Badal gives nod to set up agri promotion bureau

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has given a nod to constitute the 'Bureau of Agriculture Promotion' in the state, to provide single-window system to farmers.

The bureau would provide all the facilities to farmers under single roof for developing the agriculture as a far more remunerative preposition. It will also act as a catalyst for research and design activities in agriculture, besides promoting new farm practices on scientific lines in the state.

According to the decision, the chief minister has asked officers to constitute the bureau on the lines of the 'Bureau of Investment Promotion'.

In another significant decision aimed at developing the state as a hub of Litchi cultivation, Badal has also asked the agriculture department to set up Litchi estate at Pathankot. Acceding to demand made by a delegation of Litchi growers of the state a few days back, Badal has said this estate must be equipped with ultra-modern laboratory and state-of-the-art nursery. He has also asked the department to constitute a Litchi Company for the trading of fruit from the estate, besides providing the pack house facility to ensure grading and packing of Litchis in it.

Badal had also asked officers to set up the Litchi board in the state to give boost to the cultivation of this fruit.

Badal has also asked the agriculture department to set up Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Pathankot to be manned by the experts of Horticulture. He has also ordered that a special officer must be designated for promoting Litchi cultivation in the Pathankot belt.

"It is the high time that the state government must make endeavors for tapping the enormous potential of Litchi cultivation in this region" he said.