‘Govt working continuously to achieve zero hunger by 2030’

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to achieve the goal of ‘zero hunger' by 2030, the government has decided to rope in start-ups to act as a conduit between farmers and buyers to promote millet farming in the country. The government is aiming that the move would help in giving a boost to millet production in the country.

Given that India is observing 2018 as the year of millets to help in the promotion of production and consumption of millets that would substantially contribute in the fight against hunger, the government is working continuously in a phased manner to achieve the goal of ‘zero hunger' by 2030.

While addressing Agri Startup & Entrepreneurship Conclave on the occasion of World Food day, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said, “Achieving zero hunger level by 2030 is a big goal. Our government is working continuously in a phased manner towards that direction.”

The government has made significant progress in the last four-and-a-half years in increasing agricultural production and food security, the minister said.

As per the fourth estimate, foodgrains and horticultural crops output has touched a record 284.83 million tonnes and 307 million tonnes, respectively, in the 2017-18 crop year (July-june), he added.

On agri start-ups, the minister said the government is supporting 150 start-ups out of 200 and supporting entrepreneurs to establish processing units. Even youth are being trained with farm skills as it is estimated that about 22 lakh skilled youths are required in the farm sector, he added.

On the occasion, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) director general Trilochan Mohapatra said that the government has set up 25 agri-incubation centres and 50 more will be established to provide training to entrepreneurs.