22,000 rural agricultural markets to be linked with e-NAM portal by 2020: Agri Minister

New Delhi, June 30 (KNN) The Central government has decided to link 22,000 rural agricultural market with Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) portal.

As a part of its drive to double farmers' income, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said “We will upgrade existing 22,000 rural 'haats' into Gramin Agricultural Markets. These will be connected with e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) to provide farmers facility to make direct sale to potential buyers.”

He made the above remarks while addressing the "AgriVikas 2018", a conclave on agriculture and allied sector in Bhubaneswar.

Stating India has the potential to meet the demand of food industry in the world, Shekhawat said that entrepreneurship has to be developed in the agriculture sector.

Towards this, 585 e-mandis have been connected under the agricultural market reforms, he added.

Inaugurating the two-day meet, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Central government is committed to translate the dream of doubling the income of farmers into a reality for which many steps are being taken.

Talking about Odisha agrarian economy, Pradhan said despite immense potential the state is lagging behind in agriculture sector.

He said “technology and innovation can be a real game-changer for the agriculture sector in the state where farmers are hit by outdated labor intensive techniques due to lack of skill development.”

Union MSME Minister Giriraj Singh elaborated on the methods by which the ministry was promoting value addition of agricultural products.

If Odisha's farm produce is supplied to regional, national and international markets, it would create opportunities for farmers and spur the economy, he added.

"AgriVikas 2018" is being supported by the ministries of agriculture, food processing, petroleum and natural gas, skill development and entrepreneurship, commerce and industry, and micro small and medium enterprises (MSME).

Over 1,000 participants including farmers, horticulturists, agriculture scientists, entrepreneurs and students from various states participated in this event.