Economic Security through Horticulture

New Delhi, July 6 (UNI) There is a need for increase in farmers' income for sustainable economic development of the country, Agriculture Secretary P K Mishra said today.

Inaugurating the two-day 'National Conference on Income Enhancement and Nutritional Security through Horticulture' here, Dr Mishra said, there is no dearth of knowledge and technical know-how but their utilisation in a fruitful and effective way for the benefit of farmers is of vital importance.

Farmers, policy-makers, scientists and national-level organisations are participating in the Conference.

IFFCO Chairman S K Jakhar urged for effective implementation of government policies at micro level and lauded the role played by IFFCO Foundation in transfer of technology at the grassroots level.

Mr M L Chaudhuri, Commissioner (Horticulture), revealed that India's GDP is growing at eight-nine per cent whereas agriculture is lagging at two per cent and Horticulture at five to six per cent.

If we have to increase the agriculture production then it needs to be made a lucrative and profitable venture.

The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) of the Government launched two years ago has helped in bringing another 20 million hectare under the horticulture. He advocated Public Private Partnership in the horticulture.

IFFCO Managing Director U S Awasthi was of the view that Horticulture can help in bringing down global warming and bring ecological balance.

Dr HP Singh, DDG of ICAR, revealed that people in the world are facing nutritional deficiency due to change in food-habits.

FAO has also advocated increase of investment in agriculture and what is required in Indian context is that the Integrated Farming System and Horticulture should be changed from Culture to Commerce, he added.

UNI