Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday suggested to the State Government to waive farm loans in lines with Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra for development of farmers.
He said this while inaugurating a programme titled “New India Manthan-Sankalp se Siddhi” programme observed at the ICAR-CIFA here on Sunday. On the occasion, a pledge was taken to double the farmer’s income.
Stating that Rs 1,500 crore would be available from his Ministry to the Odisha Government annually, Pradhan said the State Government should utilise the funds for waiver of farm loans. He said there should be a change in cultivation method in Odisha as growth of its economy majorly depends on agriculture.
Union Agriculture Additional Secretary Dr Ashok Dalwai spoke on the ways and means to double the farmer’s income.
Among others, Indian Council for Agriculture Research DDG Dr JK Jena, OUAT’s (retired) Prof Damodar Parida, ATARI Zone-V, Kolkata Director Dr SS Singh spoke.
Farmers who excelled in extending support to other farmers to improve their livelihood as master farmers and farmer friends were felicitated during the occasion. ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Director Dr JK Sundaray proposed the vote of thanks.