Agri output abysmally low in Odisha, says Union minister

Taking a dig at Odisha Government for 'tardy' utilisation of Central funds in the farm sector, Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh today said agriculture output remained abysmally low in the state.
"Funds made available to Odisha are not being used properly in the agriculture sector. The pace of utilisation remains slow and the state has been unable to use allocated money in time," Singh told reporters after reviewing the agriculture scenario in the state at a high-level meeting.
Because of slow pace of utilisation of the allocated funds in several schemes, major portion of the money often get carried over to next year, the minister said adding whatever funds are made available must be utilised properly in time for the interest of the farmers.

It is a matter of concern that Odisha is lagged behind in farm output as compared to national average and other states, he said adding that the Centre is ready to extend help.
Singh reviewed the scenario in the farm sector in Odisha in the presence of Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and state Excise and Cooperation Minister Damodar Rout and Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy.
On allegations of suicide of farmers in the state which was hit by drought, Singh said he would discuss the matter with the state Government.

Stating that funds and central assistance for Odisha in case of natural calamities have increased substantially during the NDA government compared to the previous UPA regime, he said money must be used properly.

Singh said the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana would benefit the farmers in a big way as shortcomings of earlier schemes have now been addressed.
Stating that the farmers should avail beenfits of the crop insurance scheme, the Union Minister said technology will be used extensively for early settlement of claims.
While 25 per cent would be paid immediately, the rest would be given as soon as possible, he said adding premium to be paid by farmers for kharif crop will be 2 per cent and for rabi crop just 1.5 per cent.
Similarly, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been formulated amalgamating various ongoing schemes which would go a long way in raising irrigation coverage, he said.

The Minister said the Centre is working towards integrating all the 585 wholesale mandis across the country under the e-agri market platform in a phased manner and 200 mandis would be integrated by the end of March this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan sought steps for facilitating extraction of bio-fuel from paddy residues and said this project would provide Rs 500-600 crore additional benefit to the farmers.