· Exhorts youth to invest in agriculture sector for better returns
Agriculture has always been a mainstay for the majority of Indian populace and has been contributing immensely as a regular source of income and has been emerging as the fastest growing economy, ushering new dimensions in the agriculture sector, stated Agriculture Minister Prof. Chandra Kumar while presiding over the State level Conclave on ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme’ organized by the department of agriculture here today.
The Minister said that with the inclusion of new technology, machinery, research and improved hybrid seeds in agriculture, the desired success can be achieved in order to benefit the farmers. He said that there was immense potential for capital investment in the agricultural sector and the youth should also come forward and adopt the latest agricultural techniques for earning a better livelihood. The sector is catering for the needs of the people and is a profitable venture by investing in cold stores, processing plants, sorting, packaging and grading units, warehouse and supply chain related infrastructure etc.
He said that through Agricultural Infrastructure Fund, three percent interest rebate is given on loans up to rupees two crore at a maximum interest rate of nine percent for the development of agricultural infrastructure in the state. This will also create thousands of employment and self-employment opportunities. Along with diversifying the scope of facilities being provided through the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund, there is a need to simplify the process of delivering its benefits to the beneficiaries. He said that the benefits of this scheme should be ensured through single window approval.
The Agriculture Minister said that we should also ensure that small, needy and poor farmers easily derive benefits of the ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ scheme thus saving their time and money. There is a need to increase the financial assistance provided for projects under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund so that its practical benefits can reach the people. He also stressed on the creation of irrigation infrastructure in the state and said that prosperity can be brought in the agriculture sector only through the development of a strong and modern irrigation system. The State government is making every possible effort for the upliftment of the farmers of the state, he said.
On this occasion, Director, Agricultural Infrastructure Fund, Union Agriculture Ministry, K.R. Meena thanked the state government for organizing this event. He said that effective implementation of this scheme has the potential to bring revolutionary changes in the agriculture sector. Detailing about the scheme, he said that an amount Rs 925 crore has been allocated to Himachal Pradesh under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund. A total of 599 applications have been received so far, out of which 438 applications have been verified. As many as 324 applications worth Rs 221 crore have been approved by various banks and Rs 67 crore have been provided to the beneficiaries.
Secretary Agriculture, C. Paulrasu, Joint Directors Raghbir Singh and Jeet Singh Thakur, DGM NABARD, Sanjeev Sharma, Convener, State Level Bankers Committee Pradeep Kesari and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
