The Times of India – Online

The biggest challenge before the nation at present was to take the contribution of the agriculture sector in the Gross Domestic Product to 22 per cent, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday. Addressing the Dr CD Mayee Krishi awards function here, he said minimum support price (MSP) of certain crops was higher than the market rate and the Union government had to shell out Rs 1.50 lakh crore due to this to procure farm produce.

Mint – Online

Competition should be fostered among states to improve ease of farming activities and allied businesses so that agriculture can play a key role in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation and achieve inclusive development, green growth and gainful employment, the Aayog has said in a report.