UP re-brands national scheme as CM Food Processing Mission

Uttar Pradesh government has re-branded the National Food Processing Mission in the state as Chief Minister Food Processing Mission.

This move comes in the wake of the de-linking of National Food Processing Mission by the central government.

Earlier, the Centre had de-linked some centrally sponsored and funded schemes after tweaking the norms/parameters for providing funds to the respective states.

UP chief secretary Alok Ranjan recently directed officials that following the de-linking, action be taken to implement the Mission as Chief Minister Food Processing Mission to ensure its continuity due to its significance and utility for the state farmers.

Reviewing the progress of agriculture, agriculture education and horticulture & food processing departments here, he also directed state agriculture department officials to make frequent field visits and hold farmers' meetings.

Besides, there is a proposal to depute farm scientists to these meetings to disseminate information to farmers about crops.

Ranjan has asked officials to speed up the process of setting up of the Kisan Call Centres for the resolution of the farmers' problems. The officials have been asked for ensuring the timely availability of fertiliser, seeds and other farm inputs.

The current fiscal 2015-16 has already been declared as Kisan Varsh (Farmers' Year) by UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. As such, Ranjan warned against any laxity in providing relief to farmers.

To facilitate competitive pricing for farm produce, agriculture marketing hubs and sub-mandis at Vrindavan, Mathura, Nawabganj and Bareilly are being set up in UP.

He informed three agricultural mandis in Behraich, Bijnore and Basti district had been completed. The proposed Kisan Bazaars at Jhansi, Lucknow and Saifai (Etawah) would all be completed by next year.

Ranjan directed for proper utilisation of funds for Betel Research and Farmer Training Centre, Mahoba.