Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, while addressing a training programme organized for agricultural officers at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun, today, said that the use of modern technology in the agriculture sector was of great importance. He said that, along with weather updates, other crucial information can also be obtained through remote sensing technology. This technology can be effectively used to address various problems efficiently.
Agriculture Minister mentioned that the Himachal Pradesh government has undertaken several innovative initiatives to strengthen the rural economy. The state has launched the Him Krishi Yojana, under which activities have commenced in different clusters. A provision of Rs. 154 crore has been made under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project for the upliftment of farmers, which will promote agricultural mechanization and the use of modern technology.
He added that the state government was also encouraging natural farming. A support price of Rs. 90 per kilogram has been declared for turmeric cultivated through natural farming methods. Prof. Chander Kumar appreciated the activities conducted by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun. He stated that the training programmes organized by the institute would be fruitful to the farmers and horticulturists and emphasized that remote sensing technology can be utilized for the development of the agricultural sector.
He said that agricultural officers from the state would be sent to this institute for undertaking training of master trainers.A six-day remote sensing training program is being organized at the institute for 25 agricultural officers from the state, from April 21st to 26th April, 2025. Director IIRS R.P. Singh and Director Agriculture Kumud Singh were also present on the occasion.