New Delhi, 9 May (IANS). Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has said that there is no shortage of rice in the country and we have no shortage of rice. He said that soldiers on the border and farmers in the fields are ready. Bumper production has been done this year and our farmers are also fully prepared for the next crop.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has assured the countrymen that everyone should be relaxed in any emergency or in times of need. We are ready and capable.
While sharing the figures, Union Minister Chauhan said that in 2023-24, food production in the country was 3,322.98 lakh metric tonnes and which the farmers of the country have now increased to 3,474.42 lakh metric tonnes.
He said, “Rice production was 1,378.25 lakh metric tonnes this time as compared to 1,378.25 lakh metric tonnes. While the production of wheat has increased from 1,132 lakh metric tonnes to 1,154 lakh metric tonnes this year. However, it is only anticipated, it is expected.”
Union Minister Chauhan informed that this year the production of pulses has increased from 242 lakh metric tonnes to 250.97 lakh metric tonnes. The production of oilseeds has also been recorded from 296.69 lakh metric tons to 428.98 lakh metric tonnes. There is also no shortage of fruits and vegetables in the country.
He further stated that the production of horticulture crops has been increased from 3,547 lakh metric tonnes to 3,621 lakh metric tonnes. Positive figures have also been recorded in potato, onion and tomato production.
The Union Minister said, “Potato has increased from 570 lakh metric tonnes to 595 lakh metric tonnes and onion from 242 lakh metric tonnes to 288 lakh metric tonnes. Similarly, tomato production has also increased from 213 lakh metric tonnes to 215 lakh metric tonnes.”
He congratulated the farmers and scientists for the increase in production even in the opposite weather and said that the production of wheat and rice has increased by 4-5 percent in a year. Giving information about buffer stock, he said that till May 8, 539.88 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been purchased. Stores are filled. Apart from this, 267.02 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been purchased from farmers and procurement is going on.
-IANS
SKT/ABM