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In a significant milestone marking the 100th day of the BJP-led NDA government's third term, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the government's steadfast focus on enhancing agricultural productivity while simultaneously mitigating production costs to ensure maximum returns for farmers. The minister, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, also underscored the government's commitment to empowering women and the underprivileged, stating that skilling youth for employment opportunities is a top priority.
One of the key initiatives outlined by the minister is the introduction of 65 new crop varieties engineered to flourish in higher temperatures and require less water. These varieties, along with 109 existing ones, aim to significantly enhance agricultural productivity. As an example, the minister cited the case of pearl millet, where new varieties can be harvested in just 70 days, compared to the traditional 110-120 days. This demonstrates the government's dedication to fostering innovative agricultural practices.
The rising cost of farming has been a major concern for farmers, and the government has implemented various measures to address this issue. Recognizing the challenges posed by fluctuating market prices, the government has taken steps to stabilize the market. For instance, the import duty on cheap edible oils was increased to 20% to counter the significant drop in soybean prices, while the export duty on onions was reduced from 40% to 20% to encourage exports and improve prices for onion farmers.
The government's commitment to farmers' well-being is further evident in the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, which offers vital financial protection against crop losses. Additionally, the government actively promotes diversification in farming, encouraging the cultivation of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. This move aims to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector and create new income opportunities for farmers.
The government's efforts extend beyond traditional farming practices, with a strong emphasis on natural and organic farming to ensure long-term soil health. In this regard, the government has launched new schemes that provide farmers with a benefit of Rs 2,000 every three months. The government also deposited Rs 20,000 crore into farmers' accounts on June 16th, and the Prime Minister Housing Scheme will benefit farmers, with additional funds allocated for toilets and solar power.
The government's commitment to women's empowerment is further reinforced by the implementation of a 33% reservation for women in government jobs and legislative bodies. This policy, coupled with the 'Mahila Samman Bachat Patra' scheme, which has empowered 1.1 million women, aims to achieve the ambitious goal of empowering 30 million women. The government's commitment to ensuring that no woman remains impoverished is a testament to its commitment to gender equality.
The government has also allocated a revolving fund to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), depositing Rs 5,000 crore into group accounts to empower women economically. Additionally, women are taking on new roles in various sectors, highlighted by programs like 'Drone Didis,' 'Bank Sakhi,' and 'Pashu Sakhi.' These programs empower women to operate drones for pesticide spraying, facilitate financial transactions in villages, and provide livestock care services, respectively. These initiatives not only contribute to economic development but also foster greater gender equality and social inclusion.
The Prime Minister Housing Scheme underscores the government's commitment to providing affordable housing for the poor. The scheme aims to construct 3 crore homes, with 2 crore in rural areas and 1 crore in urban areas. The government has recently disbursed funds for home construction in Jharkhand, and efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana are focused on ensuring that everyone has access to permanent housing.
The government has also created significant employment opportunities through the creation of over 15,000 government jobs and the launch of infrastructure projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore in the past 100 days. Furthermore, the government plans to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to benefit 1 crore youth, equipping them with valuable skills and providing them with opportunities to learn from top companies. This focus on skill development underscores the government's commitment to a robust and skilled workforce.
The minister concluded by highlighting Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on India's role as a global friend and the government's efforts to establish friendly relations with countries that have not been visited by an Indian Prime Minister before. These diplomatic initiatives are aimed at strengthening India's global position and promoting international cooperation. The 100-day mark marks a significant period of policy implementation and reaffirms the government's commitment to a range of initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, social justice, and global engagement.
Source: "Focus On Hiking Productivity": Agriculture Minister On 100 Days Of Modi 3.0