Farmers must diversify for better returns: Minister

Our Correspondent

Hamirpur, September 29

Virender Kanwar, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, addressed a public gathering at Badran village in Nadaun constituency near here today. He said the farmers in the state would be encouraged to adopt crop diversification for better returns from their produce. He said 72 per cent people of the state were involved in agriculture. Apart from conventional crops, they should adopt fisheries, dairy farming, horticulture and apiculture to improve their economy. The government had started many schemes for the farmers, including mechanised agriculture programmes. The use of machinery would not only save time and energy but would improve production in the farms, he maintained.

The government was working to increase the minimum income of farmers to Rs 2 lakh. Quality seed and scientific cultivation would help in meeting the desired goals, Kanwar said.

Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the science block of Government Senior Secondary School, Badaran, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.59 crore. He also announced to sanction Rs 10 lakh for a cow shelter. The minister also inaugurated a veterinary hospital at Kaloor.

Rakesh Thakur, chairman of Zila Parishad, and Vijay Agnihotri, vice-chairman of HRTC, were also present.