Deoria, Oct 26 (HS): Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi welcomed the newly appointed Technical Assistant Group-C trainees to the 10-day basic training program at the Agricultural Training Center, Baitalpur, on Monday. During the program, he interacted with the trainees and provided information about the Agriculture Department's working methods, modern technologies, and schemes run for the benefit of farmers. He said that technical assistants are an important link between farmers and the government. They should not remain confined to the office but should go to the fields and solve farmers' problems.

The Agriculture Minister urged the trainees to ensure that the benefits of the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi, Soil Health Cards, crop insurance, and agricultural subsidy schemes reach every eligible farmer. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among farmers about improved seeds, balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, and modern agricultural techniques.

He stated that the target for distributing approximately 1.2 million quintals of seeds for the 2026 Rabi season is currently underway. One million mini-kits have been distributed to farmers. Farmers are being provided with facilities through online booking of agricultural inputs and e-lottery. He added that quality seeds are essential to ensure food security for the growing population. To this end, new technologies are being developed at agricultural universities, agricultural science centers, and research institutes.

The Agriculture Minister stated that the country has become self-sufficient in food grain production, but there is a need to increase the production of pulses and oilseeds. The government is providing free seeds to farmers through mini kits. He added that pulse and oilseed cultivation is being promoted on approximately 700,000 hectares in 40 districts of the state. Intercropping of these crops with sugarcane is also being encouraged.

He stressed the need to educate farmers about water conservation and reduce the use of flood irrigation. He also urged them to promote the cultivation of nutritious crops such as finger millet, sorghum, millet, barley, kangni, and kutki. He stated that under the Develop India Sankalp Abhiyan, farmers are being made aware of modern, sustainable, and nutritious agricultural practices.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi