Odisha govt sanctions Rs.365 crore agriculture projects

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday sanctioned 39 new projects of Rs.365 crore in agriculture and allied sector for implementation in different parts of the state.

The projects were approved in the State Level Sanctioning Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi at secretariat here.

While giving nod to the projects, Padhi directed the implementing departments and agencies to focus on post-harvesting, value addition and marketing support to the farmers so that they get more price for their products.

Padhi also directed that right type of people should be nurtured in the incubation centres so that they actually grow as entrepreneurs after coming out of the centre.

The horticulture department was directed to support betel vine cultivation on private lands in Jagatsingpur district.

Considering multiplicity of agricultural advisories being issued from different sources, the Chief Secretary directed to integrate these sources and issue the advisories from the single source for the convenience of the farmers.

Agriculture secretary Sourav Garg said, “These 39 new projects have been estimated around Rs.365 crore and they would be completed within 1 to 3 years.”

The projects will be funded both by the Central and State Governments on 60:40 sharing basis under Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY).

Available data showed that so far 646 major projects have been implemented in the state under RKVY. Out of these, 414 projects have been completed and 232 projects are under implementation. The projects are being implemented through 26 departments and agencies.