Chennai: India’s eminent agriculture scientist Dr M S Swaminathan welcomed the measures announced for the agriculture sector in the Union Budget 2020-21
Speaking to ETV Bharat Swaminathan said "I am very happy that this year's Budget has a very detailed plan for the agriculture, rural development.”
He further congratulated the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a very clear articulation of what needs to be done and how it can be done for this important sector.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman has allocated Rs 2,83,202 crore for Agriculture & Allied, Irrigation & Rural Development.
The Revised Estimates for 2019-20 projected at Rs 2,49,910 crore.
"I therefore thank the government, Finance Minister and Prime Minister for his repeated emphasis that agriculture should become a major income generating occupation," he added.
Swaminathan, who is known as the father of green revolution in the county, also said that he is glad that the minister has also emphasised on animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry.
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In her budget speech, Sitharaman mooted ‘Sagar Mitra’ initiative for fisheries and aquaculture for boosting blue economy.
Besides, she reiterated government’s commitment to double farmers income by 2022.