Bhubaneswar: Attending a workshop, organised by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Department at Ravindra Mandap here
on Thursday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik commended the role of veterinarians and agriculture officers in strengthening the rural economy.
Since about 90 per cent of farmers of the state are small and marginal farmers, the livestock sector assumes immense significance in promoting dairy, goat, sheep and poultry farming as additional activities, which contribute substantially in enhancing the income and overall wellbeing of farmers, said Naveen. He gave appointment letters to 240 veterinary surgeons and 39 assistant agriculture officers. “I congratulate officers of both the departments. My government is also taking expeditious steps to fill vacant posts, both in the technical and non-technical cadre, in agriculture and allied sectors,” said Naveen. The workshop was held on the subject, “Enhancing Farmers’ Income Through Upgrading Animal Resources-Role of Veterinary Officers.”
About seven lakh farmers have been assisted for taking up animal husbandry activities in the Animal Resources Development sector. Similarly, in the fisheries sector, about 1.5 lakh farmers have been extended livelihood options through freshwater, brackish water and marine fishing activities, he informed. He also said goatery, poultry and dairy farming activities have been scaled up in the current year to support about one lakh farmers for multiplying their income. Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy, MP Dr Prasanna Patsani and MLA
Bijoy Mohanty were present, among others.
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