Ranchi: The Jharkhand govt would design model agriculture villages and panchayats across the state to ensure targeted implementation of welfare schemes based on local requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.Reviewing the agriculture department’s plans, chief minister (CM) Hemant Soren on Friday directed the department to identify villages or panchayats in every district for the initiative and conduct detailed surveys to assess the needs of farmers before rolling out govt programmes/ welfare schemes.He stressed the need for direct engagement with farmers and addressing key infrastructure gaps, including soil testing facilities and irrigation systems. “Govt interventions should be guided by ground realities to maximise benefits for the farming community,” he said.Talking to STOI, agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said, “The project aims to create clusters of villages, where farming, fisheries or animal husbandry schemes can be implemented in a coordinated manner after assessing local needs instead of randomly applying schemes so that the maximum number of people are benefitted.”The pilot project will initially focus on areas with large tracts of fallow or uncultivated land. If successful, the model will be replicated in other parts of the state, she added.“Ensure transparency in beneficiary selection and expand the pool of eligible recipients. Avoid repeatedly extending benefits to the same individuals so that more farmers can access state assistance,” the CM directed the department officials.Besides, the state would establish ‘model farmer schools’ (Model Krishak Pathshalas) in at least one village or panchayat in every district. These centres will provide training in modern and technology-driven farming practices.The chief minister has asked the department to work closely with agricultural universities and research institutions to strengthen the training programme. “The govt aimed at setting up 100 farmer schools in phases. A total of 57 schools have been established. The fourth phase will commence soon,” Tirkey said.
