Bhopal: Like farmers in Madhya Pradesh, fishermen in the state will be provided loan at zero per cent interest rate.
On growers’ demand, banana will once again be brought under the purview of Mandi Act. Now, banana will be auctioned at mandis.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of Agriculture Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan here yesterday, an official release said.
The announcement to provide interest-free loans to fishermen had been made by Mr Chouhan.
Banana was kept out of the purview of the Mandi Act. However, banana growers had urged the Chief Minister to include it again under the Act’s purview. Rates of banana had fallen following its exclusion from the Mandi Act.
Therefore, a decision to bring it under the purview of Mandi Act again has been taken in view of growers’ demand and practical difficulties. Notification to this effect will be issued by the government soon.
The Agriculture Cabinet was informed that proposed cow sanctuary to be developed on about 1,000 acre land in Shajapur district will start functioning from December.
The cow sanctuary will be looked after by the Madhya Pradesh Gaupalan Evam Samvardhan Board.
Besides, the Agriculture Cabinet decided that peasants will be motivated to sow hybrid maize in maize growing areas of the state. Progressive farmers will be taken on tours in country and abroad for training and imparting knowledge in latest farming techniques.
Soil health cards will be provided to farmers. Fertiliser-seed laboratory will be established at all the divisional headquarters. A state-level agriculture extension and training centre will be expanded. (UNI)
