Hyderabad, August 02: The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 208 lakh ton of foodgrain production this year, four lakh ton more than the yield in 200809.
Copious rains all over the state and steady progress in agriculture activity are the reasons behind the ambitious plans.
Expressing his happiness over the farm operations that are in full swing, chief minister K Rosiah said, “Encouraged by the favourable monsoon, the state government is now hopeful of bettering the previous record of 204 lakh metric ton foodgrain production in 2008 and reaching 208 LMTs.”
Rosaiah discussed the progress of agricultural operations in the state with agriculture minister N Raghuveera Reddy and senior officials here today. He said because of consistent pressure from the state, the minimum support price for paddy has been raised substantially and now farmers are able to get remunerative prices for their produce.
The chief minister said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh repeatedly told him that the Centre looks to AP for the nation’s food security. In order to improve foodgrain storage facility, the government has decided to construct many godowns on its own besides encouraging private sector to participate in the initiative.
Rosaiah was informed that the rainfall as on July 31 was 389 mm (season’s normal is 624 mm). Deviation of rainfall was 31 percent more on July 31. During Kharif 2010, it was planned to supply 36.75 ton of fertilisers to meet the targeted foodgrain production. med by the officials.
Meanwhile, the government issued the notification pertaining to the implementation of ‘Village as a unit for Insurance.’
–Agencies