Centre's agricultural package will benefit Chhattisgarh: Expert

Welcoming the Centre's announcements on agriculture under its Rs 20 lakh crore special economic package, agriculture expert Rajaram Tripathi said it would surely benefit Chhattisgarh as it is an agricultural state. Rating the package 70 out of 100, Tripathi hoped the government would continue to understand the pain of the farmers.

Raipur (Chhattisgarh): Welcoming Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcements for the agriculture and allied sectors, agriculture expert and AIFA founder Rajaram Tripathi said the economic package was the need of the hour for the farmers, and Chhattisgarh being an agricultural state, would surely benefit.

In the third installment of her announcements on the government's Rs 20 lakh crore special economic package, Sitharaman announced that the government has set up a Rs 1 lakh crore agriculture fund for farm-gate infrastructure, which will help in the storage of agricultural produce, transport and marketing.

Chhattisgarh to benefit

Tripathi said that Rs 74,300 crore has been set aside for the purchase of grains at the Minimum Support Price. However, the question is whether the union government will buy the produce through its agencies or will forward funds to states to buy the same. But what is clear is that Chhattisgarh, being an agriculture-based state, will surely benefit, Tripathi said.

Tripathi added that the government has implemented multiple suggestions made by All India Farmers Alliance (AIFA). Stressing on the need for the government to consider options that directly benefit farmers, Tripathi said that the crop that has been wasted, is a result of schemes that did not do so.

Produce should be purchased at Minimum Support Price

The Union Finance Minister had announced that some changes will be made to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in order to make some improvements. On the above point, Tripathi said that if the produce of a farmer is bought below the Minimum Support Price, there should be a penal sentence regarding the same.

Roadmap for better herbal agriculture required in Chhattisgarh

On the topic of herbal exports, Tripathi said that since 2001 itself, there have been demands to declare Chhattisgarh a 'herbal state'. He said that the state government should focus on herbal agriculture. It would be unfortunate for a state with 44% forest cover, and where most of the districts are majorly inhabited by tribals, to not have a roadmap for herbal agriculture, he said.

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He added that the farmers in Surguja and Bastar regions of Chhattisgarh are not willing to try something new, which is not welcome. There are opportunities for growth of turmeric, spices, saffron, tea and coffee, owing to the quality of the bio-diversity in the state.

Gothan project, and announcements on fish, honey

Welcoming the government's 'Gothan' project in Chhattisgarh, Tripathi said that the government should look after stray animals. He also welcomed decision to set up a development fund to improve the basic structure of animal rearing. A sum of Rs 15,000 crore has been released for the same.

Tripathi also welcomed the government's announcement with regards to fishermen and fish breeders. He added that Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for honeybee breeding. Stating that the honey in Chhattisgarh is among the best in the country, Tripathi said the state should get a good amount from the Rs 500 crore.

Rating the overall announcements for agriculture as 70 out of 100, Tripathi hoped that the government would understand the pain of the farmers.

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