Jharkhand Govt Assures Farmers Amidst Drought Fears: Contingency Plans & Support for Kharif Season

Ranchi: State agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey on Tuesday said that the govt will not compromise on the interests of farmers under any circumstances, though the IMD indicated the possibility of below-normal rainfall this year.

While speaking at the concluding day of the two-day state-level workshop on Kharif at Birsa Agricultural University, she assured that the govt will not just to make plans, but will also effectively try to deliver benefits to the last farmer.

“Keeping in mind IMD’s prediction due to the El- Nino effect, all districts have been directed to prepare a contingency plan for drought. During the workshop, a detailed discussion was held on the draft contingency plans, and a state-level consolidated plan was prepared,” she said.

She said ensuring the security of farmers and the timely availability of quality seeds, irrigation facilities, agricultural credit, fertilisers and medicines is the govt’s top priority. Special emphasis has been placed on increasing farmers' participation up to the panchayat level, time-bound implementation of schemes, and linking FPOs and self-help groups (SHGs) with the schemes, the minister added. “This year, priority will be given to beekeeping, lac production, horticulture and agriculture-based self-employment schemes,” she said.