Lucknow – The State Level Rabi Productivity Seminar-2024 was successfully organized at the Mars Auditorium of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomtinagar. The event was presided over by the Agriculture Production Commissioner, with Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi as the chief guest. Minister of State for Horticulture (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh and Minister of State for Agriculture Baldev Singh Aulakh also graced the event, along with prominent officials from various departments, including Seed Development Corporation, Horticulture Department, and Animal Husbandry Department.
During the seminar, a divisional seminar for the Lucknow Division was also held. Chief Development Officers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Hardoi presented the strategies their respective districts have devised for Rabi-2024. The event witnessed the participation of around 600 farmers from various districts.
Key Highlights of the Seminar:
- Kisan Samman Nidhi Release: Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi announced that the 18th installment of the Kisan Samman Nidhi would be released by the Prime Minister. He also instructed district officials to ensure that the state government logo and the farmer’s name are inscribed on subsidized machinery provided to them.
- Promotion of Natural Farming: Minister Shahi urged farmers to adopt natural farming methods and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. He also emphasized that crop insurance companies must ensure timely compensation for crop damage post-harvest.
- Progressive Farmers as Knowledge Ambassadors: Minister of State for Horticulture Dinesh Pratap Singh called on progressive farmers to share their technical knowledge with fellow farmers at the village and block levels, encouraging the adoption of the latest agricultural technology.
- Support for Farmers: Agriculture Production Commissioner Monica S Garg highlighted the critical role of disseminating the latest technical information to farmers. She noted that 7,634 Krishi Sakhis (female agricultural workers) have been trained in the state to facilitate coordination between farmers and the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Silk, and Ground Water, ensuring the successful implementation of schemes.
- Adequate Seed and Fertilizer Arrangements: The Director of Agriculture assured that sufficient seed and fertilizer supplies have been arranged to prevent any disruptions during the sowing season. He also stressed the importance of educating farmers on stubble management and preventing incidents of stubble fires.
In the technical session of the seminar, experts from Agricultural Universities, the Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, and the National Pulses Research Institute provided in-depth guidance to farmers on crops such as wheat, barley, vegetables, and natural farming practices.
This seminar marks a significant step in preparing the state for a productive Rabi season, with a focus on sustainable practices and the well-being of farmers across the region.
