CM urges RD Ministry to popularise bio-diesel plantations

Hyderabad, May 5 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today urged the Rural Development Ministry to take measures to popularise bio-diesel plantations in a big way in the state.

According to a press release here, the meeting, chaired by Dr Reddy decided that agricultural officers, people's representatives and "Adarsha Rythulu" (model farmers) will make people aware about the bio-diesel plantations during the 'Rythu Chaitanya Yatras', beginning shortly.

He said since these plantations were grown in barren and waste lands, farmers can earn an additional income of atleast Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per year.

The department official told Dr Reddy that the bank loans would be provided to farmers. They would be given a Minimum Support Price of Rs 10 per kg.

He said a high-level meeting should be held among ministers and officials of the departments of agriculture, horticulture, forests and rural development to encourage promotion of bio-diesel plantations.

The meeting was attended by Rural Development Minister G Chinna Reddy, Principal Secretary K Raju, Commissioner Shanthi Kumari and other officials.

UNI