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Doubling farmers ’ income our top priority : commerce minister
The commerce and industry minister , Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the need to focus on Research , Standards and Aggregation to enhance farmers income . Interacting with the members of the ICFA ( Indian Council of Food and Agriculture ) on the issue of Doubling of
Farmers Income through Agro and Food Trade she said Inter – Ministerial discussions are necessary for coordination . The Minister said the government is willing to hear suggestions and respond to all issues pertaining to exports and domestic trade .
Mrs Sitharaman said agricultural research is of paramount importance , citing example of Tobacco she said till date there has been no research done to find alternative crop for tobacco farmers . Further she highlighted the issue of Onion production where again research is needed to prevent the shortage and glut of production .
The Minister said the issues pertaining to international standards will be taken up appropriately . She said preserving the interests of the farmers has to be the core of all discussions in which both the central
60 BioVoiceNews | March 2017