Kerala plans people's plan for food production

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 2 (UNI) The Kerala Government has formulated a ''people's action plan for food production,'' aimed at achieving self-sufficency in food production in the state, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said today.

Briefing on Cabinet decisions to reporters here, he said the Cabinet had given its formal approval for the project which would cost Rs 1,313.60 crore.

The objective was to increase the production of foodgrains, vegetables, milk, meat and egg, he said, adding the main thrust would be given to cultivation of paddy and its production increased by 50 per cent.

Mr Achuthanadan said the project would be implemented though Local Bodies, farmers' societies and public cooperation.

A Cabinet Committee had been constituted with the Chief Minister as its chairman and Agriculture Minister as its vice-chairman, he added.

It may be recalled the CPI(M) and CPI had difference of opinion in implementing a ''Food Security Programme'' with the same purpose, as the latter wanted to implement it through its Agriculture Minister.

However, it was later ironed out through dialogue and sufficient funds required by implementing the project was sanctioned by the Finance Department.

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