New Delhi, Feb 2 (UNI) Agriculture growth rate has increased from 2 percent to 4.1 percent which shows that the Government is working seriously for the betterment of the farmers and farming, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Radha Mohan Singh said today. The commitment of the Government to double the income of the farmer in 5 years has been under scored in this budget, Mr Singh said. 'This time it has become very clear again that the Central Government is working for the villages, the poor and farmers,' he told the mediapersons in the Ministry. On this occasion, the Minister informed them in detail the provision made for agriculture sector in the budget. Mr Singh said this budget manifests government’s commitment to double the farmers income in a span of 5 years. Apart from this, provisions have been made to continue erstwhile schemes. Goals of White and Blue Revolution have been reiterated in this budget. Ambitious schemes have been chalked out to promote the agriculture sector in this budget. For instance, a sum of Rs 9000-crore have been provided for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana resulting in the enhancement of crop security coverage to the farmers. Mr Singh said this budget has provided security coverage to agriculture sector as well as farmers. 'The Government has made up its mind to dig one million ponds. This is a praise worthy step. By providing irrigation and fisheries facilities through these ponds, the farmers will be helped to double their incomes. 'In the previous year, five akh ponds have been built. Besides, this budget aims to provide 100 employment days to the farmers through MNREGA which is also a praise worthy step. To promote “per drop more crop”, those areas will also be provided water for irrigation which were earlier deprived of this facility through long term irrigation fund,' the Minister said. Mr Singh added that budgetary provision of Rs 45,250-crore for the year 2016-17 was made for his ministry which has now been increased by 15.31 percent to Rs 51,026-crore for the year 2017-18. UNI NY SW SNU 2003