Gujarat's agri productivity up Rs 34,000 cr

COIMBATORE: Agricultural production in Gujarat increased four times from Rs 9,000 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 34,000 crore in 2006-07 following the introduction of 'Krishi Mahotsav', the state's Minister of State for Agriculture Dilipkumar Thakor said on Friday.

Considering the plight of farmers in Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi drew up the Krishi Mahotsav programme to enhance their income. Scientists and officials went to villages and advised farmers on the use of fertilizers, pesticides and pattern of crops, Thakor said.

The initiative proved successful and farmers are a happy lot now due to increased productivity and income from agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, Thakor said while interacting with scientists of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University here.

About 700 scientists and officials visited over 18,600 villages and met nearly one lakh farmers. The Gujarat government wanted to see the income of the farmers doubled in five years, he said.

The main aim was to restructure the system and reframe agriculture policy by strengthening research and links between scientists and farmers and to bring about a change in the attitude of farmers, Thakor said.

Later, talking to reporters, Thakor said Gujarat and its agricultural universities are exploring the possibility of entering into collaborations in various fields of agriculture and horticulture.