Some states slow in implementing agri-schemes: Minister

Expressing concern over slow implementation of farm schemes in some states, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said he would take up the matter with state governments to speed up the work.
"All states do not show equal interest in agriculture. There are states which are slow in implementing the schemes. We will pursue with them and speed up the work," Singh told reporters after interacting with citizens on Facebook.
For instance, the Centre has proposed setting up of a seed centre in Bihar, but the state government has not yet given the required land, he said.
Similarly, the Bihar government has not given land for establishment of a farm machinery training institute whereas Maharasthra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have allotted the required land, he added.

The minister said he received around 420 queries related to various schemes like soil health card and crop insurance during an hour-long social media interaction being done on a monthly basis.
"Most participants sought details about the new schemes and some of them gave suggestions also. We replied to as many as 300 queries today. We will reply to all of them," Singh said.

To a query on the status of soil health card scheme by a participant from UP, the minister said the scheme is "running vigorously" in the state. Soil samples in all districts will be collected by the end of this month.

In reply to another query on non-payment of claims to farmers for the 2015 cotton crop in Dwarka district in Gujarat, Singh said the payment process will be completed soon by the Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC).
On pending files in NABARD for sanction of funds under some agri-schemes, he said, "As far as pendency of sanctions under AMIGS and AMI schemes is concerned, it is due to shortage of funds. As and when we received funds, the pendency will keep getting resolved."
On non-allotment of budget to Small Farmers Agriculture Consortium (SFAC) for last five months, the minister said, "Allocation of funds to SFAC is under process and it will be done shortly."

To another query on non-payment of salaries to officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the minister said, "KVKs are being provided regular salary....Payment in eastern UP may be delayed because of some administration deficiency on the part of the university.