Farmer's welfare on MP Govt's top priority: Chouhan

Bhopal, Aug 30 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today made a slew of announcements for the welfare of peasants during first ever Kisan Panchayat organised on the occasion of Kisan Diwas here.

The announcements included constituting of a farmers' welfare fund to impart training and ensure other facilities to farmers and awarding two outstanding farmers -- including a female -- in every district and at state level.

Besides, Mr Chouhan, while addressing the Kisan Panchayat organised at the CM House here today, said steps will be taken to bring down interest rate on cooperative loans to about seven per cent in order to reduce farming cost.

The current year will be observed as the 'Year of Farmers' up to next Balram Jayanti.

During this period, all concerning departments will launch activities dedicated to the welfare of farmers. The Command Areas Development Department will be revived for ensuring optimum benefits of irrigation schemes to farmers.

Mr Chouhan held direct dialogue with farming community and sought their suggestions to chalk out future courses of action.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Department of Agriculture would now be known as Department of Welfare of Farmers and Agriculture Development.

Referring to steps taken by the state government for the welfare of farmers, Mr Chouhan said no new tax would be imposed on farm implements and existing taxes would either be reduced or abolished.

Besides, agriculturists can now purchase sprinklers, drip irrigation kits and other implements form open market.

A new scheme for construction of internal roads in villages would be chalked out. Besides, efforts would be made to start agriculture and veterinary science colleges with the cooperation of private sector.

He added that irrigation projects like Ban Sagar and other hydel power projects, which were under construction for decades, would reach completion and resolve current power crisis.

In next two-and-a-half years, the state would get additional 3,600 MW power, while many prominent power projects would be ready by next year.

Mr Chouhan said the ongoing farm-pond scheme would be modified to give a grant of Rs. 50,000 for constructing big ponds in fields.

Such ponds would be known as Balram Taal.

A scheme was being chalked out to ensure participation of farmers in management of government-run agriculture farms. Private sector participation would be encouraged in development of horticulture department's nurseries.

In irrigation sector, this year 1000 Atal Sarovars would be constructed by which 40,000 hectare would come under irrigation.

The CM added that farmers would no longer be required to pay any fee for getting no-dues certificate from cooperative banks.

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