Chowna Mein bats for utilizing RIDF fund in agriculture sector

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday stressed on the need for utilizing a certain portion of allocation under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in agriculture and allied sectors of the State.

Inaugurating a State-level sensitization and planning workshop on RIDF organized here by the NABARD regional office, Mein outlined the importance of agriculture and allied sectors in bringing economic development of the people of the State.

“Arunachal Pradesh having a large area of 83,000 sq kms with huge potential for agriculture and allied sectors,” the Deputy Chief Minister said adding, irrigation being the most important sector, it needs to be taken care of.

He assured that the State Government would support progressive farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) from the State budget.

Mein emphasized on sustainable and timely completion of projects financed under RIDF and need for convergence based approach in project implementation so as to drive more benefits to the rural masses.

He appreciated the role of RIDF in development of the state and advised all departments to effectively leverage the low cost financing.

Mein, who also holds the finance portfolio, impressed upon the line departments to focus on preparing feasible detailed project reports (DPRs).

“There is a need for setting up of industrial zone in the state which should in-turn create employment opportunities for our local youth”, Chowna Mein said and urged upon the implementing departments and NABARD to work in close coordination for optimum benefited.

Agriculture Minister Tage Taki while appreciating the contribution made by NABARD for the development of the state, suggested changes in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) as suitable to the state with more emphasis on open channel irrigation.

He also highlighted the importance of encouraging allied sectors in the state by acknowledging its potential for doubling farmers’ income.

NABARD General Manager Dr Gopa Kumaran Nair underscored the importance of RIDF as one of the major interventions in the state for sustained growth and boosting private investments.

He also highlighted the need for timely completion of the sanctioned projects in quality to realize the envisaged benefits of the projects.

Nair urged the State Government to avail other funds announced by the Central Government such as Dairy Processing Fund, Micro Irrigation Fund, Warehouse Infrastructure Development Fund, Food Processing Fund and NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance and encouraged the department officials to submit DPRs on time to minimize the time gap between sanction and implementation of RIDF projects in the State.

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