Steps being taken by the Indian Government to boost agriculture production, develop high quality seeds, increase storage capacity and transfer knowledge from ‘lab to land’ are outlined in an article on One World South Asia.

Through the government’s Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) initiative, organic farming will also be promoted and dependence on chemical inputs reduced.

India’s Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh, outlined how the National Agro Forestry Policy aims to encourage agroforestry to help meet the ever increasing demand for timber, food, fuel, fodder, fertilizer, fibre and other products. It is also an important policy for contributing to the conservation of natural resources, providing environmental security and increasing the country’s forest/tree cover.

Other measures being taken by the government include establishing mobile soil testing laboratories, mapping horticulture crops in the country, developing modern techniques for growing fruits and vegetables and providing drought-assistance subsidies. New insurance schemes for farmers are under discussion.

Read the full story: New govt scheme to promote organic farming in India

See also: India’s bold plan to achieve 33% tree cover through agroforestry