Odisha focuses on pulses, oilseeds production

BHUBANESWAR:  Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed Agriculture Department and Seeds Corporation to intensify efforts for enhancement of seeds production for pulses, oilseeds and stress resistant paddy in the state.

The Chief Minister said the state must develop a well-managed seed production programme as the availability of quality seeds is critical for higher crop production.

Directing the officials to make efforts for enhancing Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR), he said the government has a target of enhancing SRR  for paddy to 35 %, for Biri 20%, for Mung 20%, for Groundnut 33% and Mustard 33% by the year 2018-19.

The state government has instituted a corpus fund of Rs 100 crore to ensure timely payment to seed growers so that farmers can avail high-quality seeds in time.

It was stated that the state’s total storage capacity requirement for processed seeds is 7.5 lakh quintals whereas the actual capacity is 2.59 lakh quintals.

So, for creating additional storage capacity, it was decided at the meeting that more number of storage godowns, provision of funds would be made.

The dealers’ network will be extended to Gram Panchayat level. Farmers will get a subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer system. MoU with national and international agencies will be made for quality seeds production and management, said a release.

Besides, two more processing plants will be established at Parlakhemundi and Junagarh.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathi, chief secretary, and other senior officials of government.