Diglipur, May 10: The Lt Governor, Lt. Gen A K Singh (Retd), has said that the progress and prosperity of the farmers will lead to prosperity for the nation and it is, therefore, the duty of the Government to look into their welfare, and solve their problems. The Lt Governor was addressing as the chief guest of the Kisan Gosthi, held in the multipurpose hall here today. The Lt Governor inaugurated the meet by lighting the ritual oil lamp. He said that the meet is a reflection of the commitment of our Central Govt and the UT Administration towards our farmers.
He said that Diglipur is the crown of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Administration is committed to fulfill the requirements of the farmers of the Islands with the support of Govt. of India. The purpose for his frequent visit to Diglipur is to take first hand information on the problems and issues facing the farmers, he said. There are certain minor issues which can be solved at the district level and the District Administration alongwith the concerned Departments must solve those problems, he said.
Referring to various issues raised by the farmers of the area, such as cold storage, irrigation & marketing facilities etc. the Lt. Governor directed the District Administration and PRIs to find solution to these problems on immediate basis. The Lt. Governor directed the Secretary (Agri.) to convene meetings of farmers every three months, from all three districts, to listen to their grievances and to resolve the problems on fast track.
The Lt. Governor informed that in the event of damage to crops during natural calamity, the Deputy Commissioners have been authorized to pay compensation to farmers in one months time. He said that ANIIDCO is procuring milk products from farmers of Diglipur which are brought to Port Blair for sale. He directed the Shipping Department to deploy cargo ships to Diglipur to bring the surplus vegetables so that the same can be sold at Port Blair.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the rapid progress made by the Administration during last one year under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Opening of a medical college by July this year, introduction of chartered flights between Delhi-Port Blair-Car Nicobar, Chennai Port Blair, Port Blair-Vizag-Delhi are some of the major achievements of the Administration during the last one year, he said. He further said that to augment the shipping sector, chartering of ships is being considered. Orders for new ships have already been placed with the shipyards and the private parties will also be encouraged to operate their ships, by way of providing incentives to them, he observed. The Lt. Governor also briefed about the three schemes launched by the Prime Minister of India yesterday, which are very beneficial for the farmers and people working in unorganised sector. He said that the schemes were meant to benefit the poor section of the society and urged the people to avail maximum benefits of the scheme. He also mentioned that the Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, who is on a visit to the islands has assured of all support.
Speaking on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray requested the Lt. Governor and the Administration to set up mechanism for immediate payment of compensation to the farmers as and when natural calamities occur. He also informed about the insurance and pension schemes launched by the Prime Minister yesterday which, he said, will be beneficial to the people of the country and as well as the islanders. He also covered various other issues of the farming community of N&M Andamans.
The President BJP State Unit, Shri Vishal Jolly lauded the commitment of the Administration in the welfare of the farmers. He expressed the hope that the decisions taken during the farmers meet will be implemented in true spirit for welfare of the farmers. He said that as BJP President of the Islands he has a special concern for our hardworking Farming Community and will continue to provide them support. He also gave many useful suggestions for the benefit of the farmers.
The Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash while addressing the gathering requested the farmers to avail maximum benefits from the various welfare schemes implemented by the Agriculture Department for the welfare of the farming community in the Islands.
The Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, (N&M), Shri K. Srinivasan thanked the Lt Governor for organising the farmers meet and requested that the welfare of the farmers regarding fixing of rate of agriculture products for the benefit of the farmers should be done on priority.
A presentation on the Agriculture polices and present status was made by the Secretary (Agriculture), Smti R Menaka. In her brief speech she said that the Administration has taken up a number of projects for the welfare and progress of farmer’s community. Six farmers from Diglipur area shared their experiences on the occasion.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner (N & M Andaman), Shri A G Krishnan welcomed the gathering while the farmers meet concludes with the vote of thanks proposed by the Joint Director (Agri), (N&MA). The meet was also attended by Smt Rupa Ray and Shri Sripad Deshpande, apart from Secretary (RD) and Secretary to LG.
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