The PM chaired a meeting on reforming the agricultural sector. The prime minister asked all concerned ministries to prepare a reform plan on an emergency basis starting from the next crop season and submit it to him within two days.
The effects of climate change on the agriculture sector should be considered while preparing the reform plan, he directed.
The eight sub-committees formed by the PM to reform the agricultural sector, submitted their reports recommending short-, medium-, and long-term reform plans. Detailed briefings by the heads of sub-committees on wheat, cotton, edible oil, fertilisers, agricultural research, irrigation water, climate change and agricultural machinery.
The recommendations pertained to concrete measures for enhancing production of wheat, cotton, and edible oil during the next rabi and kharif seasons, besides provision of the latest farm implements to farmers at low cost, subsidy on urea and DAP, production targets with provision of exporting surplus crops, certified seeds, efficient use of irrigation water, and timely sanction of loans to farmers.
The PM said that the government would provide incentives to farmers on a priority basis. The government will ensure that farmers are provided with certified seeds and fertilisers at a reduced cost, he said, adding that the companies selling uncertified seeds and pesticides should be dealt with strictly.