New Delhi,: The government on Wednesday said there ought to be substantial use of the Soil Health Card by farmers to bring about all round development of agriculture scene in the country.
Replying to the debate on Demands for Grants for Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said use of Soil Health Cards will help farmers save water and minimise their dependence on fertilisers.
The country should move gradually towards organic farming, he said and maintained that the Modi government is taking all necessary steps for the same.
There was a time when farmers faced problems while procuring urea, said Mr Tomar, who holds both the portfolios of Rural Development and Agriculture.
“But with the Modi government at the helm of affairs, there is no shortage of urea. Farmers are getting neem coated urea,” the minister maintained and went on to add that middlemen syndrome in this sector has been eradicated.
“Even UPA regime wanted to work on urea front, but black marketers and middlemen did not allow
the then prime minister Manmohan Singh to implement the same,” Mr Tomar said adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown the determination and will to help the farmers.
He also said the criticism made by opposition members on Fasal Bima insurance scheme was uncalled for as the government is implementing it in all earnest and the results are positive.
“However, as the issues involved are about farmers. We are ready to enlist suggestions from you all,” Mr Tomar said.
He said the government has decided to go for higher rates of MSP as was suggested by the Swaminathan Committee.
UNI.
