TN govt to establish 50 new farmers markets

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Chennai, Apr 3 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government will establish 50 new farmers' markets in the state at a cost of Rs 12.50 crore during the current financial year, State Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S Arumugan told the Assembly today.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for his department, he said the concept of farmers' market (where ryots could directly sell their produce) was widely welcomed when the DMK Government introduced it during 1999-2000.

However, due to the subsequent AIADMK Government's 'negligence', 28 out of 103 markets were closed down. After the new Government assumed office last year, the markets were revived at a cost of Rs 42 lakh, he added.

Announcing restructuring of various agriculture-related departments for efficient service, he said the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing and Seed Certification would be integrated and the present three-tier system of administration would be replaced by a two-tier system.

The different wings of the Agriculture Department would be restructured so that employees would be appointed at block level without affecting their service conditions.

Mr Arumugam also announced introduction of agricultural education in 100 more higher secondary schools during the new academic year, establishment of new fertiliser control laborataries in 16 districts, soil testing centres in 11 districts and six pesticide testing laboratories.

UNI

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