Major areas of Rajasthan are covered by the world’s second largest desert, Thar Desert. The challenges in the availability of water and cultivable land are repeatedly faced by farmers who are dependent on agricultural activities for their livelihood. The finest source of water is monsoon rains and its deficiency leads to drought in various areas. Annually, some or the other area of Rajasthan struggles from drought and thus, it becomes very difficult for the Government to carry out their development programs in those regions. There are many challenges for the Government of Rajasthan while drafting the blueprint of development projects. Yet, the BJP Government of Rajasthan under the leadership of Smt. Vasundhara Raje is adamant in transforming Rajasthan into a developed and prosperous state. The hard work and team efforts of Raje and her team are leading the state towards a golden future. A large number of schemes and government programs are being initiated by Smt. Vasundhara Raje like, Aapka Zila, Aapki Sarkar and Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyaan (MJSA), are some the progress focused schemes initiated and run by Rajasthan Government for serving long term solutions of good governance and water harvesting. For the progress of agriculture sector, Raje Government also planned GRAM-2016 on a massive scale in the state for the promotion of agriculture sector. But this is not the only thing that Vasundhara Raje has done something for the farmers. There are many ways in which Raje Government has helped to boost the farming sector of Rajasthan.
Also read: Global Rajasthan AgriTech Meet – Rajasthan set to become Agro-Giant
The planned efforts of this Government are now converting into fruitful results for the people. Rajasthan, this year is estimating to produce around 800 tons of date palm from the first and initial harvest in 2015-16 and these figures are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. These trees were planted by Raje Government in 2007-08 on a trial basis over 135 hectares of Government’s own farms in the cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner. A total of 21,294 saplings raised by ’tissue culture’ technique of these Date Palm trees were imported from United Arab Emirates (UAE). Knowing all the benefits of the Date Palm cultivation for Rajasthan, the state government, in 2008-09 promoted the Date Palm cultivation on farmers land in these 12 districts:
- Jaisalmer
- Barmer
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Hanumangarh
- Sri Ganganagar
- Nagaur
- Pali
- Jalore
- Jhunjhunu
- Sirohi
- Churu
The Horticulture Director of Rajasthan Government, Vijay Pal Singh said, “Farmers have planted date palm crop in 813 hectares. Date palms take 4 to 8 years after planting before they bear fruit. The first harvesting has started.”
The whole nation is applauding the enthusiasm of Raje Government. Also, the plantation of saplings will be initiated in June and will continue till August for all early varieties and until the month of September for late varieties.
“We are expecting nearly 800 tons from the first harvest. Yields will definitely improve as trees grow older. A date palm tree has a lifespan of 15 years and maximum fruits are expected from 10th year onwards,” the official said.
Singh said, “Farmers are getting good rates for their produce and there is more interest to take up this farming among the farming community in the state.” “The state government is targeting to bring about 150 hectares of farmers’ land under the date palm cultivation in 2016-17,”he added.
It is quite wonderful to witness a change in the life of farmers as it is not an easy task to promote farming and cultivation in a desert state. The state Government is promoting Date Palm cultivation in the parched areas of the state along the northwestern belt. For this purpose, they are trying to assist farmers in every possible way. For the production of a quality product, the state Government is providing tissue culture raised sapling to farmers at subsidized rates. All the progress and development of this plantation and cultivation will be monitored under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), which is a completely centrally-sponsored scheme.
The next target of Raje Government is improving the quality of production leading them to enter into a contract with a private Company Atul Ltd. for the cultivation of quality tissue date palm saplings. These saplings would be distributed to farmers at subsidized rates. It is to inform that normally, one sapling of date palm would cost ranging Rs. 2000- 2500. The only condition put up by the government is that the farmers should use drip irrigation method for cultivation for availing subsidy up to 75%. The varieties like Barhee, Khuneji, Khalas, Medjool, Khadravi, Jamli and Sagai are preferred by the state Government.
The dream of Raje and her dedicated team for developing Rajasthan is progressing on a constructive path and seems very promising to the people. State Government is laying emphasis on the overall development of Rajasthan with progressive schemes for each and every sector.
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