Modi calls for raising farm incomes through diversification

New Delhi, March 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for raising farm incomes through diversification in farming activities and urged all stakeholders, including states, to take a resolve to double income of farmers by 2022.

Addressing farmers at Krishi Unnati Mela here, he said the task of doubling farm income may be challenging but was a worthy objective.

Calling to "raise farm incomes can through diversification in farming activities", he said that farmers could also opt for timber plantation along the edges of their fields and begin animal husbandry. Diversification in farming activity will reduce the risk associated with agriculture, he added.

Modi said India's future had to be built on the growth of agriculture and prosperity of its farmers and its villages and the union budget presented last month would have a far-reaching impact on these sectors.

He said the next revolution in Indian agriculture had to be built on technology and modernisation and the eastern part of India had maximum potential to achieve it.

"The government is working towards this goal," he said.

Modi said reduction of input costs was the first element towards raising farm incomes and said the Soil Health Card scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana were steps in this direction.

IANS