Agricultural growth rate expected to remain at 4.4% during this financial year: Radha Mohan Singh

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said that the agricultural growth rate is expected to remain at 4 (point) 4 per cent during this financial year. Replying to a discussion on the Demands for Grants of Agriculture Ministry for 2017-18, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said in the Lok Sabha that the NDA government has taken various steps for doubling of farmer’s income by 2022. He said, apart from focussing on agriculture sector, the government has paid adequate attention to the growth of allied sectors like fisheries and others.

He said, the government has provided 100 crore rupees for deep sea fishing activities. He said under it , the Centre will provide 40 lakh rupees as subsidy for purchase of vessels suitable for deep sea fishing. Mr Singh said, the government has increased the budgetary provisions for agriculture sector as compared to the outlays made during UPA government.

Earlier, participating in the



debate, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy of TRS appreciated the government for focussing towards farmers’ welfare. He said, the NDA government has set a target of ensuring insurance coverage to 50 per cent of farmers by 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.He, however, stressed on the needs for opening of weather stations in villages for timely information about weather conditions. Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav of RJD demanded opening of more agriculture research centres in the country. He also requested the government to ensure better implementation of PMFBY. 

Ram Kumar Sharma Kushwaha of RLSP said, the present government has set a target of doubling of farmers’ income by 2022. Janardan Singh Sigriwal of BJP highlighted the government’s scheme being implemented by the government for the welfare of farmers.He said, in the budget, the government has made a provision of providing 10 lakh crore rupees credit to farmers.