Need for diversifying crop pattern in Punjab: Official

Chandigarh, July 21

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 40th foundation day by organising a webinar on “enhancing farmers’ income with collectivisation of produce through FPOs and integrated farming”.

Anirudh Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary (Development)-cum-Financial Commissioner, Punjab, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Tewari appreciated the unique role of NABARD as financial as well as developmental institution. He recognised the support provided by NABARD for creation of irrigation and rural connectivity in Punjab. He said the support provided to milk processing plant at Bassi Pathana was going to benefit the farmers involved in dairy farming. He felt the need to diversify crop pattern in the state from monoculture of wheat and paddy to horticulture crops and commercialise seed production.

In his welcome address, Dr Rajiv Siwach, CGM, NABARD, Punjab Regional Office, discussed about immense human suffering on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in spite of the disruptions in the agricultural value chain, the positive aspect has been that the agriculture sector had shown positive growth during 2020-21. Punjab, being the grain bowl of the country, made a record procurement of paddy and wheat during the year. He said NABARD had doubled infrastructure support in the state to the tune of Rs600 crore during last financial year. — TNS