Chief Minister Harish Rawat has appealed to the sugarcane farmers to change the seeds they are using now to ensure that the margin of their profit substantially grows.
Modern technique being used might go a long way in boosting the volume of sugarcane production. Things would be far better for them as the production might grow one and half time the present volume. He also assured them that his Government will shortly announce the minimum support price for sugarcane.
He expressed these views after he inaugurated the new outlet of Inder Bharat rural gas lPG distribution centre at Markham grant, Doiwala, Dehradun on Saturday. Apparently enthused by a large turnout of the sugarcane growers, CM said that his Government would announce MSP of sugarcane shortly. State Government- owned sugar mills have already disbursed the arrears to the farmers, he said.
He appealed to them to adopt modern technique so that their production grows by leaps and bounds. You will reap monetary benefit as well. We know that sugar price on the international market is dipping. To neutralize the negative price effect, we will have to focus on cultivating high variety, high yield sugarcane. Farmers should give special attention to polyhouse too. Doiwala enjoys a large market in Dehradun, RIshikesh and Haridwar. He reiterated that his government will provide all kinds of assistance required to better things for the sugarcane farmers.
We have already announced a host of development schemes for Doiwala. Now, we have instructed the officials to execute them on a priority basis. In Doiwala, we have already decided to upgrade the existing hospital by adding more beds. As per the data available, 50 percent of the development works have already been executed in this Assembly constituency and the work left out will be expedited too. He reiterated that whatever promises he has made to the people of Doiwala will be fulfilled within the stipulated time.
For the promotion of farmers, we have already started giving pension to those aged 60 or more. This would help them to cling to their agricultural lands. Besides, the farmers should also focus on paddy, wheat, pulse and seasonal vegetable cultivation and dairy farming as well. By way of such diversification, the farmers can earn many times more.
local MlA Hira Singh Bist said that there is a need to expedite the approved projects like road repair and flood control on Song and Suswa rivers. lauding the Chief Minister, the MlA said his vision and hard work would help them achieve the target. Among others, Doiwala sugarcane committee chairman Ishwar Pal and Bharat Petroleum senior manager Mahesh Jaggam were present. The large presence of the local people and, particularly, the farmers was note-worthy.