Controversy Arises Over Sending Agricultural Officers Abroad for Training

Shimla, Oct 09

In a surprising development, it is not the legislators but rather the agricultural officers of the state government who will be sent abroad for training. In the first phase, field officers from the Department of Agriculture will embark on exposure visits to foreign countries, followed by a second phase where even the farmers will be sent abroad. Amid potential objections from legislators, Agriculture Minister Jagat Singh Negi clarified the situation.

Notably, the BJP had raised questions about this matter.

Agriculture Minister Jagat Singh Negi dispelled any doubts, stating that the BJP is spreading misinformation. It is essential to mention that BJP leader Sandeepani Bharadwaj had alleged that as part of the Horticulture Development Project, MLAs Indradutt Lakhanpal from Badsar, Sanjay Awasthi from Arki, and Ajay Solanki from Nahan were being sent abroad. The Agriculture Minister categorically denied these claims.

On the other hand, Harish Chauhan, the President of the Fruit, Vegetable, and Apple Producers Association of Himachal Pradesh, emphasized that the World Bank-funded Horticulture Development Project is intended for the benefit of farmers. In the previous government, officials from the department were sent on exposure visits abroad. Under this project, scientists from the department should also be sent abroad. Farmers have been deprived of opportunities in the past. If the state government is sending department officials and farmers on exposure visits, we welcome this decision.

The controversy surrounding sending agricultural officers and possibly farmers abroad for training underlines the importance of such initiatives for the overall development of the agricultural sector. While there may be objections and concerns raised, the ultimate goal is to benefit the farming community and enhance the state’s agricultural practices.