Odisha can export rice to China, other countries: Pradhan

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said Odisha can export non-basmati rice to China and other countries which will enhance the income of farmers in the state.

“Paddy farming is crucial to Odisha with nearly 70% of our cultivated area being used for growing rice and over 60% of our state’s population dependent on agricultural activities. Odisha can export non-basmati rice to China and other countries which will enhance our farmers’ income,” said Pradhan at AgriVikas 2018 here.

He urged the Odisha government to cooperate with the Union Government for the benefit of farmers.

He also requested them to connect all the 57 RMC with E-NAMs to link farmer produce with the market and enhance their income.

“Success of a sector is dependent on its market linkages. A key agricultural reform by our government is the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) platform. Few Mandis from Odisha are currently registered under e-Nam providing access to unified electronic markets to our farmers,” he informed.

He said the union government is resolute in the mission to bring each and every farmer under a security cover.

“Sharecropping is a major problem in Odisha & other parts of the country. Now Loan Eligibility Certificate is provided to farmers to help them get loans and avail crop insurance,” said Pradhan.

He said if all the stakeholders of the agricultural sector unite and work towards implementing the inspirations from AgriVikas2018, nothing can stop this sector from being the torchbearer of a prosperous Odisha and fulfil the Prime Minister’s mission of doubling farmers income by 2022.