Published On : Wed, Dec 23rd, 2015

Investment in agriculture is a must, says CM in interaction with Chief Editors

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CM in interaction with Chief Editors (2)Nagpur: “Agrarian situation in Marathwada has turned grim following scanty rain in the past 3-4 years making it necessary to make available irrigation, agriculture pumps and electricity connections to farmers among other facilities. If funds are earmarked every year for such facilities then the agriculture rate will increase automatically,” said a confident Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while interacting with Chief Editors of local newspapers here on Wednesday.

Fadnavis had invited the Chief Editors from city to his official residence ‘Ramgiri’ for formal interaction. “If income from agriculture declines or crop is lost due to lack of rain then it affects the entire economy. As a result, markets are down. Even if farm income is 11 percent, situation in state is assessed on the basis of farmers’ social and financial condition. Today, in our state, 80 percent of agriculture land is non-irrigated. In this respect, the Jalyukta Shivar scheme being implemented in state is very useful for urgent irrigation needs. It is certainly true that Jalyukta Shivar cannot supply water through pipelines to villages nor irrigate on larger proportions. But as an urgent step, the scheme is very good and useful. But still, minor and major irrigation projects will have to be taken up. Supplying of water to farmers does not mean end of the job. The electricity pumps will be given to those who demand the tools. Moreover, digging of well has also been undertaken on war-footing,” said the Chief Minister.

CM in interaction with Chief Editors (1)The ambitious MIHAN Project also figured in the interaction between Fadnavis and Chief Editors. “Investments are growing. Textile industry in Amravati has received a push. The problem of high tension electricity in the area has been hammered out. As a result, industrialists are coming there on their own. In the region where cotton is harvested the textile park should also be in that area. Now onwards, this change will be more visible. After completion of Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Highway, economy of 14 districts will change. The first stage will certainly be completed by 2019,” asserted the Chief Minister.

The interaction also dealt on various other issues of importance.

Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha ( rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com )