Ministry of Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Agriculture sign MoU for speedy implementation of Namami Gange programme

The Union Water Resources Ministry has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Agriculture Ministry for speedy implementation of Namami Gange programme.
The MoU will encourage farmers of over 5,000 villages along the Ganga River to take up organic farming to curb pollution caused by chemical fertiliser-laden runoff in the river.
As per the MoU

• The Union Agriculture Ministry will develop organic farming in over 5,000 villages along the Ganga River under Paramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
• Each Gram Panchayat along the Ganga River will represent a single cluster and it will promote organic farming through awareness programmes, self-help groups, mobile apps etc.
• Government will provide training on Integrated Nutrient Management and micro-irrigation techniques.
• It will also encourage livelihood opportunities and natural farming, based on animal husbandry.
• The achievement and progress of implementation will be monitored by a steering committee consisting of the nodal officers from each ministry which will meet once in three months or whenever necessary.

Comment

• Namami Gange is a “multi-disciplinary” programme and its success depends largely on the participation of other ministries, state governments and local communities.
• The MoU will remain in effect for three years and thereafter can be extended on mutual agreement between the two parties.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2016