‘Use of tech will boost farmers’ income’

ALLAHABAD Vice-chancellors of Indian agricultural universities believe that proper policy guidelines regarding supply of credit, landholding, prices, input and marketing are urgently needed for the growth of agriculture and farmers in the country. They feel the government departments need to hire professionals in these areas to make it happen.

The consensus emerged during the two-day 12th national symposium on “Convergence building for resource sharing in agriculture research and extension sectors: Formation of statewise agriculture cabinet” that concluded at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) on Friday. Sixty-two vice chancellors from across the country participated in the meeting sponsored by the Indian Agriculture Universities Association (IAUA). They noted that the PM had set a goal of doubling the income of farmers.

The VCs deliberated on doubling the farmers’ income by 2022. AK Sarial, VC, CSK HP Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur, HP said in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh the productivity was 1.5 million ton per hectare but this could be increased to 3 million ton per hectare if there was efficient transfer of technology to farmers and the land was brought under proper irrigation as most fields depend on rain. Sarial on the basis of his study estimated that a farming family of four to five that currently had a monthly income of Rs 8,777 could double it up to Rs 17,000.