Gujarat’s Agriculture Minister, Jitu Vaghani, revealed in the state Legislative Assembly that Gujarat has witnessed significant agricultural progress in the last 20 years. Cotton production surged by 696%, and groundnut production by 575%.
Vaghani emphasized Gujarat’s emergence as a key agricultural center in India, boasting over 40 major crops grown in the state. Notable increases in cotton and groundnut production, along with productivity improvements, were highlighted.
The Minister pointed out the rise in sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, and food grains production, with substantial productivity enhancements. Regional crops like Gir’s ‘Kesar Mango’ and others have gained global recognition, receiving G.I. tags for their quality.
Vaghani also discussed the impact of national policies on farmers, citing increased minimum support prices for various crops. Gujarat’s procurement of crops at minimum support prices and aid to farmers during natural disasters were also highlighted. The state’s adoption of technology in agriculture, including digital tools and applications, was underscored for its positive impact on farmers.
On horticulture and natural farming, Gujarat ranks highly in the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables. The state has established cold storage facilities to preserve horticultural produce and leads in the number of operational natural farming FPOs in India.
The Minister detailed the achievements in the cooperative sector, such as significant increases in milk collection and financial support for farmers. Plans to boost food grain productivity, establish agricultural hubs, food parks, and logistic facilities were also outlined. The government aims to enhance farmers’ income and attract investments through agricultural business and export policies.
