Madhubani, Nov 02: Centre is considering formulating a farmers' insurance policy, Union Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh said here. "Centre is committed to improve the lot of farmers and has therefore already come out with several schemes," he said here yesterday while inaugurating the five-day All India Agricultural Fair organised under the aegis of Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Singh said in view of the need for massive capital investment in the field of agriculture, government had taken a policy decision to instruct the commercial banks to bring the rate of interest on all agricultural loans at par with consumer loans.
Expressing concern over the condition of Bihar's farmers, who he said were not getting the actual price of their produce, he sought the state governments' help in improving their lot.
"Agriculture needs to be made profitable to combat growing poverty and unemployment. It cannot be achieved only by subsidising government procurement of foodgrains. Bihar is endowed with fertile land and committed labour force ... The state can develop manifold following proper utilisation of its workforce and fertile land," the Union minister said.
He announced 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras would be opened in Bihar within a year and a mango and fish research centre here.
Earlier, Bihar Agriculture Minister Shiv Shanker Yadav addressing the gathering demanded a special agriculture package for Bihar. Bureau Report