In the US for a 9-day trip, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley wrapped up his New York chapter by addressing a FICCI panel. In his speech, the FM reiterated the government's commitment towards the agricultural sector and said it was focused on making sure India has a food surplus even at the time of adversities.
Excerpts from the remarks:
I do intend that the government will concentrate on agriculture. We are conscious of the fact that there has been a distress-like situation as far as agriculture is concerned, because of bad monsoon last year, because of a hailstorm this year and that put forward the need for a huge amount of investment as far as agriculture is concerned.
Therefore, it’s not as if we're going to be inadequate as far as foodgrain is concerned. Despite these two adversities we are still going to be surplus, but then we need to improve agricultural incomes.
The first role of the government has to be, in terms of policy there has to be clarity. As a part of policy the government doesn't now enter into new businesses. There are sectors where the government has been consciously withdrawing as far as business activities are concerned. But the government has been almost in every sector encouraging the private sector.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
