Tamil Nadu targets 147 lakh MT food grains production in 2015-16

In 2014-15 state achieved 127.98 lakh MT

The Tamil Nadu government has set a target to increase its foodgrains to 147 lakh metric tonnes in 2015-16 as compared to 127.95 lakh MT in 2014-15.

In his speech at the Assembly today, R Vaithilingam, Minister for Agriculture, Tamil Nadu said that when the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government took charge of the state, the target set was to increase the production twice and increase the income of farmers by three times and the state is achieving it.

During DMK's regime, which ended in May 2011, foodgrains production in the state was 82.64 lakh metric tonnes.

After the AIADMK took charge in May 2011, the state government has announced series of measures to boost the production including free power, free farm equipments to sow paddy, free gypsum and free seeds and others.

To boost the agriculture sector the state has allocated Rs 6,613.68 crore for 2015-16 and in the last four years Rs 17,041.83 crore was allocated.

"Our government has allocated Rs 23,655.51 crore for agriculture sector as compared to Rs 7,437.23 crore allocated by DMK government," said the Minister.