Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: Saying that farmers are the backbone of our economy, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir said that cent percent Kissan Credit Cards (KCCs) would be issued to the farmers of J&K to provide them hassle free credit facilities at their doorstep.
The Minister said this while addressing the progressive farmers on the occasion of Kissan Divas here today. The function was organized by J&K Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development Association (JKAEDA). He said the objective of launching KCC is to support farmers in the need of the hour. He said its judicious implementation could revive the socio economic conditions of the farmers.
Hailing the initiatives of JKAEDA, the Minister said that it is due to the initiative of the Coalition Government that the voice of farmers is now being heard at the highest forums of the Government and the major issues confronted at various levels have been resolved during last three and half years. In this direction, Government has established a Kissan Welfare Board which now acts as a bridge between Kissans and Government, he maintained.
Referring to the demand of buffer stocking of fertilizers and setting up of Seed Corporation in J&K, the Minister said steps are being taken to find out ways and means so that farmers get its stock at right time.
In his address, Minister for Horticulture, Sham Lal Sharma said that Government will implement APMC Act in the State to improve facilities for the farmers. He said farmers are backbone of the country and they are responsible for improving the GDP growth of economy. He said Government will address their all pending issues in a phased manner.
To address the issues of procurement foodgrain, the Government has already taken steps in this regard. He said process of land acquisition has been set in motion and shortly work would start for the construction of the mandies as farmers are demanding this facility for a long time.
Vice Chairman, Kissan Advisory Board, Rashpal Singh highlighted the initiatives of the Government taken during last three and a half years for upliftment of the farmers community.
Chairman, JKAEDA demanded setting up of J&K Agriculture Mandi Board on the pattern of Punjab Government and Seed Corporation. He also appealed for lump-sum power charge for electric motors upto 5HP as these were used only for two months during July-August. He also demanded personal insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh for individual farming family.
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