Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena praised the erstwhile Ashok Gehlot government for the agriculture budget. After the formation of the BJP government in Rajasthan, doubts have been cast over the future of the Congress rule's plans and decisions, but Meena has appreciated the Gehlot government's decision to present a separate agriculture budget and said this tradition should continue.
Talking to mediapersons after a review meeting with departmental officials, Meena said he considered presenting the agriculture budget separately as a good initiative. However, he felt that the benefits of the scheme had not reached the common farmer. "We will try to present a separate agriculture budget," he said.
Meena said it is not fair to close down schemes for public welfare. Efforts will be made to continue the schemes launched by the previous government for the welfare of farmers. However, the impact of these schemes on the ground will be reviewed for which officers have been directed to complete the 100-day action plan on time.
Meena said the 100-day action plan prepared in the resolution included assessment of crop damage worth Rs 1,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, distribution of relief funds, and setting up of 500 custom hiring centers in the state.
Installation of 5,000 solar pumps under PM Kusum Yojana to ensure the vales are powered by solar energy. Besides, installation of drip and mini-sprinklers in 27,000 hectares and 54,000 hectares, respectively, are also proposed, he said.
Rajasthan's agriculture minister directed officials to adopt innovations in agriculture to double farmers' income.
Meena emphasized on production and marketing of millets.
He also said that a meeting of farmers' unions would be convened soon to hear and understand the problems of the farmers.
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Dr. Prithvi. Agriculture Commissioner Kanhaiya Lal Swami, Horticulture Commissioner Laxman Singh Kudi, Joint Secretary Kailash Narayan Meena and Rajasthan State Seed Corporation MD Jaswant Singh were present.