 4 lakh crore were exported.
Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore, Digital Agriculture Mission, Drone Technology, e-NAM, and PM irrigation are being implemented to promote farming and raise farmers' standard of living.
According to Tomar, India is now self-sufficient in food grains. In most agricultural products, India ranks first or second in the world. Horticulture cultivation is being promoted alongside food crops. The Central Government established the Horticulture Mission and the FPO scheme to help small farmers. Small farmers are being encouraged to farm together in order to maximise their benefits. Farmers will not have to go to the traders if they join the FPO and cluster system, but the traders will be forced to come to them to buy the produce.
He stated that, in addition to food grain production, the horticulture sector, particularly the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, plays an important role in increasing the income of farmers. According to Tomar, it is critical to focus on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and millets because only food grains will not work to provide nutrients.
Abdul Sattar, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister, and Sandipanrao Bhumre, State Horticulture Minister, were present, as were Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi, Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, Horticulture Commissioner Prabhat Kumar, and Maharashtra Agriculture Secretary Eknath Navale. Tomar honoured farmers and officially opened the Horticulture Exhibition.
