Centre approves 418 crore for new agricultural projects in NE

Aizawl, Mar 12 (UNI) The Ministry of agriculture has fixed an outlay of Rs 418 crores for the various new agricultural development projects in North-Eastern region during this year.

The new project aims to improve the standards of agriculture activities in the NE region through the latest technology mission, officials from agricultural department here today said.

Out of the total allocation, Rs 7.50 crores has been earmarked for the support to state agricultural extension programme in the region, setting up agri-business and agri-clinics in each NE states, mass media support to agriculture extension and support to central institutes directorate.

For technology mission on integrated development of horticulture for NE region including Sikkim, micro irrigation and national mission on bamboo technology and trade development Rs 250 crores has been allocated.

To conduct agriculture census across the region, Rs 1.4 crore, Rs 0.87 crore for study on cost of cultivation of principle crops Rs 1 crore for the improvement of agricultural statistics Rs 0.25 crore for Agro economic research centres and Rs 1.20 crore for transport subsidy on seeds and establishment and maintenance of seek bank has been earmarked by the Ministry.

The other schemes introduced including national project on promotion of organic farming with an allocation of Rs three crore promotion and stregthening of agricultural mechanisation through training, testing and demonstration with Rs one crore, the officials said technology mission on cotton, farm water management for increasing crop production, construction of rural godowns, cooperative education and training, investment in debenture of state land development banks, insurance schemes, strengthening of IT apparatus in agriculture and macro management schemes were also introduced at a cost of Rs 151.78 crores, they added.

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