The Ministry of Communications has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi today. These MoUs aimed at benefiting rural citizens and farmers by combating misinformation and providing banking services.
Speaking on the occasion, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted that the MoU signed between the Department of Posts and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will address the long-standing fake pesticides issue. Mr Scindia said, this MoU aims to strengthen pesticide quality control for nearly 15 crore farmers.
He underlined that under this agreement, each pesticide sample will carry a QR code, supported by digital tracking and temperature monitoring for preservation. He also said that now samples will reach testing laboratories within two to three days, replacing the earlier 10 to 15-day process.
Talking about the MoU signed with the Ministry of Rural Development, Mr Scindia said that it focuses on empowering rural people, including nearly 12 crore women associated with self-help groups through integration with India Post Payments Bank. He highlighted that under this MoU, comprehensive training, electronic tablets, cash transfers, point of sale machines and certificates will be provided.
In his address, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Agriculture and rural development are the backbone of the country’s economy. He said, this partnership will provide additional livelihood opportunities for rural people and women, along with banking service reach. Mr Singh said that through the integration of the postal network with rural financial services, this initiative is expected to increase the monthly income of 15 to 30 thousand rupees for beneficiaries.
Both ministers noted that these inter-ministerial initiatives reflect a whole-of-government approach involving the Ministries of Communications, Agriculture and Rural Development to achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and comprehensive rural development.
