Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Palamu: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced a significant move to boost agriculture in the Palamu region of Jharkhand. Speaking virtually from Medininagar on Saturday, he laid the foundation stone for the Executive Hostel Block and Training Block at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad. During the event, Shri Chouhan emphasized that Palamu is well-suited for the cultivation of Arhar (pigeon pea). However, due to inadequate prices, its cultivation has decreased. He announced that the government would purchase the entire Arhar crop from the region to encourage farmers. He further proposed sending a team to study ways to increase production and develop better seeds for pulses like Arhar, chickpeas, and lentils, all of which hold great potential in the area. Highlighting the importance of proper terminology, union Minister cautioned against using unnecessary short forms, suggesting that terms should convey clear meanings. He added that the government is committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ incomes while ensuring food security for India’s 1.4 billion people. Agriculture, he said, remains the backbone of the economy, and the government’s responsibility is to ensure both livelihoods and food security. The Union Minister also stressed the need for diversifying agriculture, adding value to products, and promoting natural farming. Acknowledging the adverse effects of fertilizers, he emphasized the importance of including natural farming techniques in training programs. He also mentioned the focus on providing training to agricultural scientists, university faculty members, FPOs, unemployed youth, and input dealers to modernize agriculture. Union Minister Shri Chouhan praised the high placement rates of agricultural startups and stressed the need for adapting training programs to meet contemporary and future needs. He urged for detailed and advanced planning for training, integrating future research into the curriculum to anticipate the evolving demands of agriculture. Speaking about the new infrastructure, he lauded the incorporation of green building concepts, but emphasized that the true essence of the facility lies in the quality of training provided, which will shape the future of Indian agriculture. He announced his future visit to the campus for further discussions. Union Minister Shri Chouhan also shared his observations from his recent visit to Netarhat, where pear and potato farming is prominent. He urged efforts to enhance production and improve farming methods to benefit the region’s agricultural output.
The announcement comes as a major boost to Palamu farmers, offering them government support and a clear path to improved production and livelihoods.
