By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, February 2, 2019: The Odisha government has sanctioned 20 new projects estimated around Rs 350 crore to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and enhancing farmers’ income.

The projects will be implemented this year. Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi has accorded sanction to these projects in State Level Sanctioning Committee Meeting of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) held in secretariat conference hall today.

Padhi directed the project implementing departments and agencies to complete the projects within the scheduled time and ensure proper delivery of the services to the farmers. Padhi directed that all projects should result in providing more income to farmers of the State.

Principal Secretary Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment Sourav Garg presenting the projects submitted by different departments outlined their financial and technical aspects for discussion. Garg also lighted upon the necessity of the projects in the light of their direct benefit to the farmers.

A total number of 28 projects were presented by the project proponents. Considering their importance and feasibility, Chief Secretary Padhi accorded approval to 20 projects. These projects will be financed both by the Central and State Government on 60:40 sharing basis. Around Rs 120 crore will be invested in these projects during the current financial year.

The major projects approved included popularisation of agricultural machinery in the state estimated around 24.85 crore; strengthening of phytosanitary laboratory for issue of phytosanitary certificate estimated around Rs 20.1 crore and pest surveillance through light trap for crop protection estimated around Rs 94.3 crore.

In addition, strengthening up of Biological Control Laboratories estimated around Rs 30.5 crore; waste management and generation of organic compost estimated around Rs 59.05 crore and training cum campaign on safe use of pesticides estimated around Rs 73 crore.

Moreover, modernization and expansion of spices processing unit at Kandhamal, estimated around Rs 10 crore and potato cultivation during Khariff season in Koraput district estimated around Rs 91.83crore.