Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday asked the agriculture department to initiate processes for Kharif cultivation in the State, including distribution of seeds, facilitation of irrigational equipments, treatment of soil and spreading awareness among the masses for agriculture.
The Chief Minister was holding a high-level review meeting with senior officials of Agriculture, Industries, Social Welfare and Water Resources departments at his official residence on Friday.
Soren asked the Agriculture department officials to begin distribution of Kharif seeds within 15days and work in mission mode for spreading awareness among farmers and the common people. While 20 lakh farmers of the State have been provided with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), CM asked to provide 10 lkh KCCs to remaining peasants of the State.
During the meeting it was also decided that about 10 lakh hectare acidic land would be treated to be transformed into cultivable land and the Cm directed to distribute agricultural equipment worth Rs 15 crore among farmers. He also instructed to increase the number of Agricultural Equipment Banks upto 1500 till the month on August this year.
The CM said that execution of irrigational schemes including solar energy run deep boring pumps must be ensured alongwith construction of canals alongside rural roads for irrigation. He instructed to start Horticulture schemes in seven districts of the state and arranging third party evolution of State Horticulture mission. He also instructed to involve self help groups in the schemes.
Soren also stressed upon spreading awareness on Government Of India’s schemes for setting up of more and more cold storages. For more information about agriculture he asked to furnish details of monsoon and other agriculture related activities through Internet, FM, Satellite Channels and newspapers.
Meanwhile, reviewing the works of Social Welfare department the CM took serious note of the trafficked children from Jharkhand rescued in Kerala. He instructed to take immediate measures to bring back the rescued kids home.
The CM, while reviewing the Industry department, directed the officials to expedite construction of mega handloom cluster in Godda. A decision was also taken on the possibility of establishment of air cargo under ASIDE programme. The CM during the meeting also said that the establishment of food processing industry should be promoted in the light of availability of abundant forest products in the state.
In order to add more and more youths with the project, the CM also stressed on inspiring youths by giving them training according to their capability. A clear road map should also be prepared on the number of youths given jobs in the next five years after giving them adequate training.
Soren also said that production should not be the only motive but steps must also be taken to provide market for those products. A decision was also taken to notify procurement policy by June 30 during the meeting. The CM also directed to physically verify sick industrial units in the state.