Jammu,March 27 (Scoop News) – Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir informed the House that with the efforts of the present coalition government the Basmati rice of R.S. Pura has been provided international market by its inclusion into international grading standard.
Replying to question by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, he said for increase of its quality production of Basmati has been taken up under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) under which the farmers are sensitized about standards of production and protection techniques for production of quality basmati besides providing certified and foundation seeds to the farmers. He said irrigation pump sets are being provided to the basmati growers at subsidized rates. He said Basmati buyer seller meet/workshop was also organized to bring the farmers and the reputed marketing agencies face to face to explore marketing potential and utilize opportunities for better remuneration to the basmati growers.
Mir said Centre has also extended the ‘National Food Security Mission’ for rice in three districts of Jammu divisions viz Samba, Kathua and Jammu. Under the Mission, Plant protection equipment, promotion of farm, mechanization, assistance for plant protection chemicals, and micro nutrients are being provided to the farmers for boosting crop production, he said, adding a Special Task Force Project has been launched in Jammu division at the cost of Rs. 30.16 crore for upgradation of seeds multiplication farm, Chakroi, R. S. Pura.
The Minister said the availability of farmyard manure is being managed by the farmers while availability of chemical fertilizers is ensured to the growers through the network of fertilizer dealers.
Under area expansion, the Minister said that the Government has targeted to cover 66000 hectares under basmati rice cultivation in next five years. He said till date 37,200 hectares is under Basmati rice cultivation in Jammu region.