Centre planning Rs 15,000 cr project to boost agri: Antony

Kochi, May 28 (UNI) Union Defence Minister A K Antony today said the Centre had chalked out a Rs 15,000 crore comprehensive project to strengthen and revitalise the agriculture sector in the country.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the State Farmers' Congress here, Mr Antony said as part of the project, the Union Government would shortly announce an agriculture package for the benefit of the farmers.

'' The project will also include provisions for agriculture loan to farmers at seven per cent interest,'' he added.

''Though the economic growth of the country was encouraging, the agriculture sector, which employs 60 per cent of the total population, was plagued by problems,'' Mr Antony lamented.

'' The Congress party will work relentlessly for the welfare of the farmers and the party always aired farmer's problems,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala alleged the ruling LDF Government in Kerala was working against the interests of the farmers.

Mr Chennithala claimed in the last one year, 102 farmers committed suicide due to financial constraints and the state government had failed to present viable projects to the Centre to boost the sector.

UNI