Remote sensing tech can be useful for farm sector: Minister
Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar today said that the use of modern technology in the agriculture sector was of great importance. He addressed a training programme organised for agriculture officers at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun.
He said that, along with weather updates, other crucial information could also be obtained through the remote sensing technology, which could be effectively used to address various problems. The minister added that the Himachal Pradesh Government had undertaken several innovative initiatives to strengthen the rural economy. “The state has launched the Him Krishi Yojana, under which activities have commenced in different clusters. A provision of Rs 154 crore has been made under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project, which will promote agriculture mechanisation and the use of modern technology,” he claimed.
He said that the Himachal Government was also encouraging farmers to take up natural farming. A support price of Rs 90 per kilogram had been declared for turmeric cultivated through natural farming methods. He appreciated the activities conducted by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun.
Chander Kumar said that training programmes organised by the institute would be fruitful for farmers and horticulturists. He emphasised that the remote sensing technology could be utilised for the development of the agriculture sector. He added that agriculture officers from Himachal would be sent to this institute for training.
A six-day remote sensing training programme is being organised at the institute for 25 agriculture officers from Himachal from April 21 to 26. Director, IIRS, RP Singh and Director (Agriculture) Kumud Singh were also present on the occasion.
