Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that his government wants to encourage the farmers as per their choice as to increase the income of the farmers was a priority for the state government.
Reviewing the functioning of the Agriculture Department here he said that the department should be prepared in advance to help the farmers as the cultivators do their work on time and if they do not get benefits on time then their hardwork will go in vain. He asked to give priority to construction of cold storages so that the vegetables can be kept for a longer duration and the farmers can make more profits and this should be done in panchayats where vegetables production was more. The Chief Minister said that the officials should work honestly so that the farmers can get the markets.
He said that next year the farmers should not face any problems related to paddy procurement therefore the storage capacity at paddy procurement centres be increased. He said that procurement for paddy should be made in advance so that there is no problem in paddy procurement and collection. He said that the option of moving purchase center and purchase in Haat and Markets should be also considered.
He said that the department should work for increasing fisheries production. He said that if people of all the divisions will get the advantage of animal husbandry then it will be beneficial for them and asked the department to take necessary steps in this regard.
The Chief Minister asked the department to do a restructuring of the budget so that farmers can get advantage on time and ensure that they are able to buy the seeds, fertilizers and other items on time. He suggested that farmers should be encouraged to take up cultivation of oilseeds pulses and soybean so that their profit increases and with less production, they can earn more.
Those present on the occasion included Agriculture Minister Badal, Chief Secretary Sukhdeo Singh and others.