Speaking to media on December, 30 at New Delhi, the union agriculture minister, Mr Radha Mohan Singh emphasized that government has put the increase in crop production and productivity on top priority.

He further mentioned that the govrrnment has a clear perception about holistic and sustainable agriculture. The minister also highlighted last six months achievements to make farmer oriented policy.

 Rs 886 crore for the National E - governance scheme in agri sector. Technical support to farmers has been a problem area and hence to tackle it, the ministry has set up 913 farm machinery banks. Farmers can take equipment on hire basis from these banks. An amount of Rs 1,345 crore has been allocated for equipment in 2014 - 15 as compared with Rs 1,213 in 2013 - 14. Mr Singh revealed that there has been increase of subsidy amount to Rs 300 per hectare from Rs 100 per hectare.

The Agriculture minister hopes that the new initiatives will lead to increased agricultural contribution in country's overall GDP. The minister also highlighted last six months achievements to make farmer oriented policy.  The Government have established a special fund of Rs 500 crore as an important initiative. With the setting up of this Price Stabilization Fund, farmers will be able to get fair price of their products. We have called upon the State Governments to amend the APMC Act so that farmers may sell their fruits and vegetables direct to consumers. So far, 12 States have agreed to our suggestion. States have been requested to set up Kisan Mandis and a kisan mandi is being established in Delhi. The entire country being connected through e-marketing under Agri Tech Infrastructure Fund.

The Government have given in-principle approval to a scheme of traditional agricultural development. The Prime Minister's Krishi Sichai Yojana is under finalization. We also have a plan to make comprehensive amendments in the Cooperative Act and make available a 24-Hour exclusive TV Channel for farmers. We have also targeted to cover at least one family out of three families under Kisan Call Center.

The Government have made several initiatives for development of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries sector under the National Gokul Mission. An allocation of Rs.500 crore has been made to protect and promote the breed of Desi Cows. So far, projects of Rs 378 crore have been sanctioned and Rs 123 crore have been released during the current financial year.

Under National Dairy Plan Phase-I from June to November 2014, 87 SP Projects has been sanctioned as compared to 41 SP Projects during the same period last year.

During June-November, 2014, Rs 133.56 crore subsidy has been released under Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme. National Livestock Mission has been made effective in the entire country.

The Fisheries Guidelines have been simplified further. Fishing boats of 15 mtr. Size or more can enter Exclusive Economic Zone to catch fish. In case of death of fishermen, insurance amount has been increased from Rs1 lakh to Rs 2 lakhs. Sanction for housing for 830 fishermen under Fishermen Welfare Scheme has been issued. Government will adopt latest technologies to promote Blue Revolution in the country.

Under Mission Blue Revolution and RKVY, Government plans to establish new breeding centres cages, manufacturing of marine cages and cold water fishing with a provision of Rs 157 crore.

We aim to increase milk production to 150 million tonnes by 2016-17 and also organized dairy market will be extended.

During the conference, Mr Singh mentioned that there will be definite results of all these initiatives taken by the Government in the time to come and there will be growth in agricultural sector and welfare of farmers will be promoted. He hoped that agriculture's contribution in GDP will touch newer heights with these initiatives.