The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh today inaugurated the four day Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Krishi Unnati Mela – 2016, in Mathura, today. On this occasion, he said that Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay was born in Mathura but he gave a new direction to the entire country through his thoughts and works. He said that Pandit Deen Dayal was a great philosopher, economist, social reformer, fearless journalist and political thinker. He said that the country has shown gratitude to him by opening Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishvidyalaya and Cow Research Institute after his name at his birth place, Mathura.On this occasion, Agriculture Minister said that during last two years, there was drought like situation in the country but in spite of it food grains production was more than 250 million ton during 2015-16. During these years the production of milk was also record high at 160 million ton in the country. He said that the credit of food grains production goes to new agriculture technique and hard work of farmers. He further said that horticulture, particularly in fruit and vegetables, is getting continuous enhancement and it has crossed the figure of 280 million ton. He said that food security of the country has become strong. Country is self dependent in food grains and from this it has generated a new trust among all stakeholders of agriculture sector.On this occasion he said that due to good monsoon in 2016-17 sowing area of main crops is around 1060 lakh hectare, while last year it was 1023 lakh hectare. This year sowing area of pulses is around 145 lakh hectare, while last year it was 112.43 lakh hectare.
It is estimated that this year food grain production will be more than record 270 million ton in which pulses production will be likely 21 million ton as compare to last year’s 17 million ton.He has said that Government of India has made several plans for the development of agriculture and cooperation and farmers are getting benefits from this.On this occasion he has requested farmers and entrepreneurs that they take more and more benefit from agriculture fair. He appreciated the role of concerned officers of National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Agriculture and different departments of Government of India for organizing the fair at Mathura.The Agriculture Minister laid foundation stone of first Gokul Gram Project in Mathura. On this occasion he said that government has prepared a plan to establish 14 Gokul Gram in the country under Gokul Mission. The first Gokul Gram is going to be established in Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s birth place, Mathura. Gokul Gram will work as a centre for development of native breed cattle and it will work to supplement resources of cattle of farmers in breeding areas. Earlier the Agriculture Minister inaugurated a waste sewage water treatment plant in Mathura. This plant has developed a unique indigenous technique facility for treatment & recycle of sewage water into irrigation water by Indian Council of Agricultural Research.