Delhi- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan made a statement on food grain production. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India now produces 330 million tonnes of food grains annually, making a major contribution to global food trade and earning $50 billion from exports.
Addressing the ‘World Soil Summit 2024’ in the national capital through video conferencing, the Agriculture Minister said the government is committed to supporting initiatives that ensure sustainable and profitable agriculture, resilient ecosystems and food security for all. He also said that the increasing use and dependence on chemical fertilizers, indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources and unstable climate have put pressure on the soil.
The minister told those gathered that “the soil of India is facing a major health crisis today. According to many studies, 30 percent of our land has been degraded. Soil erosion, salinization and pollution are reducing levels of nitrogen and essential micronutrients in the soil. “The lack of organic carbon in the soil has weakened its fertility and resilience.” These challenges not only affect production but will also create food and livelihood crises for farmers in the times to come. The minister said, “The government has taken several initiatives for soil conservation, thereby increasing its fertility. The ‘Soil Health Card Making’ initiative was started in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“More than 220 million cards have been manufactured and delivered to farmers.” Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Per Drop More Crop’ programme, the government has focused on judicious use of water, reducing wastage and residue of nutrients. “To maintain soil fertility, integrated nutrient and water management methods must be adopted. “We must take all measures to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion and increase water storage capacity through various methods such as micro-irrigation, crop diversification, agroforestry, etc.,” the minister said.
He said that the role of solutions and extension systems of scientific innovations is important on a war footing. We are also going to start a modern agricultural chaupal soon, where scientists will continuously discuss with the farmers and provide them information and also solve the problems. Apart from this, extension services run by private companies and NGOs have brought advanced technology to farmers and farmers are now taking advantage of it.
