Meghalaya govt calls for increasing agricultural production in NE

Umiam, Mar 7 (UNI) With a view to addressing the problem of growing food deficit in the country, Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob today called for increasing agricultural production in the North East(NE) region by adopting modern technologies.

Addressing the concluding function of the three-day Agriculture Fair at the ICAR Complex here, Mr Jacob said the Centre will launch a Crop Insurance Scheme for farmers and subsidy-linked schemes for irrigation.

He said the Union Budget 2007-08 has given the greatest emphasis on agricultural development. ''It is through the sincere efforts of agricultural scientists and the farming community in the country that India has been able to bring about an agricultural revolution after Independence'', he added.

Mr Jacob said NE states like Meghalaya could tap its rich natural resources like fertile soil and conducive climate for the agricultural growth through diversification of crops.

ICAR Director K M Bujarbaruah said the National Seminar on 'Extension Strategies in NER' has evolved recommendations like application of space technology for extension services, e-governance facilities for agricultural services, re-orientation of extension services through modern techniques, market information and consultancy services for Krishi Vigyan Kendras, establishment of cold storage and agro-processing facilities in rural areas and single window technology services.

Mr Bujarbaruah appealed to the Centre to adopt a technology mission for development of animal husbandry in the NE region and also urged youths to take up agro-business to become self-employed.

NABARD's General Manager (Shillong) J G Menon said the Centre has adopted various subsidy-linked schemes and more credit schemes for the farmers through NABARD. The Union Budget 2007-08 has adopted higher credit rate for the farm sector to the tune of Rs 2,24,000 and 7 per cent interest to the farmers.

UNI