Animal husbandry to be part of govt schemes to double farmers’ income

New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Mr Radha Mohan Singh has stated that the government is working to double farmers’ income by 2022, and this can be accomplished only by encouraging farmers to adopt other sources of income like Animal Husbandry, which has immense potential in the state of Maharashtra.

Mr Singh addressed a gathering at a seminar on ‘Role of Animal Husbandry in Doubling Farmers’ Income’, organised by Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA). Established in 1977 with 233 members, CLFMA represents the entire livestock, poultry and aquaculture industry in the country.  Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Finance Minister Telangana, Mr Etela Rajender and Maharashtra AHD&F Minister, Mr Mahadev Jagannath Jankar were also present at the event.

The minister also said that in the absence of sufficient agricultural lands due to the natural geographical terrain of the state, farmers got many opportunities in other fields like poultry, dairy, fishery, bee keeping and Animal Husbandry. Identifying strengths and weaknesses of Animal Husbandry sector is important to understand pro-poor policy steps and drawing up a comprehensive policy and its implementation plan. 

This sector contributes 4 percent to the total GDP of the country and contributes 27 percent to the agriculture GDP. The poultry sector is an important driver of ensuring the protein security for the common man. It also provides livelihood to 2 crore small and marginal farmers.

Mr Radha Mohan Singh said that we have to encourage farmers to diversify in allied sectors like horticulture, fisheries and livestock farming as it can help them in increasing their income. In addition, farmers should be technologically sound to understand the reforms introduced for their welfare. We also have to provide support to encourage them to adopt alternative farming. 

The Minister said that to accomplish this goal, new approach and innovation would be necessary. In addition, food value chain will have to enhance the cooperation between private sector and other stakeholders. To make it work, an integrated value chain linking farm to the table is needed; Competitive markets is required to provide better value to the farmers; and a transitive environment to support innovation and action. He also said that considering climate change and increasing pressure on land and water resources, it is not possible for a single stakeholder – be it governmental, corporate or from civil society – to accomplish it alone. “We can make a difference by combining the competencies of diverse organizations and stakeholders and creating a better alignment through public private partnership platforms,” he said.