Jharkhand has potential to grow in agriculture: Raghubar Das

He said that Jharkhand will be the 2nd state of the country to have separate budget for agriculture after Karnataka

Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said mineral-rich Jharkhand has enough potential to grow in sectors like horticulture but people of the state need to change their mindset and show dedication to achieve the desired results.

"Agriculture is the backbone of the economic growth of any country and we have enough potential for growth in all the three fields of agriculture - agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry," Das said while inaugurating the 27th Annual Flower Show, organized by Horticulture Society of Jamshedpur and Tata Steel here.

However, agriculture, he said, is not possible during 8-9 months of the year due to lack of irrigation facilities in Jharkhand, which results in the migration of poor in search of livelihood.

It is a scar on the face of the state, he said announcing that his government has decided to prepare a separate Agriculture Budget in 2016-17 to promote agriculture sector in the state.

Agriculture sector generates maximum employment, he said, adding that Jharkhand will be the second state of the country to have separate budget for agriculture after Karnataka.

In course of his visit across the state to seek suggestion from people regarding the forthcoming budget, the chief minister said he observed that possibilities are abundant for growth in the sector "but we will have to possess positive thinking and dedication to ensure desirable development".

Emphasizing the need for empowerment of villages, women, and farmers, he said development of the state was not possible "unless we empower the women, rural masses and farmers".

The government has already reserved 50 per cent seats for women in Panchayat polls but need to empower them socially and economically, he said assuring that the government has taken the initiative to provide training to make them skilled.