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NFSM: State for inclusion of four more districts

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has sought inclusion of four more districts for promoting rice cultivation under recently launched central scheme National Food Security Mission (NFSM).

Addressing a National Food Security programme in New Delhi on Tuesday, State Agriculture Minister Surendra Nath Nayak said, "taking into account the coverage, availability of irrigation (more than 75 per cent of cultivated area), fertiliser consumption (54-104 kg per hectare), districts like Bhadrak, Cuttack, Puri and Ganjam may be included."

As many as 15 districts of Orissa had earlier been identified for inclusion for promotion of rice cultivation under NFSM. Similarly, Mr. Nayak urged Union Agriculture Minister Sarad Pawar to include three more districts, Deogarh, Jharsuguda and Sundargarh in wheat category. Rice-fish culture and pond based farming system should also be promoted, he said.

The State government has already prepared a project outlay of Rs. 850 crores for securing the fund from NFSM. "We have constituted State Food Security Mission Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary for successful implementation of NFSM. Moreover, Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension (IMAGE) at State-level has been identified as nodal agency," Mr. Nayak said.

The growth rate in agriculture in the State during 1995-96 was negative (-1.18 per cent) and it has gone up to 0.11 per cent during 2005-05. "This slow increase may be due to recurring natural calamities.

However, in the last four years of 10th plan the State has achieved average annual growth of 3 per cent," the Minister said. Under the NSFM, the Centre is targeting to increase production of rice, wheat and pulses through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustained manner.

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