Guwahati, June 17 (IANS) Assam Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass on Wednesday urged farmers to adopt multiple cropping practices and make optimum use of government support schemes to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant.

Speaking to reporters, Dass said agriculture would play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s vision of self-reliance and strengthening its position as a global economic power. He stressed that farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and all sections of society must work collectively to improve productivity, quality and standards in their respective fields.

“The country can become truly self-reliant only when every sector performs to its full potential. Farmers have a crucial role to play by increasing both the quantity and quality of agricultural production,” he said.

Highlighting various initiatives undertaken by the government for the welfare of farmers, Dass said significant steps have been taken to ensure better returns for agricultural produce and reduce dependence on middlemen. He noted that support mechanisms are being strengthened so that farmers do not have to rely on moneylenders for purchasing seeds, fertilisers and other inputs.

The Speaker also referred to crop insurance schemes, saying farmers are provided financial protection against losses from natural calamities and adverse weather conditions. Such measures, he said, are aimed at providing economic security to cultivators and encouraging them to invest more in agriculture.

Dass particularly emphasised the need to expand mustard cultivation and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils.

He said fluctuations in international markets underline the importance of boosting domestic production of crops such as mustard.

Calling the present period ideal for mustard cultivation, he urged farmers to adopt double-cropping and triple-cropping practices wherever feasible.

He also asked cultivators to make use of government assistance for tractors, power tillers, harvesters and other agricultural machinery.

The Speaker further advised farmers to use fertilisers judiciously and avoid excessive application for short-term gains, stressing that sustainable farming practices are essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural growth.

–IANS

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