New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday called for a unified, collaborative approach to agricultural development and said that a national team should be formed under the principle of 'One Nation, One Agriculture' and 'One Agriculture, One Team.'

Addressing the 11th Maize Summit organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, '...I wanted to request FICCI to discuss intensively and send me recommendations... We want to create a team for farming. We need to work in different directions, including the state government, central government, scientists, farmers, agricultural universities, and industry.'

'I believe in 'One Nation, One Agriculture,' and 'One Agriculture, One Team.' With everyone's effort, a single team should be formed that works in one direction. Then we can develop rapidly. That's why, when FICCI's recommendations arrive, I will take them seriously. But there should be a win-win situation. Farmers should also benefit...,' said Chouhan.

Earlier on Sunday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the government is preparing a new, stricter law to address the problem of duplicate fertilisers and seeds.

He stated that the current law imposes only a small fine of around Rs 500, allowing offenders to escape easily.

Speaking to the reporters, Chouhan said, '...We are working on bringing a new law to tackle the issue of duplicate fertilisers, seeds... The law will be strict as the present law is not that strict, but just about a compensation of around Rs 500, and hence those who commit this get released easily.'

Earlier, Chouhan held a detailed review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat in Srinagar, said a statement from the Ministry of Rural Development.

Speaking at a press conference later, Chouhan emphasised that a developed Jammu and Kashmir is crucial to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. Several important decisions were taken in the interests of farmers and rural residents of the region, he said.

During the interaction with the media alongside Omar Abdullah, Chouhan noted that agriculture remains the backbone of both the Indian and Jammu and Kashmir economies, with nearly 50 per cent of the population depending on it for livelihood.

He praised the state's initiative 'KisanKhidmatGhar' -- a one-stop center providing farmers access to all agricultural services under one roof.Chouhan expressed satisfaction with the variety of horticulture crops grown in the region, such as apples, almonds, and walnuts.

However, he also raised a critical issue, imported plant materials often turn out to be infected after two or three years. To address this, a Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Centre will be established in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). (ANI)