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Rs. 1.98 crore for orchard development

PERAMBALUR: According a thrust to horticulture in the backward districts of Perambalur and Ariyalur, the Centre has sanctioned Rs. 1.98 crore under the National Horticulture Mission for developing orchards on 2,100 hectares.

The introduction of the project coincides with the restructuring of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments in the State, thereby ensuring efficient implementation. The restructuring envisages strengthening of the Horticulture Department through creation of offices at district and block levels. Key posts have been created. Prior to restructuring, the Horticulture Department in the composite Perambalur district was manned by an Assistant Director at the district level based at Ariyalur. The department will now be headed by a deputy director.

Block level offices of Assistant Director of Horticulture have been sanctioned and posting of officials is in progress in all the 10 blocks in the composite Perambalur district. In each block, one Horticulture Officer and four assistant Horticulture Officers will be posted.

New block-level offices will be opened at Perambalur, Veppur, Alathur and Veppanthattai in Perambalur district and at Tirumanoor, T. Pazhur, Andimadam, Senthurai, Ariyalur and Jayamkondam in Ariyalur district.

Already, the post of Deputy Director of Horticulture has been sanctioned for the composite Perambalur district. Steps have been initiated for getting a similar post for the newly carved out Ariyalur district.

Collector in-charge M. Narayanan said on Tuesday that a special meeting would be held to discuss the demand of the farmers for transportation of the sugarcane lying idle in the Perambalur public sector sugar mills to other sugar mills for crushing.

Mr. Narayanan also assured to recommend to the State Government direct purchase of onion and maize from farmers and provide them adequate compensation for crop damage.

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