Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Inaugurated Farmers Fair at Cuttack

Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inaugurated Farmers fair organized by ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack here today. In his address, he explained benefits of different Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Soil Heath Card, , e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), , Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan, Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav, Organic Farming etc. He emphasized on adoption of villages under ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ programme for demonstration of new technologies. He appreciated the efforts of NRRI scientists for developing protein-rich rice variety CR Dhan 310 with protein content of 11 per cent and developing the Mobile App ‘riceXpert’ available in Google Playstore for the benefit of the farmers.

The Minister released four publications and inaugurated an exhibition showcasing various aspects of agriculture.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (with Independent charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas in his address emphasized on the establishment of good numbers of cold storage, market and other agricultural infrastructures.

Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Cuttack, advised the scientists to work effectively on climate change and water conservation technology. Success can be achieved when the technologies are transferred from the laboratory to land, he added.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) highlighted recent policies and schemes of Central Government for development of agriculture in the country, especially for Eastern India.

Shri Chhabilendra Roul, IAS, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR) complimented ICAR-NRRI for recent research achivements.

Prof. (Dr.) S. Pasupalak, Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar and Dr. Anupam Mishra, Director, ATARI, Zone VII, Jabalpur addressed the gathering.

A large number of farmers participated in the event and nine innovator farmers and farmwomen were felicitated.

Dr. A. K. Nayak, Director, ICAR-NRRI proposed vote of thanks.