Southern States urged to tap horticulture, export potential

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday called for Centre-State cooperation and region-specific planning to address the challenges confronting agriculture and improve farmers’ incomes.

Addressing the Southern States Regional Agriculture Conference here, Mr. Chouhan said agricultural policies and plans had to take into account differences in agro-climatic conditions, soil, water availability and cropping patterns across States.

“Nation First” was the guiding principle of the Centre and it did not approach agricultural issues based on which political party was in power in a State, he said. The conference discussed the impact of El Niño, crop diversification and preparations for the upcoming Rabi season.

Mr. Chouhan said the deliberations should result in tangible improvements in farmers’ lives, strengthen food security, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.