Gumla: Farmers would be
consulted about their requirements before planning budget for
the agriculture department, Jharkhand Agriculture Minister
Mathura Prasad Mahato said here on Sunday.
"We have invited ten farmers from each of the 24
districts on February 7 to know their agriculture needs, so
that we can plan agriculture budget accordingly," Mahato said
at the `Mega Loan Fair` organised by the Bank of India (BOI).
"The meeting will be attended by chief secretary and
secretaries of finance and agriculture departments. The
farmers can openly place their suggestions," he added.
Distributing Rs 10 crore bank loans among 1,000
beneficiaries, the minister said, "Earlier it was the
officials who use to draw budget according to their plans, but
now farmers` will get opportunity to place their
suggestions."
Calling upon the banks and NABARD to make the farmers
aware of loan benefits, he urged them to help the farmers find
market for their produce.
The BOI`s Chief General Manager, M Narendra, laid the
foundation stone for a building for Krishak Sikhsa Bhavan
where the farmers would be trained how to utilise farm loans
judicially and return the loans to banks.
PTI
