Date:11/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/11/stories/2004091104580400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

State seeks Rs. 85 cr. for farm projects

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 10. The State Government on Friday sought Rs. 85 crores from the Centre for various projects relating to agriculture, with the bulk of funds meant to support research activities in the Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University.

A delegation led by the Agriculture Minister, N. Raghuveera Reddy, that called on the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, here, made the request. The Congress MLA, Jalagam Venkata Rao, the MPs -- Anant Venkataram Reddy and Nizamoddin -- was part of the delegation.

Briefing reporters, Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said the State Government sought Rs. 71.24 crores for supporting research in the university that had contributed towards developing 302 varieties/hybrids of crops and farm and cattle related technology.

Feasibility report sought

The Centre, he said, directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the nodal agency for conducting research in agriculture and allied fields in the country, to depute officials and prepare a report within 10 days about the feasibility of various projects that the university proposed to undertake.

The State Government also asked for Rs. 10.95 crores to tackle the eriophyid mite in coconut, which was affecting the yield and reducing the size of the nut. The State - with an annual production of over 1,045 million nuts -- proposed to tackle the problem affecting six districts in contiguous blocks of 40,000 hectares, he said. Mr. Pawar directed officials to accompany Mr. Raghuveera Reddy when he visits the affected areas on September 15, and submit a report.

Fund for oil unit

The State Government also proposed to set up an oil-processing unit at Ashwaraopet in Khammam district and sought Rs. 3 crores for the same. He said Andhra Pradesh Cooperative Oilseeds Growers Federation had already established the first oil palm processing unit at Pedavegi. Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said Mr. Pawar evinced keen interest in the programmes being undertaken by the State Government and promised to visit the State after the Maharashtra Assembly elections.