Date:09/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/09/stories/2007120950200100.htm

Front Page

Cabinet to discuss crop insurance funding

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The issue of funding for the crop insurance programme of the Agriculture Department, ‘Kisansree,’ would be taken up by the Cabinet for discussion.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan suggested this when Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran met him on Saturday to convey his dismay over Finance Minister Thomas Isaac’s remarks against the Agriculture Department.

Mr. Ratnakaran told the Chief Minister that it was not proper on part of Mr. Isaac to publicly air his criticism when the Ministers had ample opportunity to consult one another and settle matters.

Mr. Ratnakaran also told the Chief Minister that it was incorrect to say that his Department had not done the needful regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission.

After the meeting, he told The Hindu that the Agriculture Department had put up a file regarding the Rs.100 crore allocated to implement the Commission’s proposals. However, the Finance Department had sought some clarifications. Those would be given, he added.

The Cabinet will decide on the funding for ‘Kisansree’ in its entirety, the Agriculture Minister said.