Pawar forecasts a record production of foodgrains

By Kartik Lokhande 

At the inaugural ceremony of the country’s biggest-ever agricultural exposition ‘Krishi Vasant’, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar predicted a record production of foodgrains this year. “The country is likely to achieve a record 263.3 million tonnes of foodgrain production. India is surely marching towards becoming a major foodgrain exporter,” he said.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar (left) interacting with President of India Pranab Mukherjee (right) as Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan looks on, at inaugural session of 'Krishi Vasant' expo at Nagpur.

Pawar, whose ministry is co-organiser of the five-day mega expo, said that foodgrain production in the country was 258 million tonnes the last year. Thanks to the efforts of farmers and scientists, he said, the production is likely to register an increase by 5.3 million tonnes. His prediction about record production of foodgrains holds significance, especially against the backdrop of the Government of India implementing ambitious Food Security Scheme. Under the scheme, foodgrains are to be made available at subsidised rates to eligible beneficiaries.
“India is witnessing a revolution in agriculture sector. The Government also has a share in this success with initiatives of increasing minimum support price, supply of good quality seeds, proper credit supply etc,” said the minister who has been handling the Agriculture portfolio for 10 years. According to him, India has started exporting rice, cotton, and sugar to other countries. India has become the largest producer of rice, and also the second largest producer of wheat in world.
In his speech, Pawar threw light on the issues confronting agriculture sector and suggested some solutions. To tackle decrease in availability of labour, farmers should opt for more mechanisation. Further, he said, they should adopt innovative practices.
Sharad Pawar also paid rich tributes to late Vasantrao Naik. ‘Krishi Vasant’ has been organised to mark birth centenary celebrations of Naik. An agricultural expo is being organised at this scale after a span of 55 years in the country. “Naik himself was a good farmer who liked experimenting. Hence, he could understand problems of farmers and accordingly devise policies. That is why, he is credited with changing the course of agriculture in Maharashtra,” he added.

Published in The Hitavada CityLine on February 10, 2014

‘Krishi Vasant’ marks start of second Green Revolution: CM

Announcing that ‘Krishi Vasant’ expo marked the start of second Green Revolution in the country, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said that the Government pledged to make India a ‘global superpower’ in agriculture sector. 

 

In his short but impressive speech, Chavan said that with fast-paced changes in agriculture, India should strive to become the biggest exporter of foodgrains in the world. For the purpose, industry also has a role to play. “It is good that industry has realised the significance of agriculture sector in positively impacting the purchasing power and economy of the country,” he said. Like Sharad Pawar, he also emphasised on mechanisation in agriculture.

Chavan threw light on pioneering contribution of late Vasantrao Naik in agricultural growth of Maharashtra. For this reason, ‘Krishi Vasant’ expo has been named after Naik. Chief Minister expected that the expo would boost confidence of farmers. Besides, it would provide a new ray of hope for agricultural economy of the State, he said.