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Time to Switch to Horticulture Crops

A four-day Organic-cum-Nursery Expo was inaugurated by Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu at the Siddhartha College of Hotel Management grounds here on 15th August.

The expo was being organised by the Department of Horticulture in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the International Competence Centre for Organic Culture (ICCOA) for the first time in the state.

The risk was less in horticulture crops compared to agricultural crops, said the Finance Minister while addressing the gathering.

He also said that, expenditure in horticulture was less and returns were high compared to agriculture and the sole reason for losses in the agriculture sector was that it was dependent on nature. Keeping in view these facts, the government was encouraging horticulture.

The State and the Central governments had allocated Rs. 1,476 crore for the development of horticulture in the State. The agriculture sector contributed 24% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while the horticulture 18 to 19%, Mr. Ramakrishnudu informed.

In creating awareness on the advantages of horticulture, the voluntary organisations and the farmers associations also should come forward. To provide marketing facilities and ensure remunerative prices to the farmers, the government would extend all possible help.

Referring to agriculture, the Minister said by adopting the latest technologies and switching over to mechanization, the farmers could bring down the cost of cultivation.

He said that, excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals were leading to health problems. The soil strength would also deteriorate over time. Organic farming was the best solution to address these issues.

Source :http://www.thehindu.com