Essential to improve post-harvest handling and processing, says agriculture minister

New Delhi, Dec.9 : Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh has said that while increased productivity is an essential component of a vibrant agricultural sector, improved post harvest handling and processing is also essential to ensure value addition, reduction in wastage and transporting good quality products to markets.

He was addressing a meeting of the General Council of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) here today.

Singh said agricultural cooperatives have a very important role to play in furthering the development of cooperatives in the larger interest of the farmers and rural populace.

He also congratulated the NCDC and its team of dedicated officers for their excellent performance in the fiscal year 2014-15.

While financial sanctions of the order of Rs.7160 crore were made, the disbursements stood at Rs.5736 crore, exceeding the target of Rs.4800 crore.

The NCDC has posted a profit of Rs.169.30 crore. Net NPA of the corporation was maintained at ‘zero’ and recovery rate was 99.89 percent. (ANI)