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While inaugurating a National Workshop on Improvement of Agricultural Statistics in the capital today, Smt. Radha Singh, Secretary, Agricultural and Cooperation said agricultural statistics play a fundamental role in formulation of policies, plans and deciding the course of investment in different sectors of agriculture. She also pointed out that agricultural data, its analysis and the database is not only of importance to the country, but it is also closely monitored by countries all over the world and global bodies. With globalisation India’s data also decides international data.
The Secretary informed the agricultural statisticians gathered from all parts of India that it was necessary to take an in-depth look into the weaknesses of the present system of data collection and to overcome these shortcomings. A new system was needed for gathering of accurate data with regard to crop coverage, yield, new areas like Horticulture, Crop mixing commodities and value additions. She pointed out that decision with regard to better inputs in agriculture was only possible with accurate data. The Secretary informed the gathering that future trading was around Rs.3000 crore per day and therefore accurate data availability was essential. Secretary said that though the Food and Agriculture Organisation had applauded Indian statistical system, it was now time for agricultural data to keep pace with the changing agricultural scenario. She pointed that since the Government was planning on a seasonal basis Kharif and Rabi estimates should be available in an accurate and efficient way so as to make corrective measures possible. The new system should ensure that Kharif and Rabi estimates are available at three stages - after sowing, during growth period and after harvest. Secretary finally invited the gathering to make recommendations to put in place an efficient agriculture data gathering system.
UM/RC/Hb
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