Special Basmati Mission to get Centre nod soon: Chib

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports R S Chib said that the state would shortly get Special Basmati Mission (SBM) package for promotion of world famous unique rice variety produced in the state.
He said the proposal submitted by the State Government, seeking a Special Basmati Mission on the pattern of Saffron Mission, was at final stage of approval by the Union Government.
The Minister was addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the Haryali Feed distribution agency at R S Pura today.
The Minister said the paddy growers of the state, particularly of 3- districts of Jammu, Samba and Kathua would be benefitted with the implementation of this mission.
Mr. Chib said that the Government has constituted Kissan Advisory Board to suggest the measures for better facilities to the farming community, including the provision for timely supply of fertilizers, HYV seeds, agricultural equipments and irrigation facilities and at concessional rates. He said these measures would help in increasing agriculture produce and ameliorate the socio-economic conditions of farming community.
The Minister said that it was for the first time that the Government has constituted various Advisory Boards for the development and welfare of various communities and sections of the society. He said that the Government was aware of the problems of the people living in border belt, adding that various welfare schemes have been launched for their betterment. He said the Government has dug 8 new tube wells to meet the the irrigation requirement of the area,, adding that dozens of additional tube wells also stand sanctioned.
Referring to provision of compensation to the farmers whose crops got damaged last year due to hailstorm, the Minister said that Rs. 5.47 crore has been earmarked for the purpose and would be distributed among the beneficiaries soon. He said Suchetgarh area would get separate Development Block (DB) for development purpose, while a PWD guest house would be constructed in R S Pura .
Former Minister, Manjit Singh, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems of farming community.