The state government is committed to double the income of farmers by 2022 for which various initiatives have been taken. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today while addressing the delegation of Pachhad assembly constituency of Sirmour district led by MLA Suresh Kashyap, who had come to thank the Chief Minister for appointing Baldev Bhandari as Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board.The Chief Minister said that the government would strengthen agriculture marketing network in the state to provide better marketing facilities to the farmers. In order to facilitate the farmers, the state government had relaxed the condition of minimum one hectare land to 2.5 bighas to register tractors being used for agriculture purpose. He said that if the owner of the tractor did not have agricultural land, he could submit affidavit regarding land in the name of his father or mother.Jai Ram Thakur said that about 90 percent population of the state was residing in the rural areas and therefore it was essential to ensure development of these areas for overall development of the state. He said that it was for the first time that minimum support price of cereals was increased about 1.5 times by the union government.
Speaking on the occasion Agriculture Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda said that the farmers were playing a vital role in economy of the state and the government was committed to ensure their welfare. MLA Suresh Kashyap thanked the Chief Minister for appointing Baldev Bhandari as Chairman of State Agriculture Marketing Board.Baldev Bhandari while thanking the Chief Minister for his appointment as the Chairman said he would work with sincerity and dedication for welfare of the farming community.Transport and Forest Minister Govind Thakur, Chairman APMC Shimla-Kinnaur Naresh Sharma, General Secretary Child Welfare Council Payal Vedya, Former MLA Baldev Tomer, Pachhad Mandal BJP President Partap Thakur were also present on the occasion.