Andhra Pradesh - Others   

Priority to ryots' welfare, says Naveen Patnaik

Staff Reporter

The Chief Minister says his government will open counters in every panchayat to ensure availability of quality seed

BHUBANESWAR: In a clear deviation from his pro-industry stand, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced that his government was taking a series of measures for development of agriculture for the benefit of farmers. Increasing agricultural production will be accorded priority, he said.

Speaking at the Independence Day parade here, Mr. Patnaik said his government was taking all possible steps to ensure development of farmers, tribals, and the weaker sections of society by implementing a series of programmes.

The Chief Minister said his government would open counters in every panchayat to ensure availability of quality seed. All eligible farmers would be provided with Kisan Credit Cards in three years and land passbooks would be issued to them.

Heavy security arrangements were made at the venue to prevent any untoward incident. A large number of people and schoolchildren witnessed the parade despite rain.

Mr. Patnaik said attractive packages had been planned for development of agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture and animal husbandry to encourage the farming community. The government had also decided to provide irrigation cover to 35 per cent cultivable land in all the blocks of the State, he said.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his government's decision for development of the backward Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) region. Rs. 600 crore would be provided for the purpose, he added.

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