I welcome far-reaching agriculture reforms announced by FM today, says JP Nadda

BJP president JP Nadda on Friday welcomed 'far-reaching agriculture reforms' announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying that these measures will hugely benefit farmers and enhance their income.

"Today's announcements will hugely benefit farmers and enhance their income. Rs 1 lakh crore fund for farm gate infrastructure, a scheme for global marketing of local agri-produce, new schemes to benefit herbal cultivators, fruits and vegetable growers, beekeepers, fisheries, dairying etc," Nadda tweeted.

"I welcome far-reaching agricultural reforms announced by FM today. Proposed amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; APMC Act and legal framework for advance sale agreements to ensure better returns to farmers. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these very effective decisions," he added.

Sitharaman on Friday announced Rs one lakh crore financial assistance to fund agriculture infrastructure projects at farm-gate and aggregation points. The agri-infrastructure fund will be used for setting up cold-chain and post-harvest management infrastructure, she said.

She made the announcement at a press conference here as part of the third tranche of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Modi in his May 12 address to help India become self-reliant in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Finance Minister also announced a Rs 10,000 crore scheme for the formalisation of micro-food enterprises (MFEs). A cluster-based approach will be taken for unorgsed MEFs to get technical upgradation to attain FSSAI food standards.

Sitharaman said that critical gaps in the existing fisheries value chain need to be filled. The government will launch Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for integrated, sustainable, inclusive development of marine fisheries.

A sum of Rs 11,000 crore will be allocated for activities in marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture besides Rs 9,000 crore for infrastructure development. "This will lead to additional fish production of 70 lakh tonnes over the next five years."

For 100 per cent vaccination of all mals across the country, a national mal disease control programme for the foot-and-mouth disease will be launched with an outlay of Rs 13,343 crore for estimated 53 crore cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.

Also, Sitharaman said that an mal husbandry development fund worth Rs 15,000 crore will be set up to support private investment in dairy processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure. Incentives to be given to private sector players for establishing plants for the export of niche products.

( With inputs from ANI )