Boudh: Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited pest-hit areas in Subanrapur and Boudha districts, interacts with affected farmers .
Shekhawat told media that the Odisha Government has not woken up to the present agriculture crisis that has assumed serious proportions. Shekhawat held a review meeting with officers of the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack.
Besides accusing the State Government of ineffectiveness, the Minister said there is no need to hold talks with the State Government as the Centre is committed and answerable to people of the country.
When asked to comment of State Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout’s remark that the BJP and its Central leaders intervening in the matters of the State, Shekhawat said, “As the Centre provides major chunk of financial aid to States on account of agriculture, it holds review meetings regularly for better coordination. Therefore, there is no need to hold prior meetings with any State ahead of any spot visit.”
According to his schedule, he is to meet the families of deceased farmers who have committed suicide in Bargarh district. Meanwhile, a team of the State BJP led by vice-president Samir Mohanty met Shekhewat and urged him to provide all support to famers of the State as crops have been destroyed in 8092 villages and 148 urban wards across 24 districts.
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