In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Seven decade-old Agriculture Ministry will be renamed as ‘Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ministry’.
The decision has been taken with a view to take care of the farming community’s needs as well as to tackle the personal problems faced by them.
Mr. Modi stressed on the need to increase agricultural productivity and said the government is making efforts to boost crop yields.
He also emphasized the need for the welfare of farmer for the growth of the Agriculture sector.
Mr. Modi also emphasised that rural and agricultural development can only be complete when welfare of the farmer is also ensured.
He said the government will formulate schemes keeping in view some of the personal problems that are faced by the farmers.
The Prime Minister said besides schemes for development of agriculture, there will also be schemes for development of farmers, in the coming days. Through this the government will work to address problems faced by the farmers in their personal lives.
The Ministry of Agriculture
- The Ministry of Agriculture is a branch of the Government of India
- It is the apex body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to agriculture in India.
- The 3 broad areas of scope for the Ministry are agriculture, food processing and co-operation.
- The agriculture ministry is headed by Minister of Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh and Sanjeev Balyan is the Minister of State.
Background of the Department of Agriculture
- Department of Revenue and Agriculture and Commerce was set up in June 1871 to deal with all the agricultural matters in India.
- Earlier to this, the matters related to agriculture were within the portfolio of the Home Department.
- In 1881, Department of Revenue & Agriculture was set up to deal with combined portfolios of education, health, agriculture, revenue.
- However, In 1947, Department of Agriculture was redesignated as Ministry of Agriculture.