Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary and MP Prem Singh Chandumajra today stressed the need to strengthen the farm sector as that was the key to the development of the country.While speaking in the Lok Sabha today on the Presidential Address, Prof. Chandumajra said agriculture was in deep crisis and the need of the hour was to turn it into profitable venture. For this purpose, it was imperative that the farmers should get remunerative prices for their produce. The minimum support price should be fixed on the basis of the recommendations made by the Dr. MS Swaminathan Committee which had proposed 50 per cent profit over and above the cost of production.
Akali leader said at the same time, the cost of inputs needed to be controlled. More attention should be paid to research and development to increase yield. Citing statistics, he said the per acre yield in India was much less as compared to several other countries.Chandumajra also called for starting more irrigation schemes to provide adequate water for irrigation and stressed upon rain water harvesting. He said millions of acre feet of water were going waste in the country which could be conserved and put to use.He welcomed higher allocation to the states from the central kitty but at the same time, proposed changes in the criteria to give benefits to states like Punjab. The formula should be based upon not only total population but also the component of dalit population and the contribution made by the state to the national development.