Context:
A 15-day mass outreach programme under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan concluded with a report presented to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and senior officials. The initiative aimed to capture farmer concerns, improve productivity, and raise incomes.
Key Demands and Policy Recommendations
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Farmers called for universal DBT coverage for all Central and State-sponsored schemes.
- Emphasis was placed on reducing middlemen, ensuring timely disbursals, and improving transparency.
AI-Based Price Forecasting Tools
- Farmers sought AI-powered tools to forecast prices of horticulture crops and basmati rice.
- Such tools are expected to improve market awareness and reduce post-harvest losses.
Identified Gaps and Action Areas
Actionable Policy Issues
- Expansion of crop residue management, especially to curb stubble burning.
- Quicker dissemination of subsidised super seeder machines.
- Need for village-level advisory mechanisms on planting and pest control.
Research and Extension Gaps
- Greater involvement of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in addressing localised crop and soil issues.
- Tailored skill development programmes to address knowledge gaps in modern farming techniques.
Planned Interventions
Short-Term (Next 6 Months)
- Village-wise soil and water testing camps to guide optimal fertilizer use.
- Expansion of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign to twice a year.
- Promotion of in-situ crop residue management and sustainable agriculture.
Medium-Term
- Establishment of Village-Level Plant Clinics and Seasonal Advisory Centres to provide expert guidance on crop diseases and weather-based advisory.
- Integration of plant clinics with the existing agri-extension framework.
