Programmes for development of agriculture

Patna, Aug 12 (UNI) The Bihar government today said formalities were underway for constitution of agriculture commission, initiation of horticulture mission, establishment of agricultural science centre and soil testing lab in all districts for overall development of agriculture.

Amid boycott by the entire opposition, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh, replying to a special debate on agriculture in the assembly said, the agricultural scenario had improved and the government had initiated several measures under which agriculture science centre and soil testing labs were being set up in all districts.

The government had launched horticulture mission in all districts and the agriculture commission had been constituted with the aims and objectives of providing inputs and suggestions for overall development of agriculture in the state. The commission would be helpful in uplifting the economic condition of farmers and also suggest remedies to their problems.

He admitted problems being faced by farmers for want of rain and assured the House to declare entire Bihar as drought-hit in case the situation demanded after proper assessment.

Annoyed with the governments stand, RJD members, who were demanding declaration of the state as drought-hit, staged a noisy walkout.

Mr Singh further said against the target for paddy plantation in 37 lakh hectares, sowing was done in 23 lakh hectares.

He presented a gloomy picture of irrigational scenario during the previous regime saying the irrigated area plummeted to 1,379 lakh hectare from 2114 lakh hectare and of Rs 755.25 lakhs released by the Centre for irrigational activities in 2003-04, only Rs 279.55 lakhs were spent and about Rs 465 surrendered. The Centre, in all had sanctioned Rs 1,220.795 lakhs for the purpose during that fiscal. He said the NDA government had taken steps for revival of all minor and major irrigation projects which would be completed by next year.

He said farmers were being imparted training for proper use of seeds and fertilisers. The seed corporations which were in Moribund state were being revived. He added the previous government had opened Charwaha schools by closing the agricultural sectors and the NDA government had initiated production of seeds in 45 such sectors.

He further said political leaders cutting across party lines should exert pressure upon the Centre for facilitating provision of loans to the farnmers at four per cent interest.

Earlier, being dissatisfied with the reply of the minister, members of CPI(ML), CPI(M), CPI and Congress boycotted the House.

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