Agartala, Mar 19: The Union Minister for Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh today laid foundation stone of a Rs 2 crore Multi Technological Test Center at Fisheries College near Agartala, Tripura. The Test Center will facilitate technological innovations made in other areas of agriculture and allied sectors. State Fishery Minister Khagendra Jamatia, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, GSG Ayyenger were also present on this occasion.
Speaking on this occasion, Radha Mohan Singh said, Centre released Rs 3 lakh in 2015-16 and Rs 32 lakh in 2016-17 FY for implementation of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna in Tripura, however, the State could not spend the fund fully. He further said, Centre sanctioned Rs 356 lakh for soil testing management scheme but the it is unknown how many training camps were organized and how many people were benefited. Saying that implementation of various schemes is not at desirable level, Minister asked GSG Ayyenger to speed up the implementation of Central schemes in State without any further delay.
On achievement in Agriculture sector, Union Minister stated 40% of total 1.78 lakh farmers received soil health card as per official records. He asked the State Agriculture Department to accelerate distribution of health cards and implementation of soil health management related schemes. He stressed on implementing Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna, Gokul Mission and Organic Farming. Apart from these, he asked the concerned departments to gear up their machineries for implementing fisheries, horticulture and animal husbandry relating Central schemes. Expressing his unhappiness, Minister stated, the State Government has not submitted any project on Gokul Mission. He asked the concerned officers to give importance to this mission.
Reiterating that the Union Government is keen to develop the agricultural sector, he stated, the Centre has already sanctioned setting up of three more Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) couple of days back in the State and one more Kendra is likely to get approval by the end of current Financial year.
Referring to Centre’s vision and mission, Radha Mohan said, the Modi-led Government has given emphasis on development of the whole North Eastern Region with stress on agriculture. It is now up to the concerned State Governments to utilize the schemes properly for the benefits of people. He called for transparent and effective monitoring system for proper implementation.
