Chief Minister Kamal Nath has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to transforming Madhya Pradesh into India’s Horticulture Capital.
He said that the horticulture sector is a gateway to the prosperity of farmers. This is the future of the agricultural sector. He said that the credit potential estimated by the NABARD for the horticulture sector should be increased from 6 percent to at least 15 percent.
He said that a large patch of unutilised revenue land in Madhya Pradesh can be utilised for expansion of horticulture activities.
He was releasing the State Focus Paper – 2020-21 at the State Credit Seminar 2020-21 organised by NABARD at Mantralaya here on Thursday.
The NABARD has estimated credit potential for Madhya Pradesh at 1,98,786 crore. This is 13 percent more than that of last year’s 1,74,970 Crore.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to approach the agriculture sector with a fresh vision and thinking. The entire scenario is changing. Earlier, millets were out of focus.
Today they have gained prominence. The millets were meant for consumption by the poor population. Now high nutritive value makes them popular.
The Chief Minister said that NABARD has years of experience and intellectual capacity. Its use will be fruitful for the future. The Chief Minister said that NABARD will have to prepare plans for 2024-25.
He said that today’s scenario would change after five years. The goals set today can be achieved easily, but the challenge of achieving new targets must be accepted in future.
The Chief Minister said that NABARD has made an unprecedented contribution in Madhya Pradesh with an important role in building agricultural infrastructure. The knowledge
that NABARD has acquired will have to be harnessed in expanding its vision in the future. He said that the plans made for Madhya Pradesh can also be useful for the country.
The Chief Minister said that the biggest challenge is unemployment among the youth as they move from villages to cities.
They have to be connected to emerging technologies and technical skills. He said that the agriculture needs modernisation.
