Boosting incomes

Under Jasmeet Singh's leadership, Salumbar district has managed to implement multiple integrated agricultural schemes, eventually leading to enhancement of farmers' incomes

- ANIL SWARUP

The objective was not only noble but also eminently desirable. The Prime Minister had provided the vision of doubling farmers' income. It was now the responsibility of those in the field to bring this vision to fruition. While most districts in the country struggled, a remarkable initiative was undertaken in the remote district of Salumbar in Rajasthan. Under the inspired leadership of the Collector, Jasmeet Singh, benefits from the National Mission on Micro Irrigation, Per Drop More Crop, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the National Horticulture Mission, and PM KUSUM were combined to boost farmers' incomes. A primary goal was to make farmers independent and self-reliant in their agricultural produce. The stated objective of the initiative was to enable farmers to leverage government benefits from all schemes to increase their incomes.

A clearcut strategy was worked out. The farmers and their families were involved in the district after engaging with the community. In each of these programmes, farmers who were pro-technology were identified and sustained focus was placed on them to use all these yojanas to increase agricultural output. All these were put up before Gram Sabha, and after approval, were finalized. Other stakeholders were also consulted. Agriculture department and horticulture department were engaged to guide on technical aspects of the programme. NGOs working in the field of agriculture were also taken on board. Elected representatives were involved in site selection and using local methodology to resolve issues. As part of this programme, all farmers were provided training in Kisan Vikas Kendras. Assistance of farmer groups like Kisan Sangh was taken. Thus, all stakeholders converged to ensure benefits under all government schemes.