Amidst farmers’ protest, PM Narendra Modi yet again pushed for privatization in the agricultural sector for research and development. Said that it is time to encourage agri-startups.
PM on Monday said there is a need to bring a food-processing revolution in the country through a public-private partnership.
Addressing a webinar on Budget provisions for the farm-sector, he highlighted various initiatives taken by the government in the Budget. It included increasing the target of agriculture credit to Rs 16.5 lakh crore from Rs. 15 lakh crore in the current financial year.
With the country’s foodgrains production increasing, Modi said, “there is a need for post-harvest revolution or food-processing revolution, and value-additions.”
For the food processing revolution, he said, the participation of farmers as well as public-private partnerships need to be increased. He also talked about the need to encourage agri-startups, saying they have performed well during the pandemic period.
The Prime Minister, lastly, emphasized on establishing a network for soil-testing at the village-level and also on the accessibility of technology for farmers.
