Patnaik asks students to come forward to tackle droughts

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today called upon the student community to come forward to tackle the crisis in the agricultural sector caused due to drought situation.
"We can together face the drought situation created due to dry spell," Patnaik said addressing a convention orgainised by Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, the student wing of BJD here.
Stating that natural calamities are not new to Odisha, he said the government has successfully faced the challenges of cyclone, floods and drought earlier.
"This time also we will defeat the calamity together," Patnaik said, adding, farmers in 139 blocks of 21 districts are already facing the challenge of drought with courage.

The state government has already announced its package to tackle the drought challenge, he said, adding, "I hope this time, we will get better crop during the rabi season."
Patnaik, who has been often criticised by the opposition over rising unemloyment in the state, said his government has prepared a comprehensive youth policy for holistic development of youths and students.
He said youths are being given priority in employment in local industries. "The government has made arrangement for imparting skill development training for the youths."
"Three mantras - conviction, commitment and courage can bring prosperity for the state," he added.