Punjab to construct new mandis for better procurement

Ludhiana, Sep 25 (UNI) In order to provide better procurement and marketing facilities to the farmers, Punjab Mandi Board would construct new mandis in the state at a cost of Rs 200 crore.

This was stated by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal while addressing a gathering of farmers at Grain Market Machhiwara, 40 km from here, today.

Mr Badal, reiterating the commitment of his government for fast development, said funds amounting to Rs 234 crore (Rs two crore per constituency) were being spent on the rural development and 20 km long link roads would also be constructed per constituency.

He said with the assistance of the World Bank, the state government was going to strengthen and broaden 1500 km main roads in the state.

Mr Badal reiterated the firm commitment of SAD-BJP government to improve the economic and social conditions of the farmers and poor people by providing them better opportunities and facilities in terms of more Employment Generation and imparting better Education and Health care by upgrading existing infrastructure.

Describing the power as the basic requirement for the industrial and Agriculture growth, Mr Badal said that during the next four years, power projects of 8000 to 9000 MW capacity were being executed approximately at a cost of Rs 50,000 crore in private sector and the state would definitely be a power surplus state.

He said in order to provide basic amenities to the rural areas, the Punjab government had implemented water and sanitation project costing Rs 1280 crore. He appealed to the people to get maximum benefit from this project.

UNI MA BP1709