Agri sector needs modern farming practices, technologies: Radha Mohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Aimed at boosting the farm output, the government is looking at measures such as modernisation of farming practices and introduction of latest technologies to increase the production of crops, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.

"... Agriculture remains central to India's economy... Livelihood of a large number of farming families is linked to agriculture. Government is keen to usher in modern techniques in the agriculture sector," Singh said in a Agriculture Ministry statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attaches a lot of importance to revitalisation of the agriculture sector through modernisation of farming practices, thereby increasing crop productivity without compromising on quality, he added.

The Agriculture Minister was speaking at the 77th meeting of the General Council of National Cooperative Development Corporation ( NCDC).

Singh also said that measures announced by the government like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana to ensure more crop per drop are aimed at improving efficiency of farm activities.

While increased productivity is an essential component of a vibrant agricultural sector, improved post harvest handling and processing is essential to ensure value addition, reduction in wastage, the Minister added.

"It is in this context that agricultural cooperatives have a very important role to play and it is expected that NCDC to fully support them," Singh said.

The Minister also urged for participation and involvement of the cooperatives in the marketing and distribution of agricultural commodities.