Agriculture and farmers welfare minister Ravindra Choubey on Saturday inaugurated an Agriculture College and Research Centre at village Marra, in Patan block of Durg district.
He also inaugurated a ‘Farmers’ Fair’ on the occasion.
Agriculture minister also inaugurated the 25th Agriculture College cum Research Centre of the state at village Mauhabhata in Saja block. It is the second college in Bemetara district.
Choubey said the college will play a key role in development of agriculture in the area. He said Chief Minister had kept budgetary provision, including land for the college. It would be further extended in future.
He said half of the state budget is allotted for farmers and poor. Several people thought it was not possible to waive off loans of farmers and to give a minimum support price of Rs 2500 per quintal for paddy, but Chief Minister made them possible within half an hour of taking charge, he said.
Stern action has been initiated against those selling sub-standard fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides across the state, the minister said.
Forest and Durg district in-charge minister Mohammed Akbar said government procured more than 80 lakh MT of paddy this year and such decisions helped people in a big way. Women and child development minister Anila Bhedia also addressed the gathering.
Indira Gandhi Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr S. K. Patil said at Marra it will be the 24th college and research centre of state. The first batch will have 24 students.