‘Agri-Business Innovations Moving Up the Value Chain’ Sectoral Session Held

– Over 3.41 Lakh Houses to be Built in Rajasthan’s Rural Areas
– Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development
– Adequate Water Supply Across Every Corner of the State for Agriculture and Industry – Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur : Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced that the Union Rural Development Department will construct 3,41,620 houses under the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) for the poor and farmers in Rajasthan. This initiative will incur an expenditure of approximately ₹4,099 crore. He mentioned that Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma is working towards the rise of a “New Rajasthan.” Through the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, significant investments, especially in the food processing sector of agriculture, are anticipated.

Shri Chauhan was addressing the ‘Agri-Business Innovations Moving Up the Value Chain’ sectoral session held on Tuesday at JECC during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit. He remarked that serving farmers is akin to worshiping God. Under the leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, efforts are underway to make India the “Food Basket of the World,” ensuring that India can feed the world. Shri Chauhan stated that a six-point strategy has been developed by the department for the welfare of farmers. To boost production in the agricultural sector, 109 new varieties of seeds have been developed, including those for millet and rice, which ensure higher yields in less time. Referring to the PKC-ERCP Integrated Project, he described it as a boon for farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Economic Empowerment for Farmers

The Union Minister for Agriculture stated that the central government is focusing on new agricultural practices. Additionally, efforts are being made to provide farmers with affordable loans to reduce production costs. Changes in import-export policies are also providing immediate relief to farmers. He mentioned that the government has imposed a 27.5% duty on palm oil imports, offering economic support to soybean farmers. The central government is also procuring crops at MSP (Minimum Support Price). He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, a prosperous and powerful India is being built.

Meeting All Needs of Investors

Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma stated that under the leadership of the visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government has taken significant steps in the fields of electricity and water, ensuring sufficient water availability for both industries and agriculture. He assured that the government will supply water to every corner of the state and provide electricity to farmers during the day. He affirmed the state’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in electricity by 2027. The Chief Minister assured that all requirements of investors participating in the Rising Rajasthan Summit will be fulfilled.

Establishment of Shri Anna Promotion Agency

Shri Sharma highlighted that Rajasthan is a leading state in the agricultural sector in India. The state’s agricultural land and diverse climatic conditions provide it with a significant position in agricultural production. Rajasthan ranks first in the production of mustard, millet, and oilseeds in the country and is also a leader in the production of millets (Shri Anna), peanuts, soybeans, gram, and cotton. To promote the production and marketing of millets, the state government is establishing the Shri Anna Promotion Agency. The cultivation of dates in districts like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur has opened new doors for agricultural processing and value addition. The state offers immense opportunities for investment in horticulture, medicinal plants, spices, and food processing.

Extensive Network for Access to Major Markets

The Chief Minister emphasized that Rajasthan’s internal geographic location is favorable for transporting and exporting agricultural products, providing easy access to the northern and western markets of India. He pointed out the excellent rail, road, and air networks connecting Rajasthan to major markets, simplifying the supply of raw materials and distribution of products for investors. He added that new warehouses and cold chain facilities are being developed to ensure secure storage and transportation. Under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024, special incentives have been provided for agriculture and food processing industries. The Chief Minister mentioned that under the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, over 2,506 MOUs worth ₹58,000 crore have already been signed in the agricultural sector.

Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena stated that 32 countries are participating in the Rising Rajasthan Summit. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, the state will attract maximum investment. On this occasion, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Shri Joraram Kumawat, Minister of State for Cooperatives (Independent Charge) Shri Gautam Kumar Dak, Minister of State for Energy (Independent Charge) Shri Heeralal Nagar, Chairman of the State Farmers’ Commission Shri C.R. Chaudhary, and senior officials from agriculture and related departments were present. Panelists at the session engaged in a meaningful discussion.