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Agriculture Focused Group while commenting on the budget mentioned , “ Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ’ s 2017 budget is strongly focused on providing an impetus to rural India – from farmer welfare to improving opportunities for youth . However , the prospect of improved agri-growth of 4.1 percent as highlighted by the Finance Minister as always remains dependant on the prospect of good monsoons .” He added , “ While improving access to farm credit , increasing farm insurance and creating a law on contract farming is always welcome , however we see no provisions for the improvement of the seeds sector or budgetary provisions to encourage indigenous innovation in the sector to mitigate the impact of climate change and drought . It would have been good if the government had taken a more holistic look at the farm sector and link it with initiatives aimed at India ’ s numerous agriculture colleges and the agri-biotechnology sector .”
Mr Raju Barwale , Managing Director , Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited ( MAHYCO ) feels that the budget is progressive . He elaborated , “ A large budgetary allocation of Rs 1.87 lakh crore to agriculture and rural sector , at an increase of 24 percent over the last year reflects continued commitment to the progress of farmers . The mission to double farmers ’ income is reiterated with initiatives such as increased impetus to soil testing , irrigation fund with NABARD , strengthening of Fasal Bima
20 BioVoiceNews | February 2017