Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 18: Asserting that welfare of farmers was among top priorities of the Government, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said it has taken series of path-breaking measures for their benefit.
“Setting up paddy procurement centres in the far-flung areas of the State is one among many initiatives taken by the Government for the welfare of farming community”, Dr Singh said.
The Deputy CM was addressing a gathering of farmers during an interactive session cum Diwali Milan hosted by vice Chairman, State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, Daljit Singh Chib here. MLA, Ramnagar R.S Pathania was also present on the occasion.
The Deputy CM further said the Government has approved rate of Rs. 1,550 and Rs. 1,590 for China and Ratna paddy respectively so that the farmers get due value of their produce.
Terming farmers as backbone of the State’s economy, Dr Singh appealed the farming community to adopt natural and organic farming to get better returns and grow healthy food for the society. He further asked the farmers to take optimum benefit of state and centrally sponsored schemes and use latest agriculture technologies for boosting their crop production.
Later, the Deputy CM felicitated the farmers and asked them to avoid use of chemical fertilizers.