Based on farmers’ responses, the Centre has identified some solutions such as developing a single window system for delivery of all agri services, inputs, schemes, and grievance redressal for Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. As many as 18.5 lakh farmers from these states and UT had given their responses to the Centre through a 15-day campaign launched by Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
In a presentation before Chouhan at the review meeting on the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), deputy director general (fisheries) of India Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) J K Jena said, in the short-term, there is a need to promote low-input and high-value crops. This should be done while simultaneously ensuring that quality seeds are available to the farmers of field crops and horticulture crops as well as those engaged in livestock and aquaculture.
Among other short-term measures recommended by ICAR were integration of agro-tourism for sustainable rural livelihoods, launch of micro-FLDs (Front-Line Demonstrations) and diagnostic trials on key crops, and enhancing farmers’ skills in new farming systems & technologies through training and demonstration.
