Agriculture Department in huddle mode over looming drought, Min advocates for cultivation of pulses

Ranchi: Under the directions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren the Agriculture Department has become alert to the possibility of drought in the state. Farmers are under stress due to 58 per cent less rainfall than the average in the monsoon season so far. Under the chairmanship of Agriculture Minister Badal agricultural scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Birsa Agricultural University had a great brainstorming session on the current situation prevailing in the state.

Addressing the agricultural scientists Badal said that the possibility of a serious crisis is increasing in the state as due to the low rainfall the sowing work has reduced considerably which is a matter of concern.

He said that in such a difficult situation farmers of the state expect excellent examples of quality research from agricultural scientists, therefore, they should play an important role in this regard and according to the advice of agricultural scientists an awareness campaign should be launched to the farmers by preparing documents. 

The minister said that there is a need to focus on pulses and other ways of crop farming along with rice and wheat to promote in the state multi-cropping as well as food security and nutrition security need to be taken care of. He also talked about providing modern facilities to Krishi Vigyan Kendra for quality seeds production.

The Agriculture Minister said that he is very concerned about the farmers of the state and under the Jharkhand Rajya Fasal Rahat Yojana, 20,000 Common Service Centers of the state are assisting the farmers. Addressing the agricultural scientists, he said that the coming 20 days are very critical, so everyone will have to work together.

The need is that even in the event of drought, the possibilities should be continued to be explored and if drought-like
situations arise in the future, then the state government should make a strong claim for grants from the central government he added.