Farmers should look beyond traditional cash crops: Muttemwar

Nagpur, Mar 17 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Vilas Muttemwar has said farmers in Vidarbha should look beyond traditional cash crops like cotton to enhance their income.

Addressing the inaugural session of a day-long seminar on 'Contract Farming - Opportunities in Vidarbha' here today, Mr Muttemwar said farmers in the region must grow vegetables and flowers as cash crops. These produce have great demand not only in India but also abroad, and would, therefore, ensure better income for the cultivators, he said.

The proposed international air cargo hub, being set up in Nagpur, will help cultivators send their produce to the consumer fast and in fresh conditions Mr Muttemwar said.

Speaking on 'Scope for Contract Farming in Vidarbha,' Amravati Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudhirkumar Goel said farmers must seize the initiative to improve their own lot. Dr Goel said.

Farmers would become equal partners in contract farming and not be treated like merely a source of acquiring produce at cheap rates, he added.

UNI