P0st News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 15: The state-level task force on agriculture development, constituted as per the directions of the NITI Aayog, met Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary GC Pati and decided to submit its report to the Aayog by June 15.
Earlier, the Aayog had requested the state government to set up a task force on agriculture to address the issues of low production and productivity besides taking up matters relating to lack of proper marketing facilities for the farmers.
“The first meeting of the task force on agriculture was held today. Six different sub-groups have been formed under the panel and the sub-groups have been asked to submit their reports by June 7 so that the government can submit the compile report to the NITI Aayog by June 15,” agriculture secretary Rajesh Verma said after attending the meeting here.
The panel will recommend to the Aayog on ways to improve fisheries, animal husbandry and horticulture, poultry and fishery, apart from agriculture.
The task force will also take up other related issues such as sustainable diversification, seed, livestock, fishery, research and extension, land holding and consolidation, credit and finance and crop insurance.
Asking about government preparation on IMD’s prediction of less rain this year, Verma said, “The district collectors have been asked to prepare contingency plans for this year. Besides, the state government is also planning a state contingency plan.”
