Odisha

CM Naveen Praises Veterinarians, Agriculture Officers’ Role In Strengthening Rural Economy

Bhubaneswar: Attending a workshop, organised by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Department at Ravindra Mandap here on Thursday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik commended the role of veterinarians and agriculture officers in strengthening the rural economy.

In his keynote address, the Chief Minister said, “I’m glad that 240 veterinary doctors and 39 Assistant Agriculture Officers are joining the government service today. I congratulate the officers of both the departments.”

He stated, “My Government is also taking exclusive steps to fill up the vacant posts, both in technical and non-technical cadres, in agriculture and allied sectors.”

Since about 90 per cent of farmers  of the  state  are  small  and marginal farmers,   the livestock sector assumes immense significance in promoting dairy, goat, sheep and poultry farming  as additional  activities,  which contribute substantially in enhancing  the income and overall wellbeing of farmers, said Naveen. He gave appointment letters to 240 veterinary surgeons and 39 assistant agriculture officers. “I congratulate officers of both the departments. My government is also taking expeditious steps to fill vacant posts, both in the technical and non-technical cadre, in agriculture and allied sectors,” said Naveen. The workshop was held on the subject, “Enhancing Farmers’ Income through Upgrading Animal Resources-Role of Veterinary Officers.”

About seven lakh farmers have been assisted for taking up animal husbandry activities in the Animal Resources Development sector. Similarly, in the fisheries sector, about 1.5 lakh farmers have been extended livelihood options through freshwater, brackish water and marine fishing activities, he informed. He also said goatery, poultry and dairy farming activities have been scaled up in the current year to support about one lakh farmers for multiplying their income.

Odisha Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Pradeep Maharathy informed media, “In 2017-18, we have produced 57 lakh litres of milk while it was 50 lakh litres in 2013-14.”

He further informed, “In 2017-18, milk produced about 60,000-70,000 litres was supplied to Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Similarly in 2017-18, 57 lakhs of egg production was per day which in 2014-15 was 52 lakh.”

Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi ,Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy, MP Dr Prasanna Patsani ,Gagan Dhal and MLA Bijay Mohanty were present, among others.