Punjab demands lucrative package for agricultural growth

New Delhi, Sep 14 (UNI) Pubjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today demanded the Centre to announce an attractive package for the agricultural growth in the state, claiming the state has sacrificed all its water and land resources to feed the country's billion population.

''The Centre should go for a bold initiative to announce an attractive package for the growth of industry in the state, because it has suffered a lot on account of over exploitation of land resulting in low productivity and high cost of inputs in terms of fertilisers and minerals,'' he said while speaking at the Fifth India Today Chief Ministers Conclave 2007.

Mr Badal also urged the Central Government for an immediate recasting of developmental priorities to inject more resources into areas that will help lessen the burden of agriculture.

He said the state has been feeding the ever-increasing population of the country, but the state has not received its due in terms of royalty or assistance.

He also raised the issues of unemployment and under employment which are the most alarming challenges before the country.

UNI