By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, Oct 9, 2015 : Odisha Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati on Friday underscored the need for timely completion of projects initiated under Central scheme Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in the State.

Chairing a meeting at the state secretariat here today, Pati laid emphasis on Rabi crops for which a special programme has been approved for deficient rainfall regions of Odisha.

Principal Secretary Agriculture Rajesh Kumar Verma presented the proposals sent by various departments for implementation of the Central project in the State. Some 20 proposals were discussed at the meeting, Verma informed adding that the Chief Secretary stressed the need to expedite agriculture projects, area inspection, imparting training to the farmers, encouragement of oilseeds and pulse seeds and proper usage of cold storages.

“Stern action will be taken against the officials in charge if they fail to implement the projects on time”, Pati said.

Verma said that Kharif cultivation in the State has been badly hit in some regions due to scanty rainfall. “However, the government will encourage the farmers for growing Rabi crops in such areas”, the principal secretary informed.

Agriculture Director Pramod Meherda said that farmers across the State will be provided Rs 30,000 per hectare for potato, Rs 12,000 for onion, Rs 3,000 for mustard and Rs 4,000 for sunflower farming.

Besides, projects including providing boats and nets to 2,000 fishermen, manufacturing of poultry manure fertiliser and its application, mushroom farming in bamboo-made houses and new seed conservation godowns were sanctioned in the meeting. It was decided to set up 10 automatic agriculture weather analyser machines at 10 agriculture weather zones.

Sources said, several projects under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in collaboration of both State and Centre have been executed for the growth of agriculture in Odisha since 2007-08. Till 2014-15, a total of 447 projects have been approved for implementation in the State out of which 329 projects have been completed and 218 projects are in progress. The projects are being implemented under the scheme with 50:50 contribution by both the Centre and State.

Drawing the attention of the Union Agriculture Ministry officials present at the meeting, Verma said the State has received Rs 218 crore as Central assistance for the projects for the year 2015-16, which is less than the allocation made last year.

Development Commissioner Upendra Behera and Finance Chief Secretary R Balkrishnan suggested proper management of various schemes.