Pawar promises help to promote agro-based industries in Bihar

Samastipur, Oct 16 (UNI) Union Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar today promised help for restructuring and revitalising sugar inudstries as well as promoting agro-based processing units in Bihar.

Addressing a function here to mark the centenary celebration of Pusa centre of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Mr Pawar said there was vast possibility to exploit the untapped resources of agriculture and allied sectors.

''Fertility of the land and climate are favourable in the state for growing high yielding varieties of fruits, green vegetables and spices besides other horticultural crops and attempts should be made for optimum utilisation of the potential,'' he said.

Expressing concern over the cases of suicides by farmers in certain regions, he said all concerned should make concert effort to address the issue of agricultural credit.

Addressing the function, union minister of state for agriculture Akhilesh Singh said the UPA government would extend financial assistance for alround development of the state.

''UPA government at the Centre is making efforts for augmenting the agricultural production in the state,'' he said.

Bihar agriculturte minister Naredra Singh, Director General of ICAR Dr Mangla Rai and Vice Chancellor of Rajendra Agriculture Uiversity of Pusa, Dr H P Singh also addressed the meeting.

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