Gogoi for focussed approach to fodder and livestock development

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said focussed attention should be given to fodder development and animal health care, including prevention of diseases among birds during the 11th plan period to increase productivity in this sector.

Addressing the 53rd National Development Council (NDC) meeting on Food and Agriclture here today, Mr Gogoi said increased Central assistance for eardication of disease among birds and animals and integrated development programme for poultry, piggery, cattle and buffalo breeding and fodder development and setting up of animal feed mills will be required to increase productivity.

''We are in the process of evolving a land use policy which would adequately address the problem of fodder production to support the cattle development programme in the state,'' he said.

Mr Gogoi said existing veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and first aid centers in the state would be reconstructed/renovated and strengthened for adequate coverage. ''As the State plan resources may not be sufficient to take up this task, I propose suitable Central assistance for this purpose,'' Mr Gogoi added.

He said all ''underdeveloped'' fisheries will have to be covered to optimise their productivity as early as possible.

''Development of fish seed farms and training for farmers is required for this purpose and private enterprise in this sector would also be encouraged,'' he said.

Mr Gogoi suggested adequate financial support be provided to gear up the research activities in the field of agricultue in the state.

He urged development of livestock and production enhancement by using latest technology, commercial rearing of live stock through modern scientific methods, health security of birds and animals with adequate supply of nutritious food and clinical services.

He said correcting this ''distortion'' in growth of the sector and ensuring production enhancement to make the state self-sufficient is the need of the hour.

The surplus may also be exported after processing of agriculture products.

Mr Gogoi expressed satisfaction that the Sub-comittee has not only recommended specific measures for the Zone which includes Asom but has also suggested that a state specific plan based on these recommendations be prepared.

Mr Gogoi said he was confident that if this plan was prepared in consultation with the State and implemented quickly, it would immensely benefit the state and help achieving the growth targets fixed for the 11th plan.

Supporting the suggestions of the NDC sub-committee towards increased Central Sector public investment and to provide additional Central assistance through the Ministry of Agriculture to address the problem of inter and intra regional imbalances, the Asom Chief Minister said increased central sector public investment will have to aim at addressing the issue of regional disparities in agricultural development and achieving national goal of food security.

He said in the opinion of his Government only a procurement scheme operated by the government would motivate the farmers to go for higher production and a suitable policy for this purpose should be put in place as early as possible.

The Chief Minister said more funds are required for crop insurance to safeguard the interest of the cultivators. In this connection, recommendation made by the sub-committee that the insurance scheme for Asom should be designed specificaly in the light of the problems faced by state's farmers. The large population of wild elephants in Asom and its neighbouring hills is also a factor which should be taken care of in any insurance scheme applicable to the state.

He said in order to meet the desired target adequate investment would be required from State plan and through Central assistance for this purpose. The entire requirment for completing seven major and medium projects and 39 minor schemes should be provided during 11th five year plan, he demanded.

Firmly supporting the suggestions of the NDC sub-committee on providing a legal frame work for Participatory Irrigation Management and strengthening of water users association in the states, he said ''Though we have a system of user association and user charges in place but for different reasons it is yet to become effective.'' Noting the Prime Minister had been ''generous'' in suggesting establishment of North East Water Resource Authority to effectively address the problem of floods and irrigation, Mr Gogoi said it was high time that steps should be taken to operationalise it.

He said the State Government is encouraging the setting up of food processing industries in the State with private public participation but there is a need for the liberalisation of restrictions and statutory regulations on food processing industry to promote development in this sector.

He said the state government is also moving forward towards a private-public initiative in the area of quality seed production and introduction of new technology in various agricultural activities.

Since such an intiative would need special policy intervention for the North East on the line of North East Industrial Policy, Mr Gogoi requested the Ministry of Agriculture to take steps in this regard.

The Chief Minister said adequate financial support be provided to gear up agricultural research in the state.

UNI